Statement of personal beliefs by Rev. Robert McArtney

Our first parents sinned by not respecting and serving the God who created them. Once sin (Original Sin) had entered the world a barrier was placed between us and God. Only God could remove this "barrier" and He did this by sending His Son to take on a human nature and lay down His life for us thereby redeeming us. "The way we came to know love was that he laid down His life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives...." 1 John 3:16

I believe that Jesus Christ called a community to Himself so that after He died and rose, the Holy Spirit would continue His saving action through that community until the end of time. Although persons who "accept" the Lord by belief and obedience can be saved individually, Jesus normally works through His community or "Body" on earth to bring salvation and grace to us. "And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, ...for building up the body of Christ." (Eph. 4:11-12)

The early Christian community continued the work of the Lord including celebrating the Lord's Supper and sharing the bread and wine after the ordained leader consecrated them as the Body and Blood of Jesus. "Jesus said to them, ...'unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.'" (John 6:53) They continued the other saving mysteries of Baptism, the Forgiveness of sins (Confession), the Strengthening with the Holy Spirit (Confirmation), the blessing of Matrimony, the laying on of hands to ordain others to continue the work and the Anointing of the Sick.

The early Christian Church was distinguished by four unique signs linking it to Christ: it was "One" or united in beliefs and practices and in the leadership of Peter whom we call the first Pope; it was "Holy" in its founder and in its Sacramental and Prayer and charitable life; it was "Apostolic," meaning that there was continuity to the Apostles, that is each church was led by a Bishop ordained by another Bishop in a line back to one of the Apostles; and it was "Catholic" or universal or meant for the salvation of all. I believe that the Catholic Church uniquely has these four "signs" today. It continues the saving work of Jesus to people through the Word and the Sacraments of God.

God made each of us because He wants us to be with Him in Heaven for all eternity. During each person's lifetime we are called to come to know God as our Lord and Savior; we are called to show love for God by our worship; and we are called to serve God by keeping His Commandments and the rules of His Body, the Church, on Earth.

Having stated my beliefs, I invite readers to explore more about the Catholic Faith whether they are members or not. Check out the links below (on this page) to have questions answered, or connect with the many Religious communities on line, or check out religious art. etc. Please contact me by if I may answer any of your questions about the Catholic Church or if you have prayer requests. If you wish I will be happy to refer you to a Catholic Priest in your area.

Back in 1989 the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, recognized the importance of modern technology. In his "Statement on World Communications Day" on May 27, 1989 he said: "With the advent of computer communications and what are known as computer participation systems, the Church is offered further means of fulfilling her mission. Methods of facilitating communication and dialogue among her own members can strengthen bonds of unity between them. Immediate access to information makes it possible for her to deepen her dialogue with the contemporary world."