About Catholicism
As a branch of Christianity, Catholicism is a worldwide religious tradition of some 1.1 billion members. It traces its history to Jesus of Nazareth, an itinerant preacher in the area around Jerusalem during the period of Roman occupation, in the early 30s of the Common Era. Catholic Christianity began as a persecuted religious community, illegal in the Roman Empire in its earliest days, but within some three hundred years and with the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, it became legal and eventually was recognized as the official religion of the Empire. With the decline and fall of Rome in the 5th century, the Roman Church assumed both temporal and spiritual authority in the West; it thus had enormous influence on the development of the art and culture of the western world through the Middle Ages. Today, its growth is fastest in Africa, South America, and Asia.
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Beliefs
Catholicism is a monotheistic religion which means that Catholics only believe in one god. They believe...
Catholicism is a monotheistic religion which means that Catholics only believe in one god. They believe...
- that Jesus is the son of God and was born of the Virgin Mary;
- in the Holy Trinity, which is; The Father (god), The Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit
- the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that he will come again
- that God’s Spirit is active within us and the whole of creation
- the Church is sent into the world to continue the mission of Son and Spirit in humanity till the end of time
- Transubstantiation: the conversion of the Eucharistic elements into the body and blood of Christ at consecration
Sacred Texts
The Bible As the most sacred of all Catholic texts, the Bible is a collection of 73 books, which were written by different people at different times and places over thousands of years. Catholics believe that the Bible is the Word of God. It can be considered a collection of inspired writings that convey a rich treasury of understandings about God’s relationship with humanity. Catholics are encouraged to daily read, reflect and meditate on passages from the Bible, so that they can deepen their understanding of God’s action in history and in our world. The Bible, especially the Gospels, is a source of wisdom, prayer and inspiration for Catholics to live a life modeled on the example of Jesus. The Bible is divided into two parts called the Hebrew Scriptures, commonly known as the Old Testament, (46 books) and the New Testament (27 books).
Primarily used by the Laity, the Catechism is a summary of the principles of the Roman Catholic faith and is used for religious instruction. It contains information regarding Catholic beliefs and is primarily structured in a 'question/answer' format to accurately convey messages to the average believer. Lectionary A book of portions of the Bible appointed to be read at divine service by the Priest. |
Myths and Stories
The Bible contains many myths and stories. Below are two examples:
The Bible contains many myths and stories. Below are two examples:
The Creation Story (Old Testament)
Genesis 1:1 This story reveals early beliefs about how the world was created. Although modern-day science suggests a significantly different version of events, this story still has relevance for teaching Catholics how to interact in the environment. Click the link below to read the full version of this scripture passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+1&version=NIV
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The Good Samaritan (New Testament)
Luke 10:25-37 This parable told by Jesus, reminds Catholics about the importance of having love and mercy. Fulfilling God's kingdom of love, justice and peace will lead to eternal life, and foster a more harmonious society. Click the link below to read the full version of this scripture passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A25-37&version=NIV
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Symbols
Above Left: A monogram or combination of letters that forms an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ
Above Right: The tongue of fire represents the Holy Spirit Below: The lamb represents innocence and purity |
Above Left: The Cross is symbolic of Jesus’ death and resurrection
Above: The Ichthys (fish) was adopted as a Christian symbol and originally used by Christians to identify one another during times of persecution |
Rituals
Mass
This is the main worship ceremony of the Church. The Mass is highly structured, with four sections: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites. On any given day a Catholic can attend Mass in any area of the world and find the same ritual being performed: the same scriptures will be read, the same order will be preserved, the same creed will be spoken, and the same Eucharist will be celebrated. This in itself is rather remarkable.
Sacraments
The sacraments are divided into three categories: initiation, healing, and vocation. The purpose of the sacraments is to confer grace to the believer, and bring him or her into closer relationship with the divine. The recipient must have faith in God and the sacraments for them to have their intended effect, which is to strengthen that faith.
Mass
This is the main worship ceremony of the Church. The Mass is highly structured, with four sections: the Introductory Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and the Concluding Rites. On any given day a Catholic can attend Mass in any area of the world and find the same ritual being performed: the same scriptures will be read, the same order will be preserved, the same creed will be spoken, and the same Eucharist will be celebrated. This in itself is rather remarkable.
Sacraments
The sacraments are divided into three categories: initiation, healing, and vocation. The purpose of the sacraments is to confer grace to the believer, and bring him or her into closer relationship with the divine. The recipient must have faith in God and the sacraments for them to have their intended effect, which is to strengthen that faith.
Initiation
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Healing
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Vocation
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Ethical principles and codes of behaviour
The 10 Commandments
These were given to the Children of Israel at Mount Sinai and outline how a Catholic should live. The Following is a simplified version:
These were given to the Children of Israel at Mount Sinai and outline how a Catholic should live. The Following is a simplified version:
The Catholic Social Teachings
"These principles guide our decisions and help us make sure that good development happens". The Golden Rule
Also known as the Eleventh Commandment, Jesus gave this rule to his followers |
The Beatitudes
These are eight blessings delivered in the Sermon on the Mount (Gospel of Matthew) that, when followed, aid journey to the Kingdom of God. |
Religious Experience and Spirituality
Traditionally, the ultimate expression of spirituality was through joining a religious order; in other words, by becoming a nun, a priest or monk. Doing this allows an individual to live a life of service to God, typically symbolised by a simple life serving the community. Some of these orders include: Josephite, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Franciscan, Benedictine etc.
However today, less people are choosing to join religious orders. Nevertheless, there are still a variety of means to express one's faith and spirituality. Private prayer allows all believers to deepen their connection with God, something which contributes to ones religious experience. This and attending mass regularly are perhaps the most common expressions of one's faith. The Word of God is heard, faith is professed and the Blessed Sacrament (Eucharist) is shared.
It is increasingly common for Catholics to make a pilgrimage. This can be defined as a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance, typically to a shrine(s) or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. Travelling to the Holy Lands is perhaps the ultimate pilgrimage for Catholics. However also of note is the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Vatican in Italy, the 'headquarters' of the Roman Catholic faith. Many young people also participate in World Youth Days, considered a pilgrimage because youth travel from all parts of the world to the designated host country.
Traditionally, the ultimate expression of spirituality was through joining a religious order; in other words, by becoming a nun, a priest or monk. Doing this allows an individual to live a life of service to God, typically symbolised by a simple life serving the community. Some of these orders include: Josephite, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Franciscan, Benedictine etc.
However today, less people are choosing to join religious orders. Nevertheless, there are still a variety of means to express one's faith and spirituality. Private prayer allows all believers to deepen their connection with God, something which contributes to ones religious experience. This and attending mass regularly are perhaps the most common expressions of one's faith. The Word of God is heard, faith is professed and the Blessed Sacrament (Eucharist) is shared.
It is increasingly common for Catholics to make a pilgrimage. This can be defined as a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance, typically to a shrine(s) or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. Travelling to the Holy Lands is perhaps the ultimate pilgrimage for Catholics. However also of note is the Camino de Santiago in Spain and the Vatican in Italy, the 'headquarters' of the Roman Catholic faith. Many young people also participate in World Youth Days, considered a pilgrimage because youth travel from all parts of the world to the designated host country.
Social Structure
The Catholic Church operates under an extensive hierarchal structure
The Catholic Church operates under an extensive hierarchal structure