Sarah Mitchell
Catholicism, derived from the Greek word katholikismos, meaning according to the whole, is a religion encompassing over 1.1 billion followers worldwide, making up more than 17% of the world's population. Catholics believe in the Nicene Creed, which professes the existence of one God, the almighty maker of heaven and earth, and his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. Catholics practice their religion by adhering to the Ten Commandments, which are considered divine law, and by attending Mass and praying regularly. Catholics also observe Holy Days of Obligation, days of fasting and abstinence, and engage in works of mercy, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. The Catholic Church, led by the Pope, is based in Vatican City, Rome, and its administrative structure has been likened to a president and prime minister system.
Explore related products
![Catholic Book of Prayers: Popular Catholic Prayers Arranged for Everyday Use [Imitation Leather] Fitzgerald, Maurus](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71WXEdApQPL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Catholic Book of Prayers: Popular Catholic Prayers Arranged for Everyday Use: In Large Print [Imitation Leather] Fitzgerald, Maurus](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71jmEySRbML._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- Catholics follow the Ten Commandments, believing them to be divine law
- They pray to God and saints, asking for intercession
- Catholics believe in the Holy Trinity: God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit
- They attend Mass and receive Holy Communion
- Catholics observe days of fasting and abstinence, like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Catholics follow the Ten Commandments, believing them to be divine law
Catholicism is a term that refers to the religious beliefs, practices, and form of worship of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is based in the Vatican City, a small independent country within Rome, Italy, and is led by the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. There are over 1.1 billion Catholics worldwide, making up more than 17% of the global population.
Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The Bible, including the Old and New Testaments, serves as the main religious text for Catholics. The Ten Commandments, found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, are considered divine law by Catholics. These commandments are:
- I am the Lord thy God, who has brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
- Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
- Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.
- Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
- Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honour thy father and thy mother.
- Thou shalt not kill/murder.
- Thou shalt not commit adultery.
- Thou shalt not steal.
- Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
- Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's goods.
Catholics view these commandments as more than just rules and regulations. They believe that God revealed these commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai for their protection and that following them will lead to eternal happiness. The Ten Commandments form the basis of Catholic ethical behaviour and are considered divine positive law due to their unambiguous nature.
In addition to the Ten Commandments, Catholics also observe six chief commandments of the Catholic Church. These commandments include faith, hope, love, worship of God, reverence for holy things, and prayer.
China's Catholics: A Community Under Pressure
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They pray to God and saints, asking for intercession
Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The Catholic Church is the interpreter of the word of God, defining what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church is based in the Vatican City, a small independent country in the city of Rome, Italy. It is led by the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome.
Catholics believe that holy men and women who have passed on before them still pray for them and aid them. These departed brothers and sisters in Christ are called saints, and many Catholic churches are named after them.
Catholics believe that saints can intercede for others. This practice is called the intercession of saints. When Catholics pray to saints, they ask for their intercession, just as they would ask their family or friends to pray for them. They believe that God hears not only their prayers but also the prayers of the saints on their behalf. This practice is supported by Catholic doctrine and can be found in Catholic writings from the 3rd century onwards.
The practice of asking saints for their intercession has been criticised by some within the Protestant movement, who argue that the saints in heaven cannot hear our prayers, making it useless to ask for their intercession. However, Catholics defend this practice by citing Scripture, which indicates that those in heaven are aware of the prayers of those on earth. For example, in Revelation 5:8, John depicts the saints in heaven offering our prayers to God under the form of "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints".
Catholics also believe that asking saints for their intercession does not violate the sole mediatorship of Christ. They argue that asking someone to pray for you does not infringe on Christ's role as the only mediator between God and man, as Christ is the only person who is both God and man.
The Catholic Calendar: How Is It Determined?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholics believe in the Holy Trinity: God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit
The Catholic Church, with over 1.1 billion followers worldwide, is the largest Christian church and one of the world's oldest and most widespread religions. The Catholic Church is based in Vatican City, a small independent country within Rome, Italy, and its leader is the Pope, also known as the Bishop of Rome.
The Nicene Creed, written at the Council of Nicea in 325 and revised at the Council of Constantinople in 381, is a central text for understanding the Holy Trinity. It is recited at every Sunday Mass and states: "the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, and yet there are not three Gods but one God". The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides another analogy to help explain the concept of the Trinity: "The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son in the Holy Spirit". Just as a father, mother, and child are distinct persons with the same human nature, so too are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Bible, which is considered by Catholics to be the inspired word of God, also speaks of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. For example, in John 17:5, Jesus prays: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the charity of God, and the communication of the Holy Ghost be with you all". Here, St. Paul is addressing three distinct Persons.
The Holy Trinity is essential to the Christian faith, and Catholics believe that God reveals Himself in three Persons. The Father is understood to be God, the Son is Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples after he was no longer with them in his physical body (John 14:26). After Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven, early Christians understood that the Holy Spirit was also God.
Mercy Health Partners: Catholic Employees Count
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.08 $12.99
They attend Mass and receive Holy Communion
Catholics attend Mass and receive Holy Communion as a way of practising their faith and worshipping God. Mass is a Christian Sabbath worship, and while Catholics can attend Mass without receiving Communion, Communion cannot be received without first participating in Mass.
The Catholic Church teaches that during Mass, the priest, acting in the person of Jesus, consecrates bread and wine through the words of consecration. This miracle is called "transubstantiation", where the substance of the bread and wine is replaced by the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This is based on the belief that Jesus did the same at the Last Supper. Only baptised Catholics who believe in this are allowed to receive Holy Communion.
To receive Holy Communion, Catholics must first be in a state of grace, meaning they are not conscious of having committed any "mortal" sins since their last confession. If they have, they must first go to confession, receive absolution, and fulfil the penance given to them. This is because Holy Communion is not just a "blessed wafer" but is believed to be the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.
The liturgical assembly of the baptised that comes together for the celebration of the Eucharist is a witness to the pilgrim Church, the body of those who believe in Christ. When they move in procession to receive Communion, they are a symbol of that pilgrim Church "on the way".
The Christening Ceremony: How Long Does It Last?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholics observe days of fasting and abstinence, like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
On days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day and two smaller meals, known as "collations". They are also permitted to consume beverages, including water and alcohol, without restriction. Fasting is obligatory for those aged 18 to 59, while abstinence from meat is required for those aged 14 and above.
Abstinence from meat on Fridays has been observed for several centuries and is considered a penance to remind people of past wrongs and to identify with those who are suffering. Fish became a traditional alternative for Catholics, although this practice was discontinued in 1984, and they were given the option to replace it with another form of penance.
In addition to Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics must also observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine. Furthermore, Catholics in England and Wales are expected to abstain from eating the flesh of warm-blooded animals on Fridays if they are able to do so.
The Mystery of Catholic Pentecost Thursday
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The core beliefs of the Catholic faith are found in the Nicene Creed. This includes the belief in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Catholics also believe in the divine law of the Ten Commandments, which were issued by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.
Catholics practice their religion in various ways, including prayer, attending Mass, and receiving Holy Communion. They also observe Holy Days of Obligation, such as January 1 Mary, Mother of God, and December 25 Christmas. Additionally, Catholics may engage in corporal works of mercy, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.
The Pope, as Bishop of Rome, is the supreme head and chief pastor of the Catholic Church. Catholics do not worship the Pope, but believe that he is the successor of Peter and governs the Church. The Pope resides in Vatican City, an enclave in Rome, Italy.
![St. Joseph Sunday Missal Prayerbook and Hymnal for 2025 [Paperback] Catholic Book Publishing Corp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/711pTpsvKkL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
