Ethan Walker
Catholicism is one of the world's most popular religions, with over 1.1 billion followers worldwide. Becoming Catholic involves a process of spiritual initiation and commitment to the Church's teachings and traditions. To act like a Catholic, one must first become a Catholic, which can be done through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) or by receiving the three sacraments of initiation: baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. Catholics are expected to attend church regularly, follow the teachings of the Church, and uphold traditions such as honouring the Sabbath and respecting one's parents. Prayer and confession are also important aspects of Catholic life, as well as adhering to the Ten Commandments and the belief in the Holy Trinity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Attend church regularly | Every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation |
| Follow the teachings of the Church | Respect the Pope as the leader of the Catholic Church |
| Trust in priests | Representatives of Christ |
| Hold true to the Traditions of the Faith | Passed down from Jesus Christ to the Apostles |
| Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church | The Fathers' writings |
| Go to confession | |
| Honour your parents | As a child and as an adult |
| Respect the possessions of others | Do not take someone else's property |
| Do not lie | Honour the truth |
| Believe in the Holy Trinity | One God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit |
| Get baptized |
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What You'll Learn
Attend church and pray regularly
Catholics are required to attend church on every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation. The specific Holy Days of Obligation vary by Catholic Church, for example, those of the Byzantine Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh are different from those of the Latin Rite Catholics in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. You can find out the Holy Days of Obligation for your Catholic Church by asking your priest or consulting a Catholic website.
If you are unable to attend church in person, you can listen to a recording of the class or set up an appointment to talk to a priest about the topic you missed. You can also contact the office if you have been away from the Catholic Church and would like to return. They will be happy to help you figure out a plan to return to the Church.
Before you can become Catholic, you will need to go through a preparation process. This process differs depending on whether you are unbaptized or have already been baptized in another Christian denomination. If you are unbaptized, the first step is to learn about the Catholic faith and decide whether you want to embrace it. If you are already baptized, you will likely need to interview with a priest, deacon, or another important member of the parish about your background, knowledge of Catholicism, and intentions surrounding getting baptized.
During your preparation, you will attend mass and pray as you get ready for initiation into the Church. This includes a period of purification and enlightenment, during which you will prepare for three public celebrations: the Rite of Election, the Call to Continuing Conversion, and the Easter Vigil. This period often involves a retreat and a period of intense prayer, and the memorization of prayers like "The Apostles' Creed."
Once you have been initiated into the Catholic Church, you should continue to attend church and pray regularly. You can use a prayer book, such as the Handbook of Prayers, and a Catholic Bible to aid you in your prayers. You can also go to confession regularly and read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the writings of the Fathers to deepen your knowledge of the Catholic faith.
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Follow the teachings of the Church
Catholicism refers to the traditions and beliefs of Catholic Churches. It includes their theology, liturgy, morals, and spirituality. The leader of the Catholic Church is the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, and the Church is based in Vatican City, a small independent country in Rome, Italy. The Catholic Church is one of the world's largest religious denominations, with over 1.1 billion followers worldwide, making up more than 17% of the global population.
To act like a Catholic, it is important to follow the teachings of the Church. The Catholic Church has a set of core beliefs that guide its followers. These include:
- The divinity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
- The importance of baptism for salvation, which serves to remove the original sin of Adam and Eve.
- The Ten Commandments as a moral compass to live by.
- The Bible as the word of God.
- The Holy Trinity, consisting of God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Following the teachings of the Catholic Church involves adhering to these core beliefs and understanding the Church's liturgy and theology. It is also essential to respect the authority of the Pope as the leader of the Church and to seek guidance from Catholic priests, who are representatives of Christ.
Additionally, Catholics are expected to attend church regularly, especially on Sundays, which are treated as the Lord's Day to honour the resurrection of Christ. They are also required to attend on Holy Days of Obligation, which may vary depending on the specific Church and diocese.
To deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith, followers are encouraged to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which outlines the Church's teachings and beliefs. This can be supplemented by reading other Catholic books and websites.
The Catholic Church also places importance on certain sacraments and rituals, such as baptism, confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist. These sacraments are considered essential for full initiation into the Catholic faith.
Furthermore, Catholics are expected to respect their parents and care for them in their old age. The Church also upholds the sanctity of marriage and may require those married outside the Church to have their union blessed.
