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Catholicism Facts & Worksheets

Catholicism, the faith, practice, or system of Roman Catholic Christianity.

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Also known as Roman Catholicism, it is defined as the faith, practice, or system of Roman Catholic Christianity.

See the fact file below for more information on Catholicism or alternatively, you can download our 28-page Catholicism worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Foundation Of Roman Catholicism

  • Roman Catholicism is rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (6–4 BCE – c. 30 CE) and the Apostles. Among the apostles who had the most exponential influence was St. Peter, who was identified with the church of Rome.
  • Apostle Paul was also widely recognized as one of the greatest martyrs for the faith with who Rome could claim affiliation.
  • When Rome has widely converted to Catholicism through newly converted emperor Constantine, spiritual authority was strengthened and the title “supreme priest” (pontifex maximus), was appointed to the pope.
  • While St. Peter was traditionally considered the first pope, St Linus (aged 54–66 from 58–69 CE) was the first Roman Pope.

The charter of the Roman Catholic Church:

And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock [Greek petra] I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:18–19)
  • In 381, Pope Theodosius I (347–395) made Catholic Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire. 
  • Pope Gregory I (reigned 590–604) laid the foundations for Roman Catholicism and promoted centralization of the church.
  • Through the eight crusades from 1096 to 1291, the increased political influence of the Catholic Church, and the establishment of religious hierarchy, Catholicism began to spread from Europe, the middle, and soon the rest of the world.
  • However, between the 14th and 16th centuries, the Age of Reformation split the Catholic Church into traditional Catholicism and Protestantism.
  • The Roman Catholic Church became an entity distinct from other “branches” of Christendom or Christianity.
  • Today, the center of the Roman Catholic Church is found in Vatican City and is led by the head of state called the Pope. 

Tenets Of Catholicism

  • Using the Apostles Creed as an outline for describing the essential tenets of Catholicism, it states:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
  • Giving reverence to the trinity:
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now,and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
  • Asking for protection from the angels:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side,
To light and guard, Rule and guide.
  • Prayer for forgiveness:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His name. My God have mercy.
  • Other prayers also reflect the Catholic faith and its pertinence concerning the followers.

Catholic Traditions

  • Catholic Mass –  It is the central rite in the Church, consisting of the Liturgy of the Word (Mass of the Catechumens) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Mass of the Faithful), where bread and wine are consecrated and become the Body and Blood of Christ.
  • Liturgical Season – The calendar begins with Advent, in preparation for Christmas. Ordinary time continues until Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent (penitence), leading to the Paschal Triduum, beginning on Holy Thursday and ending with the evening prayer on Easter Sunday. 
  • Prayer to Saints – Saints were considered to be spiritual guides and mentors, who would “intercede” with God on behalf of those who asked for their aid through the Catholic prayers in heaven.
  • One of the most popular saints is St. Francis of Assisi (1181–1226). He is credited with the creation of two Catholic devotions: the Stations of the Cross and the Christmas crèche and is the patron saint of animals.
  • Communion Rites – The Eucharist or Last Supper is celebrated not only by the Catholic Church but also by other Christian denominations that commemorate Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.
  • Icons, images, and statues – Although criticized by other religions, Catholic followers consider these representations as their expressions of faith. They also serve as reminders of key events, beliefs, and individuals in the church’s history.
  • Pilgrimage – The Roman Catholics’ highest form of the spiritual journey is a pilgrimage to its holiest sites. Pilgrimage sites include The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Vatican, San Agustin Church, St. Anne’s Church, and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

Key Figures In Catholic Faith

  • The Trinity – Comprised of three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who make up one God. 
  • Jesus, the Christ – The fulfillment of the Father’s promise as stated in John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
  • The Blessed Virgin – The mother of Christ and the most revered woman of the Catholic Church.
  • The Saints – Holy persons known for their “heroic sanctity” and who are thought to be in heaven.
  • The Popes – The head of the Catholic Church and the successor to Peter, the first Pope, and Jesus Christ’s apostle.

Catholicism Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Catholicism across 28 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Catholicism, also known as Roman Catholicism, which is defined as the faith, practice, or system of Roman Catholic Christianity.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Catholicism Facts
  • Religion Review
  • Catholic Beliefs
  • Catholic Symbols
  • Catholic Hierarchy
  • Papacy
  • Seven Sacraments
  • Catholic Church
  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Hail Mary
  • Religious Differences

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Link will appear as Catholicism Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, January 10, 2022

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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