Catholicism
Catholicism is a general term for the body of the Catholic faith, its beliefs, doctrines and theologies and its ethical, spiritual, and behavioral characteristics.
For many, the term refers to Christians and churches belonging to the Roman Catholic Church in communion with the Holy See. Catholicism is usually distinguished from other forms of Christianity due to its particular commitment to tradition, the mediation between God, the sacraments, communion, and the See of Rome.
Briefly, here is a key selection of Catholic beliefs and practices:
* Direct and continuous organizational descent from the original church which was founded by Jesus Christ, who, according to tradition, designated his Apostle Peter as its first leader.
* A belief that Jesus Christ is Divine.
* A belief that the Eucharist is truly and objectively the Body and Blood of Christ, through the Real Presence.
* Possession of the “threefold ordained ministry” of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.
* All ministers are ordained by Bishops, who pass down sacramental authority by the “laying-on of hands”. Furthermore, it is believed that the Church’s Bishops have been ordained in a direct line of succession from the Apostles themselves.
* A belief that the Church is the vessel of Jesus and the Apostles’ teachings from which the Scriptures were derived.
* A belief in the efficacy and necessity of sacraments.
* The use of candles, music, vestments, incense, water and sacred images in worship.
* Veneration of Mary, The Blessed Virgin Mother of Jesus.
* Veneration of the saints.
* Using prayer for the dead.
* The acceptance of canonizations.
* Requests to the departed saints for intercessory (the act of praying on behalf of others) prayers.
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