The Church also provides guidelines for moral behaviour, including commandments that forbid immoral sexual activity, especially adultery, and respect for the possessions and property of others. Lying and bearing false witness against one's neighbour are also considered violations of God's truth.
By following these teachings and guidelines, one can better understand and embody the Catholic faith in their daily lives.
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Read the Catechism and the Bible
Reading the Catechism and the Bible is an important part of being a Catholic. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lays out, point by point, the teachings and beliefs of the Church. It is a detailed exposition of Catholic doctrine, and it is essential for Catholics to familiarise themselves with its contents. The Catechism is a compilation of the fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith, and it serves as a guide for Catholics to understand and live out their faith in their daily lives.
The Bible, on the other hand, is the sacred text of Christianity, which Catholics believe to be the inspired Word of God. It is composed of the Old and New Testaments, containing the history of God's people, the writings of the prophets, and the teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles. The Bible is not just a collection of stories but a guide for Catholics to live a moral and virtuous life. It provides a framework for ethical decision-making and spiritual growth.
Both the Catechism and the Bible are essential resources for Catholics to deepen their understanding of their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. They provide guidance on moral issues, theological teachings, and spiritual practices. By reading and reflecting on these texts, Catholics can gain a better understanding of the tenets of their faith and how to apply them in their daily lives.
The Catechism and the Bible complement each other in the Catholic tradition. The Catechism provides a systematic summary of Catholic doctrine, while the Bible offers the narrative foundation and spiritual inspiration for that doctrine. Together, they form the basis of Catholic belief and practice, informing Catholics' understanding of God, humanity, and the path to salvation.
Additionally, there are numerous resources available to assist Catholics in their study of the Catechism and the Bible. These include commentaries, study guides, and translations that facilitate a deeper understanding of the texts. Seeking guidance from Catholic priests or scholars can also aid in interpreting these sacred texts and applying their teachings to one's life.
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Go to confession
Going to confession is an important part of being a Catholic. It is recommended that Catholics go to confession regularly to receive forgiveness for sins committed after baptism. While some argue that confession isn't biblical, Jesus does command all persons to forgive those who trespass against them personally.
Confession can be done at any time of the year, although the season of Lent is a popular time to go, especially if you've been away from the Church for a long time.
To prepare for confession, you should examine your conscience, rooted in the Ten Commandments and with an awareness of the seven deadly sins. It is important to distinguish between mortal sins and venial or lesser sins. Mortal sins must be confessed before receiving Holy Communion again, and you must confess them in number and kind. You can write them down or use an app to help you remember.
When you enter the confessional, you may greet the priest and tell him that you are a new Catholic. You can then begin with the sign of the cross and say, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was X days/weeks/months/years ago. My sins are... For these and other sins I have forgotten, I am sorry, Father." Alternatively, you can say, "Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. It's been [state the length of time since your last confession]." You should then tell your sins simply and honestly to the priest. You may also want to discuss the circumstances and root causes of your sins and ask for advice or direction.
After you have confessed your sins, the priest will pray for your sins to be forgiven by the grace of God and will make the sign of the cross. He will then say, "I absolve you from your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," and conclude with "Go in peace." You should then accept the penance given to you by the priest, which may include prayers, reflections, or works of charity.
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Honour your parents
Honouring one's parents is one of the Ten Commandments, and is regarded as the fourth commandment by Catholics. This commandment is found in Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16, and is explained in the Catechism as follows:
> God has willed that, after him, we should honour our parents to whom we owe life and who have handed on to us the knowledge of God.
The Catechism also states that honouring one's parents brings about "spiritual and temporal rewards of peace and prosperity", while failure to do so "harms the individual as well as society". This is because the family is seen as the "fundamental building block of society".
So, what does it mean to "honour" one's parents? The Hebrew term for "honour" indicates the glory, value, and "weight" of a reality. It implies recognising the importance of one's parents and expressing this through concrete acts of dedication, affection, and care. This includes providing for their physical needs, especially in their old age, and obeying their lawful commands. It also means showing them respect, gratitude, and love.
However, it is important to note that this commandment does not eliminate the duty of love for God. As the Bible states, "Whoever loves father or mother but more than Me is not worthy of Me". Therefore, while one should honour their parents, God always comes first.
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