Basic Catholic Teachings

Introduction
Many of us may not remember or may not have ever been taught the "basics" of the Catholic faith. We will try to provide some of the basic information on this page.

If you have any other questions, we encourage you to speak with your local parish priest, Diocesan office or visit the WEB. Click here to learn more on the Catechism or Bible.

Christian Practice - Special Duties of Catholic Christians

  1. To keep holy the day of the Lord's Resurrection: to worship God by participating in Mass every Sunday and holyday of obligation. * We are also to abstain from such work or business that would inhibit the worship given to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or due relaxation of mind and body.
  2. To lead a sacramental life: to receive Holy Communion frequently and the sacrament of Penance regularly
    1. Minimally, to receive the sacrament of Penance at least once a year (annual confession is obligatory only if serious sin is involved).
    2. Minimally, to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This precept must be fulfilled during Paschal time unless for a good reason it is fulfilled at another time of year.
  3. To study Catholic teaching in preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, to be confirmed, and then to continue to study and advance the cause of Christ.
  4. To observe the marriage laws of the Church: to give religious training (by example and word) to one's children, to use parish schools and religious education programs.
  5. To strengthen and support the Church: one's own parish community and parish priests; the worldwide Church and the Holy Father.
  6. To do penance, including abstaining from meat and fasting from food on the appointed days.
  7. To join in the missionary spirit and apostolate of the Church.

 

The Ten Commandments

 

  1. I, the Lord, am your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
  2. You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
  3. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
  4. Honor your father and your mother.
  5. You shall not kill.
  6. You shall not commit adultery.
  7. You shall not steal. 
  8. You shall not bear false witness againt your neighbor.
  9. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
  10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

The Seven Sacraments

  1. Baptism
  2. Confirmation
  3. Holy Eucharist
  4. Reconciliation (Penance)
  5. Anointing of the Sick
  6. Holy Orders
  7. Matrimony

The Works of Mercy

Spiritual

  1. To admonish the sinner
  2. To instruct the ignorant
  3. To counsel the doubtful
  4. To comfort the sorrowful
  5. To bear wrongs patiently
  6. To forgive all injuries
  7. To pray for the Jiving and the dead

 Corporal

  1. To feed the hungry
  2. To give drink to the thirsty
  3. To clothe the naked
  4. To visit the imprisoned
  5. To shelter the homeless
  6. To visit the sick
  7. To bury the dead

 Beatitudes

  1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  2. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
  3. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
  4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
  5. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
  6. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
  7. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
  8. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

 

  1. Wisdom
  2. Understanding
  3. Right Judgment (Counsel)
  4. Courage (Fortitude)
  5. Knowledge, Love (Piety)
  6. Reverence (Fear of the Lord)