Our Faith
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The Roman Catholic Church is a worldwide Christian institution organized into local churches committed to bringing God’s love and the Gospel message to the world and building up the kingdom of God.
The church grounds itself in this history which spans more than two millenia. From its very beginning in the early first century when Jesus said to Peter: “Thou art the rock and upon this rock I will build my church,” the Catholic church began to bring the Gospel message in word and deed to the far reaches of the earth.
Pope Francis leads more than one billion Catholic Christians around the world and guides them as the church’s chief shepherd. Roman Catholic popes are successors of St. Peter the first pope. For nearly 2000 years, the church has been electing popes to lead the worldwide church. This apostolic succession has remained intact even in the face of hardships and persecutions.
In the middle of the 20th century, the church once again examined itself and refreshed itself through the Second Vatican Council. The documents from the council are meant to bring the church into the modern age. It was a time of ‘opening the windows’ and getting back to basics of Christian life and evangelization.
Today the church continues to spread and proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ often in hostile environments. The church of the 21st century finds itself firmly standing on the shoulders of church teachings that have withstood the test of time and culture and continue to be a beacon of hope in an often dark and weary world.
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Who is Jesus?
Bishop Robert Barron (in the old video clip) notes that Jesus didn’t ask, “What do people think of my teaching?” but rather, “Who do people say that I am?” Unlike Buddha, or Confucius, or modern gurus, Jesus’ main focus was not wise sayings or life principles, but himself. Over and over again, throughout the Gospels, Jesus talked and acted like he was God.
Bishop Barron’s conclusion is that Jesus compels us to make a choice unlike any other religious founder. “If he’s not who he says he is, he’s not a good man – he’s a dangerous, misguided fanatic. If he is who he says he is, then he must be the center of our lives.”
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We believe...
"Our profession of faith begins with God, for God is the First and the Last, the beginning and the end of everything. The Credo begins with God the Father, for the Father is the first divine person of the Most Holy Trinity; our Creed begins with the creation of heaven and earth, for creation is the beginning and the foundation of all God's works." Catechism of the Catholic Church, 198
Catholic belief is succcinctly expressed in the profession of faith or credo called the Nicene Creed.
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Get started...
The best way to get started is to find a local Catholic parish in your area. Call the church office and let them know you are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith. Remember there is never any pressure to become Catholic, but also remember the entire Catholic community keeps you in constant prayer as you discern.
There is a beautiful and ancient journey called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) that will lead you through many stages of learning and growing in knowledge of the Church.
Read more about RCIA here
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Becoming Catholic
Are you thinking about becoming Catholic?- Are you not baptized but are now seeking a Church family?
- Are you a member of another Christian faith who is seeking to learn more about the Catholic Church?
- Are you a baptized Catholic adult, but who has not received First Communion or been confirmed?
Many reasons bring us to seek out a church community — a feeling that something is missing, a crisis, a major life change, or the gentle encouragement of a friend or family member. Whatever your reason, we welcome you and look forward to you becoming a part of us.
Becoming Catholic is a process that is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is a process that involves study of the Sacred Scripture, Catholic teaching and practices, and Christian morality and values. It also involves time to deepen in a life of prayer and a closer relationship with Christ, as well as a time to get to know a local Catholic community. Participants prepare for the reception of the sacraments, and for a whole new way of life.
Ask Catholic friends and neighbors about their church. Go with a Catholic friend, family member or co-worker to Mass. Ask questions. Let the priest know that you are thinking about becoming Catholic and ask them when might be a good time to talk. When you talk they will tell you about how to get started at that Church, and will invite you to the RCIA process. Find a parish.
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