Frequently Asked Questions
Why become Catholic?
Becoming Catholic is more than joining a church—it is an invitation to encounter Jesus Christ within the faith He entrusted to His Apostles. Explore why Catholics believe Christ continues to meet us through Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments, the Eucharist, and to be united in the Church He founded, and how this faith leads us toward a deeper relationship with God and the fullness of Christian life.
Why should I consider returning to the Catholic Church?
Whether you have been away for a few months or many years, the Catholic Church invites you to come home. Whatever led you away—and whatever questions, doubts, or experiences you carry—discover an opportunity to reconnect with Jesus Christ, rediscover the Eucharist and the Sacraments, find answers to your questions, and begin again in a community ready to welcome you.
Why do Catholics believe the Catholic Church is the Church founded by Jesus?
Explore Christ’s founding of the Church, the apostles, Peter, apostolic succession, bishops, councils, authority, and the papacy.
Why do Catholics believe the Pope is the successor of Peter?
Catholics believe Jesus gave Peter a unique leadership role among the Apostles and entrusted him with a continuing responsibility for His Church. Explore the biblical evidence for Peter’s authority, how the earliest Christians understood the leadership of the Church of Rome, and how Catholics understand the bishops of Rome—the popes—as succeeding Peter in his pastoral office.
Why do Catholics believe Jesus is really present in the Eucharist?
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “This is my body.” Catholics understand those words literally, in continuity with John 6, St. Paul, and the earliest Christians. See why the Eucharist has always stood at the center of Catholic worship.
Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?
Catholics worship God alone. Honoring Mary and the saints recognizes what God has accomplished in His people and asks fellow members of Christ’s Body to pray with us. Explore the biblical distinction between worship, honor, and intercession.
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?
Only God forgives sins—but Jesus chose to exercise His forgiving ministry through His Church. Discover what Christ told the Apostles about forgiving sins and how the early Church understood this authority.
Why don’t Catholics like sola scriptura?
Catholics, however, believe that both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are authoritative and that both are necessary when deciding what is and is not authentic Christian teaching and practice. Who’s right?
Why do Catholics believe in the Trinity?
Explore who God is, the mystery of the Trinity, creation, divine revelation, faith and reason, and humanity’s relationship with God.