So, you’re reading this bulletin . . . you came to Mass today. What does that mean? Are you looking for God in your life? Has the Catholic Faith called out to you? What is a Catholic anyway? . . . Here’s a partial list of things that are Catholic. There’s a whole lot more to mention, important things like joy, peace, forgiveness, service to the needy etc. But, here are some basics. See if you hold to these.
- Catholics are Christians. We believe Jesus is the Son of God.
- Baptism begins a life of union with Him.
- Catholics believe most everything other Christians believe but sometimes more.
- Mary is really important to Catholics because she gave birth to God.
- Catholics believe Jesus is the head of the Church and we are the Body (So there is only one church)
- Catholics believe Jesus wanted someone to “steer the ship” through human history so He gave us Peter and the apostles (and their successors, the pope and the bishops).
- Catholics believe Jesus gave us seven sacraments to experience God’s grace (love) when we receive them. The sacraments are actual encounters with Christ in the present moment.
- Most sacraments need a priest. Priests are those guys who stand in the place of Christ to be a “door” to the One Priest, Jesus.
- Priests have a sacrament that helps them act in the Person of Christ (Holy Orders) but, this doesn’t prevent them from being sinners like the rest of us.
- Catholics think it’s all right to have a cold beer!
- All Catholics are sinners and need God’s mercy
- Catholics go to Confession when they have sinned and Jesus forgives them right then and there. (I know, it’s amazing. We can’t see Him but, He’s right there in the Holy Spirit!”)
- Catholics have to go to Mass on Sunday. Keep holy the Lord’s Day
- Catholics believe the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ at mass. Jesus feeds us with Himself. (This part is really Catholic !!)
- Catholics are generally no better than anyone else and sometimes we’re worse! But God holds us responsible for more.
- Our hope and strength for life (when things get really hard and scary) is that Jesus is raised from the dead.
- Catholics believe that somehow (God knows how) it will all work out. Why? Because God loves us.
So, what if I’m not there? What if I don’t believe all that stuff? I was baptized but nothing much ever came after that . . . am I Catholic?
The answer is YES. The grace of Baptism will never go away for you. You are forever a Child of God with Christ as your light. But the question back to you is DO YOU WANT TO BE CATHOLIC? Do you want to start again the Catholic walk?
ay I suggest something to you? Just come. Just walk right in and sit down. There is no test to pass, no money to pay. This church is just as much yours as anyone’s. Call this place your spiritual home and COME!
God will do the rest. God will come to you with His grace to show you the way. Give God a chance ok? Listen to the music. Hear the gospel and say the prayers (ask the person next to you to help you with the book). Welcome!! You’re home. Watch now what God can do!
Have a blessed Christmas week.
Fr. Tim
