“Catholic” means “universal,” reflecting the Church’s mission to reach all people.
Catholics believe in one God, who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Catholics believe the Bible is a collection of books containing God’s revelation, and it is a source of truth and inspiration.
Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace, such as Baptism, Eucharist, and Reconciliation.
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is a sacrament where Catholics believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus.
Catholics do not worship Mary or the saints, but they pray to them for intercession, asking them to pray for them.
Jesus said to confess sins to a priest, and this is a way to receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God and the Church.
Catholics kneel out of respect for the presence of God and the Eucharist.
The veneration of relics honors the holiness of those who lived closely united with Christ, reminding us of God’s transformative grace in their lives.
The Pope is the visible head of the Catholic Church, and he is believed to be the successor of St. Peter, the first Pope.
The Pope is believed to be infallible when teaching on matters of faith and morals, but only in certain circumstances.
Catholics obey the Pope because they believe he is the divinely appointed leader of the Church.
Grace is the free and undeserved gift of God’s love and life, which enables us to live a life pleasing to God.
Salvation is the forgiveness of sins and being restored to God’s grace, which is given by God alone.
Purgatory is a state of purification for souls who die in God’s grace but are not yet perfectly pure, allowing them to enter heaven.
Mass is the Catholic celebration of the Eucharist, where Catholics gather to hear God’s Word, pray, and receive Holy Communion—Christ truly present in the bread and wine.
Catholics believe the saints in heaven can pray for us to God. Mary, as the Mother of Jesus, holds a special place as an intercessor and model of faith.
Confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is where Catholics confess sins to a priest and receive God’s forgiveness. It helps heal the soul and strengthen the person spiritually.
The Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ. Receiving it nourishes the soul, strengthens faith, and unites Catholics with Jesus and the Church.
Feast days honor Jesus, Mary, and the saints, reminding Catholics of their example and encouraging devotion, prayer, and reflection.
The Catholic Church believes that life is sacred from conception to natural death. Catholics are called to respect and protect all human life.