29 Things to Know About Catholicism

The Pope. The Holy Eucharist. The Blessed Virgin Mary. The Seven Sacraments.

Catholicism is filled with great mysteries, so you've probably been confused about this 2,000-year-old religion at one time or another. In 29 Things To Know About Catholicism, the Catholic Church is beliefs are explored in easy-to-understand terms for the devout Catholic and the curious non-Catholic alike.

This quick go-to guide helps answer these questions:

• Was the Catholic Church the first Christian church?
• Do Catholics worship Mary and pray to saints?
• How do I know what to do in Mass with all its Latin chants and prayers, kneeling, holy water, confession, and communion?
• Does the communion bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ?
• Can the priest—a human–forgive sins?