The Beliefs

Basic Catholic Beliefs and Living a Catholic Life

This report provides an overview of the core tenets of the Catholic faith and explores how these beliefs shape the way Catholics strive to live their lives.

Core Catholic Beliefs

The Catholic Church's teachings are extensive, rooted in scripture and tradition, but several core beliefs form the foundation:

1. One God in Three Persons (The Trinity): Catholics believe in one God who exists as a communion of three distinct Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This is a central mystery of the faith.

2. Jesus Christ: Son of God and Savior: Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully God and fully human, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered, died, and was buried, rose again on the third day, and ascended into Heaven. His death and resurrection offer salvation and reconciliation with God for all humanity.

3. The Bible and Sacred Tradition: Catholics believe that God reveals Himself through Sacred Scripture (the Bible - Old and New Testaments) and Sacred Tradition (the teachings and practices handed down from the Apostles). Together, these form the single "deposit of faith." The Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church, vested in the Pope and the bishops in communion with him) is entrusted with authentically interpreting this deposit.

4. The Church: Catholics believe the Church was founded by Jesus Christ upon the Apostle Peter and his successors (the Popes) and the other Apostles and their successors (the bishops). It is considered the Body of Christ and the People of God, a visible institution through which God offers grace and salvation. Key marks of the Church are that it is One, Holy, Catholic (universal), and Apostolic.

5. The Sacraments: Sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ to give grace. Catholics recognize seven sacraments:

• Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism (entry into the Church), Confirmation (strengthening by the Holy Spirit), Eucharist (receiving the Body and Blood of Christ).

• Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation (confession and forgiveness of sins), Anointing of the Sick (spiritual and sometimes physical healing).

• Sacraments of Service: Holy Orders (ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops), Matrimony (marriage). The Eucharist (also called Holy Communion or the Mass) is considered the "source and summit" of the Christian life.

6. Mary, Mother of God, and the Saints: Catholics hold Mary, the mother of Jesus, in special veneration as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church. They also honor the saints – holy men and women who are in Heaven – as role models and intercessors (praying for us to God). Catholics pray to God, but ask Mary and the saints to pray with and for them.

7. Life After Death: Catholics believe in life after death. Upon death, individuals face judgment. The ultimate destinies are Heaven (eternal life in union with God), Hell (eternal separation from God), or Purgatory (a temporary state of purification for those destined for Heaven but not yet fully purified). Belief in the resurrection of the body and the Last Judgment is also central.

Living Life as a Catholic

Catholic beliefs are not merely intellectual concepts; they are meant to be lived out daily. Living a Catholic life involves:

1. Prayer and Worship: Regular personal prayer and communal worship are essential. Attending Mass, especially on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, is a cornerstone of Catholic life, centered on the Eucharist. Other forms of prayer include the Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, and devotional prayers.

2. Sacramental Life: Catholics are encouraged to participate regularly in the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation. These are seen as vital sources of God's grace needed to live a Christian life.

3. Moral Life: Catholics strive to live according to the moral law revealed by God, summarized in the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Beatitudes and the command to love God and neighbor. The Church provides guidance on moral issues through its teachings (e.g., Catechism of the Catholic Church, papal encyclicals).

4. Social Justice and Charity: Following Christ's example, Catholics are called to serve others, especially the poor and vulnerable. This includes performing the Corporal Works of Mercy (feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick/imprisoned, etc.) and the Spiritual Works of Mercy (instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, comforting the sorrowful, etc.). There is a strong emphasis on promoting social justice, human dignity, and the common good.

5. Evangelization and Witness: Catholics are called to share their faith with others (evangelize) through their words and actions, witnessing to the Gospel message in their daily lives, workplaces, and communities.

6. Community and Parish Life: The parish is the center of Catholic community life. Catholics are encouraged to be active members of their local parish, supporting its mission and participating in its activities. The Church is seen as a family of faith providing support and fellowship.

7. Vocation: Catholics believe everyone has a vocation, a calling from God. While some are called to Holy Orders or consecrated religious life, most are called to the lay state, living out their faith in marriage, family life, single life, and their secular work.

Living as a Catholic is understood as a lifelong journey of faith, conversion, and growing closer to God, supported by the Church's teachings, sacraments, and community.