BELIEFS
The Nicene Creed encompasses all the core beliefs of Catholicism as it is a profession of faith. It reaffirms the beliefs of Catholics as it is said during each mass.
The Holy Trinity is 3 persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God
The Nicene Creed explained |
The NICENE CREED
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, (all bow) and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. |
MYTHS and SACRED STORIES
Each story contained in the Bible has a deeper message and meaning about the life of Jesus, God and the
Creation Story: Gen 1:1
Gen 1:1 1-5
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Adam and Eve: Gen 3:1-24
Creation Story: Gen 1:1
- is a story about the beginning of the earth and how everything was created. It demonstrates the almighty power of God but does not necessarily comprehend to many with the Earth begin created in 7 days. This story contains one of the foundational beliefs in Catholicism, that Catholics are created with a purpose made by a higher authority.
Gen 1:1 1-5
In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Adam and Eve: Gen 3:1-24
- The story of Adam and Eve shows God's creation of man and woman during the creation story. He created the Garden of Eden which was a paradise filled with animals, fruits and trees. The Bible says that God had created man in His image from the dirt and dust of the ground, Adam, and He created women from Adam's rib, Eve. There was a tree with the special power to give the knowledge about good and evil to people who ate the fruit. God commanded them to obey and not eat the fruits from the tree. Eve disobeyed His orders and was punished.
- highlights human weakness and disobeying God and human knowledge of good and evil
SACRED TEXTS and OTHER RELIGIOUS WRITINGS
The Bible is the most sacred text of Christian Catholicism. It contains the Old Testament and the New Testament which comprises of several books. It holds high importance in understanding and learning about God, his plans for us and his actions in human history in order for our salvation.
The Old Testament contains stories about God and his actions in the Jewish nation before Jesus' birth
The Bible is contains everything about God, Jesus, salvation and the Catholic way of life with moral and ethical rules.
RITUALS
The Seven Sacraments encompasses Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist/Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick.
Baptism:
Eucharist/ Holy Communion
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Confirmation
- is an initiation sacrament and an affirmation of the gifts through the Holy Spirit. It is usually made after child is mature enough to make his or her own decisions. Confirmation deepens the baptismal gifts and perfects baptism and brings the grace of the Holy Spirit
- is the life-long union between two people with God's love in the Catholic Church. This reflects the union between Christ and the Church. Marriage leads someone other than the receiver towards salvation.
- is the sacrament of ordination of someone becoming a priest etc
- is the preparation for death and beyond death. It is a healing and prayers for not only physical but for mental and spiritual sickness
Death/Funeral Rites
It is separated into 3 sections: Vigil Service, Funeral Liturgy and Rite of Committal
Vigil Service
- "At the vigil, the Christian community keeps watch with the family in prayer to the God of mercy and finds strength in Christ's presence" (Order of Christian Funerals, no. 56)
- It is a time of remembrance of the deceased and to honour him/her
Funeral Liturgy
- is the central liturgical celebration for the deceased with family and friends. It gives praise and thanks to God. Funeral liturgies give comfort to those mourning.
Rite of Committal
- is the final stage as it is the burial/cremation of the deceased member. It is committing the body to its resting place. The community expresses faith in the glory of resurrection of the deceased
SYMBOLS
SOCIAL STRUCTURES
Pope: Head of the church and based in the Vatican. He guides the church in faith and morals.
Cardinal: are appointed by the pope with special designation to be the next pope.
Archbishop: is a bishop of a main diocese. Also known as archdiocese
Bishop: is ordained to his station. A bishop is a teacher of the church doctrine and a minister of the church government
Priests: are committed to serving a particular congregation and can conduct most sacraments such as Eucharist, baptism and marriage
Deacon: the role is mainly to assist a priest or bishop
The Laity: make up the congregation
- ETHICAL PRINCIPLES OR ORAL AND WRITTEN CODES OF BEHAVIOUR
The Ten Commandments outlines the basic ethical principles which all Catholics are to live by. It was handed down from God to Moses on Mt Sinai when they were leaving Egypt. It is found in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21
- You shall have no other gods before Me.
- You shall not make idols.
- You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet.
The Catholic Social Teachings also gives Catholics Ethical principles and written codes of behaviour
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- RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AND SPIRITUALITY
- Going to mass
- Undertaking the sacraments
- Travelling to Jerusalem/pilgrimage
- Prayer