These flash cards are designed to help you learn the answers to commonly asked questions regarding the Catholic faith. Many of the cards also include scripture references that you can read to learn the scriptural basis for the Catholic teaching in question. The scripture reference is hyperlinked, so you can click on it to view the passage. This flash card deck is a work in progress. More flash cards will be added as time goes by. If you think that the answer on a flash card is incorrect, please use the Contact Form to send us feedback. Sacrament of Confession
Why do Catholics confess their sins to a priest?
Jesus gave his disciples the ability to forgive sins, and that ability was passed down to their successors, the bishops and priests.
The Eucharist
When Jesus told his disciples that they must eat and drink his flesh and blood to be saved, wasn't he speaking symbolically?
If Jesus was speaking symbolically, he would have clarified himself when so many of his disciples turned to leave him. He didn't. He meant what he said.
Faith and Works
Do Catholics think they can work their way into heaven?
No. The Catholic Church teaches we are saved by grace. We respond to grace with faith, and our faith leads us to do charitable good works. Watch Fr. Casey's video on justification
Church History
Was the Catholic Church founded by the Emperor Constantine?
No. The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus. By the time Constantine was born in 272 AD, there had already been 26 Catholic Popes. A list of all Catholic Popes can be found here.
The Virgin Mary
Do Catholics worship Mary?
No. The Catholic Church honors and venerates Mary as the mother of Jesus. Catholics worship God alone.
Human Sexuality
Does the Catholic Church teach that being gay is a sin?
No. The Catholic Church teaches that it is not a sin for a person to have same-sex attraction, but it is a sin if they act on it.
The Church
Does the Catholic Church teach that the Catholic Church is the only true church?
No. The Catholic Church teaches that all religions teach some truths, but the Catholic teaches more truths than all other religions. This is referred to as the "fullness of truth".
Salvation
Does the Catholic Church teach that all non-Catholics are going to go to hell when they die?
No. The Catholic Church teaches if a person doesn't know about the truth of the Catholic Church, yet tries their best to follow God, it is possible they will make it to heaven.