Ruth,

No real Catholic prays to idols or worships anyone but God.

Catholics ask help from loved ones here on earth as well as from those that are in Heaven with God. The body of Christ (the Church) includes those in Heaven, those in Purgatory, and those believers on earth. The same spirit that asks a friend to pray for you before an important life event also asks extended family members who are now in union with God in Heaven, i.e. Mary, the Angels, and the Saints. We ask for their prayers before God.

The Body of Christ is one big Family before God our Father, all of whom are eager to assist each other in becoming closer to Him.

Peace,

Paul

Hi, Ruth —

• When you see statues of Paul Revere or George Washington do you think people are
  idol-worshipping?
• When you see framed pictures of family members on people's work desks or mantles,
  do you think of idol-worship?

In the same respect, pictures and statues of people that the Church believes have run the race and are now triumphantly in Heaven with God — they too, have nothing to do with idol worship.

Instead they are signs of respect and reminders of people who can now help us get to where they are: Heaven.

Paul

Ruth —

1. Please respond to what I said about statues of famous people you see.
   
   
2. Regarding pictures vs. statues:
   • Why would two dimensional pictures be any different than three dimensional figures when it comes to potential idolatry?
   • If a person does not worship it as a god then it would make no difference.

Paul