Catholic Faith and Questions and Answers

Do you have questions about the Catholic Church?

Whether you grew up Catholic and no longer attend a Catholic church, or you’ve never known much about the Catholic faith, you may have questions about what Catholics believe. No worries! Here’s some basic information that will help you understand our Church.

What are the core beliefs of the Catholic faith?

The core beliefs of the Catholic faith are found in the Nicene Creed. Here’s what it says:

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Who started the Catholic Church?

We are the original Christian Church, which began when Jesus himself when he said to the Apostle Peter, “You are the rock on which I will build my church. The gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Every pope since then has been part of an unbroken line of succession since Peter, the first pope.

What do Catholics believe about the Bible?

Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. From the beginning of Christianity, the Catholic Church defined the canon of Scripture – the books you find in every Christian Bible – and defined what it meant to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Through the centuries, it’s the Catholic Church that preserved the Bible, as well as many other written works, through its monasteries and libraries.

What does the Church mean by “sacred tradition”?

In the early Church, the Gospel was preached by those who had known Christ, or who had known his Apostles. The Apostles handed on their preaching and writing to all generations through bishops, who continue to preach the truth revealed in the Gospel. This living transmission of the Word of God is called tradition, which is distinct from Scripture, but closely tied to it. Tradition infuses the entire life of the Church, and along with Scripture, comprises the deposit of the Word of God.

What happens at a Catholic Mass?

Early in the history of the Church, there was the belief that when Jesus said at the Last Supper, “Take this and eat – this is my body; take this and drink – this is my blood,” he was giving us the gift of his real presence in the form of bread and wine. We call this the Eucharist – a name that comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God’s word in the Scriptures.

Why do Catholics pray to saints?

We believe that holy men and women who have come before us still pray for us and aid us. We call them saints, and many of our churches are named for them. When we pray to saints, we ask for their intercession (the same way you’d ask your family or friends to pray for you), so that God hears not only our prayers but also the saints’ prayers on our behalf.

Do Catholics pray to statues?

No. We pray to God. Along with the words of Scripture, images can illuminate the Gospel message and inspire us with the memory of saints. We believe God is present in beauty – and so we have commissioned and preserved some of the world’s greatest artworks. Without the sponsorship of the Church, Michelangelo would never have painted his famous Sistine Chapel nor carved the Pietà.

What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church?

The word “catechism” comes from the Greek word, catechesis, or oral teaching. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a compendium of the essential teachings of the Catholic faith. It’s available online for free.

How does someone come back to the Catholic Church?

There’s a saying, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” If you were baptized into the Catholic Church, or if you received any of the sacraments when you were younger, you’re still a Catholic, even if you don’t go to Mass or pray anymore. In short, the Catholic Church will always be your spiritual home, and you’re welcome home any time. How? Just show up. Visit a parish, talk to the pastor or one of the priests or to a parishioner and let them know you’re there. We want to welcome you home and help you renew a relationship with Jesus Christ that will be the source of your happiness now and for all eternity!

Why does God allow evil and suffering?

Evil entered the world through the free choices of fallen angels and humans. God gave us freedom because, without freedom, there cannot be true love. God brings good from evil, as He did in the death and resurrection of Jesus. He showed that life and love were stronger than death and evil. God intends one day to give us a happy life free from all evil and suffering, but in the meantime, he wants us to use our time, talent, and resources to overcome evil and alleviate suffering.

Do you believe everything in the Bible?

Yes, as properly interpreted. The Bible is not one book, but more like a library of books. The Holy Spirit inspired the human authors of these books. They are written in different genres, so it is important to understand the literary style of each book. The Gospels are a kind of biography. The historical evidence regarding Jesus, both within and outside the New Testament, is greater than for almost any other person who lived in ancient times.

Is there a contradiction between science and faith?

Many of the greatest scientists in history such as Nicolas Copernicus, Isaac Newton, and Fr. George Lemaitre (Big Bang Theory) believed in God. The same God who created the universe revealed the Christian religion. If there is an apparent contradiction between science and religion, it means that we need to understand either our science or religion better. Catholics do not believe in a literalistic reading of Genesis. We accept the scientific findings regarding the age of the universe and the progression of simpler forms of life to more complex ones in fossil records. Science is limited in what it studies. It cannot tell us the ultimate source of creation, nor can it tell us the meaning and purpose of human life.

Who is Jesus and what was His mission?

He is the eternal Son of God the Father who, about 2,000 years ago, took human nature in the womb of Mary of Nazareth. His story is told in the four Gospels. He announced the Kingdom of God, that is, God’s loving rule. He taught the truth about God and humankind. He healed the sick and cast out demons. He came to gather all people into God’s family and overcome evil, suffering, and death through love. He died to take upon himself the eternal consequences of our sins and he rose again to open the gates of heaven. With the Father, he sent the Holy Spirit 2 upon His disciples. He established a Church in which people could enter into an intimate, saving relationship with God.

Are Catholics Christians?

Yes. Catholics beliefs, practices, and leadership structure are historically continuous with the Church of the first century. The word Catholic means “universal.” In a letter dated 107 A.D., St. Ignatius of Antioch used the term to describe the worldwide family of Christians. People who today refer to themselves simply as Christians trace their distinctive beliefs to the founders of the Protestant faith communities, the first of which was Martin Luther in the 16th century.

Why is the Pope the leader of the Catholic Church?

The Pope is the successor of the apostle Simon Peter, who died in Rome. After Simon confessed his faith, Jesus told him, “And I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 18-19) There is a direct line of succession from Peter to Pope Francis.

