A basic introduction to the Catholic faith
This online course offers a simple introduction to the main beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.
It is intended for anyone who would like to understand the Catholic faith more clearly: people beginning to explore Christianity, catechumens and candidates preparing to become Catholic, Catholics returning to the Church, and parishioners who would like to refresh the foundations of their faith.
You do not need any previous theological knowledge. Begin at the first session and work through the course in order, or use individual sessions to explore particular questions.
The course introduces subjects such as:
- God, faith and reason;
- Jesus Christ and salvation;
- Sacred Scripture and Apostolic Tradition;
- the Catholic Church;
- the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints;
- grace and the sacraments;
- the Holy Eucharist and the Mass;
- Confession and conversion;
- Catholic moral life;
- prayer and Christian discipleship;
- death, judgement and eternal life.
The aim is not to provide an advanced theological education, but to give a clear foundation in the Catholic faith and encourage further prayer, study and participation in the life of the Church.
How to use the course
Each session can be read on its own, although working through the course in order will give the clearest introduction.
Take your time. Read carefully, look up the Scripture passages where suggested, and make a note of questions you would like to explore further.
This course can be used for personal study, adult faith formation, parish discussion or as additional reading during sacramental preparation.
If you are preparing to become Catholic
The online course is a supplementary formation resource. It does not replace the RCIA catechumenate, Reception into Full Communion preparation, Adult Confirmation preparation or another sacramental pathway arranged with the parish.
Completing the online course does not by itself establish readiness for a sacrament.
Sacramental preparation includes not only learning about the faith, but also prayer, Sunday worship, conversion of life, participation in the Church and personal accompaniment.
Begin the course
You are welcome to start wherever you are.
Ask questions. Take time over anything that is unfamiliar. The Catholic faith is not simply information to be learnt, but truth to be believed, celebrated in the sacraments and lived in communion with Jesus Christ and his Church.
Religion, Reason and the Question of God
Reason and Revelation – How God Makes Himself Known
Has God Revealed Himself in History?
Jesus Christ – Who He Is and What He Claims
The Miracles of Jesus Christ – Signs of Divine Authority
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – The Central Fact of the Faith
Why the Church Exists – Founded by Christ, Not Invented by Men
The One Church of Christ – Unity, Authority and Truth
The Marks of the Church – One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
Authority in the Church – Teaching, Governing and Sanctifying
The Papacy – Unity, Authority and Continuity
Sacred Scripture – God’s Word Written and Guarded by the Church
Sacred Tradition – The Living Transmission of the Faith
The Magisterium – How the Church Teaches Without Error
God the Creator – What the Church Teaches About God
Creation – The Visible and Invisible World
The Human Person – Created In The Image of God
Sin and the Fall – What Went Wrong?
God’s Promise of Salvation – Hope After The Fall
The Redeemer – Why God Became Man
The Life of Christ – God Revealed in Human Living
The Passion and Death of Christ – The Sacrifice That Saves
The Resurrection – Christ’s Victory Over Death
The Ascension and the Reign of Christ – Lord of Heaven and Earth
The Second Coming and Judgment – Christ the Judge of the Living and the Dead
The Holy Spirit – Lord and Giver of Life
The Church – One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
The Sacraments – How Christ Gives Us His Life
Baptism – New Birth and the Entry into the Life of Grace
Confirmation – Strengthened by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Eucharist – The Sacrifice and the Real Presence
The Holy Mass – Christ’s Sacrifice Made Present
Holy Communion – Receiving Christ Worthily
Penance – Forgiveness and Restoration After Baptism
Anointing of the Sick – Strength, Healing and Hope
Holy Orders and Matrimony – Christ’s Mission Continued
The Moral Life – Living What the Church Teaches
Prayer – How the Catholic Faith is Lived Daily
The Liturgical Year – Living Time With The Church
Living as a Catholic – What Happens Now?
Mystagogy – The Easter Vigil: What God Has Done
Mystagogy – Living From The Eucharist In Ordinary Life
Mystagogy – Confession and Growth After Initiation
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 