Catholic Faith Foundations

A Self-Guided Course in Catholic Belief and Life

Catholic Faith Foundations is a structured introduction to what Catholics believe, celebrate and seek to live.

It is suitable for:

  • Anyone beginning to explore Christianity
  • Adults considering becoming Catholic
  • Baptised Christians considering reception into the Catholic Church
  • Catholics returning after time away
  • Adults preparing for Confirmation
  • Parishioners wishing to renew the foundations of their faith
  • Parents, mentors and parish groups

You do not need previous theological knowledge. The sessions use clear language while treating the Catholic faith seriously.

This is a self-guided course. There is no registration, assessment or certificate. You may read privately, work through the sessions with another person or use them for parish discussion.

Work Through Catholic Faith Foundations Online

If you prefer a simple interactive format, you can work through Catholic Faith Foundations online at your own pace.

The interactive course follows the same Catholic Faith Foundations journey and is designed to make it easy to read, reflect, pray and continue from one session to the next.

You do not need to register or complete the whole course at once. Begin with Session 1 for the fullest introduction, or use the session list below if you want to explore a particular subject.

OPEN CATHOLIC FAITH FOUNDATIONS

The interactive course is a way of working through the Foundations material. It does not replace personal conversation, Sunday Mass or a particular sacramental pathway where one is needed.

How to Use the Course

For the fullest introduction, begin with Session 1 and continue in order. Each section builds upon what has already been explained.

You may also select an individual session when you want to explore a particular question.

Take your time. You do not need to complete a session in one sitting. Read carefully, pray, follow the Scripture references and make a note of any questions.

The aim is not simply to collect religious information. Catholic faith is:

  • Truth to be believed
  • Grace received through the sacraments
  • Prayer offered to God
  • A moral life shaped by Christ
  • Communion with Christ and his Church
  • A mission to love and serve others

BEGIN WITH SESSION 1

If You Are Considering Becoming Catholic

This course can support personal preparation, but it does not replace the parish pathway for becoming Catholic, reception into full communion, Adult Confirmation or another sacrament.

Sacramental preparation includes:

  • Personal conversation and accompaniment
  • Sunday Mass and parish life
  • Prayer and conversion
  • Learning the Catholic faith
  • Any necessary pastoral or canonical preparation
  • Discernment of readiness

Completing these online sessions does not by itself establish readiness to receive a sacrament.

BECOMING A CATHOLIC

RECEPTION INTO FULL COMMUNION

RETURNING TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH

Part One: Seeking God and Recognising Revelation

These opening sessions consider whether belief in God is reasonable and how God makes himself known.

  1. Religion, Reason and the Question of God
  2. Reason and Revelation: How God Makes Himself Known
  3. Has God Revealed Himself in History?

Part Two: Jesus Christ and the Resurrection

These sessions examine the identity, authority and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

  1. Jesus Christ: Who He Is and What He Claims
  2. The Miracles of Jesus Christ: Signs of Divine Authority
  3. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: The Central Fact of the Faith

Part Three: Christ and His Church

Jesus did not leave behind only a collection of teachings. He founded the Church and entrusted her with authority to teach, sanctify and govern in his name.

  1. Why the Church Exists: Founded by Christ, Not Invented by Men
  2. The One Church of Christ: Unity, Authority and Truth
  3. The Marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
  4. Authority in the Church: Teaching, Governing and Sanctifying
  5. The Papacy: Unity, Authority and Continuity
  6. Sacred Scripture: God’s Word Written and Guarded by the Church
  7. Sacred Tradition: The Living Transmission of the Faith
  8. The Magisterium: How the Church Teaches

Part Four: Creation, Humanity and the Fall

These sessions explain who God is, why creation exists, the dignity of the human person and what went wrong through sin.

  1. God the Creator: What the Church Teaches About God
  2. Creation: The Visible and Invisible World
  3. The Human Person: Created in the Image of God
  4. Sin and the Fall: What Went Wrong?
  5. God’s Promise of Salvation: Hope After the Fall

Part Five: The Saving Work of Jesus Christ

These sessions follow the Incarnation, earthly life, Passion, Resurrection, Ascension and promised return of Jesus.

  1. The Redeemer: Why God Became Man
  2. The Life of Christ: God Revealed in Human Living
  3. The Passion and Death of Christ: The Sacrifice That Saves
  4. The Resurrection: Christ’s Victory Over Death
  5. The Ascension and Reign of Christ: Lord of Heaven and Earth
  6. The Second Coming and Judgement: Christ the Judge of the Living and the Dead

Part Six: The Holy Spirit, the Church and the Sacraments

The risen Christ sends the Holy Spirit and continues his saving work through the Church and her sacraments.

  1. The Holy Spirit: Lord and Giver of Life
  2. The Church: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
  3. The Sacraments: How Christ Gives Us His Life
  4. Baptism: New Birth and Entry into the Life of Grace
  5. Confirmation: Strengthened by the Holy Spirit
  6. The Holy Eucharist: The Sacrifice and the Real Presence
  7. The Holy Mass: Christ’s Sacrifice Made Present
  8. Holy Communion: Receiving Christ Worthily
  9. Penance: Forgiveness and Restoration After Baptism
  10. Anointing of the Sick: Strength, Healing and Hope
  11. Holy Orders and Matrimony: Christ’s Mission Continued

Part Seven: Living the Catholic Faith

Catholic life continues beyond learning doctrine. These sessions consider morality, prayer, the Church’s year and continuing discipleship.

  1. The Moral Life: Living What the Church Teaches
  2. Prayer: How the Catholic Faith Is Lived Daily
  3. The Liturgical Year: Living Time with the Church
  4. Living as a Catholic: What Happens Now?

Part Eight: Mystagogy and Continuing Conversion

Mystagogy means entering more deeply into the mysteries which the Church celebrates.

These sessions are particularly helpful after Baptism, reception into full communion or another sacrament. They are also suitable for any Catholic seeking a deeper sacramental life.

  1. The Easter Vigil: What God Has Done
  2. Living from the Eucharist in Ordinary Life
  3. Confession and Growth after Initiation
  4. Prayer after Reception
  5. Belonging to the Church and Living the Faith

Questions and Personal Support

Reading can begin a journey, but it cannot replace personal conversation and participation in the life of the Church.

If you have questions, would like help using the course or wish to explore becoming Catholic, please contact us.

Fr John Owens
Email: john.owens@dioceseofnottingham.uk

Parish Office
Telephone: 07354 832195
Email: cathparishmje@dioceseofnottingham.uk

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