Journeys / Someone I love is Catholic / Step 3 of 6
On this page
Quick answers to related questions
A big day coming up?First Communion, wedding, baptism or funeral: what to expect.All 6 steps in Someone I love is Catholic You’re on step 3
A new language
At Pentecost, people from a dozen countries heard the apostles speak and each understood in his own language. Faith has always needed translating.
“When this sound was heard, the multitude came together and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.”
You’ll need
- Five minutes.
Remember Every word here is something they love.
Key points
What the Church teaches
“I’m going to confession.” “It’s a holy day.” “I’ll pray a Rosary for you.” Catholics have their own vocabulary, like any family. Here are the words you’ll hear most, in plain English.
- Mass. The main Catholic worship service, every Sunday and often every day. CCC 1332
- Eucharist, or Communion. The bread and wine Catholics believe become the body and blood of Jesus. CCC 1374 The word means thanksgiving. CCC 1328
- Confession. Telling your sins to a priest and receiving God’s forgiveness. CCC 1424
- Sacrament. One of seven sacred signs that give God’s life, like Baptism and marriage. CCC 1131
- Grace. God’s free, undeserved help. CCC 1996
- Parish. Their home church community, led by a pastor. CCC 2179
- Saints. Holy people in heaven, whom Catholics ask for prayers, like you’d ask a friend. CCC 956
- Mary. The mother of Jesus, honored but never worshiped. CCC 971
- Holy day. A feast day when, as on Sunday, Catholics go to Mass. CCC 2180
Which of these have you heard them say? Ask what it means to them.
Try this, this week
- Pick one word and ask them what it means to them.
More from the voices of the revival
How Can I Be Sure Catholics Don't Worship Mary?Catholic Answers · Catholic Answers Live Clips · Apr 15, 2026 · 7 minYouTube
From the official channels of the teachers named. Links checked 10 October 2026; each film was matched to this topic by its title and channel, so treat it as a starting point. Scripture and the Catechism cited on this page are the authority. All videos by topic.
If this is hard
If some of these practices seem odd, ask why. Most Catholics love explaining them.
Common questions
Tap a question to open it. Every answer is cited.
What is a Rosary?
Answered on video by Bishop Robert Barron · Full answer page
Hail Marys prayed slowly while thinking about Jesus’ life. CCC 971
Step 3 of 6 · Someone I love is Catholic
Now: how do you actually talk about all this together?
Step 4: Why they care about Sunday, confession and FridaysTake it with you
Printable one-page cardDownload card (A4 PDF)Download card (US Letter PDF)Short link: stoneandincense.com/go/li3
When you’re ready
Every journey here ends with real people, not a website. No pressure, ever.
Your real next step
This page can’t give you the sacraments. A parish can.
We’re just pointing. People walk with you. Find a Catholic parish near you, go to a Mass, or just ask a priest for ten minutes. You don’t need to have it figured out.
Sources on this page
How we know · 10 Catechism paragraphs · 1 Bible passage
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 956, 971, 1131, 1328, 1332, 1374, 1424, 1996, 2179, 2180 (official text on vatican.va).
- Scripture (World English Bible, Catholic edition, public domain; modern verse numbers, Douay-Rheims numbers in brackets where they differ): Acts 2:6.
- Video: “How to Go to Confession (Complete Step-by-Step Catholic Guide),” Ascension Presents, YouTube (supporting material, not a teaching source).
Stone & Incense restates Church teaching in plain words and cites every teaching claim. Our own wording is not an official Church text. Found a mistake? Report an errorCorrections.