About the Catholic Church

Our Core Beliefs

Our beliefs are summed up in two prayers. The Apostles' Creed came first, and then was expanded into the Nicene Creed. We believe that Jesus Christ was not created when he was conceived in the Virgin Mary, but has always been, as the Father has always been. We believe that the bodies of our dead have resurrected and have everlasting life (either in Heaven with God, or in Hell with the Devil). We believe that our dead, especially the saints, can intercede for us and in so doing, obtain graces and other things that we desire and want for us or for others.

A complete "listing" of the doctrines and beliefs of the Catholic Church can be found in a book entitled The Catechism of the Catholic Church., which can be found on the Vatican Website.

Good Things

  • Leading a priestly or other religious life.
  • Receiving Communion at Daily Mass
  • Frequent Confessions
  • Receiving Graces through the intercession of Our Lady, the Saints, or the Sacraments.
  • Doing works of mercy.

Things We "Frown Upon"

  • We do not support abortion. We are strictly pro-life; abortion is murder and "thou shalt not kill."
  • Pornography is breaking the 6th and 9th commandments.
  • Immodest attire or wearing revealing clothing is unacceptable.
  • Sex before marriage is not allowed.
  • Not receiving communion at least once year is going against a precept of the Church.

The Rosary

The rosary is a powerful prayer to Our Lady, the mother of God, that consists of many prayers said in sequence. Rosary beads are what we use to keep track of where we are in the prayer. A rosary, as the set of beads is often called, consists of a crucifix, one large bead, three small beads, and another large bead, and then a small medal or other "joint." After this, there are five groups of ten small beads, separated by large beads, the last group terminating in the medal as it loops around to the beginning. The whole rosary somewhat resembles a lasso, as the cowboys use; it has a loop with a short tail. On the crucifix, the Apostles' Creed is said. On each of the large beads, an Our Father is said. On each of the small beads, a Hail Mary is said. In between the last small bead of each decade (group of ten small beads) and the large bead, a Glory Be is said, followed by the following prayer: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy." On the Medal at the "junction," a Hail Holy Queen is said. Each decade represents a mystery of the Church, of which there are twenty used for the Rosary. While praying that decade, reflect and meditate on the mystery.

The Joyful Mysteries (said on Mondays and Saturdays)

  1. The Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus.
  2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.
  3. The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
  4. The Presentation in the Temple of Jesus Christ to the high priests, according to tradition.
  5. The Finding in the Temple of Jesus Christ as he is teaching the rabbi.

The Luminous Mysteries (said on Thursdays)

  1. Jesus's Baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist.
  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus worked his first miracle, encouraged by His mother Mary.
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom.
  4. The Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of Peter, James and John.
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist.

The Sorrowful Mysteries (said on Tuesdays and Fridays)

  1. The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane before Jesus's capture and passion.
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar.
  3. The Crowning with Thorns.
  4. The Way of the Cross.
  5. The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord.

The Glorious Mysteries (said on Wednesdays and Sundays)

  1. The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
  2. The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ into Heaven.
  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
  4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, body and soul.
  5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.