Who are Catholics?
Catholics are members of the Church
instituted by Jesus Christ and founded on Peter and the Apostles. From the earliest days, the followers of
Jesus have been called Christians. The
first community became known as the Catholic Church.
What
do Catholics believe?
Catholics
find the source of their beliefs in God’s self-revelation, witnessed to in the
Bible and in the Church’s living tradition and worship. Catholics and other Christians revere the
Bible as God’s inspired word. Tradition
is found in creeds, in council documents, in the liturgy, in the teachings of
the pope and bishops, and in the practice of the faithful throughout the
centuries.
How
do Catholics live their faith?
Catholics encounter
Jesus in many ways, primarily through the Word of God and the seven sacraments. The sacraments are actions of the Risen
Christ made visible through sacred signs that give God’s grace.
How
does one become Catholic?
After
meeting with a priest, a person participates in a course of studies once a week
in a group setting. The process usually
begins in the fall. A person is usually
baptized or received into the Church at the Easter Vigil.