Catholicism or the Catholic Faith is the Christianity originally handed down directly from Jesus Christ to His Apostles that He commanded to build his Church. The Apostles, in turn, handed down that faith (called the Deposit of Faith) to their successors (the Pope and Bishops) for the last 2,000 years with unbroken continuity from Jesus Christ to you and me. Our faith life is a grace or a gift that brings us into a personal, loving union with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This grace enables us both to hear the Word of God and to keep it.
“If we are steadfast in our faith in Christ and in our love for him, we win the victory he has won, we receive what he has promised.” ― Saint Leo the Great.
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who became man for our salvation. He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, taught with divine authority, suffered and died on the Cross, and rose again on the third day. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, opening the gates of Heaven to all who believe in Him and follow His teachings.
One of the central beliefs of Catholicism is that Jesus is truly present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Eucharist. At Mass, bread and wine become the actual Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. This is not a symbol. Catholics believe that receiving the Eucharist is receiving Jesus Himself.
Catholic teaching encourages living a life of virtue, charity, and holiness. The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus, especially the Beatitudes, guide us in loving God and loving our neighbor. Catholics are called to care for the poor, promote justice, protect life from conception to natural death, and live with integrity.
The Catholic faith is not just a set of beliefs, it’s a way of life centered on Jesus Christ. It’s about trusting in God’s mercy, striving for holiness, and walking in communion with the Church. No matter where you are on your journey, you are invited to learn more, ask questions, and draw closer to God.
Act of Faith Prayer
O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.