Just be Catholic!

[perro_sarnoso]

My dear brothers and sisters,

To evangelize others doesn’t mean you have to be a used car salesperson. Just be a good Catholic.
Devout, reverent, prayerful - with a life of prayer and a life of the spirit, nurtured by the Sacraments.

If and when asked about your faith - don’t mumble or water down anything about your catholic faith. Let your answer be simple and non-litigious. If you’re not sure how to expound on a specific subject, you can always conclude that you are catholic and this is what I believe.

Don’t exclude or “ecumenize” the things that are very catholic: The Real Presence; the Immaculate, Perpetual Virgin Mother of God: Confession; the Rosary; Purgatory and so on. This is who we are.

We don’t have to be apologists and theologians to simply say that we believe these catholic teachings and dogmas.

Do the basic catholic things really , really well and you will be preaching with your lives. Glorify the Lord with your lives!

 

[chipeto]

Amen!

 

[AlanFromWichita]

We don’t have to be apologists and theologians to simply say that we believe these catholic teachings and dogmas.

Do the basic catholic things really , really well and you will be preaching with your lives. Glorify the Lord with your lives!

I really liked your post. For hundreds of years, in the early church, that was really about the only way they had to do it, except for the lucky few who were educated.

Alan

 

[quiet52]

According to the culture of the day religion is NEVER to be discussed because it’s just not politically correct. I would absolutely love to talk about the faith, but in social settings, it is rarely brought up as a topic of discussion, unless someone is criticizing the faith or Catholics in general.

 

[White_Peony]

I agree that you should live like a Catholic, but Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:14) We gotta tell everyone Who died for you and me!

 

[haastiin]

I would like to share your post with my Catholic friends, especially my colleagues on the Pastoral Council. We are considering ways to make Evangelization a principle focus for our strategic planning. As is often noted, the question “Are you Christian or Catholic” comes up frequently. BEING Catholic in a very distinct way doesn’t mean we have to aggressively Catholic. Being assertive about affirming our faith and confirming our beliefs and practices is an excellent format for ongoing evangelization. Just be Catholic - Do What You Do. One thing I do is post a scriptural message from a Catholic viewpoint every Friday at aloha-friday.org. Everyone is welcomed there.

 

[AlanFromWichita]

As is often noted, the question “Are you Christian or Catholic” comes up frequently. BEING Catholic in a very distinct way doesn’t mean we have to aggressively Catholic.

…

Just be Catholic - Do What You Do. One thing I do is post a scriptural message from a Catholic viewpoint every Friday at aloha-friday.org. Everyone is welcomed there.

I agree. I think too many of us are too eager to reel the fish in, without giving them enough time with the bait. Or we use bare hooks and forget to even bait them. If we truly “become” Catholic rather than just “profess” or “have membership in” the Catholic faith, the rest will take care of itself. We are the bait, our beliefs and professions are the net. We take the bait to wherever they already are.

Alan

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I agree that you should live like a Catholic, but Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:14) We gotta tell everyone Who died for you and me!

Then do so! - and when necessary, use words.

Let your life be a gospel. Let your catholic life and example be the preaching and teaching.

Wear and pray your sacramentals. And if someone were to ask you why you believe what you believe, be prepared to give an answer.

And if someone should ask you what is a Rosary…be prepared to answer with the conviction of a catholic that believes in miracles and the apparitions of the Blessed Mother to St. Dominic.

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I would like to share your post with my Catholic friends, especially my colleagues on the Pastoral Council. We are considering ways to make Evangelization a principle focus for our strategic planning. As is often noted, the question “Are you Christian or Catholic” comes up frequently. BEING Catholic in a very distinct way doesn’t mean we have to aggressively Catholic. Being assertive about affirming our faith and confirming our beliefs and practices is an excellent format for ongoing evangelization. Just be Catholic - Do What You Do. One thing I do is post a scriptural message from a Catholic viewpoint every Friday at aloha-friday.org. Everyone is welcomed there.

