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QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE CATHOLIC FAITH
Teachings of the Catholic Church
In our time, there has been much misunderstanding about Catholic Church
teachings. We would like to address some common topics and provide straight
forward answers. It is our hope that these will be meaningful to a large number
of people, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.
The body of Catholic thought has been nearly 2000 years in the making and the
discussion here is not intended to be comprehensive. Instead, it is our goal to
provide concise and correct information about our faith. For a fuller treatment
of many of these issues, please consult the online Catholic Encyclopedia. We
hope that you will find many of the answers you are seeking here, and for those
that are unanswered we suggest, as our Lord did, "Seek and you shall
find."
The Church
Why are there so many different Churches among Christians?
It is sad but true that in recent years we have seen many divisions among
Christian people. However, we believe the fullness of Christ's revelation
subsists in the Catholic Church.
Does this mean that all other Christian churches are wrong?
No. We believe that aspects of Christ's revelation may be found in all
Christian traditions. In the language of the Vatican II documents, the Church is
known as "The people of God."
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Jesus Christ
Who is Jesus Christ?
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the redeemer of humankind, its Savior. He alone is
God Who became fully human.
Are there records of the life of Jesus Christ?
Yes, the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John recount many of the things
He did and said. Other parts of the New Testament also include many of His
actions and words.
When did He live?
We believe that Christ is alive today. However, He physically lived among us
roughly 2000 years ago in Palestine.
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The Pope
How was the office of Pope started?
In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus asked the apostles who they regard
him as. When St. Peter stated that He was the Christ, the Son of God (Matt
17:18), Jesus appointed him the head of His Church on earth.
How did the Pope become centered in Rome?
St. Peter was brought to Rome and martyred there. Afterwards, the Bishop of
Rome became the central figure of the Church on earth and St. Peter’s
successor’s have safeguarded the traditions of the Church.
Is the Pope Infallible?
The Holy Father is selected through guidance of the Holy Spirit and is the
carrier of the commission given to St. Peter by Jesus Christ Himself. As such,
he is most highly esteemed and is the head of the Church on earth. This has
taken place twice in the history of the Church.
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Mary, The Blessed Mother
Who is Mary?
Mary is often regarded as the greatest Christian saint. She is the mother of
Jesus Christ, our Savior and of the Church. Her husband was St. Joseph.
Do Catholics worship her?
No, God alone is worshipped. However, Mary is very highly revered because of
her purity and devotion to God, and because of her motherhood of Jesus Christ.
For Marian devotions, click here
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PRAYER
What is prayer?
Prayer is the elevation of the heart to God.
How were the prayers on this website chosen?
These prayers are rooted in the Sacred Scriptures and Church tradition. They
have been a source of inspiration and consolation to the faithful down through
the ages. They have a threefold object: That of praise, of supplication, and of
thanksgiving.
For many traditional prayers of the church, click here
For more information on prayer, click here
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Sacraments
What are sacraments?
The sacraments are outward signs instituted by Christ given to the Church.
Through them participants experience the love and power of God (grace) that flows from
Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.
What are the names of the seven sacraments?
For more information on the sacraments, click here
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The Scriptures
Do Catholics believe in the Bible?
Yes, it is revered it as the Holy Word of God. Catholics also consider the
handed down knowledge of tradition and what is called the magisterium important.
For the daily readings, click
here
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