Talking about Catholicism in everyday life

[snowflakeinlove]

Does anyone else have difficulty explaining Catholicism-related things to non Catholic friends/ family/ peers in everyday conversation?

I always feel like I am either watering things down, hiding something, or being confusing by using words that are too “Catholic” and assuming they know what I mean when they probably don’t.

For instance, if you have an Adoration hour at 10 pm, do you just tell people you are going to church late at night? What do you say when they ask “Why so late?” Do you say you are going to “Adoration” even though your friends might have no idea what that is? If they ask, how do you explain that in a few sentences? Do you just end it with “Oh it’s just something Catholics do”

Same with things like confession, sacramentals, etc.

Thoughts? Advice?

 

[Neofight]

I used to water down my faith. But since undergoing a conversion three years ago, I proclaim my faith unabashedly using every question, or comment as an opportunity for catechesis or evangelization, remembering Christ’s words about if we denied knowing him, he would deny knowing us!

 

[Ad_Orientem]

You don’t have to give everyone a graduate level course in Catholic theology every time they ask a simple question. If you try to, they will be overwhelmed and sorry they asked. It is not “watering down the faith” to state things in terms they can understand or relate to, especially if you don’t have the time, at the moment, to give a long explanation. If the occasion presents itself, or they have questions, and you have time and knowledge, by all means share. But I’d do so gradually, in installments, rather than trying to present the whole faith all at once. You can’t.

 

[snowflakeinlove]

You don’t have to give everyone a graduate level course in Catholic theology every time they ask a simple question. If you try to, they will be overwhelmed and sorry they asked. It is not “watering down the faith” to state things in terms they can understand or relate to, especially if you don’t have the time, at the moment, to give a long explanation. If the occasion presents itself, or they have questions, and you have time and knowledge, by all means share. But I’d do so gradually, in installments, rather than trying to present the whole faith all at once. You can’t.

I agree- I guess my question is more “how would you explain these things in a sentence or two?”

 

[Canuck000]

I just tell them I’m on my way to “visit” with Jesus for awhile.

 

[judynurse]

If they look confused about “Adoration” just tell them that it is a tradition in the Catholic Church to spend an hour or two at the Church, praying and being aware of the Presence of Jesus there. That should make it clear, but leave an opening for them to ask more questions later. If they ask “why so late at night” (10 pm), tell them that many members if your Parish take turns so that someone is there 24 hours a day to “pray always”, which is in their Bible also, or which they will at least have heard quoted if they aren’t churchgoers. That is enough for a first “lesson” and may lead to more interested questions later. Be prepared for questions later about “worshiping” Mary, or the use of statues in our Church. Lots of answers for you on threads or in Apologetics Forums, which can be simplified for them. Don’t start an argument, just speak as though these are “normal” and Biblical to Catholics.

 

[svid2]

Pax Christi!

You can tell them that Adoration is a form of prayer, which it is.

Sometimes I wear a button that says “Papist”. Watering down is for drinks.

God bless.