Roman Catholic Churches

Service times, groups, and community — roman catholic congregations near you

About Roman Catholic Churches

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world and the largest single religious body in the United States, with approximately 70 million baptized members. It traces its apostolic succession to St. Peter and maintains communion with the Bishop of Rome — the Pope — as the visible head of the Church.

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Central to Catholic theology are the seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The Eucharist holds the highest place — at every Mass, the Catholic Church teaches that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation. Other distinctive doctrines include the Magisterium as doctrinal authority alongside Scripture and Tradition, papal infallibility in solemn definitions of faith and morals, the intercession of the saints, Marian dogmas (the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption), and belief in purgatory.

Visitors are welcome to attend any Mass. Full participation in the sacraments — especially Communion — is reserved for Catholics in good standing. If you are exploring Catholicism seriously, look for the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program at your local parish.