1. 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

2. Are you a Catholic or a Christian?
Misconception
Truth
Catholics profess: “I believe in Jesus Christ.”
Catholics are not
Christians
even though
they say
they are.
So - Why do people think this?

3. It comes down to modern definitions…
The term “Christian” has been culturally re-defined as meaning belonging to a “non-denominational” church or just someone who believes in Jesus.
Traditional Churches without “Christian” in title connote a different meaning today but this is a misconception.

4. Catholics were the First Christians
We trace our faith back to
Jesus Christ.
ONE Christian Church for 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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

9. The Basic Proclamation (Kerygma) of the New Testament.
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

10. Kerygma, continued. . .
3. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee after his baptism
4. Jesus conducted a healing ministry, doing good and performing miracles.

11. Key Kerygma, continued. . .
5. Jesus was crucified by those in both religious and secular authority. 6. Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared to his disciples. 7. Jesus was exalted by God and given the name "Lord"

12. Key Keyrgma, cont
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
Have no doubt, then, Catholics are Christians.

13. Do Catholics follow the Bible?
Misconception
Truth
Check 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 about,
don't follow
the Bible.
So - Why do people think this?

14. Scripture AND Tradition A Question of Authority
Tradition – The “Oral Tradition” – passed down in practice
The Magisterium – the “sacred memory” of the Church
The “teaching arm” of the Church – how we live, what we believe, guided by those in authority (the Pope, for instance)
Scripture – What is divinely inspired and written down
The Sacred Scriptures (aka the Bible)
BOTH ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO CATHOLICS
Not so to other Christians
“Sola Scriptura,” the Bible is the “only authority”

15. Are Catholics Buying a Stairway to Heaven?
Misconception
Truth
Catholics believe that salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ and will be made manifest in good works.
Catholics don't believe that “faith alone,” in Jesus is all that is needed to get to heaven. They think their good works save them.
So - Why do people think this?

16. Faith vs. Good Works A Theological Debate
Protestant voices rose in the 16th Century
A “new way of thinking” about salvation emerged: led by Martin Luther
He said we can do NOTHING to gain salvation except BELIEVE; Faith/Grace is FREE – just proclaim Jesus (a simple message based on writings of St. Paul in Bible)
Catholics reasserted Tradition – We have free will; our “good works” show whether or not we really believe;
Salvation is a dynamic dance between God and humankind; not one simple act for eternity.
Faith plus Good works = Salvation (based on writings of St. Paul and St. James in Bible)

17. What’s with all those statues?
Misconception
Truth
Catholics use symbols to remind us of the reality of the spiritual life
Catholics worship idols, thus breaking the first commandment.
So - Why do people think this?

18. That’s what it looks like sometimes
But it’s no different to us than a photograph or object handed down from a loved one

19. Is the Pope another God?
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.
So - Why do people think this?

20. It’s Complicated . . . Papal History long
“Keys of Kingdom” given to St. Peter – Line of succession to Pope Francis today
We hold the Pope in high esteem as our spiritual leader and guide but he’s NOT GOD!
He “stands in” for God here on Earth; authority comes from Jesus’ proclamation in Bible
Pope has “infallibility” on faith and morals but is still a human being who can sin.

21. What is going on at a Catholic mass?
Truth
Misconception
Catholics commemorate
the events of the Paschal Mystery,
the passion, death and resurrection
of Jesus
when we celebrate the Mass.
Catholics crucify Jesus every time they have Mass.
So - Why do people think this?

22. Language is misleading sometimes!
What was Jesus doing when he instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper?
He said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
Liturgy evolved into being faithful to his memory.
We proclaim the “key kerygma” at every mass. It is the remembrance of the Paschal mystery: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
We are NOT literalists. We use the “context” as our foundation – ancient words now proclaimed in a modern context.

23. What’s up with all the magic rituals?
Truth
Misconception
Catholics ritualize the sacred events instituted by Christ and receive grace from them.
Catholics perform
rituals they believe
work
like magic.
Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick
So - Why do people think this?

24. “Faith Alone” debate again. . .
Protestant voices proclaim we don’t need to do anything in order to receive grace except believe.
Catholics believe in faith alone, but it must be manifested in the outer world for the benefit of everyone, not just the individual.
Sacraments are manifestations of grace, outward signs, instituted by Christ himself.
The grace of the sacraments help us live with faith, hope and love in this uncertain world.
The rituals are witnesses of our faith. They help the community. They transform the world.
The are certainly NOT magic. We are realists!

25. Yikes! What about Confession?
Misconception
Truth
Catholics believe they need a mediator like a priest to be forgiven from sin. The bible says that Jesus is the only mediator between humans and God.
Catholics believe they can ask God directly for forgiveness. We go to a priest for confession to get right with the community. The priest stands in for Jesus who absolves us from sin and guilt.
So - Why do people think this?

26. Hollywood & Uneducated Catholics are not helpful here. . .
Sacrament of Confession (aka Penance, Reconciliation) has a LONG history; theology & practice keeps evolving.
Lots of Catholics are not well educated or very spiritually evolved especially about Confession.
Not a “laundry list” of bad behavior.
Rather, it’s an inner recollection, a time of stark honesty, a discipline
It’s hard to admit our shortcomings to ANYONE, much less a priest. We don’t model this well.
Confession is an act of humility before God.

27. Wow. Look at the gold in the Vatican
Wow! Look at the gold in the Vatican! That shows what they really care about.
Misconception
Truth
The Catholic Church teaches the preferential option for the poor and leads the world in actions of social justice.
The Catholic Church cares only about amassing more wealth. It really doesn't care about the poor.
So - Why do people think this?

28. All that glitters is not gold. . .
The Catholic Church is a 2000 year institution, owns land and has wealth but that is NOT our mission.
The Vatican is an historic, sacred place. People of all faiths go there and are inspired.
The wealth of Catholicism has helped millions of people in need.
Catholic Relief Services shares its resources all over the world.
We follow Jesus in his command to help the poor and marginalized.

29. What about blindly obeying all the archaic rules?
Truth
Misconception
Catholics believe that teaching authority has been given to the Church by Christ and take obeying teachings seriously. But we also believe in obeying personal conscience.
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.
So - Why do people think this?

30. Misunderstandings (even by Catholics) abound. . .
We live in a complicated, confusing world with information constantly bombarding us via the Internet
We need a foundation, a trusted formation in ethical beliefs and behavior.
The Magisterium or teaching arm of the Church raises the ethical bar high and gives us specific guidance.
But then we are called by God to struggle with the rules in our very particular lives by listening to the still small voice within (the conscience).
Personal Conscience is held in the highest esteem

31. Why are Catholics so superstitious?
Misconception
Truth
Catholics worship Mary and the saints and are superstitious about what they have to do to get their help.
Catholics
HONOR
(don’t worship) Mary and the saints and
ask them
to pray WITH us when we interceed for others.
So - Why do people think this?

32. People don’t always act in rational ways when they want something
People don’t always act in rational ways when they want something. (Not limited to Catholics.)
There are many rituals and formulas that are NOT taught or sanctioned by the Church.
People talk about their spiritual experiences with saints, angels and Mary as teachings of the Church. They are not. They are individual experiences.
Catholics believe in honoring Mary because of her unique role in the Incarnation of Jesus.
Catholics believe in the “communion of saints,” the holy men and women who have gone before us and can pray for us on the spiritual journey.

33. 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?