Formation and key
features of Catholicism
Today there are more than 1 billion Catholics in the world. Most Catholics are from southern Europe, the United States, the Philippines, and the countries of Central and South America. The Pope lives in Rome and Catholics believe that he is the successor to Saint Peter whom Christ appointed as the first head of his Church. Catholics share with other Christians as a belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the son of God who made man come to earth and redeem humanity’s sins through his death and resurrection. They follow Jesus’ teaching as set out in the New Testament and place their trust in God’s promise of eternal life with him.
Nicene Creed: the Nicene Creed is a profession of Catholic faith and it is widely used in Christian liturgies. It is called Nicene because it was originally adopted in the city of Nicaea. Christians use the Nicene Creed in their liturgies because it identifies their beliefs among them.
Structure: The Catholic Church ordains only celibate men to the priesthood since Jesus was. In the protestant churches married and female clergy are the norm. The hierarchical nature of Catholicism sets it apart from other Christian churches. It is like a pyramid. The Pope is at the top, followed by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons and laity.
Doctrines: Catholic Doctrine is based on the scriptures and on the churches own traditions. It is a belief that the doctrines were revealed to the Apostles and have been preserved in the continuous tradition ever since. There are several doctrinal issues where the Catholic Church has a distinct position:
The Virgin Mary believed that she gave birth to Jesus without having sex and was raised by body and soul into heaven where she occupies a special place intervening between God and his people. It is a belief that during the celebration of mass when the priest repeats Christ’s words from the last supper, the bread and wine become Jesus’ body and blood. There is another belief that persistent condemnation of abortion as the destruction of human life which it begins at the moment of contraception.
Sacraments: there are seven sacraments in the Catholicism. Baptism, reconciliation, Eucharist, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, healing of the sick. The importance of receiving Christ’s body and blood at communion as the bread of life is central.
Saints: Saints embrace a mystical dimension and it is most clear in its liturgy. The Catholic Church places a great emphasis on moral law and is strong in its devotion to saints.
Today there are more than 1 billion Catholics in the world. Most Catholics are from southern Europe, the United States, the Philippines, and the countries of Central and South America. The Pope lives in Rome and Catholics believe that he is the successor to Saint Peter whom Christ appointed as the first head of his Church. Catholics share with other Christians as a belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the son of God who made man come to earth and redeem humanity’s sins through his death and resurrection. They follow Jesus’ teaching as set out in the New Testament and place their trust in God’s promise of eternal life with him.
Nicene Creed: the Nicene Creed is a profession of Catholic faith and it is widely used in Christian liturgies. It is called Nicene because it was originally adopted in the city of Nicaea. Christians use the Nicene Creed in their liturgies because it identifies their beliefs among them.
Structure: The Catholic Church ordains only celibate men to the priesthood since Jesus was. In the protestant churches married and female clergy are the norm. The hierarchical nature of Catholicism sets it apart from other Christian churches. It is like a pyramid. The Pope is at the top, followed by cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, deacons and laity.
Doctrines: Catholic Doctrine is based on the scriptures and on the churches own traditions. It is a belief that the doctrines were revealed to the Apostles and have been preserved in the continuous tradition ever since. There are several doctrinal issues where the Catholic Church has a distinct position:
The Virgin Mary believed that she gave birth to Jesus without having sex and was raised by body and soul into heaven where she occupies a special place intervening between God and his people. It is a belief that during the celebration of mass when the priest repeats Christ’s words from the last supper, the bread and wine become Jesus’ body and blood. There is another belief that persistent condemnation of abortion as the destruction of human life which it begins at the moment of contraception.
Sacraments: there are seven sacraments in the Catholicism. Baptism, reconciliation, Eucharist, confirmation, marriage, holy orders, healing of the sick. The importance of receiving Christ’s body and blood at communion as the bread of life is central.
Saints: Saints embrace a mystical dimension and it is most clear in its liturgy. The Catholic Church places a great emphasis on moral law and is strong in its devotion to saints.