The First Steps of Faith
New to Christianity?
Begin With Jesus Christ
Discover Jesus Christ
Christianity Begins With Jesus Christ
The Christian faith is not merely a system of ideas or moral rules. It is our response to the living God, who reveals Himself and gives Himself to us in Jesus Christ. Christian doctrine, worship, prayer, and moral life all flow from communion with Him.
God created you out of love and calls you to know, love, and serve Him. In Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God made man, He offers forgiveness of sins, adoption as His child, growth in holiness, and eternal life.
You do not need to understand everything before you begin. Start with an honest and prayerful question: Who is Jesus Christ?
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me.”
John 14:6 · Douay-Rheims
A Guided Beginning
Walk Through the Foundations
These six lessons offer a simple introduction to the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, our need for salvation, Sacred Scripture, Baptism and discipleship, and the Church He founded.
Begin With the Person of Christ
Who Is Jesus?
Discover why Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God made man, what He reveals about the Father, and why Christians confess Him as true God and true man.
Begin This Lesson →The Cross and Redemption
Why Did Jesus Die?
Discover why Jesus freely offered His life on the Cross, how His sacrifice atones for sin and reconciles us to the Father, and why His Resurrection is the victory over sin and death.
Begin This Lesson →Our Need for Saving Grace
Why Do We Need Salvation?
Understand how sin wounds our communion with God, why we cannot save ourselves, and how God’s grace heals, sanctifies, and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ.
Begin This Lesson →God Speaks Through Sacred Scripture
What Is the Bible?
Learn what Sacred Scripture is, how its books form one saving history, and how Catholics receive the inspired word of God within Sacred Tradition and the teaching of the Church.
Begin This Lesson →Responding to the Gospel
How Do I Become a Christian?
Learn how God’s grace calls us to faith and repentance, how Baptism unites us to Christ and His Church, and how Christian discipleship continues throughout our lives.
Begin This Lesson →Christ Gathers His People
Why Did Christ Establish a Church?
Discover why Jesus Christ founded one visible Church upon the Apostles, entrusted her with His Gospel and sacraments, and remains with her through the Holy Spirit.
Begin This Lesson →How to Use This Path
Proceed Prayerfully and Honestly
- Read one lesson at a time and allow yourself time to reflect.
- Begin and end each lesson with a simple prayer for light and understanding.
- Record important ideas, questions, and passages that you want to examine more closely.
- Begin reading one of the Gospels, such as Luke or John, in a Catholic edition of the Bible.
- Ask God to help you recognize and receive the truth He has revealed in Jesus Christ.
- When you are ready, speak with a Catholic priest or contact a nearby Catholic parish.
Continue the Journey
Discover the Church Christ Founded
As you come to know Jesus Christ, continue by learning about the one Church He founded and the life of faith, worship, prayer, fellowship, and sacramental grace into which He calls His disciples.
These online lessons are an introduction. They do not replace personal contact with a Catholic parish, where you can ask questions, receive guidance, join the community, and learn about Baptism or reception into full communion with the Catholic Church.