What is a Catholic?

• Catholics are Christians; this means that they are followers of Jesus Christ.
• They believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, the Son of God, their friend, liberator, Lord and Saviour.
• Catholics believe that Jesus Christ set up the Church (Matthew chapter 16 verse 18).
• They are ordinary people who have many different jobs, faces and interests.

An international family

Catholic means universal. There are over one billion people worldwide who are members of the Catholic Church which was founded by Jesus Christ in the first century AD. It is made up of a large family of people from every race, colour and social background, who share a common vision and beliefs.
Whatever part of the world they live in, they are in communion (united) with one another in a special way through their leaders who they believe to be chosen and appointed by God.

What about Church?

Church means the gathering of the people of God. The Church building is the focal point for Catholic community gatherings, and is a place where friendships are made and lives shared. People gather
there to pray, and to learn about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The “sacraments” are a very important part of Church life. These are God-given spiritual channels through which life flows. The “Eucharist” is a very special sacrament. When Catholics come together to celebrate “Mass” they share a holy meal and believe that through it they are fed, under the appearance of blessed (consecrated) bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ.

The seven sacraments are:
Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist,
Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick,
Matrimony and Holy Orders.

Leaders

The Catholic Church takes care of its community through a network of leaders, teachers andhelpers. The head of the Catholic Church worldwide is Pope Benedict XIV.
Locally, the Church is led by bishops and priests.
The Church in the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is led by Bishop Crispian Hollis.

Extracts from "What is a Catholic?",  a short introductory leaflet © 2004, produced by the Catholic Enquiry Office.
(The CEO is part of an Agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.)