Our Faith

At the heart of our faith is Jesus Christ. Born into a Jewish family in the Roman province of Judaea some 2000 years ago, we believe that he is the 'Messiah', ('Christ') awaited by the Jews as their Deliverer. We believe that he is also 'Lord' and 'Son of God'.

Not only is our belief based on his teaching and miracles of healing, but supremely due to his death and resurrection from the dead.

Jesus was eventually put to death by crucifixion. Three days later his demoralised followers were astonished by reports that his tomb was empty, and that he was alive.

They later encountered him, not restored to life within the limitations of this world, yet fully himself, and fully alive with a life beyond death; alive, in fact with the life of God.

Following his resurrection from the dead, Jesus told his followers to 'preach the Gospel to all nations'. This forms the basis of the charter of the Catholic Church. 'Catholic' means 'universal' and 'Gospel' means 'good news'. The Gospel Jesus preached concerned 'Kingdom of God'. God created the world good, and intended the human race to live in harmony with God and with each other.

Humanity has surely failed to live in that harmonious relationship. We believe that it is through the risen Jesus, who is both truly God and truly human, that God has begun the restoration of that original harmony with the risen Jesus being 'Universal King'. For those who accept him as their Lord and King are extended an invitation to become members of the church. 

This is done through baptism in the name of the One God, 'Father, Son and the Holy Spirit'. The Catholic Church, united to Jesus Christ, (and described in Scripture as 'Body of Christ') is intended to be a sign to the world of God's purpose of unity for the whole human family.

The Catholic Church throughout the world is maintained through the communion of the bishops who are the leaders of local churches ('dioceses') in every land. They are the successors of the original apostles chosen by Jesus.

In communion with their leader, the Pope, the successor of St Peter, they are responsible for governing the Church and keeping it true to the faith of the apostles. The present Pope is Francis I, and the Bishop of our Diocese of Portsmouth is Bishop Philip Egan.