CATHOLIC BELIEFS

1. To gain the happiness of heaven we must know, love, and serve God in this world. Man must know, love and serve God in a supernatural manner in order to gain happiness of heaven. Man is raised to the supernatural order only by grace, a free gift of God.
   
2. We learn to know, love, and serve God from Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who teaches us through the Catholic Church.
   
3. In order to be saved, all persons who have attained the use of reason must believe explicitly that God exist and that He rewards the good and punishes the wicked; in practice they must also believe in the mysteries of the Blessed Trinity and the Incarnation.
   
4. By the Blessed Trinity we mean one and the same God in three divine persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
   
5. By the Incarnation is meant that the Son of God, retaining His divine nature, took to Himself a human nature, that is, a body and soul like ours.
   
6. The Church is the congregation of all baptized persons united in the same true faith, the same sacrifice, and the same sacraments, under the authority of the Sovereign Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him.
   
7. We find the chief truths taught by Jesus Christ through the Catholic Church in the Apostles' Creed.

THE COMMANDMENTS

 Besides believing what God has revealed, we must keep His law.

THE TWO GREAT COMMANDMENTS

These are the Two Great Commandments that contain the whole law of God

                                   

  I.   You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, and with  your whole soul, and with your whole mind, and with your whole strength

  II. You shall love your neighbor as Yourself.

To love God, our neighbor, and ourselves, we must keep the commandments of God and of the Church, and perform the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Note: Reference Mark 12:30-.31
 

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD

THE CHIEF COMMANDMENTS OR LAWS, OF THE CHURCH

1. To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holy days of obligation.
2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
3. To confess our sins at least once a year in Lent.
4. To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage.

THE 7 SACRAMENTS (The Holy Mysteries)
I.    Baptism
II.  Confirmation (Chrismation)
III. Eucharist
IV. Penance (Confession, Reconciliation)
V.  Matrimony
VI. Holy Orders
VII.Extreme Unction (Annointing of the Sick)

Notes:
A Sacrament is defined as "an outward sign of inward grace" which was instituted by Christ Himself and receives its power from God, through the merits of Christ.

Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist are known as the "Sacraments of Initiation" because they initiate one into the life of the Church.

Baptism and Penance are known as the "Sacraments of the Dead" because before receiving them when needed, we are dead in sin.

Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, and Matrimony are known as the "Sacraments of the Living" because one must be in a state of grace to receive them licitly and receive their fruits; they give additional grace to souls already spiritually alive.

Matrimony and Holy Orders are known as the "Social Sacraments" because they are designed primarily for the benefit of society and confer a social status.

Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders are the three Sacraments which leave an indelible mark on the recipient's soul and can never be repeated.

For More information about the Sacraments Click Here

THE 7 CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY
I.   To feed the hungry
II.  To give drink to the thirsty
III. To clothe the naked
IV. To shelter the homeless
V.  To visit the sick
VI. To visit the imprisoned
VII.To bury the dead

Note:
Reference Matthew 25 and Tobias 12. "To visit the imprisoned" was originally listed as "to ransom the captives," referring to the ransoming of Christians taken prisoner during Moslem aggression.

THE 7 SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY
I.   To counsel the doubtful
II.  To instruct the ignorant
III. To admonish the sinner
IV. To comfort the sorrowful
V.  To forgive all injuries
VI. To bear wrongs patiently
VII.To pray for the living and the dead
 

THE 3 EMINENT GOOD WORKS
I.   Prayer
II.  Fasting
III.Almsgiving

THE 7 GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST

I.    Wisdom: Helps us to see that the world is only a temporary place for us, that Heaven is our true home. It helps us to set our hearts on the things that really count in life, such as God, virtue, and prayer. Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."

II.   Understanding : Gives us an insight in to the mysteries of faith and helps us to explain in the faith to others. Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

III.   Counsel : Helps us  make correct decisions about God's will for our lives. The gift of counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that conform us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

IV.  Fortitude : Gives us the strength to be faithful to Christ even when it is difficult to do so. By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to undertake without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

V.  Knowledge: Helps us to see everything in life in relation to God and eternity. The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth- in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shoes us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

VI.   Piety : Inspires us to worship God and to love Him as our Father. The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. "Where there is love, there is no labor."

VII. Fear of the Lord : Shows us the evil of sin and helps us to live in God's grace. It is also called "wonder and awe" in God's presence because it reminds us that He is great and all powerful. The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in sight will sanctify their souls."

Note:
See Isaias 11:1-3

CLASS OF GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST KNOWN  AS CHARISMATA

I.    Gift of speaking with wisdom
II.   Gift of speaking with knowledge
III.  Faith
IV.  Grace of healing
V.   Gift of miracles
VI.  Gift of prophecy
VII. Gift of discerning spirits
VIII Gift of tongues
IX.  Gift of interpreting speeches

Note:
See I Corinthians 12:6-11; I Corinthians 12:28-31; and Romans 12:6-8. The number of items in this class of Gifts of the Holy Ghost, properly called "charismata," is disputed among theologians. Some add: Gift of government, Gift of Helps, Gift of distributio, Gift of misericordia. The charismata were/are not necessary for individual sanctification, were/are not distributed to all Christians, and are to be subjected to authority and the proper ends for which they were given (I Corinthians 12-14).

