What Do Catholics Believe?
"In Catholic doctrine there exists an order or ‘hierarchy’ of truths, since they vary in their relation to the foundation of the Christian faith” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 90). If we understand the teachings of the Church within the context of this hierarchy, it may be easier to focus on what is important and necessary—what is essential truth—without feeling like a bad Catholic and without passing such judgment on others. This hierarchy includes revealed truth, dogma, and pastoral application.
Catholicism in Context: This newsletter is also part of Catholic Update’s Catholicism in Context series, which strives to answer basic questions about what we (as Catholics) believe, and why we believe it.
| Series | Catholic Update Newsletter |
|---|---|
| Publish Date | 09/01/2025 |
| Pages or Item Count | 4 |
| Size | 8.5 x 11 |
| Weight | 0.02 |
| Discount Category | Newsletter |
| Product Code | C2509A |
Fr. Thomas M. Santa, CSsR, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was professed as a Redemptorist in 1973 and ordained a priest in June of 1978. He is a graduate of Holy Redeemer College (Waterford, Wisconsin) and the State University of New York (Mount Saint Alphonsus). His work has included teaching theology, directing retreats, and Scrupulous Anonymous ministry, and he is the author of numerous books and articles. Fr. Santa is currently serving his second assignment as the president/publisher of Liguori Publications.