The purpose of this section is to outline the Holy Roman Catholic Church. The following items outline the core tenants that all Catholic men should be inspired to know by rote. A list of links used as reference is located at the bottom of the section as well as throughout each section.
The Ten Commandments of God
I. I am the Lord your God; you shall not have strange gods before me.
II. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
III. Remember to keep holy the Lord's day.
IV. Honor your father and your mother.
V. You shall not kill.
VI. You shall not commit adultery.
VII. You shall not steal.
VIII. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
IX. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
X. You shall not covet you neighbor's goods.
The Two Great Commandments
Note: These two commandments contain the whole law of God
Precepts of the Church
The Precepts of the Church describe the minimum effort we must make in prayer and in living a moral life. All Catholics are called to move beyond the minimum by growing in love of God and love of neighbor:
I. Attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation
II. Confession of serious sin at least once a year
III. Reception of Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season
IV. Observance of the days of fast and abstinence
V. Providing for the needs of the Church
The Seven Sacraments
The traditional definition of a sacrament is this: "A sacrament is a visible sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace." Within this definition there are three important statements:
A visible sign:
An action is performed by a minister (usually a priest). For example, when a baby is baptized in the church the priest pours water over its head and at the same time says the words "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." That is a visible sign.
Instituted by Christ:
The Lord Jesus Christ instructed His church to offer the seven sacraments to His followers. For example, His directive to His disciples in Matthew's Gospel (28/19), "Go then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples; baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you."
To give grace:
Grace is God's free gift of Himself as the controlling influence in our life and the decisions we make once we have committed ourselves to Him in faith.
Sacraments of Initiation (These sacraments lay the foundation of every Christian life)
Baptism
In Baptism we receive new life in Christ. Baptism takes away original sin and gives us a new birth in the Holy Spirit. Its sign is the pouring of water.
Confirmation
Confirmation seals our life of faith in Jesus. Its signs are the laying on of hands on a person’s head, most often by a bishop, and the anointing with oil. Like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once.
Eucharist
The Eucharist nourishes our life of faith. Its signs are the bread and wine we receive—the Body and Blood of Christ.
Sacraments of Healing (These sacraments celebrate the healing power of Jesus)
Penance
Through Penance we receive God's forgiveness. Forgiveness requires being sorry for our sins. In Penance we receive Jesus' healing grace through absolution by the priest. The signs of this sacrament are our confession of sins and the words of absolution.
Anointing of the Sick
This sacrament unites a sick person’s suffering with that of Jesus and brings forgiveness of sins. Oil, a symbol of strength, is the sign of this sacrament. A person is anointed with oil and receives the laying on of hands from a priest.
Sacraments at the Service of Communion (These sacraments help members serve the community)
Matrimony
In Matrimony a baptized man and woman are united with each other as a sign of the unity between Jesus and his Church. Matrimony requires the consent of the couple, as expressed in the marriage promises. The couple and their wedding rings are the signs of this sacrament.
Holy Orders
In Holy Orders men are ordained as priests, deacons, or bishops. Priests serve as spiritual leaders of their communities, and deacons serve to remind us of our baptismal call to help others. Bishops carry on the teachings of the apostles. The signs of this sacrament are the laying on of hands and anointing with oil by the bishop.
Note: The sacraments that can be received only once are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
“Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:17-20)
This passage in Matthew's Gospel helps us to understand the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are the observable behaviors of people who have allowed the grace of the Holy Spirit to be effective in them. The tradition of the Church lists 12 fruits:
charity | generosity |
joy | gentleness |
peace | faithfulness |
patience | modesty |
kindness | self-control |
goodness | chastity |
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In the Book of Isaiah 11:2-3, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are described. In the passage the gifts are considered ones that the Messiah would have possessed. Through Jesus, we also receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
7 deadly Sins, 7 Heavenly Virtues
The Roman Catholic church recognized the seven capital virtues as opposites to the Seven Capital Sins or the Seven Deadly Sins.
SIN | VIRTUE | |
Lust (excessive sexual appetites) | <==> | Chastity (purity) |
Gluttony (over-indulgence) | <==> | Temperance (self-restraint) |
Greed (avarice) | <==> | Charity (giving) |
Sloth (laziness/idleness) | <==> | Diligence (zeal/integrity/Labor) |
Wrath (anger) | <==> | Forgiveness (composure) |
Envy (jealousy) | <==> | Kindness (admiration) |
Pride (vanity) | <==> | Humility (humbleness) |
The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Heavenly Virtues
Holy Days of Obligation
The Holy Days of Obligation are the days other than Sundays on which we celebrate the great things God has done for us through Jesus and the saints. On Holy Days of Obligation, Catholics attend Mass.
Mary, Mother of God |
Ascension |
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
All Saints Day |
Immaculate Conception |
Christmas (Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ) |
Catholicism - Additional Links