The early days of the Roman Empire and the "Pax Romana", or "Peace of Rome" are a great part of the historical backdrop of the Church at the time of its founding. But to have a more complete understanding of the historical perspective, one must have some knowledge of the ancient Jewish traditions.

The Jews are an ancient people, whose unique religious characteristic during the lifetime of Christ was Monotheism, or the belief in one God. The Jews believed, and still believe, that they are the Chosen People of the One True God. Their history at the time of the first century was rare because it was comprised of direct intercession by God in their daily lives, and in the generational lives of their pe

Beneath the Monsignors are the Priests, who are the ordained Catholics who give sacraments and ministry to the individual Catholics. All of these men are indeed Priests. What differs between them are, time in service, authority, and responsibilities.

Let's examine some of the main beliefs of the Roman Catholic, or Catholic Church. Roman Catholics believe that there are three distinct and separate entities that make up God. This is called the Holy Trinity. They are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. All are separate, yet all are part of God. In the writings of the great Catholic theologian St. Augustine, most specifically in his classic work, "City of God", Jesus to His Father defines the concept of the Holy Spirit as the actual love and obedience. Augustine's work contends that it is this Spirit that inspires and has inspired all believers in Jesus and His Father throughout the ages.

The final sacrament is called Extremunction, Anointing of the Sick, or Last Rites, where when a Catholic is near death, or in danger of death from sickness. Here the Catholic is anointed with Holy Oil called Chrism, and is forgiven of all sins.

The next sacrament is called Reconciliation, or Penance, where a Catholic learns how to acquire from a priest (as a representative of Christ Himself,) the forgiveness of one's own sins.

Throughout the years, the Jews were a great nation at times, (The Kingships of Saul, David, and Solomon,) and yet conquered by other nations and enslaved whenever they did not obey the laws of their God (the conquests by the Assyrians and exile into Babylon). Great prophets among the Jews speaking to the people on behalf of God, prophesied that God Himself would send a Deliverer, or "Holy, Anointed One" to deliver the people. In Hebrew, the language of the ancient Jews, the word for this Deliverer is "Messiah". Because of the historical conquests of the ancient Middle East, it should come as no surprise that the Jews expected this Messiah to be a military type of leader, in the image of their greatest king, David.

The Roman Catholic Church has a hierarchy. The Pope is the leader. When he speaks on matters of Catholic faith, he is believed to be infallible, or un-mistaking. Under the Pope, are the "Princes of the Church", or Cardinals. They administrate the Church in various countries and territories, and are responsible for all Catholics in these lands, worldwide. Beneath the Cardinals are the Bishops. Bishops are the pastors (from the Latin word from "Shepherd",) of many Catholic Churches in a certain district or diocese. They answer to the Cardinals. Beneath the Bishops are the Monsignors, or "My Sirs". These are senior priests responsible for a church, or what is called a Parish.

Catholics believe that there are Seven Sacraments, which are the center of spiritual and physical life to Catholics. These sacraments, from the Latin word sacramentum, meaning "holy", are based on key events in the life of Jesus Christ.

The next sacrament is Holy Matrimony, or Marriage, which commemorates the permanent union of Man and Woman, or in Christ's own words, "What God has joined, let no man put asunder".

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