The Formation of the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church was started when Jesus said “and I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hades will not overcome it”. Jesus left us leaving Peter to lead and continue Jesus’s work here on earth. From this beginning, despite their persecution, Christian religion grew. Emperor Constantinople was converted to Christianity and he then made Christianity the religion of Roman Empire.
Christianity continued to grow in the surrounding countries and Rome, the earliest centre of Christianity. Constantinople had grown strong too and the two cities were at times in opposition.
All Christian leaders joined together in Constantinople, to combine and strengthen their bonds. Together, they wrote the Creed and returned to their cities to declare the joint belief. The Roman Christians however, changed the creed to suit their community and this was disapproved of by the other communities and this is when the schism of 1054 resulted and the Roman Catholic Church as we call it today took its name.
The Beliefs of the Catholic Faith
One of the Key Features of the Catholic Religion is their Faith. The Roman Catholic Church believes that God is the creator of all living things and he is a loving God. Catholics believe in Mary the Mother of God who gave birth to Jesus the son of God and they also believe that God sent his son to save people from sin and that he died on the cross to show us the truth. That he was the Son of God and that all he said and did was true. Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us today and that his spirit is the grace that guides us in the teaching of Jesus on how to live our lives.
The Sacraments are Catholics’ expression of Faith.
Another Key Feature of the Catholic Faith is the 7 sacraments practiced and participated in by those of the Catholic Faith. They are divided into 3 groups:
The Catholic Church was started when Jesus said “and I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hades will not overcome it”. Jesus left us leaving Peter to lead and continue Jesus’s work here on earth. From this beginning, despite their persecution, Christian religion grew. Emperor Constantinople was converted to Christianity and he then made Christianity the religion of Roman Empire.
Christianity continued to grow in the surrounding countries and Rome, the earliest centre of Christianity. Constantinople had grown strong too and the two cities were at times in opposition.
All Christian leaders joined together in Constantinople, to combine and strengthen their bonds. Together, they wrote the Creed and returned to their cities to declare the joint belief. The Roman Christians however, changed the creed to suit their community and this was disapproved of by the other communities and this is when the schism of 1054 resulted and the Roman Catholic Church as we call it today took its name.
The Beliefs of the Catholic Faith
One of the Key Features of the Catholic Religion is their Faith. The Roman Catholic Church believes that God is the creator of all living things and he is a loving God. Catholics believe in Mary the Mother of God who gave birth to Jesus the son of God and they also believe that God sent his son to save people from sin and that he died on the cross to show us the truth. That he was the Son of God and that all he said and did was true. Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us today and that his spirit is the grace that guides us in the teaching of Jesus on how to live our lives.
The Sacraments are Catholics’ expression of Faith.
Another Key Feature of the Catholic Faith is the 7 sacraments practiced and participated in by those of the Catholic Faith. They are divided into 3 groups:
- The sacraments of initiation ( Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist)
- The sacraments of healing (Reconciliation, anointing of the sick.)
- The sacraments serving the church and the mission of the faithful (Holy orders and Marriage)
The Leaders of the Catholic Church
Catholics Feature their leader as one who is infallible and inspired by Gods choice. The Leader of the Catholic Church is the Pope or as he is also known, The Bishop of Rome. The Pope is assisted by the Cardinals that are from all over the Christian world.
Archbishops are next in line; seeing over the central cities diocese in their own countries (e.g. Archbishop of Sydney). Bishops are next, who look after groups of parishes and celebrate the Sacrament of confirmation in their areas. Priests lead and celebrate the catholic rituals of each parish and guide the members of their church. Deacons are assistants to the Parish priest and are able to participate in leading parts of the Eucharistic celebration.
These Features of the Catholic Church are very similar to many other Christian Religions and that is why the steps towards ecumenism of the Christian religions of our world is a goal that with united strength will happen for the benefit of our world.
Catholics Feature their leader as one who is infallible and inspired by Gods choice. The Leader of the Catholic Church is the Pope or as he is also known, The Bishop of Rome. The Pope is assisted by the Cardinals that are from all over the Christian world.
Archbishops are next in line; seeing over the central cities diocese in their own countries (e.g. Archbishop of Sydney). Bishops are next, who look after groups of parishes and celebrate the Sacrament of confirmation in their areas. Priests lead and celebrate the catholic rituals of each parish and guide the members of their church. Deacons are assistants to the Parish priest and are able to participate in leading parts of the Eucharistic celebration.
These Features of the Catholic Church are very similar to many other Christian Religions and that is why the steps towards ecumenism of the Christian religions of our world is a goal that with united strength will happen for the benefit of our world.