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Roman Catholicism

The word 'catholic' simply means universal, which is a reference to the all-embracing nature of the church founded by Jesus Christ. The term 'Roman' refers to the pope, the Church's earthly leader, who has traditionally lived in Rome .

The Catholic Church is around two thousand years old. It was born in Jerusalem on the Feast of Pentecost, when God poured out His Holy Spirit on Jesus' disciples and they received the gifts they needed for preaching the Christian message (such as the ability to speak in different languages). Jesus Himself laid the cornerstone for the church when he told Simon, one of His apostles, "You are Peter ['rock'] and on this rock I will build My church." Peter was the first ever pope. For this reason, we believe that the Catholic Church - whose popes are successors to the apostles themselves - is the only church in the world to retain the original purity and passion of Jesus' message. Although Christians of all denominations are welcomed as fellow believers, only the Roman Catholic Church is perfect in theology.

Our holy book is the Bible. It is interpreted with the aid of the church leadership (Magisterium), which is guided by the Holy Spirit and still follows the ancient traditions passed down from the apostles. As the church was in existence before the Bible came together in its full form, Catholics believe that it is impossible to dislocate scripture from the environment in which it emerged - the Bible must always be read in the light of Church Tradition.

Catholicism is rooted in a rich sacramental life. 'Sacrament' literally means a sign of holiness. The Church has seven sacraments, and each one is a gift from God that is designed to nurture our spiritual lives. Baptism cleanses a person of original sin and gives him a new life in Christ. At confirmation the believer receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which he will need to sustain him in his Christian walk. Reconciliation is the pathway to God's forgiveness. Communion is an intimate meeting with Jesus - the believer receives Christ's redeeming body and blood in the shape of bread and wine. Marriage is.self explanatory! To take holy orders is to consecrate yourself to God as a priest, nun, or similar. Last rites is the blessing and anointment given to a dying person. More information on the sacraments can be found here: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2.htm

Catholics have a moral obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. Although the Mass includes Bible readings, hymn-singing, and prayers for the world, it is much more than a worship service. The celebration of Holy Communion is the focal point of the Mass, and this physical meeting with Jesus is a very profound and poignant moment for Catholics.

One thing that differentiates Catholics from Protestants is the Catholic devotion to Mary, mother of Jesus, and to the saints in Heaven. This devotion is not worship, but an admission that our Christian family does not end on earth and that the hosts of Heaven are willing to pray for us and guide us to God.

The patron saint of Fisher House, the university's Catholic chaplaincy, is Saint John Fisher - a scholar of the University and a martyr for his faith. Mass takes place every day at Fisher House, followed by lunch in the library. Three Masses are offered on Sunday - including one entirely in Latin, the ancient language of the church. There are regular pilgrimages to the nearby Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham; lots of talks and lectures on many different themes, to which anyone is welcome; and a variety of social events.

www.fisherhouse.org.uk - Cambridge University Catholic Chaplaincy

http://www.vatican.va/ - official website of the Vatican , hub of the Church. A sea of information on Catholicism.

www.prayasyougo.org.uk - Catholic prayer site

'My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.'
The Dalai Lama

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