What does a "good Catholic" do?

[AlieMarie728]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

 

[Razanir]

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

The bolded part. Oh, and actually following what the Church teaches (unlike cafeteria Catholics). All those devotionals are completely optional. I, at least:
-Carry a one-decade Rosary ring with me at all times
-Try to pray it daily (I know what I’m taking on for Lent )
-Now that I have more freedom (college), I’ve decided to make a point of going to Mass on the Feast of St. Blaise (Confirmation saint)
-And I’m learning the Chaplet of St. Michael

 

[AlanFromWichita]

Minimum = five precepts:

From the Catechism

II. THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH

2041 The precepts of the Church are set in the context of a moral life bound to and nourished by liturgical life. The obligatory character of these positive laws decreed by the pastoral authorities is meant to guarantee to the faithful the very necessary minimum in the spirit of prayer and moral effort, in the growth in love of God and neighbor:

2042 The first precept (“You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor”) requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days.82

The second precept (“You shall confess your sins at least once a year”) ensures preparation for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism’s work of conversion and forgiveness.83

The third precept (“You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season”) guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord’s Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.84

2043 The fourth precept (“You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the Church”) ensures the times of ascesis and penance which prepare us for the liturgical feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.85

The fifth precept (“You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church”) means that the faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own ability.86

The faithful also have the duty of providing for the material needs of the Church, each according to his own abilities.87

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

Look up your nearest parish, find their website, and sign up for the “Catholicism” series by Fr. Robert Barron. A lot of parishes are running it this spring. Good refresher course for a lapsed Catholic.

You can buy a small book of common Catholic prayers, if you were not taught them growing up. You don’t have to go on any pilgrimages at all, it’s not required of us. And medals and scapulars are optional - just another way to show our faith and devotion to Jesus, Mary and the saints.

This book has been helpful for many people, including lapsed Catholics.

Catholicism for Dummies

 

[Yearning_Heart]

I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

A ‘good catholic’ tries and when fails, tries again by making use of the Sacraments, prays etc and let’s God work with them. You don’t have to be perfect, so don’t worry if it all doesn’t come at once, or easily-it takes time

 

[Domiy]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

“To love God with all your heart, all your mind, all of your strength and all of your soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself”.

That is the mission statement of any Catholic in a nutshell, according to Jesus.

Your objective as a follower of the Church should be to follow Jesus, to grow with him closer and closer. To get to know Him personally; this helps you achieve what you need to. Pilgrimages and the vast range of prayers are completely optional, but if you had the means to undertake them then you should do so, they’re amazingly beneficial. The best thing is that it comes down to personal preference. If you happen to prefer one saint or set of prayers or whatever over something else, then go for it. Whatever you feel is best for you, as long as it is within the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

Oh, and as a member, it is your duty to fight for the Church, to serve it where and when you can, however you can. That can be financial donations, voluntary work (my mum offers to clean the premise, free of charge of course), or even just through simple prayers. I would start by reading through the Bible and/or the Catholic Catechism (you can find it through Google).

God Bless

 

[CalCatholic]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

Start slowly, attend Mass every Sunday, establish a daily prayer life (with established prayers or just talk to God). Ask for the Holy Spirit to fill your life and provide you with wisdom. And if you do the 5 precepts that are required of Catholics by the Church (which Alan posted above), the rest will take care of itself in time.

 

[mangy_dog]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

Do the basic Catholic things really, really well:

-A life of prayer and a life of the spirit nurtured by the Sacraments of Confession and Communion.
-Pray the Rosary everyday.
-Go to mass every Sunday and every day of obligation.

Simple. Be the same person at home and at work and in your car driving, that you are at church.

 

[tomarin]

Mt 22:36 “[Jesus], which is the great commandment in the law?” And he said to him, ’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.”

