Jane,
Yes! The Catholic Church does still teach purgatory! "Purgatory is a dogma of the Faith., consistently taught and believed through every age of the Church. It is set forth clearly in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Nos 1030-1032)."
Also, "Scripture sets forth the need and fact of some sort of purifying process for most. jesus promises that when his work is complete, we will be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect (Mt. 5:48). Scripture attests that nothing imperfect or impure shall enter heaven (Rv 21:27).
"yet most of us will admit that godlike perfection is rarely observed in those who die, even the very pious. though I can reasonably conclude I love God and am not aware of mortal sin on my soul, I am far from godly perfection (ask anyone who knows me).
"For this reason, the Catechism states: 'All who die in God's grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. ... The tradition of the church, be reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire: (CCC, Nos. 1030-1031).
"thus, St. Paul teaches that our works will all be revealed and tested by fire. And some of our works, though built on the foundation of Christ (i.e., not conceived in mortal sin), are ignoble, they will be burned away, but the pure works will bring reward. And though the builder will suffer loss, he yet will be saved - though only as one escaping through the flames (1 Cor 3:15).
"Thus, some sort of purgation after death is taught by Scripture, which also lays the foundation of the need for it. further, instinct of the faithful to pray for the dead and solemn teaching authority of the Church also testify to the truth that purgation (and, thus, purgatory) is a needed gift of the Lord to us."
Msgr Charles Pope, Our Sunday Visitor, May 8, 2016 "Pastoral Answers: Exploring Purgatory,"
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