Overview of our Catholic Faith

The Catholic Church, often referred to as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with a global membership exceeding 1.25 billion people. As one of the most ancient religious institutions, the Catholic Church has played a significant role throughout the history of Western civilization. The Church is led by the Bishop of Rome, commonly known as the Pope. Its fundamental beliefs are encapsulated in the Nicene Creed.

A distinctive feature of the Catholic Church within Western Christianity is its observance of the seven sacraments. These are Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders, Penance (also known as confession), and the Anointing of the Sick.

DOCTRINE AND STRUCTURE

The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one true church established by Jesus Christ. It holds that its bishops are the direct successors of Christ's apostles, and the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter. The Church asserts that its definitive teachings on matters of faith and morals are infallible. Within the Church, there is a diversity of traditions and theological emphases, including the Latin Church, the Eastern Catholic Churches, and various religious institutes such as the Jesuits, mendicant orders, and enclosed monastic orders. Of all the sacraments, the Eucharist holds a central place and is celebrated in the liturgy of the Mass.

THE EUCHARIST AND WORSHIP PRACTICES

According to Catholic teaching, when a priest consecrates bread and wine during the Mass, they become the body and blood of Christ. The Church observes closed communion, meaning that only baptized Catholics who are in a state of grace are ordinarily permitted to receive the Eucharist.

MARY AND MARIAN DEVOTIONS

The Catholic Church gives special veneration to Mary, honoring her as the Mother of God and as Queen of Heaven and Earth. There are many Marian devotions practiced within the Church. Four dogmatic teachings about Mary are upheld: her immaculate conception free from original sin, her status as the Mother of God, her perpetual virginity, and her bodily assumption into Heaven at the conclusion of her earthly life.

SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL TEACHINGS

Catholic spiritual teaching emphasizes sharing the Gospel. Catholic social teaching focuses on caring for the sick, the poor, and those in need through the corporal works of mercy. These works include feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, clothing the naked, burying the dead, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, and giving alms to the poor. The Catholic Church is recognized as the largest non-government provider of education and medical services worldwide.

FIVE WAYS OF BECOMING A PRACTICING CATHOLIC

There are several key practices that define the life of a committed Catholic. These observances help Catholics live out their faith in both spiritual and practical ways.

Go to Confession at Least Once a Year: Confession, also known as the sacrament of Penance, is an important part of Catholic life. While the Church requires that Catholics confess their sins at least once a year, it is considered beneficial to participate in confession more frequently, such as once a month.
Keep the Holy Days of Obligation: Catholics are called to observe specific days throughout the year by attending Mass and refraining from unnecessary work. These Holy Days of Obligation include:

Christmas Day and Easter Sunday

All Saints Day

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Ascension of our Lord (observed on Sunday if transferred)

The Assumption of Mary

3. Fast and Abstain on Ash Wednesday and Fridays During Lent: Fasting and abstaining from certain foods, particularly meat, are traditional practices on Ash Wednesday and on Fridays during Lent. These practices help Catholics prepare spiritually and unite themselves with the suffering of Christ.

4. Attend Mass Each Sunday or Saturday: Regular participation in the Mass, either on Sunday or the preceding Saturday evening, is a fundamental obligation for Catholics. Attending Mass is a way to worship God, hear His Word, and receive spiritual nourishment.

5. Receive Holy Communion at Mass Once a Week: Catholics are encouraged to receive the Eucharist as often as possible, with the minimum requirement being at least once a week during Mass. Receiving Holy Communion is central to Catholic worship and spiritual life.