The Catholic Church, founded by Jesus Christ, carries a universal mission. With over 1 billion members worldwide, it spreads the gospel, administers sacraments, and extends charity and justice to those in need. Led by the Pope and Bishops in apostolic succession, the Church recites its beliefs in the Nicene Creed. This creed affirms belief in one God, the Father Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God. It proclaims Christ’s incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and future return. The Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is also revered. The creed acknowledges faith in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Amen.

The Church encompasses all believers, known as the People of God. While ordained clergy have distinct roles, all baptized individuals are integral parts of the Body of Christ. Together, both clergy and laity are called to live out their baptism by sharing the gospel and serving those in need. The entire body of believers, guided by the Holy Spirit, possesses a unique discernment in matters of faith. From bishops to lay faithful, their collective agreement demonstrates a supernatural understanding of faith and morals. This discernment is sustained by the Spirit of truth (Lumen Gentium #12).

At the heart of the Catholic faith lies a deep conviction in the transformative power of God’s love and grace. We firmly believe in the Holy Trinity—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who willingly gave His life to bring us redemption and eternal hope. Rooted in the wisdom of Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and nurtured by the teachings of the Church, our beliefs provide a strong foundation for our spiritual journey. Through the sacraments, especially Baptism and the Eucharist, we experience a profound connection with God’s presence and receive His abundant blessings. We cherish prayer as a means of deepening our relationship with the Divine and seek to emulate Christ’s example of selfless love and service in our interactions with others. With the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints, we find comfort, inspiration, and guidance along our path of faith. The Catholic faith is a call to holiness, embracing the transformative power of God’s love and striving for eternal communion with Him.

Our Catholic faith is rooted in a rich tradition passed down through generations, starting from Jesus Christ to the Twelve Apostles. Whether received from parents, friends, or strangers, it shapes how we believe and live. Discover the essence of our beliefs and practices in this concise resource, beneficial for both non-Catholics seeking knowledge and Catholics seeking to deepen their faith. Newcomers can explore our dedicated section, while those interested in our core beliefs can delve into “What Do Catholics Believe?” For insights into the seven sacraments, visit our Sacraments page.

As members of the Catholic Church, we are called to share our faith with the world around us. Following in the footsteps of Christ, we witness to our beliefs through our interactions with others and our engagement with modern culture. Throughout history, the Catholic Church has been a beacon of care and support for those in need. Our beliefs are rooted in God’s revelation, as we recognize His love and desire for a relationship with His creation. This revelation comes to us through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, with the ultimate sign being the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. We believe in the Holy Trinity—God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the Church, founded by Christ and carried forward through Apostolic Tradition. The Paschal Mystery of Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection is central to our liturgical celebrations, especially the Mass. In community, we live out the sacramental life, seeking forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and nourishment through the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As the Body of Christ, we strive to live countercultural lives, serving others and standing up for our faith even in the face of suffering. Catholic social teachings guide us to respect the dignity of every human person, care for the poor, steward the environment, and advocate for just treatment. We are united with the angels, saints, and Mary, our Mother, praying to them for intercession and following their holy example. Personal and communal prayer, including the Mass, strengthens our relationship with God and unites us with believers worldwide in the universal Church.

Becoming Catholic is an enriching and transformative journey of faith. The process, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), is designed to welcome individuals into the Catholic Church and deepen their relationship with God.
To become Catholic, the first step is to express your interest to your local Catholic parish. They will guide you through the RCIA process, which typically involves several stages of formation, including learning about Catholic teachings, participating in prayer and worship, and discerning your readiness to embrace the Catholic faith.
Throughout the RCIA process, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive instruction from experienced catechists. You will also be introduced to the sacraments of initiation, namely Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist, which are central to the Catholic faith.
At Easter Vigil, a special liturgical celebration, those who have completed their formation are received into the Catholic Church through the sacraments, marking their full initiation and membership in the faith community.
Remember, the journey of becoming Catholic is unique to each individual, and it is important to approach it with an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a sincere desire to embrace the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. Your local parish community will be there to support and accompany you every step of the way as you embark on this profound and joyous path of faith.