Remember my friend, Catholics are Christians. We don’t have to make the distinction because both terms were coined in the early church: St. Ignatius and St. Evodius.

So the answer to- are you Christian or ar you Catholic? for me would be “Yes”. Which, no doubt will bring a puzzled look from the person. That is our opportunity to proclaim…to be Catholic is to be Christian. Catholics are the original Christians.

Opportunities and curious questions about what we do and what we pray and what we wear are like open invitations to share our catholicism - without arrogance or attitude but , with humility and conviction.

Yes!! please share.

In hoc signo vinces +

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I really liked your post. For hundreds of years, in the early church, that was really about the only way they had to do it, except for the lucky few who were educated.

Alan

And yet, the Lord reveals Himself to to little ones, the poor, the meek and humble…like Him. Who is really lucky.?

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I agree. I think too many of us are too eager to reel the fish in, without giving them enough time with the bait. Or we use bare hooks and forget to even bait them. If we truly “become” Catholic rather than just “profess” or “have membership in” the Catholic faith, the rest will take care of itself. We are the bait, our beliefs and professions are the net. We take the bait to wherever they already are.

Alan

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

 

[perro_sarnoso]

According to the culture of the day religion is NEVER to be discussed because it’s just not politically correct. I would absolutely love to talk about the faith, but in social settings, it is rarely brought up as a topic of discussion, unless someone is criticizing the faith or Catholics in general.

This is precisely why we have to be astutute like snakes but remaining meek like lambs.

Throughout the day there are opportunities to love and serve the Lord and be a witness onto others.

We don’t alway have to use words. Just our example is sufficient. Keep a life of prayer and a life of the spirit and you’ll not only reflect Jesus onto others - but even more - they will see Jesus \and not you.

Just be catholic. What’s the worst that can happen?? Persecution? Religious discrimination against you? Insults?

Cheer up!! your in good company…The Saints and Martyrs and Jesus Himself were treated this way.

Just be catholic.

 

[perro_sarnoso]

Amen!

 

[jesuspsr]

My dear brothers and sisters,

To evangelize others doesn’t mean you have to be a used car salesperson. Just be a good Catholic.
Devout, reverent, prayerful - with a life of prayer and a life of the spirit, nurtured by the Sacraments.

If and when asked about your faith - don’t mumble or water down anything about your catholic faith. Let your answer be simple and non-litigious. If you’re not sure how to expound on a specific subject, you can always conclude that you are catholic and this is what I believe.

Don’t exclude or “ecumenize” the things that are very catholic: The Real Presence; the Immaculate, Perpetual Virgin Mother of God: Confession; the Rosary; Purgatory and so on. This is who we are.

We don’t have to be apologists and theologians to simply say that we believe these catholic teachings and dogmas.

Do the basic catholic things really , really well and you will be preaching with your lives. Glorify the Lord with your lives!

 

[nickybr38]

My dear brothers and sisters,

To evangelize others doesn’t mean you have to be a used car salesperson. Just be a good Catholic.
Devout, reverent, prayerful - with a life of prayer and a life of the spirit, nurtured by the Sacraments.

If and when asked about your faith - don’t mumble or water down anything about your catholic faith. Let your answer be simple and non-litigious. If you’re not sure how to expound on a specific subject, you can always conclude that you are catholic and this is what I believe.

Don’t exclude or “ecumenize” the things that are very catholic: The Real Presence; the Immaculate, Perpetual Virgin Mother of God: Confession; the Rosary; Purgatory and so on. This is who we are.

We don’t have to be apologists and theologians to simply say that we believe these catholic teachings and dogmas.

Do the basic catholic things really , really well and you will be preaching with your lives. Glorify the Lord with your lives!

Living the life incites questions, which, I believe, are opportunities to plant seeds. Be thoughtful in your responses at all times and always have an answer for the faith that is in you.

