Topic:  What do Catholics believe?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: June 21, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Kathy Martyn

Question: I have attended a Catholic elementary school since I was in Kindergarden. We take religion classes, but every year we learn the same thing, and it becomes really repetitive. It seems as if the teachers expect us to know so many things, especially what we believe. Even though I go to church every Sunday (and Friday during the school year), I still don't completely understand. What do Roman Catholics believe?

Answer: 

Hi and thank you for your question! It is a rather broad one, indeed. I admire your curosity to investigate your faith furhter.

For starters, reflect on the Nicene Creed. I have pasted a copy here for you.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Next, I would recommend that you purchase, or ask mom or dad to purchase you a copy of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. It covers EVERYTHING!

Hope this helps! Your parish priest is also a good resource for you.