Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest of the three major branches of Christianity, with 1.3 billion followers worldwide. The word 'catholic' comes from the Greek 'katholikos', a combination of 'kata' (concerning) and 'holos' (whole), and means 'universal'. The term was first used by Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD). The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one true church, founded by Jesus Christ, and that its approximately 1.3 billion members are guided and protected by the Holy Spirit. The Church is led by the Pope, who resides in Vatican City, and is governed by the Holy See. Catholic doctrine is based on the belief in the union of God and humankind, and the faith includes seven sacraments, including baptism, the Eucharist, and holy orders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Catholic | The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek "katholikos", a combination of Greek "kata" (concerning) and "holos" (whole). It means "universal", "world-wide", and "all-inclusive". |
| Catholic Church | The Catholic Church is the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion". It is led by the Pope, as the bishop of Rome, and the Holy See forms the church's central government. |
| Founder | Jesus Christ |
| Scripture | The Catholic Bible consists of 73 books, including 46 Old Testament and 27 New Testament writings. |
| Tradition | Sacred Tradition consists of teachings believed to have been handed down since the Apostles. |
| Sacraments | The seven sacraments are baptism, the Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation (confession), marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. |
| Marriage | The church does not recognize divorce as ending a valid marriage. Remarriage following a divorce is not permitted unless the prior marriage was annulled. |
| Liturgy | The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) allowed the Mass to be said in the local language. |
| Ecumenism | The church encourages improved relations with non-Christian religions, especially Judaism. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Catholic Church's teachings
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is a Christian religion claiming to be the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion". It is the largest of the three major branches of Christianity (the other two being Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism), with approximately 1.3 billion followers worldwide. The Catholic Church is led by the pope, the bishop of Rome, and the Holy See, which forms the church's central government.
The word "catholic" comes from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos", meaning "universal". An early definition of the term "catholic" was summarised in the 5th century as "what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all". The Catholic Church is further described in the Nicene Creed as "one, holy, catholic, and apostolic". These are collectively referred to as the Four Marks of the Church.
The Catholic Church believes that its founder is Jesus Christ, and that its teachings are based on the direct teachings of early Christians, formal definitions of heretical and orthodox beliefs by ecumenical councils, and theological debates by scholars. The church believes that it is continually guided by the Holy Spirit and is protected from falling into doctrinal error when a firm decision on an issue is reached.
The Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments: baptism, the Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation (confession), marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. Some sacraments, such as baptism, confirmation, marriage, and ordination, are generally received only once in a Catholic's life, while others, such as the Eucharist and reconciliation, are encouraged to be participated in frequently.
In terms of marriage, the Catholic Church sets specific rules and norms, known as canonical form, that Catholics must follow. The church does not recognise divorce as ending a valid marriage and only allows state-recognised divorce for the protection of spouses and any children involved. Remarriage following a divorce is not permitted unless the prior marriage is annulled.
Preparing for Catholic Confession: A Guide to Self-Reflection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic doctrine
The Catholic Church teaches that it is the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion". The New Testament records several events considered integral to the establishment of the Catholic Church, including Jesus' activities and teachings, and his appointment of the apostles as witnesses to his ministry, suffering, and resurrection. The Great Commission, after his resurrection, instructed the apostles to continue his work. The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, in an event known as Pentecost, is seen as the beginning of the public ministry of the Catholic Church.
The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek "katholikos", a combination of "kata" (concerning) and "holos" (whole), and means "universal" or "general". An early definition of the word "Catholic" was summarised in the 5th-century Commonitory: "what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all". The term was first used by the church father Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD).
The Catholic Church recognises seven sacraments: baptism, the Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation (confession), marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders. Some, such as baptism, confirmation, marriage, and ordination, are generally to be received only once in a Catholic's life. For others, such as the Eucharist and reconciliation, frequent participation is encouraged.
The Evolution of Catholic Mary Worship
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic identity
The word "Catholic" comes from the Greek "katholikos", a combination of "kata" (concerning) and "holos" (whole). It means "universal", "world-wide", and "all-inclusive". The first known use of the word was by the church father Ignatius of Antioch in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans (circa 110 AD).
The Catholic Church is the largest of the three major branches of Christianity (the other two being Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism). It is led by the pope, as the bishop of Rome, and the Holy See forms the church's central government, making decisions on issues of faith and morality for the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. The church teaches that it is the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion". The New Testament records several events considered integral to the establishment of the Catholic Church, including Jesus' activities and teachings, and his appointment of the apostles as witnesses to his ministry, suffering, and resurrection.
The Catholic Church has a rich history and several usages of the term "Catholic". In non-ecclesiastical use, the word "Catholic" is used to mean including a wide variety of things or being all-embracing. In the context of Christian ecclesiology, it has a range of meanings. The word in English can refer to "the Catholic faith" or "the historic doctrine and practice of the Western Church".
