Why I’m Catholic
With all these posts about traditionalism and modernism, concepts of beauty and ugliness, rites and wrongs, and truth, I suppose it is important to know the base of my staunch Roman Catholicism.
For many in this part of our country, it seems the standard to go from early education through high school tagging along with your parents, absorbing their beliefs and following their little rituals. But once you pass from youth to adulthood, you must take ownership of your beliefs and develop your own thoughts.
I was raised Roman Catholic. The religion had been ingrained. But when it came time to leave the nest and go to college, I was forced with the tough questions, “Why am I Christian? Why am I Catholic?” And, as has happened so many times throughout history, this search for Truth led me to the Roman Catholic Church. I was home, I just needed reassurance.Why?
Truth. Because the Catholic Church is the One Holy Apostolic True Church, instituted by Christ and held together by the Holy Spirit.
Tradition. The Church professes the faith handed down by the apostles. The Bible is part of this Tradition. Rather than relying on the Bible alone (”sola scriptura”), since everything is not contained in the Bible, the Church relies on Tradition and Faith to develop her theology and doctrines.
Mary. The Church acknowledges the importance of Mary in the Economy of Salvation.
Morality. In periods of relativism, the Church is always a beacon of permanence in setting guides for morality.
History. As Catholics, we can look back upon history and see the development of the Church. Documents from the apostolic period until today reveal the strength and Truth of the Catholic Church.
According to the whole. Catholic. Rather than relying upon one person, the Church proclaims truths “according to the whole.” St. Thomas Aquinas made some mistakes, but, as he prayed, “I leave correction of my failures to the Roman Catholic Church.” By having a variety of sources for development, she avoids overbearance and reduces the chance of error.
The Eucharist. The source and summit of Christian living is the best reason to be Catholic: The Eucharist. Here, the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ is consumed by the faithful. Verily, this is Catholicism.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Eucharist. Mary. The Saints. The Sacraments. Other religions and denominations cannot offer the complete package. Only in the Church is the Fullness of Truth. Thanks be to God for my parents, my priest, my fiancee, and all who have led me to the One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church. May I remain there forever.
~Deo gratias~
