What Catholics Believe

What Catholics Believe

Join professors of the Augustine Institute and other Catholic experts as they answer the most popular questions from the Internet on topics like the Eucharist, the Resurrection, the Papacy, Relics, and so much more! Was Jesus a ghost when he appeared to the Apostles? Is the Resurrection important? Are Catholics cannibals? Is the Eucharist in the Bible? Find out in this exciting series!

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What Catholics Believe
  • What Catholics Believe About Holy Week (Palm Sunday to Easter Explained)

    What is Holy Week, and why is it the most sacred time in the Catholic Church? In this episode, Curtis Mitch walks through the meaning of Holy Week—from Jesus’ triumphant entry on Palm Sunday to His Passion, death, and Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
    Discover how each day—Holy Thursday, Good Friday...

  • What Catholics Believe About Almsgiving: The Truth About Money, Mercy, and Lent

    Do we put our faith in our savings account—or in the Lord? In this episode of What Catholics Believe, Professor Michael Barber unpacks the biblical meaning of almsgiving and why it is essential to the Christian life. Rooted in Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, almsgiving isn’t optional—...

  • Fasting in the Catholic Faith: More Than Giving Up Food

    In this episode, Deacon Koby Nguyen explains the true meaning of fasting in the Catholic Church. Learn how this spiritual practice draws us closer to God, connects to prayer and almsgiving, and helps open our hearts to love others. Perfect for Lent, Advent, or anytime you want to grow in holiness...

  • Prayer: Friendship With God, Not a Formula

    What is prayer, and why does it sometimes feel so difficult? In this episode of What Catholics Believe, Fr. Charles Archer explores prayer not as a technique to master, but as a living friendship with God. Drawing on Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and the life of Jesus himself, he explains ...

  • Is the Catholic Church Anti-Sex? What Catholics Believe About Sex and Marriage

    Is the Catholic Church uncomfortable with sex—or even opposed to it? In this episode of What Catholics Believe, Dr. Scott Hefelfinger explains why the Church sees sex not as something trivial or shameful, but as profoundly meaningful, good, and life-giving.

    Drawing on Catholic teaching about mar...

  • Why Virtue Matters in the Catholic Life w/ Dr. Edward Sri

    What does it really mean to live a good life—and why isn’t good intention enough? In this episode of What Catholics Believe, Dr. Edward Sri explains why virtue is essential for becoming the kind of person who can truly love. Virtue isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s about freedom—the freedom...

  • What Catholics Believe About Baptism

    Join Dr. Sean Innerst as he sits down to answer some of the most asked questions of What Catholics Believe. Why is the sacrament called “Baptism,” and what actually happens when someone is baptized? Does Baptism truly take away original sin—and what does the Church mean by “original sin” in the f...

  • What Catholics Believe About the Birth of Jesus

    Explore the true meaning of Christmas as Fr. Chris Martin unpacks what Catholics believe about the birth of Jesus. In this episode, he explains the biblical infancy narratives, Old Testament prophecies, the reality of Jesus as a historical person, and the meaning of the Incarnation. Learn why Jes...

  • What Catholics Believe About the Priesthood: Scripture, Pay & Becoming a Priest

    Join Fr. Scott Bailey, a priest in the Archdiocese of Denver, as he answers some of the Internet's most popular questions about the priesthood. Why can’t women be priests? Do priests get paid? Is the priesthood in the Bible?

    Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this episode...

  • What Catholics Believe About the Resurrection: Was Jesus a Ghost?

    Join Dr. Michael Barber, professor of Scripture and theology at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, as he answers some of the Internet's most popular questions about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Did the Resurrection actually happen? Was Jesus a ghost when he appeared to the ...

  • What Catholics Believe About Lent: Fasting, Ashes, and 40 Days Explained

    Join Fr. Scott Bailey, a priest in the Archdiocese of Denver, as he answers some of the Internet's most asked questions about Lent. What is Lent? Why is Lent 40 days long? What should I give up for Lent?

    Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this episode.

    ‚ñ∂ Watch How to...

