When we say, “I believe in the forgiveness of sins,” we mean that we believe in the pardon, not only of original sin, but of all personal sins, mortal and venial. Christ died for all men. By the infinite value of His sacrifice, the sin of Adam, which we inherit, is erased. Jesus appeared to the Apostles on Easter Sunday …

The Church honors the canonized saints who are already with the Lord in Heaven because they inspire us by the good example of their lives, and because they can help us by their prayers. We must honor the saints not just because they can and will pray for us, but also because our love for God demands it. The saints …

The Church Triumphant consists of all the souls of the blessed in Heaven. It is the Church of all those in heavenly glory who have triumphed over their evil inclinations, the seductions of the world, and the temptations of the evil spirit.

The Church is catholic or universal because Christ established it to proclaim all of His teaching to all men, at all times, and in all places. Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be …

The Church has been in existence since the sacrificial Death and Resurrection of Jesus. This took place about 33 A.D. The Catholic Church has had a continuous existence of more than two thousand years, and it is the only Christian institution of which this is true.

Yes. The Catholic Church is the only Church which teaches all the truths that Jesus Christ taught. Many other Christian communities have rejected the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick, the Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the spiritual supremacy of Peter and his successors, the popes, the efficacy of grace, and man’s ability …

The Catholic Church is apostolic because it is able to trace its lineage in unbroken continuity back to the Apostles. Jesus said to Peter, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Speaking to all the Apostles, He said, “All …

When we say, “I believe in the Communion of Saints,” we mean that we believe that there is a union, a fellowship, of all souls in whom the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, dwells. This communion is the union of the members of the Church on earth, in Heaven, and in Purgatory. The word “communion” means “union with.” The …

We upon earth must pray for one another so we may all be faithful to our obligations as members of the Communion of Saints. We must also perform the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

The Church is called the Church Militant because it is the Church here on earth which is still fighting against sin and error. It is also called the Pilgrim Church, since its ultimate goal is Heaven, rather than earth. If we should fall into mortal sin, we do not cease to be members of the Communion of Saints, but we …