What do Catholic's believe?

I am often asked "What do Catholics believe?" There are two Creeds that occupy a special place in the Catholic Church:

The first, and also the oldest, is the Apostles' Creed. It is called this because it is a faithful summary of the apostles' faith: "the Creed of the Roman Church, the See of Peter, the first of the apostles, to which He brought the common faith" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1994, page 53).

The second Creed is the Nicene Creed, written during the first two Ecumenical Councils in 325 and 381 AD. It contains the same information as the Apostles' Creed but is more explicit and more detailed.

These two Creeds contain the basic beliefs of Catholics. Both of these Creeds can be greatly expanded upon, which is what the Catechism does, but they should give you an idea of our basic beliefs. For more information you can consult either the Catechism or a local Catholic Church. There are also many links listed in our Links section that may be of help.

Below is the Nicene Creed. "This Creed is the spiritual seal, our heart's meditation and an ever-present guardian; it is, unquestionably, the treasure of our soul" (Catechism, page 53).

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
one in Being with the Father.
Through Him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
He came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
He was born of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.

For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
He suffered, died, and was buried.

On the third day He rose again
in fulfillment of the Scriptures;

He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and His kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son
He is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy
catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

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