The foundation of the Catholic Church—today about 1.4 billion strong—and all the Catholic dioceses (and archdioceses), religious orders, churches, schools, hospitals and outreach organizations are centered around the Person of Jesus Christ.
The Kerygma
Our salvation story – and the reason we need salvation in the first place – can be expressed through what’s known as the Kerygma, the core message of our faith:
- God created humanity good. We believe in one God, a loving creator that makes each human being in his image and likeness. That means every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has dignity and immeasurable value.
- Humanity fell into sin. We see evidence of a broken world all around: greed, envy and pride, as just a few examples. We can also see this ourselves. This is a big problem that we alone cannot fix.
- Jesus rescued humanity by giving his life. Jesus, the Second Person of a triune God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), took on human flesh, bore this sin, and gave his life for the salvation of the world.
- God sends his followers on mission. In gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice, and out of love for God and all those created in his image, we are called to share this Good News (called the Gospel) with the world, serving both physical and spiritual needs of others.
Watch a video on the Kerygma.
The Eucharist
Jesus is truly present – Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity – in the Eucharist, which Catholics receive during Communion at each Mass. Learn more about the Eucharist below.
