Does the Church still teach about purgatory?
12th April 2009 - Easter Sunday of The Lord’s Resurrection

I used to hear a lot more about purgatory than I do now. Is it still part or Church teaching? - Mark

Dear Mark,

Yes. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that ‘All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but [who are] still imperfectly purified. are indeed assured of their eternal salvation: but after death they [must] undergo purification so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (1030). This teaching from 2 Maccabees 12:45 look a definite shape between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.

What happens to us after death is a mystery, and Christians have inherited a respect and care for the dead from the early days, when prayers for the dead were incorporated into the Christian liturgy. The practice of praying for the dead, remembering them at Masses, and offering penances, giving alms, and performing works of charity for their sake are all ways the Church assists those who have died. We also offer indulgences for them (an indulgence is a remission before God of punishment for sins already forgiven), which are usually attached to some pious prayer or work of charity.

Above all, we entrust all people to God’s unlimited love and mercy, and we trust in his care in death as in life. Prayers and acts of charity offered for our departed loved ones comfort us in times of grief and when death sometimes challenges our faith, help people who have died, and remind us that we may stand in need of this same help when our life on earth is complete.

John Schmidi, C.Ss.R.