What Does it Mean to be Catholic?

Catholics belong to a Christ-centered faith community that views Jesus Christ as our foundation. Catholics share and work toward Jesus’ vision of the Kingdom of God and model their lives after Jesus’ example of loving God and loving our neighbor. Catholics are called to care for one another and to use their unique gifts and talents for the good of the Body of Christ in our local communities and the world.

We believe that Jesus was much more than a great moral teacher or a prophet – we believe He was God walking among us as a human being. The night before He died He shared a meal of bread and wine with His followers and said “This is My Body – This is My Blood – Do this in memory of Me.” Ever since, Catholics have celebrated the Mass, the re-presentation of the Last Supper of Jesus. We break open the Word of God, and believe that when we receive Holy Communion, although what we eat and drink looks, feels, and tastes like bread and wine, it becomes the actual Body and Blood of Jesus.

We believe that within God, there are three distinct identities which we call Persons – the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – who are united so closely with one another that we proclaim that we believe in One God. We believe that many people who have lived good lives on earth are now saints with God in heaven, and pre-eminent among them is Mary the Mother of Jesus. We believe that we can invite these saints, and also the angels created by God, to pray for us in God’s presence.

Below is a listing of some of the basic beliefs and values of a Catholic:

Foundations of the Catholic Faith (Loyola Press)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (USCCB)
Read the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, comprehensive and systematic presentation of fundamental Catholic teachings.

“Jesus Christ loves you; He gave His life to save you; and now He is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” – Pope Francis