Mardi Gras: Catholics' Pre-Lent Carnival Celebration
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic sacraments
Catholicism is a Christian religion that has been the decisive spiritual force in the history of Western civilization. It is led by the Pope, as the Bishop of Rome, and the Holy See forms the church's central government. The Catholic Church teaches that it is the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion". The church also teaches that its founder is Jesus Christ.
The Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments, which are seen as mystical channels of divine grace instituted by Christ. Each is celebrated with a visible rite, reflecting the invisible spiritual essence of the sacrament. The seven sacraments are:
Baptism
Baptism is seen as the sacrament of admission to the faith, bringing sanctifying grace to the person being baptized. In Catholicism, the baptism of infants is the most common form. However, unbaptized children or adults who wish to join the faith must also receive this sacrament. A person is to be baptized only once in their life, and the Catholic Church recognizes baptisms performed by most other Christian denominations as valid. During the rite of baptism, holy water is usually sprinkled or poured on the head by a priest who simultaneously invokes the Trinity with the words, "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Eucharist
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is another sacrament of initiation and can be received daily if desired. It is the central rite of Catholic worship. A baptized child's First Communion is usually celebrated around age seven or eight and is preceded by their first confession (the sacrament of Reconciliation). During the mass, the priest consecrates bread and wine, which are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. The congregation then shares in the sacred meal.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the third sacrament of initiation and serves to "'confirm' a baptized person in their faith. The rite of confirmation can occur as early as age seven for children who were baptized as infants but is commonly received around age thirteen. It is performed immediately after baptism for adult converts. A bishop or priest normally performs the rite, which includes the laying on of hands in prayer and blessing, and the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil) with the words, "Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit."
Reconciliation
Also known as Confession or Penance, the sacrament of Reconciliation is an opportunity for renewal and can be done as often as needed. It is a means of obtaining pardon from God for sins for which the sinner is truly remorseful, bringing the sinner back into communion with God and the Church. During the rite, sins are recounted privately to a priest, who assigns acts of penance, such as specific prayers or acts of restitution, to be completed in the following days.
Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the sacraments of healing.
Holy Orders
Holy Orders is one of the sacraments of service.
Matrimony
Matrimony is one of the sacraments of service. The Catholic Church recognizes certain conditions, such as freedom of consent, as required for any marriage to be valid. The church does not recognize divorce as ending a valid marriage and does not permit remarriage following a divorce unless the prior marriage was declared invalid.
St. John's Cathedral: A Catholic Legacy in Denver
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic history
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members worldwide as of 2025. It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions and has played a prominent role in the history and development of Western civilisation. The church consists of 24 autonomous churches, including the Latin Church and 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, which comprise almost 3,500 dioceses and eparchies around the world, each overseen by one or more bishops. The pope, who is the bishop of Rome, is the chief pastor of the church.
The Catholic Church traces its history to Jesus Christ and the Apostles. The New Testament records several events considered integral to the establishment of the Catholic Church, including Jesus' activities and teachings, and his appointment of the apostles as witnesses to his ministry, suffering, and resurrection. The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, in an event known as Pentecost, is seen as the beginning of the public ministry of the Catholic Church. The church believes that its bishops are the successors of Christ's apostles, and that the pope is the successor of Saint Peter, upon whom primacy was conferred by Jesus Christ.
The word "catholic" comes from the ancient Greek adjective "katholikos", meaning "universal". An early definition of "catholic" was summarised in the 5th century as "what has been believed everywhere, always, and by all". The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which states: "I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church". The Catholic Church teaches that it is the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion".
Over the centuries, Catholic doctrine has developed, reflecting the direct teachings of early Christians, formal definitions of heretical and orthodox beliefs by ecumenical councils, and theological debate by scholars. The Second Vatican Council (1962-65) introduced significant changes to Catholic practices, modernising the church and encouraging engagement with the present world.
Throughout history, the Catholic Church has had a complex relationship with other powers and religions. During the late nineteenth century, Catholic missionaries generally supported European imperial powers' conquest of Africa. In the sixteenth century, the Reformation contributed to clashes between the Protestant Schmalkaldic League and the Catholic Emperor Charles V and his allies, leading to the Thirty Years' War. In the modern era, the rise of anti-Catholic authoritarian regimes and the collapse of European empires have posed challenges to the church, along with a general decline in religious observance in the West.
England's Catholics: A Voting History
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The word 'Catholic' comes from the Greek 'katholikos', a combination of the words 'kata' (concerning) and 'holos' (whole). It means 'universal'.
The Catholic Church is the largest of the three major branches of Christianity. It is led by the pope, who resides in Vatican City, and teaches that it is the "one true church", "the universal sacrament of salvation for the human race", and "the one true religion".
The Catholic Church believes that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that God sent him to save humanity and offer the gift of eternal life. Catholics believe in the Holy Spirit and its presence in the Church today, enabling the Lord to continue his saving mission. They also believe in the importance of the sacraments, which serve to perpetuate the union of God and humankind.
The Catholic Church celebrates seven sacraments: baptism, the Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation (confession), marriage, anointing of the sick, and holy orders.