 

[EmeraldWings]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

A good Catholic is one who tries his best to live in imitation of Christ and be obedient to His commands and the commands of His Church,
those exterior things are important and necessary for your faith, but they do not guarantee you’re a good Catholic, and really, there are people who do all those devotions, but at the same time commit serious sins and hides them even in confession, just for the sake of appearing good to those around them…

i can’t teach you all at once in this one little post how to be a good Catholic, but i can at least point you in the right direction,
there are several books every Catholic should have and read from every day, number one of course is the bible, and i would recommend the Douay-Rheims version, plus a good bible commentary, since we should not try and interpret the bible on our own, that’s the job of the Church…you can find both of those on www.tanbooks.com
and you can also read them free online here - drbo.org/
haydock1859.tripod.com/
also the Imitation of Christ - archive.org/details/imitationofchris012486mbp which is also on tanbooks.
and thirdly, you need a good book on the lives of the saints…or books, you can find many lives of the saints on tanbooks, but i would recommend these in particular - store.saintbenedict.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=12&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1&vmcchk=1&Itemid=1
and here are a few other sites that you’ll also find very helpful -
audiosancto.org/
fisheaters.com/
keepthefaith.org/
z13.invisionfree.com/DominamStellaMaris/index.php?showforum=1
archive.org/details/meditationsday00bacouoft
archive.org/details/theheartofthegos00donnuoft
archive.org/details/thebeatitudesthe00bolouoft

so first of all, what you wanna do to start on the road to being a “good” Catholic, is just educate yourself in the faith, and be patient with yourself, God doesn’t expect perfection from you, especially not when you’re just beginning,
it’s good to have a spiritual director if you can find one, but if not, just try and stick with Catholic books with the Church approval markings in them, which are either the “Imprimatur”, “Imprimi Potest”, and “Nihil Obstat”.

how to be a good catholic is really such a broad subject i don’t even know where i should begin…and to be honest it’s not something anyone can tell you in one sitting, so i would just recommend checking out those links i gave you, and take it easy, just go at a pace that you’re comfortable with and you won’t be as likely to get overwhelmed.

but one thing in particular to help you keep focused, is just to remember why you were created, and what the meaning of life is, which is - to know, love, and serve God in this life, so that we may be happy with Him in the next…and also, to keep death always before your eyes is one of the means most of the Saints used to keep themselves on the straight and narrow, whenever you feel tempted to quit, or just tempted to sin in general, remember how short your life is, and how uncertain the time of your death is, and that will be a great way of helping you always to return to God.

well, if you have any specific questions about anything, i’d be happy to try and help, feel free to PM me too.
so i hope this helps, take care.

 

[fred_conty]

I am 26-year-old female, quasi-lapsed Catholic (was raised in the Church, fell away during college, am now contemplating returning). I’ve been reading a lot about the faith, but I’m still confused on a few things. Much of what I’m reading makes sense to me, although I have a lot of apprehension as to if I could truly live the faith fully without cutting corners.

I feel like I’m not getting a clear picture as to what a “good Catholic” should do. I know about attending Mass each week and on Holy Days of Obligation, receiving the sacraments, and acting in love toward others, but I hear about all of these different prayers to pray, pilgrimages to take, medals/scapulars to wear, and so on, and it gets confusing and overwhelming.

Of all of the prayers and actions that the church has, what does God and the Church requires out us as believers?

The very first thing is to go to make a good confession. If you don’t know how, you may always as the priest to help you. If you once know what you did wrong, then you will know what to do and what not to do in the future. Go to confession every week for the first few months if it is possible so you don’t give up or back step. God gives you many graces in the confessional.

If you make good confessions, then you can make good communions, at least on Sunday if not thru the week.

Try to pray the rosary every day. It too is something that will provide you with grace to remain faithful. Mary asked us to pray it.

Here is some help praying the rosary.

Thoughts for each decade of the rosary, for each bead.
rosary-center.org/joyful.htm
rosary-center.org/luminous.htm
rosary-center.org/glorious.htm
rosary-center.org/sorrow.htm

History of the Rosary
catholicapologetics.org/ap080600.htm

You can try Methods of saying the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort
montfort.org.uk/Writings/MSR.html

Scriptural rosary
ainglkiss.com/ros/sr.htm

How to say and pray the rosary
familyrosary.org/en/TheRosary.aspx

Thoughts for each decade of the rosary
rosary-center.org/howto.htm

Scriptual thoughts
how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com/military-victories-through-the-rosary.html

Pray the rosary in 17 minutes with online audio.
catholicity.com/cds/rosary.html

Get a miraculous medal, have it blessed, and start wearing it. Mary promised to those who wore it in her honor that she would see to it that GREAT and ABUNDANT graces would be received. Just trust her and she will do it. One way to use it is to wear it, and then hold it while praying for a special grace. She is the mother of God and will keep her word. Just pledge to her that you will try to live a good life for her son and then ask and thank her for her help.

I am very happy for you, and will pray that you become one again with our dear Lord.