A Primer on Catholicism

When we hear the term, "one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church", the Christian communion commonly known as the Catholic or Roman Catholic Church comes to mind. After all, this is the largest, and most truly universal Christian group worldwide. While Roman Catholic is often used to distinguish them from other Christian groups that also profess Catholics beliefs but aren't in full communion with the Vatican, there are a variety of churches formally in communion with the Vatican See that follow rites (forms of worship) other than the Roman/Latin rite. Some other Catholic churches include Maronite, Syriac, Chaldean, Armenian, and Coptic. (http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/catholic_rites_and_churches.htm) Each of these churches has its own unique history. The history portion of this article will focus on the development of Catholicism as a whole.

Catholics trace the origins of their church back to Jesus' twelve apostles, with Peter honored as the first Pope, or Bishop of Rome. The belief that Peter had a special place of importance among the apostles is taken from Matthew 16:13-20. The term "catholic" (universal) was used to describe the Church around the beginning of the second century. Between the time of the New Testament and the early fourth century, Christians were heavily persecuted, as well as under attack from various heresies. The Scriptures were translated into Latin during the second century, and clergy began to celebrate the Mass in Latin instead of Greek as well.

In 312, the Roman emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and legalized the Christian faith in 313. Following this, the Church began to hold their own property for church buildings, and the first ecumenical council was called in 325. The canon (list of books included in the Bible) was finalized in 382, and St. Jerome published the Latin version of the Bible (Vulgate) in 400. The papal office became very important under Pope Gregory the Great, who died in 604 A.D. Pope Gregory was instrumental in the re-evangelism of Britain following the Anglo-Saxon invasions. Much of the known world became evangelized, largely due to the influence of the monastic tradition. In 1054, the Eastern church and Western church formerly split, resulting in the Eastern church becoming a distinct Christian group.

In the 16th century, opposition to papal influence grew and resulted in many Christians separating from the Catholic Church. Martin Luther protested the sale of indulgences (a means of delivering souls from purgatory) in 1517 and was excommunicated in 1521. In 1534, King Henry the VIII of England declared himself the supreme head of the English church, resulting in schism when he was excommunicated in 1538. From 1545-1563, the Council of Trent addressed the Protestant Reformation and reaffirmed certain aspects of Catholic doctrine, including the seven sacraments.

Many changes came about during the Second Vatican Council in 1962, including allowing for Masses to be said in the vernacular instead of Latin, and an emphasis on ecumenical ties with other Christians. In 1978, John Paul II, the first non-Italian pope to be elected in centuries, took his place as head the the Catholic church. He was a very influential leader who was instrumental in ending communism in his native Poland, and was much admired by other Christians of various backgrounds. He helped see the church through a tumultuous time following the sex-abuse scandals. After his death in 2005, Pope Benedict the XVI was elected.

The Catholic Church has been a leader in education and relief work. Numerous elementary and secondary schools are operated by the church worldwide, as well as many colleges and universities. Catholic Charities provides services to families in need and is largely supported through local thrift stores. The Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization, have helped contribute millions to charity.

Catholics share the same common beliefs as other Christians, especially as summarized in the Nicene Creed. They believe in one God, who is eternally present in the Holy Trinity. Jesus is affirmed as being fully God and fully man, eternally existent as the unique Son of God. He was crucified and died for the sins of the world, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. Most Catholics reject the belief of a rapture of the Church occurring prior to the return of Christ. Doctrine is based on Scripture, the tradition of the Church, reason, and Magisterium (the Church's teaching authority). Beliefs aren't required to be expressly stated in the Bible, but can't contradict Biblical teaching.

One is saved by the grace of God, and is granted admission into the Church by baptism. Catholics see baptism as taking away original sin, so deferred baptism is not typically practiced. Faithfulness in prayer, penance, partaking of the sacraments of communion and penance, and performing good works are considered part of an active, true faith. When people die, it is believed that the faithful will undergo a time of purification in a state called purgatory before going to heaven. It is believed that those in purgatory, because they are in a state of salvation, can be helped through prayers. The wicked are believed to go to hell. Catholics are careful to avoid trying to determine whether anyone is actually in hell, because only God knows their heart. Catholics do believe that other Christians can be saved, and allow for the possibility of non-Christians who would have been responsive to the Gospel if they had heard it to be saved.

Catholics practice all seven of the Church's historic sacraments. They are baptism; communion; confirmation; penance; matrimony; healing; and ordination. In baptism, a person is cleansed from original sin and made a member of the Christian community. They are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. The Catholic Church recognizes Trinitarian baptisms performed by other groups. Communion is believed to be a sharing of Christ's Body and Blood. Bread in the form of a wafer, and often wine, are received. The sacrament is considered valid even if only the Bread is received. Confirmation is considered to give the confirmand strengthening from the Holy Spirit and to allow them to profess their baptismal faith. Penance is private confession to a priest, and is required at least once a year and after committing sins that the church treats as mortal. Matrimony is the recognition and blessing of a marriage by the Church. A non-Catholic may marry a Catholic, but any children must be raised in the Catholic faith. Healing is when a priests lays hands on a sick person and anoints them with oil, following New Testament tradition. Ordination is when a man is ordained into the ministry, first as a deacon, then a priest. The Catholic Church only ordains men, and requires celibacy. Married priests from the Orthodox and Anglican churches have been received into the Catholic Church, but cannot remarry if their wives die. Anglican priests are re-ordained because Anglican ordinations aren't currently considered valid. Married men can become permanent deacons, but also must be celibate if they become widowed.

The Pope is considered to be the supreme head of the Church on earth. Bishops are appointed rather than elected, and serve over a diocese or archdiocese. They ordain others to the ministry and also confirm church members. Priests serve under the authority of a diocesan bishop or a religious order. They preside at the Mass, preach, teach, officiate at marriages, hear confessions and pronounce absolution, minister to the sick, and perform pastoral duties. A permanent deacon assists the priest, but cannot preside at Mass or pronounce absolution. Lay ministers perform special functions such as reading during the service and assisting with distributing communion, as well as bringing communion to those unable to attend Mass due to illness. Women can be lay ministers. Some men and women are called to become monks and nuns who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

The worship service (Mass) is similar to that of an Anglican or Lutheran service. Music, accompanied by a choir or cantor and with instruments is used. The first part of the service includes a general confession, entrance hymns, the appointed readings for the day, sermon, Nicene Creed, and prayers; and the second half includes the offering and communion service. Normally, only Catholics and members of churches in communion with the Catholic Church may receive communion. Most local parishes have Masses on weekdays, and many Catholics also pray the daily offices (prayer services). the intercession of the saints, particularly the Virgin Mary, plays a role in Catholic teaching. This is not seen as being anti-Scriptural, because God's faithful on earth, in heaven, and purgatory are believed to be connected through prayer.

The Catholic Church, though often misunderstood, makes up a large part of Christian history and its beliefs are important to us all.