How can the Pope be infallible?

Popes make mistakes. Some have done evil things. Infallibility refers to something very specific, that is, when the Pope formally defines a dogma. It is very rare for Popes to invoke infallibility. Most doctrinal controversies in Church history have been resolved through gatherings of bishops from all over the world called Councils. Jesus promised He would lead the Church into all truth. The Pope’s infallibility is part of this larger protection that Jesus gave the Church. It is important especially when there is disagreement among Christians about what the Bible teaches.

Isn’t the Bible the sole authority for a Christian? Who put the Bible together?

In the early Church, there was some disagreement about which writings should be considered part of the New Testament. These disagreements were settled by a gathering of Catholic bishops in the 4th century Council of Hippo. It is the authority of the Church which tells us which books are inspired by God in the first place. Moreover, nowhere does the Bible teach that the Bible is the sole authority. There is also the problem of interpreting the Bible. How does one decide which of two contrary interpretations is correct? Jesus told the apostles, “whoever listens to you listens to me” (Lk 10:16).

Do Catholics believe that they are saved by their good works?

No, the Church teaches we are saved by the gift of God. “The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us ‘the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ’ and through Baptism.” (CCC 1987) We are free to respond to this grace. We accept and persevere in the new life God gives us through faith and love. (CCC 2002)

Why do Catholics worship Mary?

Catholics do not worship Mary. They honor her because she is the mother of Jesus. She was greeted by the angel as “full of grace” (Luke 1:28) and praised by Elizabeth as being “blessed among women.” (Luke 1:42). On the cross, Jesus made Mary our mother when he entrusted her to the beloved disciple (John 19:20). The power of her intercession was shown at the Wedding at Cana, when Jesus performed his first public miracle at her request (John 2:1-12).

Why do Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?

In the Gospel of John, chapter 6, Jesus explains that he would give his flesh for food and his blood for drink. Many of his disciples left him because of this teaching, but he did not say to them that he was only speaking symbolically. Historical documents from the first few centuries show that Christians universally believed that in the Eucharist Jesus was really present under the appearance of bread and wine.

Why should we go to Mass on Sundays?

Jesus instituted the Mass at the Last Supper. He took the bread and said, “This is my body.” He took a chalice filled with wine and said, “This is my blood.” Then he said, “Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:20). From the very beginning, Christians gathered on Sunday to celebrate the Mass. Sundays were important because Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday. If we love Jesus and are grateful for his sacrifice, we will do what has asked us to do and celebrate the Mass each Sunday. He feeds us with His word and body. Our relationships with God, and with our brothers and sisters in the faith, are strengthened by participation in the Mass.

Why do Catholics call priests “Father”?

When Jesus said “call no man father” (Matthew 23:9), his point was that people should not use titles to give themselves glory that is due to God alone. But the title “father” can be appropriate to express a relationship. We call our male parents father. In a real way, they mediate God’s fatherhood. In the Bible, St. Paul refers to himself as a father to new Christians, (1 Corinthians 4:15) and St. Stephen (Acts 7:2) and St. Paul (Romans 4:16-17, 9:10) both refer to Abraham as father. When Catholics call priests father, it is not an honorific, but a term of affection, recognizing that they mediate the fatherhood of God in a spiritual way by guiding and caring for God’s people.

How come priests don’t marry?

Some priests are married. The norm is that the Roman Catholic Church ordains men who have the charism (gift) of celibacy. This is something they freely choose after many years of discernment and formation. Jesus praised those who give up marriage “for the sake of the kingdom” (Matthew 19:12) and Paul recommended celibacy as a way to serve God with an undivided heart (1 Corinthians 7:32). Not having their own family, celibate priests are able to put the care of God’s family first. They also remind married people that marriage is not their ultimate vocation. All of us are called to be “married” to God in heaven.

Why confess to a priest?

Jesus gave his apostles the authority to forgive sins when he said: “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:23). Priests continue this ministry. When we confess to God in prayer, we do not hear anything back. But through the priest, Jesus is able to tell us that we are forgiven.

What about the Crusades, Inquisition, and other bad things the Church has done?

The Church is made up of fallible human beings. It is a hospital for sinners. Jesus included Judas among the Twelve Apostles and taught that the Church throughout history would have a mix of good and bad people (Matthew 13:24-30). The doctrine and sacraments of the Church are holy because they come from Jesus Christ. Those who live by these are the saints. They are the true measure of the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Catholic faith.

I’m too busy to be involved with a church.

Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33). When you put God as first place in your life, everything else falls into place. You will have greater clarity about how to go about your work and family and social life, and your time will be multiplied.

Church is boring.

Church is about a relationship with God and relating to others who want to be closer to God. Relationships are not always exciting or fun, although we do tend to have a lot of fun at our parish. Sometimes relationships seem like work. But authentic relationships are worth it. Most people who take the time to really engage in the teaching and life of the Church find that they are happier because of doing so.

Shouldn’t the Church sell all of its artwork and give the proceeds to the poor?

The Catholic Church provides more relief to the poor than any other organization in the world. The art at the Vatican is kept in trust for the benefit of all. Millions visit each year to appreciate the beauty of the art. If it were sold at auction, it is very likely a private collector would not make the art as available as it is now. When the Church uses beautiful vestments, vessels, art, and architecture in the worship of God, it is a way to show our love for God and to lift our minds and hearts to recognize that he is the source of all beauty, truth, and goodness.