BELIEFS & COMMUNITY
Catholic Christianity: beliefs, sacraments and traditions
Religious Values guide · Updated
Catholic Christianity understands faith as participation in the life of Jesus Christ through belief, worship and a worldwide church. Scripture and apostolic Tradition are read together, and the bishops in communion with the pope exercise the church's teaching office. Catholic life includes both the Latin Church and Eastern Catholic churches with distinct traditions.
Roman Catholic is often used for the whole Catholic Church. It can also refer more narrowly to its Latin tradition; those meanings should be distinguished.
Scripture, Tradition and teaching authority
Catholic teaching regards the Bible as inspired Scripture and understands apostolic Tradition as the living transmission of the Christian faith. The magisterium is the teaching responsibility of the pope and bishops. These are understood as connected, rather than competing sources from which an individual simply chooses a preference. The Catechism organizes this teaching around the creed, sacraments, moral life and prayer.[1]
A sacramental way of life
Catholicism recognizes seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, holy orders and matrimony. The Eucharist holds a central place because Catholics believe Christ is truly present. Prayer at home, fasting, works of mercy and devotion to the saints accompany public worship. Particular devotions vary; a rosary group or a pilgrimage is not a complete picture of all Catholic spirituality.[1]
Unity with different liturgical traditions
The Latin Church uses the Roman rite and other Western rites, while Eastern Catholics preserve traditions such as the Byzantine and Syriac liturgies. Vatican II affirmed the dignity of the Eastern churches and their right to preserve their heritage. Being in communion with Rome does not require every Catholic parish to look, sound or organize its calendar like a Latin parish.[2]
Common questions
Are Eastern Catholics the same as Eastern Orthodox?
They can share similar liturgies and spiritual traditions, but their church relationships differ. Eastern Catholics are in communion with the pope; Eastern Orthodox churches are not in full communion with Rome. A parish's exact church affiliation matters.[2]
Where should a newcomer begin?
Visit a parish and ask about its inquiry or initiation process. You can attend worship before deciding to join. Ask the parish to explain reception of Communion, previous baptism and the preparation expected for entering Catholic sacramental life.
Sources & further reading
The sources below explain the beliefs and practices discussed here. Where a guide describes a broad movement, a named organization illustrates its own approach.
- 1.Vatican: Catechism of the Catholic Church
The church's account of doctrine, sacraments, morality and prayer.
- 2.Vatican II: Orientalium Ecclesiarum
The Catholic Church's teaching on the Eastern Catholic churches.