What Catholics Believe "Less than 100 people actually hate what the Catholic church teaches. Thousands of people hate what they mistakenly believe the Catholic Church teaches". - Bishop Fulton J. Sheen

Misconception: Truth: Catholics are not actually Christians. Catholics profess: “I believe in Jesus Christ.” Catholics were the first Christians.

Catholics were the First Christians We trace our faith back to Jesus Christ. There was no other Christian Church a thousand years (This is an historical fact). The first pope was St. Peter and all of the popes are in direct succession to him. We profess and believe in a Creed that was established in the year 325 at the Council of Nicea.

The Nicene Creed (Dogma from 325 AD) , I believe in one God, the Father, the 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 and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

Nicene Creed, continued.. . 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.

Nicene Creed, continued. . . 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.

Catholics Were the First Believers We trace our faith back to the New Testament of the Bible, the teachings of the apostles and first disciples of Jesus. We proclaim and focus our lives on the “Key Kerygma” of Jesus Christ KERYGMA (word is from Greek – “the proclamation;” used 9 times in the New Testament) Initial teachings of Jesus in the New Testament; The center of our faith; The heart and soul, core message of Gospels; Teachings are proclaimed at every mass, every day of the year

The Basic Proclamation (Kerygma) of the New Testament. 1. The promises of God made in the Old Testament have now been fulfilled with the coming of Jesus the Messiah. 2. Jesus was anointed by God at his baptism as Messiah 3. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee after his baptism 4. Jesus conducted a beneficent ministry, doing good and performing mighty works by the power of God . 5. Jesus was crucified according to the purpose of God

Key Kerygma, continued. . . 6. Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared to his disciples 7. Jesus was exalted by God and given the name "Lord" 8. Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to form the new community of God 9. Jesus will come again for judgment and the restoration of all things 10. All who hear the message should repent and be baptized

We Will Come Back to Kerygma Many Times All of these teachings are found in the New Testament. We will study and pray over them. Challenge: How well do we know and live the key kerygma?

Catholics are truly believers and followers of Christ! Why do people say we are not? The term “Christian” has been culturally re-defined as meaning belonging to a “non- denominational” church or just someone who believes in Jesus.

Misconception: Truth: Bible History: The Catholic Church preserved and assembled the Holy Scriptures; Catholics meditate on Scripture at every mass, every day of the year. Catholics don't read, don't know, don't care, don't follow the Bible.

Misconception: Truth: Catholics believe that you have to work your way to heaven. They don't believe that "faith alone" through Jesus Christ saves a person from eternal damnation. Catholics believe that salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ and will be made manifest in good works.

Misconception: Truth: Catholics use symbols to remind us of the reality of the spiritual life Catholics are idol worshippers.

Misconception: Truth: Catholics believe that the pope is infallible only in matters of faith and morals when he speaks officially, "ex cathedra." Catholics believe that the pope can never make a mistake.

Misconception: Truth: Catholics crucify Jesus every time they have Mass. Catholics commemorate the events of the Paschal Mystery – the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus when we celebrate the Mass

Misconception: Truth: Catholics ritualize the sacred events instituted by Christ which are called the Seven Sacraments Catholics perform rituals that they believe work like magic. Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick

Misconception: Truth: Catholics believe that they can sin all they want because they can just go to confession and be forgiven. Catholics believe that we are all called by God to lead lives that are morally exemplary and are given the sacrament of penance to help us remain on the path toward wholeness (holiness)

Misconception: Truth: The Catholic Church teaches the preferential option for the poor and leads the world in actions of social justice. The Catholic Church is rich and really doesn't care about the poor.

Misconception: Truth: Catholics believe that teaching authority has been given to the Church by Christ ( called Magisterium) and hold what the Church teaches in the highest esteem. Catholics are taught to obey the Church’s teachings on faith and morality and not make any decisions based on their own thought and experience. Personal Conscience is held in the highest esteem

Misconception: Truth: Catholics HONOR Mary and the saints and ask them to pray WITH us. Catholics believe we are connected mystically in what is called "the communion of saints." Catholics worship Mary and the saints; We are only supposed to worship God.

What Questions do you have. What Misconceptions do you hold What Questions do you have? What Misconceptions do you hold? What have you always wanted to know about Catholicism but were afraid to ask?