The Nicene Creed (Profession of Faith)

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.

Essential Catholic Doctrines (From the Catechism)

On Divine Revelation

We believe that God has revealed Himself and His plan of salvation through both Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which together form one sacred Deposit of Faith, entrusted to the Church.

The Magisterium of the Church—the Pope and bishops in communion with him—authentically interprets the Word of God.

On the Holy Trinity

We believe in the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity: one God in three Divine Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are distinct but inseparable, co-equal and co-eternal, sharing one divine nature.

On Creation and Humanity

We believe that God created the world out of nothing and made human beings in His own image and likeness, endowing them with an immortal soul, intellect, and free will. God created man and woman for communion with Him and with one another.

On Original Sin and the Fall

We believe that our first parents, Adam and Eve, fell from grace through disobedience, introducing sin and death into the world. All humans inherit original sin and are in need of redemption.

On Jesus Christ and Salvation

We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, the Second Person of the Trinity who became incarnate for our salvation. By His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, He redeemed humanity from sin and conquered death. Salvation is offered to all through Jesus Christ alone.

On the Church

We believe that the Catholic Church is the one Church founded by Jesus Christ upon the Apostle Peter and the Apostles. She is the Body of Christ, the People of God, and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. The Church is one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic. She possesses the fullness of the means of salvation.

We believe in apostolic succession—that the bishops are the successors of the Apostles.

On the Sacraments

We believe that Christ instituted seven sacraments as efficacious signs and instruments of grace:

Baptism - which cleanses from original sin and makes us children of God and members of the Church

Confirmation - which seals us with the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Eucharist - in which bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ (transubstantiation), and which is the source and summit of Christian life

Penance and Reconciliation - through which sins committed after Baptism are forgiven

Anointing of the Sick - which provides spiritual and sometimes physical healing

Holy Orders - which confers sacred ministry in three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate

Matrimony - which unites a man and woman in a lifelong covenant reflecting Christ's love for the Church

On Grace, Justification, and Sanctification

We believe that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith and the sacraments.

Justification is granted by God's grace, pardoning sin and making the sinner righteous.

Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God, through grace and the sacraments, makes us holy and conforms us to the image of Christ. We believe that faith and works cooperate in our salvation.

On the Communion of Saints

We believe in the communion of saints—the spiritual solidarity uniting the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the blessed in heaven. We believe in the intercession of the saints and the veneration (not worship) of Mary and the saints.

On Death, Judgment, and Eternal Life

We believe that each person faces a particular judgment immediately after death, determining their eternal destiny.

We believe in:

Heaven - eternal communion with God for those who die in His grace

Purgatory - purification for those who die in God's friendship but need cleansing from venial sins and temporal punishment

Hell - eternal separation from God for those who die in mortal sin without repentance

On the Last Things

We believe in the Second Coming of Christ in glory, the resurrection of the dead, the Final Judgment, and the establishment of the new heaven and new earth. We believe in life everlasting.

On Prayer and the Liturgy

We believe that the liturgy, especially the Mass (the Eucharistic sacrifice), is the worship of God and the sanctification of humanity. Prayer is essential for the Christian life, and we are called to pray without ceasing.

On Moral Life

We believe that God has inscribed the moral law in the human heart (natural law) and revealed it fully in the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ, especially the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor. We are called to live lives of holiness, virtue, and service.

On Mission and Evangelization

We believe that the Church has received from Christ the mission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them. Every member of the Church shares in this evangelizing mission.

We profess this faith, handed down from the Apostles, preserved and proclaimed by the Catholic Church through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in fidelity to Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, now and forever. Amen.