 

[fred_conty]

I would say be a genuinely holy Catholic. Not holier than thou. But working at doing the
will of God. A holy Catholic must be different. The big question is “am I different or am I
the run of the mill?” If different, then you are indeed giving a good image of Jesus to those who are searching for Him.

Just a thought. What’s yours?

 

[Emerite]

I belive in living an exemplary life as a Catholic – this often speaks for itself. However, I feel angered and a need to defend our Catholic faith when it is condemned so badly. I’d like feedback on my recent response to the editor, of a very offensive, tasteless article I read in a weekly newsletter, while waiting in a hair salon. It reads:

“I just read January 18, 2012’s, Dig, published by digbatonrouge.com, and find the article “Cathola-Schism!”, in Celebrity Fix, by Joseph Ivan, extremely offensive and in very poor taste. First, someone needs to learn that it is “altar boy,” and not “alter boy.” Michael Fassbender, whom you mention, along with countless Catholic-school-educated people, including me, have only good things to say about the excellent environment we were schooled in. The rare cases are being touted as the norm, when this is not entirely the case. It is my belief that molestations by Boy Scout leaders, leaders of other religious denominations, etc., don’t get near as much bad publicity as when it’s happened in the Catholic community. It’s just a put down on Catholicism, the one, true church founded by Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church is sympathetic towards gays, it just wants the world to know that immoral, gay activity is totally against the teachings of the Christian holy bible and Catholic Church. And I don’t think the Catholic Church calls women “whores,” as you say. What better illustration of respect for women, than Catholics’ devotion to Mary, the blessed mother of Jesus Christ? Your article reflects a warped view of Catholicism. I pray for your enlightenment, and that you change your anti-Catholic perspective before you arrive at your own judgment day, before God.”

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I would like to share your post with my Catholic friends, especially my colleagues on the Pastoral Council. We are considering ways to make Evangelization a principle focus for our strategic planning. As is often noted, the question “Are you Christian or Catholic” comes up frequently. BEING Catholic in a very distinct way doesn’t mean we have to aggressively Catholic. Being assertive about affirming our faith and confirming our beliefs and practices is an excellent format for ongoing evangelization. Just be Catholic - Do What You Do. One thing I do is post a scriptural message from a Catholic viewpoint every Friday at aloha-friday.org. Everyone is welcomed there.

First of all my apologies for taking so long to answer this post.

And yes, please share. Just be Catholic - Do what you do. Make it a poster, a bumper sticker or a tee-shirt. Share, share, share.

A good catholic idea is meant to be shared and not patented. It is for the benefit of all, especially catholics who might feel helpless, shunned or otherwise oppressed.

Many catholics have gone on to live and die heroic lives for just doing what is basic every day catholic reverence, devotion and tradition.

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I would say be a genuinely holy Catholic. Not holier than thou. But working at doing the
will of God. A holy Catholic must be different. The big question is “am I different or am I
the run of the mill?” If different, then you are indeed giving a good image of Jesus to those who are searching for Him.

Just a thought. What’s yours?

A life of prayer and a life of the spirit, nurtured by the Sacraments is the surest way of following the will of God and of tempering our prideful inclinations.

Confession and Communion go hand in hand. Just be catholic.

 

[perro_sarnoso]

I agree that you should live like a Catholic, but Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:14) We gotta tell everyone Who died for you and me!

Before I eat anything (wherever I may be) I pray - giving thanks to God for this meal, big or small, and I make the sign of the cross. I don’t make a spectacle of it but, I don’t hide it either.

When asked in public or in private - what my religion is - I say Catholic. Some would prefer to use the more ambiguous “christian”. Not because it implies that I am a follower of Christ but because there seems to be a certain shame or stigma to saying “I am catholic”.

Catholics are the original Christians. And in this context I use them indistinguishably. However, in this day and age we have to be clear as to our identity so we don’t end up denying by omission who we are. Catholics.