Our Faith

The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. The best source for information on what Catholics believe would be the Catechism of the Catholic Church available from many sources including Amazon. Or listen to the Fr. Mike’s free podcast, Catechism in a Year.

The following are brief summaries of a few aspects of our faith. These do not replace the official information in the Catechism.

The Seven Sacraments
of the Catholic Church

A sacrament is a visible sign of the invisible grace of God to help us become holy. These sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ.

Baptism cleanses us from sin and unites us with God and his Church.

Confirmation prepares us for a life of love and service to God.

The Eucharist nourishes us spiritually and strengthens our union with God.

Reconciliation allows us to confess our sins, receive forgiveness, and be reconciled with God.

Anointing of the Sick heals us spiritually and gives us strength to endure our suffering.

Matrimony joins a couple in a permanent union to grow in love for God and each other.

Holy Orders consecrates deacons, priests, and bishops to an apostolic life of service.

The Five Precepts
of the Catholic Church

These precepts are the minimum amount of prayer and moral effort required by the Church to grow our faith.

You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation, and rest from work on these days.

You shall confess your sins at least once a year.

You shall receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season.

You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church.

You shall help provide for the material needs of the Church, according to your own ability.

The Three Pillars of the Catholic Church

Sacred Scripture

The written Word of God contained in the Bible.

Article: About the Bible

Sacred Tradition

The oral teachings of Jesus passed on to the Apostles and continued through generations of the Church.

Magisterium

The teaching authority of the Church, composed of the Pope and bishops, which interprets Scripture and Tradition.

Fasting and Abstinence

The Catholic Church allows assemblies of bishops within a specific country or region to define fasting and abstinence rules. The following rules apply to Catholics in the U.S.

On days of Fasting:

One full meal is allowed, along with two smaller meals that together do not equal a full meal. No snacks or eating between meals.
Applies to those 18–59 years old.

On days of Abstinence:

Refraining from eating the meat of mammals and fowl. Eating fish and shellfish is permitted.
Applies to those 14 years of age and older.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of both fasting and abstinence.

All other Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence only.

Regarding all other Fridays outside of Lent, there is no longer a requirement to abstain from meat. However, as Jesus died for our sins on a Friday, it is fitting for us to show our gratitude on Fridays. This could be in the form of prayer, fasting, abstinence, or acts of service.

Works of Mercy

Throughout the Bible, Jesus commands us to perform works of mercy. By doing so, we are participating in God’s Divine Mercy. The following is a common list.

Seven Corporal Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry.
Give drink to the thirsty.
Clothe the naked.
Shelter the homeless.
Visit the sick.
Visit the imprisoned.
Bury the dead.

Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

Counsel the doubtful.
Instruct the ignorant.
Admonish sinners.
Comfort the afflicted.
Forgive offenses.
Bear wrongs patiently.
Pray for the living and the dead.

Video: Corporal Works of Mercy with Fr. Mike

Video: Spiritual Works of Mercy with Bishop Barron

Video: Spiritual Works of Mercy with Fr. Alar