Rachel Evans
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church in the world, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised members. The Catholic Church follows an episcopal polity, led by bishops who govern the church and oversee the three levels of clergy: the episcopate, the presbyterate, and the diaconate. The pope, or bishop of Rome, is the ultimate leader of the Catholic Church and is considered the chief pastor. Catholics are expected to follow the teachings of the Bible, which they believe to be the inspired word of God, and to participate in the sacraments and traditions of the Church. Prayer, including the Mass, is an essential part of Catholic life, as is unity with other followers of Jesus. Catholics are also expected to observe certain holy days and periods of fasting and abstinence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Scripture | The Bible is the inspired word of God |
| Definition of Followers | Those who follow Jesus Christ |
| Prayer | Communication with God, can be public or personal, spoken or silent |
| Saints | Exemplars of how to follow Christ, advocates, intercessors, friends and mentors |
| Unity | Essential for followers of Jesus |
| Holy Days of Obligation | Serious obligation to attend mass and avoid unnecessary work |
| Fasting and Abstinence | Recognized forms of penance, especially on Fridays |
| Commandments | Two great commandments, with 10 extensions |
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What You'll Learn
- Followers are expected to believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God
- Catholics must observe days of fasting and abstinence, like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
- The importance of prayer, which can be public or personal, spoken or silent
- The belief that Jesus gave the gift of his presence in the form of bread and wine
- Followers must believe in one God, the almighty maker of heaven and earth
Followers are expected to believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God
Followers of the Catholic Church are expected to believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God. The Bible is seen as sacred literature, with the Scriptures believed to have been written under the positive influence of the Holy Spirit. This belief has been central to Catholicism from the beginning of Christianity, with the Catholic Church defining the canon of Scripture found in every Christian Bible.
The Catholic Church has played a crucial role in preserving the Bible and other written works through its monasteries and libraries over the centuries. The Bible, according to Catholic doctrine, is God's self-revelation, inspired and written without error. It is through the Bible that Catholics believe God is revealed through the Patriarchs and Prophets in the Old Testament and through Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
The New Testament, particularly the Gospels, documents Jesus' activities, teachings, and the appointment of the Twelve Apostles. The Acts of Apostles, found in the New Testament, recounts the establishment of the Christian church and the spread of its message to the Roman Empire. The Catholic Church teaches that its public ministry began on Pentecost, which occurred fifty days after Christ's resurrection.
The Apostles passed on their teachings and writings to subsequent generations through bishops, who continue to preach the truth revealed in the Gospel. This oral transmission of the Word of God is known as "tradition," which is distinct from Scripture but closely intertwined. Tradition is an integral part of Catholic life and, together with Scripture, forms the foundation of the Word of God.
The core beliefs of Catholicism are summarised in the Nicene Creed, which includes statements such as "I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible." The Catechism of the Catholic Church also provides a comprehensive overview of the essential teachings and serves as a reference for followers.
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Catholics must observe days of fasting and abstinence, like Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Catholics are expected to observe days of fasting and abstinence, such as Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting and abstinence are disciplines that the Catholic Church observes at various times throughout the year. Fasting involves reducing one's food intake, while abstinence refers to refraining from something that is good but not inherently sinful, like meat.
On days of mandatory fasting, Catholics may eat only one full meal during the day and may also have two smaller meals, known as "collations". Church requirements on fasting apply only to solid food, so Catholics can still consume water or other beverages, including alcoholic drinks. In addition to fasting on specific days, Catholics are also expected to observe the Eucharistic Fast, which involves taking nothing but water or medicine.
Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the penitential season of Lent, is one of the two yearly days of obligatory fasting and abstinence for Catholics. During Lent, Catholics are called not only to abstain from luxuries but also to undergo an inner conversion of the heart as they seek to follow Christ's will more faithfully. This season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving lasts for 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending at sundown on Holy Thursday, as Catholics prepare to celebrate the Lord's Resurrection at Easter.
Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is the other day when Catholics are required to fast and abstain from meat. In addition to these specific days, Catholics are also expected to observe Friday Penance by abstaining from meat or alcohol, engaging in charitable acts, or refraining from the use of technology. These practices are meant to intensify penance and encourage spiritual renewal.
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The importance of prayer, which can be public or personal, spoken or silent
Prayer is an essential aspect of Catholic life, and it can take many forms, from public celebrations to private contemplations, spoken words to silent meditations. It is through prayer that Catholics communicate with God and deepen their relationship with Him.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that life is about learning how to pray, and the more one prays, the happier and less anxious they become, filled with greater peace of mind and heart. Prayer is not just about asking for help or guidance but also about adoring God, expressing gratitude, and seeking forgiveness. It is about aligning oneself with God's will and understanding His plan for us.
Catholics believe that God always listens to their prayers and answers them in His own way and time. They may receive answers through thoughts, spiritual feelings, scripture, or the actions of others. Prayer is also a way to invite the Holy Spirit into one's life, bringing comfort and direction.
Daily prayer is encouraged, and Catholics are advised to set aside time each day to read from the Bible and offer prayers of petition and intercession. They are also encouraged to pray for others, including those they may find challenging to forgive, as well as for the sick, the suffering, and their country.
Prayer can be a simple act of turning one's thoughts to God, as St. Therese of Lisieux wrote, "For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven". It is through prayer that Catholics can strengthen their relationship with God and experience His love and guidance in their daily lives.
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The belief that Jesus gave the gift of his presence in the form of bread and wine
The Catholic Church is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of 2025. The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed, which states: "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."
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration, during which the bread and wine are consecrated and become the body and blood of Christ. This transformation is known as transubstantiation, where the "'substance' of the bread and wine is changed by the power of the Holy Spirit, while the outward characteristics remain the same. In other words, what appears to be bread and wine is, in its deepest reality, the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Eucharist is a sacred moment in the Catholic liturgy, where the faithful receive the gift of Christ's presence and give thanks to God. The consecrated bread and wine are treated with the utmost reverence during and after the celebration. This belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is a distinctive feature of Catholic theology, with varying degrees of acceptance among Catholics. While some believe in the literal interpretation, others see it as symbolic or a mystery beyond full comprehension.
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Followers must believe in one God, the almighty maker of heaven and earth
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.27 to 1.41 billion baptised Catholics worldwide. The core beliefs of Catholicism are found in the Nicene Creed.
Catholics view the Bible as the inspired word of God and believe that it is sacred literature, without error, and revealed through the Holy Spirit. They hold that the Catholic Church, led by the Pope (the Bishop of Rome), defined the canon of Scripture and clarified what it meant to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The Gospels, which record Jesus' activities, teachings, and appointments, are central to Catholic doctrine. The New Testament reveals God through Jesus Christ and the Old Testament through the Patriarchs and Prophets.
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God's word in Scriptures. The Mass is a central communal form of prayer for the Church, and prayer is essential to living a full Catholic life. Prayer can be public or private, spoken or silent, and is a means of communicating with God, who desires a relationship with his followers.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines God's Two Great Commandments, which form the basis of Catholic law: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... You shall love your neighbour as yourself." These commandments are further extended by the Ten Commandments, which provide specific guidance on how to love God and one's neighbour.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Mass is a Eucharistic celebration and a celebration of God's word in Scriptures.
Catholics believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is God’s self-revelation, inspired and written without error.
The core beliefs of the Catholic faith are found in the Nicene Creed. Catholics believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary.
