This section develops the foundations of our creed, based on sacred Scripture and the tradition of the Church throughout the ages. As a Catholic Christian community, we renew our dedication to these beliefs each week at Sunday Mass when we celebrate Baptism and Confirmation, and during the Easter Vigil. Our recitation of the creed reminds us of our unity in faith with Catholic Christians throughout the world.

Catholics believe that the Bible is the word of God. The Church has accepted throughout history that the books of the Bible were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament and the New Testament make up the two parts of the Bible. The 46 books of the Old Testament tell about events before Jesus was born. The 27 books of the New Testament reveal events in the life of Jesus and his followers. We are encouraged to study the Bible continually to be able to more deeply appreciate the word of God.

We believe that Jesus established the Church and set its course by preparing the Apostles and disciples to be evangelizers and missioners. We profess in the creed that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. These four marks describe essential features of the Church and its mission. We should be able to see and experience these characteristics of the Church in our parishes, in the Church in our nation, and in the work of the Church throughout the world.

Mary is a sign of God’s special love for us. Mary’s willingness to be God’s servant—her response to God—was the beginning of our salvation in Jesus Christ. We honor Mary, Mother of God, as Mother of the Church because she is at once a model of holiness and maternal benefactress for all. We also recognize the saints as models of holiness having lived out their vocations in ways to give praise and honor to God.

The Trinity is made up of one God in three divine Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We know God as love, creative, and redemptive. This revelation of God, in whose image we are made, helps us understand both the meaning of our humanity and our calling to be part of a loving community. We believe that God reveals the work of the Trinity in the mystery of creation.

The sacred liturgy of the Catholic Church features sacred signs used in the celebration of Mass and the sacraments. Some of these signs are familiar objects, such as candles, oil, bread, and wine. Others include liturgical gestures, processions, song, and especially the proclamation of God’s holy word in the Scriptures. The church’s inner space reflects all of these and the articles it uses reflect the particular culture of the local Church community in prayer and worship.

Jesus teaches that if we live as he taught us, we will spend life everlasting together with God in heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that at the end of time, Jesus Christ will come again to restore all things in peace, love, and justice. We believe that at the Second Coming of Christ all people will be gathered in Christ’s presence, and that the truth of each individual’s relationship with God will be revealed.