THE 12 FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST

I.    Charity: Love for God and for others

II.   Joy: Happiness in living the Christian life

III.  Peace : Inner calmness, even in difficulties

IV.  Patience : Kindly putting up with the faults of others

V.   Benignity (Kindness) : Sympathy and concern for the needs of others

VI.  Goodness : Giving good example for the needs of others

VII. Longanimity (Longsuffering): Extraordinary patience in enduring suffering

VIII. Mildness : Being gentle in our words and deeds toward others

IX.  Faith (Fidelity) : Loyalty to God and the people we are committed to, such as one's parents, spouse, good friends

X.   Modesty : Respecting ourselves and others in conversations, dress, etc.

XI.  Continency: Proper balance in our desire for pleasure

XII. Chastity: Proper attitude toward others and control over our sexual desires

Note:
See Galatians 5:22-25 (three of these are not mentioned in some Greek and Latin manuscripts). The 12 Fruits of the Holy Ghost are the effects of the 7 Gifts of the Holy Ghost.

THE 3 THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES

Faith, Hope, Charity

Note: Reference I Corinthians 13:13. The Theological Virtues are called such because they are supernatural in origin, relate immediately to God, and can only be gained through His grace

THE 4 CARDINAL VIRTUES
Prudence
Justice
Fortitude
Temperance

Note: Reference Wisdom 8:7. The Cardinal Virtues, unlike the Theological Virtues, can be achieved by human effort.

THE 3 EVANGELICAL COUNSELS
Voluntary poverty
Perpetual chastity
Entire obedience

Note: The Evangelical Counsels, also called the Counsels of Perfection, are those precepts given by Christ that are not binding on all, but are binding on those who have a vocation to them. The 10 Commandments, the Precepts of the Church, the two Great Commandments, for ex., bind one and all, but the evangelical counsels do not. See Matthew 19:16-22 for the story of Christ's telling the young man what he needs to do in order to be saved, and then what he needs to do in order to be perfect -- two different things.

THE 6 PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

(THE DUTIES OF A CATHOLIC)

To go to Mass on Sundays and holy days and refrain from servile work
To go to Confession at least once a year (traditionally done during Lent)
To receive the Eucharist at least once a year, during the Easter Season (known as the "Easter duty")
To observe the days of fasting and abstinence
To help to provide for the needs of the Church
To obey the marriage laws of the Church

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION IN ADDITION TO SUNDAYS

THE 3 POWERS OF THE SOUL
Memory
Intellect
Will

THE 4 PILLARS OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH
The Apostles Creed
The Seven Sacraments
The Ten Commandments
The Lord's Prayer

THE 3 PILLARS OF THE CHURCH'S AUTHORITY
Sacred Scripture
Sacred Tradition
Living Magisterium

THE 3 DUTIES OF THE ORDAINED
duty to teach

duty to sanctify
duty to shepherd

THE 3 PARTS OF THE CHURCH
The Church Militant (Christians on Earth)
The Church Suffering (Christians in Purgatory)
The Church Triumphant (Christians in Heaven)

THE 4 MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Unity
Sanctity
Catholicity
Apostolicity

Note: In the Nicene Creed we say that the Church is "One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic."

THE 12 APOSTLES
 

 Note: Matthias; disciple selected with Barsabas, after the Ascension, from those followers of Christ who were deemed qualified for appointment to the Apostleship vacant through the betrayal and death of Judas. After prayer and a solemn appeal to lots Matthias was chosen (Acts 1). As a disciple he had attended Christ from the Baptism until his Ascension. Details on his life and death vary; tradition maintains that he was stoned and beheaded  by the Jews that rejected Jesus as the Messiah, in Jerusalem. Feast day is Feb. 24th

THE 12 TRIBES OF ISRAEL
In order of their birth:

Reuben
Simeon
Levi
Judah
Zabulon
Issachar
Dan
Gad
Asher
Naphtali
Joseph (Menasseh and Ephraim)
Benjamin

THE 8 BEATITUDES

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven
Blessed are the meek: for they shall posses the land
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

Note: Reference Matthew 5:3-10.

THE 7 SORROWS AND 7 JOYS OF OUR LADY

THE 7 SORROWS AND 7 JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH

THE ORDER OF CREATION
 

Note: God, Who is of the supernatural order, created the natural and preternatural (e.g., the angelic) orders out of nothing (ex nihilo), in time ("in the beginning"), and for His own pleasure. Only God can "create," and because of this, it is actually rather blasphemous to refer to man as "creating" anything. Man can produce, re-produce, manufacture, form, fashion, design, shape, or make -- but he cannot bring into existence anything out of nothing.

THE 9 CHOIRS OF ANGELS
In ascending order:

Note: The Choir of Angels is divided into three triads with specific concerns: 

Angels (the word means "Messengers") are pure spirits, created before man, who were given one choice at the beginning of Creation: the Kingdom of God -- or the Absence of God, which is the Kingdom of Satan, the first Angel who rebelled.

There are 7 Archangels (Tobias 12:15). We know the names of 3 of them from Scripture:
 

The apocryphal Book of Enoch lists the other 4 as:

THE 3 LEVELS OF REVERENCE

THE 7 LAST WORDS OF CHRIST

THE 4 LAST THINGS TO REMEMBER
Death
Judgment
Heaven
Hell