"I am a <Protestant> and just wondering about a few things about the Catholic beliefs. I was wondering why do they have to go to the priest to ask forgiveness? Why do they make the Sign of the Cross and bend on one knee before sitting on a pew? I mean no disrespect asking these questions. I pray that I am not offending anyone I have Catholic friends and family but am afraid of offending them if I ask."

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Thank you for your questions. You are definitely not offending anyone or being disrespectful by your questions. I actually thought your inquiry seemed quite humble and respectful. I am most happy try to assist you.

Regarding why we ask a priest for forgiveness, you can find an answer to that question here.

Regarding genuflecting ("make the Sign of the Cross and bend on one knee before sitting on a pew"), this is done because Catholics are giving an outward sign of respect to the Holy Eucharist, which is Christ's actual Body & Blood. To understand Catholic beliefs concerning the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, please see here.

Note that the Holy Eucharist is kept in the tabernacle and Catholics are supposed to genuflect in the direction of the Tabernacle. You can find some more information (including Scripture quotes) regarding kneeling here.

For other Scripture references that support Catholic beliefs, please here.

You can also find information on a variety of Catholic beliefs & practices here and here.

BTW, regarding making the Sign of the Cross, this is an ancient tradition which has been documented back to at least the second century. It is a public profession of our faith in Jesus and has been known to be powerful against the devil. The following quote is from the Catholic Encyclopedia...

"Of all the above methods of venerating this life-giving symbol and adopting it as an emblem, the marking of a little cross seems to be the most ancient. We have positive evidence in the early Fathers that such a practice was familiar to Christians in the second century. 'In all our travels and movements', says Tertullian (De cor. Mil., iii), 'in all our coming in and going out, in putting of our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candles, in lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupieth us, we mark our foreheads with the sign of the cross'"

We wish you God's blessings.

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