Our Catholic Faith
Living the truth of Christ through faith, worship, and service.
Two thousand years after Jesus of Nazareth walked among us, the Catholic (which means universal) message of faith has reached all corners of the world, uniting well over a billion believers. The Catholic Church — the sole Church founded by Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago (Catechism of the Catholic Church 811, 816) — professes a faith centered on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who suffered, died, and was resurrected to save us from sin and to grant us eternal life in heaven. Catholic beliefs — the sum of truths revealed by God in Scripture and Tradition — are expressed in the Apostles Creed and Catechism of the Catholic Church. There are seven Sacraments, of which the primary one is the Eucharist or Sacrament of the Eucharist, when consecrated bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the Holy Mass. Catholics honour and venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of God through devotions, often seeking her intercession and that of other saints in prayer. The Catholic faith also teaches the importance of Divine Mercy, sanctification through faith, evangelization (sharing the Word of God), and Catholic Social Teaching — especially through voluntary service and works of mercy for the sick, poor, and afflicted.
Whether you are new to the Church, are returning after being away from the Catholic Church, or are coming here with questions, here is some basic information about what we profess as Catholics.
Catholic teaching — the sum of truths revealed by God in Scripture and Tradition — is further detailed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church .
We have seven Sacraments , of which the primary one is the Eucharist or Holy Communion. As Catholics, we honour (not worship) the Blessed Virgin Mary as Mother of God through devotions, and often seek the intercession of Mary and other saints in prayer.
Our faith includes teachings on Divine Mercy, sanctification through faith, and evangelization (sharing the Word of God) as well as Catholic Social Teaching , especially voluntary support for the suffering and less fortunate through works of mercy.
Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with 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.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Catechism
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is the authoritative summary of the Church’s teachings, uniting Scripture, Tradition, and faith practice in one living guide for all Catholics.
The Sacraments
Through seven Sacraments, God shares His grace with us. The Eucharist or Sacrament of the Eucharist is central to our faith — the real presence of Christ given for our salvation.
Faith in Action
Our Catholic faith calls us to live the Gospel through Divine Mercy, sanctification, evangelization, and works of mercy — caring for the poor, the sick, and those in need.
“We profess one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, united in faith and service."
Explore Your Faith
Learn, reflect, and grow in your understanding of Catholic faith and tradition.
Papal Blessings
For Special Occasions
For instructions on how to request a blessing from the Holy Father for a special occasion such as a significant birthday or anniversary, please download Procedure to Request an Apostolic Blessing .
Please note that papal blessing documents take two to three months to process.
For information on obtaining tickets for Papal Masses or General Audiences at the Vatican, or on purchasing photographs, religious objects, stamps and coins from the Vatican, please visit the website of the Apostolic Nunciature in Canada .
About the Mass
The Mass is the pinnacle liturgy of the Catholic Church, in which bread and wine are consecrated and become the Eucharist: the real, true, and substantial Body and Blood of Jesus Christ the Savior.
The Eucharist is at the heart of the Mass, as the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of the Christian life (CCC 1324).
The Christian faithful gather at Mass to worship the Lord in the Eucharist and to celebrate the “sacred banquet of communion with the Lord’s body and blood” (CCC 1382).
Through the Mass, and particularly through the Eucharist, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross is made present on the altar, which Christ made possible when He instituted the memorial of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
The Mass – also known as the Eucharistic Sacrifice – is “wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ,” which occurs when the faithful consume the Body and Blood of Christ.
For a deeper overview of the Mass:
Not a Catholic?
We ask that you refrain from taking the bread or wine, because receiving it indicates your unity of belief with all other Catholics that the bread and wine contain the True Presence of Jesus Christ.
If you are not a Catholic, you are welcome to come up to receive a blessing during the distribution of the Eucharist. To do so, when you come forward with everyone else, instead of taking the bread or wine, simply place your arms across your chest to indicate to the priest that you'd like to receive a blessing. In this way, the priest will bless you, and you can invite Jesus spiritually into your heart.
If you are interested in becoming Catholic, please let us know! We'd be happy to journey with you.