Curious About the Catholic Faith? Start Here
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People come to explore the Catholic faith for many reasons. Maybe you’re in a relationship with someone who is Catholic, you’ve been away from the Church and are curious about returning, or you simply want to understand what Catholics believe and why.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you walk through our doors. Whether you’re exploring Catholicism for the first time, returning to the Church after time away, or looking for a community to call home, you’re welcome to attend Mass, ask questions, and learn at your own pace. You can follow along with the congregation or simply observe, no one expects you to know all the words, responses, or traditions. Wherever you are in your faith journey, we’re here to help you learn, discover, and take your next step. |
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What We Believe
At the heart of the Catholic faith is Jesus Christ. Catholics believe that God loves us, created us for a relationship with Him, and invites us to know Him more deeply.
Some of our core believes include:
Some of our core believes include:
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior.
- God created us for a relationship with Him.
- Scripture and Sacred Tradition guide us in our faith.
- The Church is a community where we encounter Christ and grow as His disciples.
- The Sacraments are ways Christ gives us His grace.
- We are called to love God and serve others.
There is much more to discover and you don't have to figure it all out on your own.
What is the Mass
When we gather for Mass, we're not watching a historical event reenacted, we're entering into the same saving act that took place on the cross. That mystery is at the heart of Catholic worship: every Mass is a participation in the sacrifice that redeemed the world, offered by the same Lord who still gives himself to his people today.
The Mass has two main parts. The first is the Liturgy of the Word. Scripture is read aloud, followed by a homily, a short reflection given by the priest or deacon.
The second part is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Bread and wine are brought to the altar and consecrated. Catholics believe that at this moment, they become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This is called the Eucharist, and it is the center of Catholic worship.
If you are visiting for the first time, you do not need to participate in every part. You are welcome to remain seated, watch, and follow along at your own pace. Since only Catholics who are properly prepared receive the Eucharist, you are welcome to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest during communion to receive a blessing instead.
The Mass has two main parts. The first is the Liturgy of the Word. Scripture is read aloud, followed by a homily, a short reflection given by the priest or deacon.
The second part is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Bread and wine are brought to the altar and consecrated. Catholics believe that at this moment, they become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This is called the Eucharist, and it is the center of Catholic worship.
If you are visiting for the first time, you do not need to participate in every part. You are welcome to remain seated, watch, and follow along at your own pace. Since only Catholics who are properly prepared receive the Eucharist, you are welcome to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest during communion to receive a blessing instead.
Christ, truly present
The Eucharist isn't just a symbol of Jesus
We do not see the Eucharist as a symbol. We believe the bread and wine actually become the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ, while still looking, tasting, and appearing like bread and wine. This is called the Real Presence.
Because of this belief, Catholics treat the Eucharist with particular reverence. People genuflect, or briefly kneel on one knee, when passing in front of the tabernacle, the place where consecrated hosts are kept. Some parishes, including ours, also offer time for Eucharistic adoration, when the Eucharist is placed on display for quiet prayer.
The Eucharist has left an extraordinary mark throughout history. [Read stories of Eucharistic miracles →]
Because of this belief, Catholics treat the Eucharist with particular reverence. People genuflect, or briefly kneel on one knee, when passing in front of the tabernacle, the place where consecrated hosts are kept. Some parishes, including ours, also offer time for Eucharistic adoration, when the Eucharist is placed on display for quiet prayer.
The Eucharist has left an extraordinary mark throughout history. [Read stories of Eucharistic miracles →]
"I believe In One god the father almighty..."
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At every Mass, Catholics recite the Nicene Creed, a statement
of faith that has been used by the Church since the fourth century. It sums up what Catholics believe about God, Jesus Christ, and the Church. Every line of the Creed carries centuries of meaning behind it. You do not need to understand or accept every line of the Creed to attend Mass or ask questions. The sections below explain some of it, starting with what happens at Mass itself. Click here to Explore the Creed, phrase by phrase |
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. |
Catholic social teaching
Dignity, solidarity, and the common good.
Catholic faith doesn't stay inside the walls of a church. Catholic Social Teaching is the Church's body of wisdom on how to live justly in the world - rooted in the belief that every human life carries inherent dignity, that we're called to care for the poor and vulnerable, and that we belong to one another as a human family.
At Our Lady of Light, this teaching takes shape in practical ways: through our outreach and service ministries, our care for those in need in our community, and the everyday choice to see Christ in one another. Getting involved is one of the simplest ways to experience what the Church teaches, not just hear about it.
[Learn more about Catholic Social Teaching →]
At Our Lady of Light, this teaching takes shape in practical ways: through our outreach and service ministries, our care for those in need in our community, and the everyday choice to see Christ in one another. Getting involved is one of the simplest ways to experience what the Church teaches, not just hear about it.
[Learn more about Catholic Social Teaching →]
So where to go from here?
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