If you were baptized but have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Catholic Church provides a process through which you can complete your initiation into the faith.
The first step is to reach out to your local Catholic parish and express your desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. They will guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with information about the preparation process.
In most cases, the process involves participation in a program specifically designed for adults seeking Confirmation. This program may include catechesis (religious instruction), spiritual formation, and opportunities for reflection and discernment. It aims to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith, the sacraments, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a confirmed Catholic.
During the preparation period, you will have the chance to explore and reflect on your faith journey, and to grow in your relationship with God and the Church. You may also be encouraged to engage in acts of service, prayer, and participation in the worship life of the community.
Once you have completed the preparation process, you will have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during a special liturgical celebration, often presided over by a bishop or a delegated priest. This sacrament will strengthen you with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering you to live out your faith more fully and actively participate in the life of the Church.

If you have drifted away from practicing the Catholic faith and desire to restart your faith journey, the Church welcomes you with open arms. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Reflect on your Journey: Take time to reflect on why you drifted away and what aspects of the Catholic faith resonate with you. This introspection will help you understand your motivations and rekindle your spiritual journey.
2. Reconnect with the Church: Reach out to Fr. Hai Ho and express your desire to reconnect. He will guide you through the process and provide the necessary resources and support.
3. Attend Mass and the Sacraments: Begin attending Mass regularly and participate in the sacraments, such as Confession (Reconciliation), which offers a fresh start and the forgiveness of sins. Receiving the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Catholic faith, will nourish your spiritual life.
4. Seek Spiritual Guidance: Meet with a priest or spiritual director who can provide guidance, answer your questions, and support you on your faith journey. They can offer valuable insights and help you navigate any challenges you may encounter.
5. Engage in Faith Formation: Explore opportunities for ongoing faith formation, such as adult education programs, Bible studies, and Catholic resources. This will deepen your understanding of the faith and help you grow spiritually.
6. Join a Faith Community: Get involved in your local parish community and participate in parish activities, ministries, and social events. Connecting with fellow Catholics will provide a sense of belonging and support.
7. Cultivate a Prayer Life: Prayer is essential in nurturing your relationship with God. Set aside time for personal prayer, incorporating traditional prayers, spontaneous conversation with God, and meditating on Scripture.

Remember, restarting your faith journey is a personal process, and it may take time. Be patient with yourself and allow God’s grace to guide you. The Church is here to support and accompany you on your spiritual path.

Discerning a vocation to religious life as a sister or brother is a personal journey of faith and discernment. If you have a deep longing to live a consecrated life dedicated to serving God and others, it may be a sign that you are being called to religious life. We encourage you to explore this calling further by speaking with a spiritual director or contacting Fr. Victor Taglianetti, the Capuchin Franciscans Vocation Director, at https://capuchinswest.org/contact-vocation-inquiry/. He can provide guidance, support, and resources to help you discern God’s plan for your life. Prayer and reflection are essential during this discernment process, as you seek to align your desires with God’s will. Trust in God’s timing and remain open to His call as you discern the path that brings you closer to Him.

Discerning a vocation to the priesthood is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. If you feel a stirring in your heart and a strong desire to serve God and His people, it may be a sign that you are being called to the priesthood. We encourage you to explore this calling further by speaking with a priest or contacting Fr. Victor Taglianetti, the Capuchin Franciscans Vocation Director, at https://capuchinswest.org/contact-vocation-inquiry/. He can provide guidance, support, and resources to help you discern God’s plan for your life. Remember, discernment takes time and prayer, so be open to God’s guidance and seek His will with an open heart.

