Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is the Catholic Church’s stance on divorce and remarriage?
The Catholic Church considers marriage to be a lifelong commitment. Divorce and remarriage without an annulment is not recognized by the Church. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1646-1650)
How can I learn more about the Catholic Faith?
To learn more about the Catholic faith, you can attend Mass, read the Bible, study the Catechism of the Catholic Church, or seek guidance from a priest or other Catholic resources like the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) or the Catholic Answers website.
Core Doctrines and Practices
What is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith: one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 253)
Why do Catholics ask for intercession of the saints?
Catholics pray to saints to ask for their intercession, not worship. We believe saints are holy men and women who are now with God and can pray for us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 956)
What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. In the Eucharist, Christ is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1373)
Practical Questions
Why do Catholics go to Confession?
Confession is a sacrament of healing and reconciliation, where individuals confess their sins to a priest and receive God's forgiveness. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1422)
Why do Catholics wear ashes on Ash Wednesday?
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of repentance and renewal. The ashes symbolize mortality and the need for conversion. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 525)
What is the purpose of Holy Water?
Holy water is blessed water used as a sacramental. It symbolizes purification and God's grace. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1673)
General Questions
New Questions
Moral and Ethical Teachings
What is the Magisterium?
The Magisterium is the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, consisting of the Pope and the bishops in union with him. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 85)
What is the Immaculate Conception?
The Immaculate Conception is the dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 490)
What is the Assumption of Mary?
The Assumption of Mary is the dogma that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 966)
Controversial Topics
Why does the Catholic Church ordain only men?
The Church teaches that the priesthood is a sacramental ministry instituted by Christ, who chose only men as his Apostles. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1577)
Why doesn’t the Catholic Church allow same-sex marriage?
The Church teaches that marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman, as established by God in the book of Genesis. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1601)