The Catholic Church

The festival of Pentecost represents the beginning of the Christian Church. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure, with the Pope at its head.

Catholics are expected to attend Mass each week as a way of offering themselves to God. They can also worship at home through prayer.

Festivals and saints' days provide inspiration and structure to worshipers throughout the year.

A sacrament is an outward sign of an inward truth. It is an act of faith that Christians do on the outside to celebrate what God has done for them on the inside.

Christians believe it is their duty to help others. Individual churches can do a number of things to help unite local communities and to assist homeless and poor people.