Signs You May Be Called To Be A Priest:

• A profound longing to dedicate your life to God and the Church
• An intense attraction to deep prayer and the Church’s sacramental life
• A sense that there’s a deeper purpose beyond worldly pursuits
• Consistent nudges from the Holy Spirit, with thoughts of religious life returning persistently
• A calling beyond marriage, where your desire is to serve many rather than just one
• A strong aspiration to aid in the salvation of souls and find fulfillment in service to others
• Openness to a lifelong commitment of celibacy
• Feelings of joy, peace, and clarity when considering the path of becoming a Priest or Religious

Discerning the vocation of marriage is a personal and sacred journey. If you desire a loving and committed partnership rooted in faith, it may be a sign that you are being called to the vocation of marriage. Marriage is a sacrament, a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, where they join together in unity and love, mirroring the love between Christ and His Church.
To discern if you are called to the vocation of marriage, it is important to cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer and seeking His guidance. Engage in conversations with trusted spiritual advisors, such as a priest or a mentor couple, who can offer insights and support. Reflect on your values, compatibility, and willingness to grow and sacrifice for the well-being of your future spouse and family.
Remember that discernment is a journey, and it is essential to approach it with an open heart and mind. Trust in God’s plan for your life, and through prayer and discernment, you will gain clarity and peace in discerning whether the vocation of marriage is calling you to a lifetime of love, commitment, and service.

According to Catholic Church teaching, Holy Communion is a sacrament reserved for Catholics who are in a state of grace and properly disposed. However, there are some exceptions and guidelines for non-Catholics:

1. Catholics Only: In general, Holy Communion is for baptized Catholics who have received their First Holy Communion and are in a state of grace. It signifies unity with the Catholic Church and the belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
2. Non-Catholic Christians: Under certain circumstances, non-Catholic Christians may be permitted to receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. This is usually limited to situations where there is a genuine spiritual need, such as when there is no access to their own faith community and they share the Catholic belief in the Eucharist.
3. Preparation and Approval: Non-Catholic Christians who wish to receive Holy Communion in a Catholic Church should approach their local priest or pastor for guidance. It is important to have a respectful conversation about one’s faith, understanding of the Eucharist, and the particular circumstances involved.
4. Respect for Catholic Beliefs: The Catholic Church holds the Eucharist as a sacred sacrament, and Catholics are taught to approach it with reverence and proper preparation. Non-Catholic visitors attending Mass are encouraged to join in prayer and participate in other aspects of the liturgy, but it is customary to refrain from receiving Holy Communion if not in full communion with the Catholic Church.

Ultimately, the decision regarding the reception of Holy Communion for non-Catholics is at the discretion of the local priest or pastor, who can provide appropriate guidance based on individual circumstances and the teachings of the Church.

Determining whether you are in a state of mortal sin is an important aspect of your spiritual life. Here are some guidelines to help you discern your spiritual condition:

1. Grave Matter: Mortal sin involves a serious violation of God’s commandments, typically referred to as grave matter. Reflect on your actions and evaluate if they involve significant disobedience to God’s laws.
2. Full Knowledge: To commit mortal sin, you must have full knowledge that your action or omission is gravely sinful. Ignorance or misunderstanding of the seriousness of an act can diminish culpability.
3. Deliberate Consent: Mortal sin requires a deliberate and voluntary choice to engage in the sinful action, knowing its gravity. If you acted under external pressure or without full consent, the sin may be mitigated.

It is essential to remember that only a qualified confessor or spiritual advisor can provide a definitive judgment on the state of your soul. If you are uncertain or have concerns about mortal sin, it is recommended to seek guidance from a priest or a knowledgeable person within the Church who can provide spiritual counsel and administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation.Regular examination of conscience and an honest assessment of our actions can help us recognize when we may have committed mortal sins. Remember that God’s mercy and forgiveness are always available through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, where you can confess your sins, seek absolution, and receive grace to help you live a more virtuous life.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Jarlath Parish is a transformative process designed for individuals who are interested in delving deeper into the Catholic faith and exploring the possibility of becoming members of the Catholic Church. Through our RCIA classes, you will receive a comprehensive education on the beliefs, teachings, and traditions of the Catholic Church, helping you to form a solid foundation in your faith journey.
If you are a fully initiated Catholic in good standing with the Church, we invite you to consider becoming an RCIA sponsor. As an RCIA sponsor, you will have the opportunity to accompany and support those seeking to become Catholic, offering guidance, friendship, and sharing your own faith experiences.
For more information on joining our RCIA program or becoming an RCIA sponsor, please reach out to Joseph Williams at 541-0504 or joseph510@comcast.net. Joseph will be happy to provide you with the details and answer any questions you may have.

Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a significant place in the Catholic faith. Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous man, in Mexico in 1531. Our Lady of Guadalupe left her image on Juan Diego’s cloak, known as the tilma, which is now displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

Her apparition is seen as a powerful symbol of Mary’s love and compassion for all people, especially the marginalized. Our Lady of Guadalupe is revered as the patroness of the Americas and is known for her role in the conversion of millions to the Catholic faith.

Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe is widespread, with pilgrims from all over the world visiting her shrine. Her image is a source of hope, healing, and unity, inspiring believers to seek her intercession and guidance. The feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12th, and it is a time of joyous festivities, prayer, and gratitude for her presence in the lives of believers. At our parish the Guadalupanos is a group that works to celebrate her. If you would like to help please  contact parish@stjarlath.net

The Divine Mercy Devotion is a profound aspect of the Catholic faith. It centers around the message of God’s infinite mercy, as revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska in the 20th century. This devotion emphasizes the boundless love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, encouraging believers to trust in His mercy and seek His compassion.

Through the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the veneration of the Divine Mercy image, we express our devotion to Jesus as the source of mercy for all humanity. The devotion teaches that by turning to Jesus with a contrite heart and seeking His mercy, one can experience the transformative power of His love and receive forgiveness for sins.

If you would like to join us in praying the Divine Mercy DevotionMary At our parish the Guadalupanos is a group that works to celebrate her. If you would like to help please  we recite it as a group every Friday following the evening mass at 6:45PM. Come join us!

Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, was a renowned Italian priest and mystic who lived in the 20th century. He is famous for his stigmata, the visible wounds of Christ’s crucifixion that he bore for over 50 years. Padre Pio dedicated his life to prayer, spiritual guidance, and the sacraments, attracting countless people seeking his counsel and healing.

His reputation for holiness and his extraordinary gifts drew worldwide attention. Many witnessed miraculous healings and experienced his prophetic insights. Padre Pio’s life was marked by deep humility, intense prayer, and a profound union with God. He founded the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital that continues to provide medical care today.

Padre Pio’s fame spread beyond his lifetime, and he was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002. He is venerated as a powerful intercessor and a model of faith, inspiring countless individuals to seek God’s mercy and live lives of devotion. Padre Pio’s legacy continues to impact the Catholic Church and believers worldwide, making him one of the most beloved and revered saints of the modern era.

Saint Jarlath, a 6th-century Irish bishop, founded the monastic school of Tuam, spreading Christianity and emphasizing education. The story of the “Broke Wheel” showcases his faith and prayer’s power. Stranded, he prayed, and the wheel miraculously repaired, inspiring others to trust in God. Saint Jarlath’s legacy as an educator and bishop inspires believers to pursue knowledge and holiness. He is venerated as a patron of Tuam, leaving an enduring impact on Ireland’s spirituality.

The Capuchin Franciscans are a religious order within the Catholic Church, known for their commitment to a life of poverty, simplicity, and service. Following the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Capuchins strive to live in fraternity, prayer, and contemplation while actively engaging in works of charity and evangelization.

With a focus on spiritual renewal and a deep sense of solidarity with the poor and marginalized, the Capuchin Franciscans dedicate themselves to serving others. They run various ministries, including education, healthcare, social services, and missionary work, both locally and globally.

The Capuchin Franciscans emphasize the importance of prayer, community life, and living in harmony with creation. Their distinctive brown habit and long beard symbolize their commitment to simplicity and humility. Through their witness and service, the Capuchins seek to bring the love and compassion of Christ to the world, inviting others to encounter God’s mercy and experience the joy of the Gospel. Visit www.capuchinswest.org to learn more about their mission and ministries.