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Catholicism is all about Jesus

Sometimes, because the Church has such a long history and so many teachings, we can lose sight of what it is all about.

At its heart, the Christian faith is not a set of rules or a moral way of life, but a transformative personal relationship.

'Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.’ Pope Benedict XVI

The Christian story, told in its simplest form, is one of God’s love for humankind and for you individually.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.’ John 3:16

Life's big questions

How should Catholics engage with people of other faiths?

I’m Catholic but my spouse is from another faith. We married in their place of worship. Am I welcome in the Catholic Church? Does the Church recognise my marriage and my children?

I’m Catholic butI went to a non-Catholic church for ages as the local Catholic priest was unkind. As he has now left, can I come back and will I be welcome?

What is the point of being a Christian?

How should Catholics engage with Muslims?

How should Catholics engage with Jews?

How should Catholics engage with Christians who are not (Roman) Catholics?

I don’t like organised ceremonies, but I want to know Jesus.Why should I go to Church?

My kids go to a Catholic school, and we go to Mass as a family, but I’m not baptised. CanI be baptised? What does it involve?

Do I have to be a Christian to go to heaven?I f so, what does that mean for people of other faiths or those who don’t believe in God?

What is “ecumenism”? What do “interfaith” and “interreligious” mean?

What things could my parish use to share Jesus’ message with people who want to know more?

What is a sacrament and why do Catholics emphasise them so much?

What is evangelisation?

What the birth of Jesus Christ means to Catholics

How can I know if something I read or watch does explain correctly what the Catholic Church teaches?

I don’t know much about the beliefs of the Church. How can I become more knowledgeable about my faith?

What opportunities or programmes are there to help children and adults in the parish grow in their faith?

What are the key teachings of the Catholic Church about God and faith?

Isn’t Church teaching just indoctrination?

What resources are available to help the parish to grow?

I don’t feel very welcome in my parish. How can I change this?

How do I encourage fellow parishioners to become more active in their faith?

What makes a good parish?

Church and Politics don’t mix; is that true?

What can I do if I can’t go to Mass because I’m working, ill, vulnerable (medically) or caring for another?

God doesn’t seem to answer my prayers – am I doing something wrong? How can I pray better?

I haven’t been to Mass for years but would like to come back. Will I be told off or welcomed? What can I do to find my way back?

What is Mass and why is it so important?

Why can't non-catholics receive Holy Communion at Mass?

What does Easter and Pentecost mean to Catholics

Learning how to pray

What happens when you go to church?

How is the Eucharist the ‘Body of Christ?’

What does the Catholic Church teach about forgiveness?

How can I come back to church after a long time away?

How does the Church deal with abuse?

What is the difference between Catholicism and other faiths?