  • What Catholics Believe About Work: Purpose, Dignity & Vocation

    Join Fr. Nathan Cromley as he answers some of the Internet's most pressing questions about work. Is work a result of sin? How should I balance work and family life? What is the meaning of work? Find out the Catholic Church's answer to these questions and more in this episode of What Catholics Bel...

  • What Catholics Believe About Leisure: The Bible & True Rest

    What is true leisure, and why does it matter for Christians today? In this episode of What Catholics Believe, Fr. Nathan Cromly answers some of the internet’s most asked questions about leisure. Discover how the Bible speaks about leisure, whether Jesus enjoyed leisure, how to avoid laziness, and...

  • Choosing a Pope: What REALLY Happens During a Conclave | What Catholics Believe

    Join Dr. Scott Hefelfinger in What Catholics Believe as he answers the most asked questions about how Catholics choose a new pope. What is a papal conclave? How does the voting process work? Can someone who isn’t a cardinal become pope? Why are cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel? Learn the fa...

  • What Catholics Believe About the Eucharist: Real Presence, Miracles & Communion

    Join Dr. Sean Innerst, professor of theology and catechetics at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, as he answers some of the internet's most popular questions about the Eucharist.

    Do Catholics believe the Eucharist is really Jesus or just a symbol? Why can't other denominatio...

  • What Catholics Believe About Marriage: Divorce, Annulment & God's Design

    Join Dr. Scott Hefelfinger as he answers some of the internet's most asked questions about marriage. What is marriage? Why is marriage only between a man and a woman? Is divorce allowed? Find out answers to these and more questions in this episode of What Catholics Believe.

    00:00 What Catholic...

  • What Catholics Believe About the Bible: Old vs. New Testament, Canon & Reading Tips

    Join Dr. Mark Giszczak as he answers some of the Internet's most popular questions about the Bible. What is the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament? Do Catholics read the Bible? Find out in this episode of What Catholics Believe.

    00:00 Intro
    00:16 What is the relationsh...

  • What Catholics Believe About Scripture: Truth, Origin & How to Read the Bible

    Join Dr. Mark Giszczak as he answers some of the Internet's most popular questions about the Bible. Does Scripture have a purpose? Is the Bible true? Find out in this episode of What Catholics Believe

    00:00 Intro
    00:15 What is the Bible?
    01:18 Is the Bible true?
    02:31 Where did the Bible co...

  • What Catholics Believe About Sports: Faith, Competition & Virtue Explained

    Can Catholics play sports, watch games on Sundays, or root for teams like the Devils? Former MLS pro and Augustine Institute VP of Content Taylor Kemp breaks it all down—what the Church teaches about sports, competition, humility, and living your faith on and off the field. Perfect for athletes, ...

  • The Life of a Priest: What Catholics Believe About Celibacy, Marriage & Holiness

    Join Fr. Scott Bailey, a priest in the Archdiocese of Denver, as he answers some of the Internet's most popular questions about the priesthood.

    Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this episode.

    ▶ Help support the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission ...

  • What Catholics Believe About Mary: Immaculate Conception, Virginity & the Rosary

    Join Dr. Edward Sri as he answers some of the internet's most asked questions about Mary. Who is Mary? Why do Catholics pray to Mary? How could she be a virgin if Jesus had brothers and sisters according to the Bible? Find out answers to these and more questions in this episode of What Catholics ...

  • What Catholics Believe About Halloween | All Saints, All Souls & its Origin

    Is Halloween really a pagan holiday—or is it deeply Christian? In this episode of What Catholics Believe, Dr. Ben Akers explains the Catholic roots of Halloween, its connection to All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and how Catholics can celebrate it faithfully. Discover the history of trick-or-t...

  • What Catholics Believe About the Pope: Authority, Anti-Popes & Apostolic Succession

    Join Dr. Christopher Mooney, assistant professor of theology at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, as he answers some of the internet's most popular questions about the pope and the papacy.

    Why does the Catholic Church have a pope? Is the pope Catholic? Do Catholics have to o...

  • What Catholics Believe About Confession: Repeating Sins, Forgiveness & Penance

    Join Dr. Jim Prothro, associate professor of Scripture and Theology at the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, as he answers some of the internet's most pressing questions about the Sacrament of Confession. What happens if I commit the same sin again after confession? Is confession i...