Catholic apologetics is the defense and explanation of the teachings, beliefs, and practices of the Catholic Church. Its goal is to remove objections, shed light on difficult or misunderstood matters, and ultimately help win minds and souls for Jesus Christ.

Apologetics is quite literally defense of the faith; the Greek word apologia means “defense” as a lawyer gives at a trial. In every generation, people face the challenges, questions, and concerns of the gospel message of the Christian faith.

In Protestant usage, apologetics can be distinguished from polemics, in which the beliefs of a particular Christian church are defended. Roman Catholics, however, use the term to mean defense of Catholic teaching as a whole and identify apologetics with fundamental theology.

Apologetics discusses and defends the faith against those who don't understand or agree with it. Theology attempts to gain a deeper understanding of the faith.

Apologetics refers to discourse that attempts to both defend and spread Christian beliefs. Many Christians believe apologetics are important because it is a way in which the beliefs of their faith are shared.