What does it mean to be a “practicing” Catholic?

[EmergencyOps]

…I can’t partake of the Sacraments but I can take part of things that are Sacramental.Praying the Rosary has been one of the most rewarding experiences I can think of. I can’t imagine life without it.

I’m in the same boat, Teadough. I find the Catholic faith to be so…eventful?? By that I mean that there are so many ways to exercise your faith…sacraments, sacramentals, prayers, devotions, and the list goes on. I partake in sacramentals as I learn about them and embrace them. While the rosary is not one of them, I do genuflect, cross myself (the OLD SCHOOL way that the persecuted Church did…on the forehead), Saint intercessions, and holy water (a reminder of my baptism…albeit a Baptist baptism).


-Mark

 

[blossom02]

Emergency I find your statement that you find the faith eventful a very enlightening one. I, as I said am a cradle catholic and still feel the same way. There is so much richness to the faith that it is like a new toy to a child every day. We all experience dry times but we can be sure that continueing to practice the faith they will turn into the joy and excitement over and over again.

teadough I find your post about wanting the whole shabang a boost in my faith.

I just love to hear the excitment that comes from those converting to the faith. We as catholics hope and pray for others to see what they are missing when outside of the faith. We need to know that our constant prayer is bringing you home.

 

[c659smith]

I was a cradle Catholic. Went to Catholic school, was taught by mainly nuns, was an altar boy, went to Pime Missionary in Oakand New Jersey several weekends a year and a couple of weeks in the summer.
I understood my faith and had faith. But did I understand my Catholic Faith the answer is no.

I began my young Adult life after school going to Mass infrequently and slowly but surely drifted away. Now I professed to be Catholic and if asked would say I was practicing.

At 45 I went back and with a vengence. I now understand my faith, and what a practicing Catholic is. Is it not just going to church on Sundays and Holy Days. It is not saying a rosary once a week. A practicing Catholic is one who lives ones faith at work,play,and rest. Who shares with joy what one has. Who does what one can for the parish through ministries,reads the bible and thirsts for Christian Education and history,

A Practicing Catholic is giving full control of your life to Christ and letting the Holy Spirit work through you and for others.

 

[Jimmy_B]

What is considered a cradle Catholic? Maybe I should know this but I don’t.

I am a “cradle Catholic” and I find the term “born into the faith” somewhat confusing. I was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith (12) days after my birth.

I believe what posters here are trying to say, is that a “cradle Catholic” enters the Catholic faith by way of infant baptism.

Additionally, I was not always a “practicing Catholic” as a young man. I attended RCIA classes (along with converts) and with my wife (another cradle Catholic) for our Confirmation as adults and we also had our wedding “Blessed”.

Therefore, the term “revert” could also be applied to me*.*

Some adults who are baptized into another faith and later join the Catholic Church are referred to as “converts”

 

[guanophore]

Good thread to start!

From what I’ve always understood, a practicing Catholic was someone who regularly received all the sacraments they were able to receive along with confessing all mortal sin immediately as to not prevent oneself from receiving the sacraments.

I think this is right on all accounts. This practice would keep one in a state of grace, so that one can fulfill one’s ministry.

 

[guanophore]

I don’t know many professed Catholics who fit that description. Most that I know make a mockery of the teachings of the Church. So much for the universal church.

It is important not to judge the spotless Bride of Christ based upon the hypocritical and sinful behavior of persons who claim to be in Christ, but are not.

However, I agree that your statement does describe nominal Catholics quite well.

 

[IrishAm]

"IrishAm:

I think you had better find a better group of Catholics to know! While I certainly DO know professed Catholics who fit your description, I also know far more men and women living their faith as best they can according to the teachings of te Church. And when they stumble, they look to their faith for strength and support…

Do you think mass attendance is way above 50%?

Besides mass attendance I would have to guess ABC is something more catholic married couples are using than aren’t.

Huh???

Okay, I’m obviously missing your point. Please explain. (And what is ABC? I’m apparently not using it (whatever it is) because I’m single . .

 

[puzzleannie]

is there some reason a question about Catholics is on a non-Catholic forum?

practicing means I am still working on getting it right, and as practice makes perfect, that I still hope for sainthood someday even though current evidence is not encouraging.

 

[paarsurrey]

We were expected to be charitable to others and trying to grow in virtue. We didn’t talk about the faith in my home to much as a child much but we knew why we did what we did. We were taught to help all people in need (spiritually, physically and emotionally). We were taught to respect others religious beliefs along with their property. The little things that make life a christian life. Nothing big.

Hi

That is a good perspective. I like it from the Catholics.

Our present Caliph Mirza Masroor Ahmad ,supreme head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community a great grandson of the PromisedMessiah 1838-1908), also says that he wants us to be particular on little good things rather than claiming doing bigger things.

Thanks

 

[teadough]

Huh???

Okay, I’m obviously missing your point. Please explain. (And what is ABC? I’m apparently not using it (whatever it is) because I’m single . .

I am assuming ABC = Artificial Birth Control:shrug:

 

[tmango]

Jimmy, my definition of a practicing catholic is one that tries to live his faith each and every day. In order to live one’s faith, of course, one must have a knowledge of that faith and of the precepts of the catholic church. Catholics learn this through the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is basically the “rules and regs” of our faith, as given to us by the Magisterium.

It involves attending church on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, as well as participating in all 7 of the sacraments. It means walking in Christ, loving your God above all else and loving your neighbor. It means helping those less fortunate than yourself, however you can. It means doing things, even little things, with great love and always with thoughts of our Lord. It means embracing your cross, as Jesus did for us, if you have a heavy cross to bear. It means working towards holiness and santification in a world filled with immorality and injustice.

It all comes down to humility and putting others before yourself.

I hope this has helped.