Discover Catholicism
WHAT IS CATHOLICISM?
Around 2000 years the one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic Church was instituted by Jesus Christ.
These four marks (one, holy, catholic, and apostolic) define the identity of the Catholic Church.
Let's dive into these 4 marks of the Church.
The Church is One
The unity of the Church is rooted in the unity of the Holy Trinity – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. The Church has a common body of beliefs and is universal in doctrine. All united under the Pope, Catholics profess one faith, creed, and set of moral teachings.
The Church is Holy
God is the ultimate source of holiness in the Church and Jesus Christ is the model of holiness for the Church. The Church is holy because it was instituted by Christ, who gave the Church the gift of the Holy Spirit to continue his mission and ministry on earth. Through the Church, one is called to live a life which leads to the wholeness of personal development and true relationship with God, the source of life and eternal salvation.
The Church is Catholic
The word “catholic” means “universal.” The Church, from the time Jesus commissioned the Apostles until the present age, has always been centered on spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The Church of yesterday, today, and tomorrow will always have Christ as our foundation. Furthermore, the Church is for all people throughout the world. The Mass and the other sacraments are celebrated throughout the world, bringing all Catholics together in a spirit of prayer and unity.
The Church is Apostolic
The Bishops, who are the successors to the Apostles, in union with the Pope, continue to teach, sanctify, and guide the Church until Christ comes again. The doctrine and way of life of the Church is the same today as it was in the time of the Apostles. The good news of Jesus Christ that was announced by the Apostles almost 2,000 years ago continues to be announced by the Church today. Furthermore, the Church recognizes the Apostolic Mission – to reach out to people of all nations and preach the Good News of the Gospel.
WHY BE CATHOLIC?
Why I Am Catholic
We are Catholic because it is true.
The Church founded the system of higher education, and it was devoted towards a deeper understanding of the truth and our knowledge of reality. In the university system, it helped develop the scientific method, and many priests are responsible for various scientific revelations. Both faith and science are two different ways to understand the one same truth; truth cannot contradict truth.
Today all supernatural miracles go through an extensive scientific evaluation with both believers and non-believers to see if there is a natural explanation. When no natural explanation is found then it can be declared as a supernatural miracle.
Why Be Catholic and Not Just Christian
What's the difference between the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations?
A main difference is authority. The Church began when the keys of the kingdom of heaven were given to Peter, the first bishop of Rome. These keys, or authority, are passed down from age to age from pope to pope. The Pope is the prime minister on Earth for the king Jesus Christ who sits on the Heavenly throne. In this way, the Church has authority to teach the faith and morals through the vicar of Christ on Earth.