Diocese of Palmerston North

What Catholics believe, and do

Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; 
Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
 and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. 
And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. (Mt 28:19-20) These, the last recorded words of Jesus to his friends (disciples) are a powerful explanation or starting point for understanding Catholics and the Catholic Faith. 

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At the heart of our lives is the simple belief that the community of the Church, as a gift of God, is the risen Christ bringing Good News to the world and each of us. This has some simple ramifications:

Catholics live their faith in Community, The Church.
Catholics are formed by the Word of God.
Catholics are people of the Eucharist, remembering Jesus’ words “This is my body given up for you … my blood poured out for many … Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19-20)
Catholics live a life, characterised by thanksgiving and freely following Christ in dying to self, so as to live for others in service.
Catholics are sent forth to live in peace and serve the Lord in the world.

Jesus said:

The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the down-trodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour…” Then he began to speak to them, “this text is being fulfilled today even while you are listening.”  (Luke 4:16-21)

The Catholic Community fulfils the passage above whenever the poor (physically and spiritually poor), afflicted (including those afflicted by fear, anxiety, or loneliness), the captives (including those held captive by obsessions and addictions), and the blind (including those who live in the dark of not being sure whether their lives are worthwhile), hear the good news of God’s love for them made present in each Catholics love for them.

Catholics in every time and every place have lived out the ideas expressed above.  This has led to Creeds, doctrine, and teaching that the Church is well known for.  To help you gain a greater understanding we welcome you to the community in your local area; we call this a parish.  Visit the parish section or the Māori Eucharistic Communities section of this site for more information.

Who are you really? A seekers guide to faith (Bishop Peter Cullinane)

Further information can be found through the Catholic Enquiry Centre and at https://www.catholicdiscovery.nz/

Have a question? We can help. Get in touch with the Diocese.