What We Believe

Some things we know because we have experienced them for ourselves (our home and our family). Other things we know because we have heard about them. (e.g. The existence of Russia or China). In fact, most of our knowledge comes from hearing and reading. So, we live each day in a basic faith that what we hear and read is true. Without faith in what we hear and read, our world would be terribly limited.

It is logical to take the same approach to the kingdom of God. After death we will experience God and His Kingdom. However, by that time it is too late. We need to know God's kingdom while we are living and allow this faith to guide our lives and choices.

Everyone has eyes, but some people need glasses to read. Even people with good eyes need a microscope or a telescope to see very small or very distant objects. Glasses, microscopes and telescopes aid our eyes.

We also need help to see the truths of God's kingdom. Our intellect, by itself, cannot see these truths clearly.

This help comes first from our parents and the Church, who pass on to us the truths of faith.

The Apostles Creed is a summary of the basic truths.

The final help to our intellect comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. He helps our intellect to understand and, especially, to believe.

The Catholic Tradition

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 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 worshipped 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!