Rachel Evans
Being a good Catholic involves a combination of devotion, education, and community. Catholics are encouraged to pray, attend Mass, and participate in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. They should also read the Bible, the Catechism, and the lives of the saints to deepen their understanding of the faith. Joining a Catholic community or ministry, volunteering, and finding Catholic friends can provide support and encouragement. Catholics should also defend Catholic social teachings and vote accordingly. Other practices include renouncing Satan, abstaining from certain activities on appointed days, receiving Holy Communion, and contributing financially to the Church.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Renounce Satan | Believe in God and Jesus Christ |
| Avoid occult and new age practices | Pray and read the Bible |
| Attend Mass on Sundays and holy days | Receive Holy Communion |
| Fast and abstain on appointed days | Confess sins at least once a year |
| Financially support the Church | Raise children in the Catholic faith |
| Observe Good Friday | Abstain from meat on Fridays or substitute with another penance |
| Defend Catholic social teaching | Vote for policies and candidates that align with Catholic teachings |
| Oppose abortion, euthanasia, sexual activity outside of marriage, etc. | Support others with prayers and financial support |
| Practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy | Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church |
| Find a Catholic community or make Catholic friends | Volunteer in the Parish |
| Cultivate thankfulness |
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What You'll Learn
Attend Mass and receive Holy Communion
Attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion are essential aspects of being a good Catholic. Going to Mass every Sunday is central to Christian worship and allows Catholics to follow the words of Jesus Christ: "Do this in memory of me". During Mass, Catholics encounter the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which directs their hearts back to the source of life itself.
Regular Mass attendance strengthens one's faith through various means, including Scripture readings, the Creed, prayers, sacred music, the homily, and being part of a faith community. The Eucharist, a central part of Mass, provides an immediate personal encounter with Jesus.
Holy Communion, which is received during Mass, is recommended to be received at least during Easter time. However, Catholics are encouraged to receive Communion as often as possible, even weekly or daily. Before receiving Communion, it is important to make a good confession and be in a state of grace. This means confessing one's sins, which is recommended at least annually, but preferably done more frequently, such as monthly or weekly.
In addition to attending Mass and receiving Communion, Catholics are also encouraged to find a Catholic community or make Catholic friends to support their faith journey. This can be done through parish involvement, campus ministry, or other faith-based groups.
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Pray and read the Bible
Prayer and reading the Bible are fundamental aspects of being a good Catholic. The Bible offers first-hand access to the Word of God and tells the story of human salvation. By reading Scripture, Catholics can become more attuned to God's word and deepen their understanding of Church teachings. Prayer, on the other hand, is a way to communicate with God and strengthen one's faith.
There are various ways to incorporate prayer into your life as a Catholic. One way is to pray the Rosary, which involves contemplating the life of Christ through the eyes of Mary, his mother. This practice helps Catholics to emulate Mary's faithfulness and seek her intercession. Additionally, praying with Scripture, either individually or in a group, can help Catholics become more familiar with the Word of God and apply it to their lives.
Another important aspect of Catholic prayer is the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, also known as Confession. This sacrament provides an opportunity for Catholics to confess their sins, receive God's forgiveness, and experience the healing grace that transforms and strengthens their relationship with God. While it is recommended to confess sins at least once a year, doing so more frequently, such as monthly or weekly, can be beneficial for spiritual growth.
In addition to prayer, reading the Bible is crucial for good Catholics. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is a comprehensive resource that covers the beliefs, moral teachings, prayer, and sacraments of the Catholic Church. It serves as a guide for Catholics to deepen their understanding of their faith and apply it to their lives. Reading the Bible and the Catechism helps Catholics form their conscience and make informed decisions that align with their religious values.
Furthermore, reading the lives of the saints is another important aspect of Catholic spiritual growth. The saints provide timeless examples of how to live a Christian life, demonstrating perseverance in the face of sin and striving to serve God in various ways, such as through teaching, missionary work, charity, and prayer. By learning about the lives of the saints, Catholics can find inspiration and guidance on their journey towards holiness.
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Find a Catholic community
Finding a Catholic community is an important part of being a good Catholic. This is because it helps to have support and encouragement from other Catholics as you strive to be a disciple in a modern world that often lives contrary to the Gospel.
There are many ways to find a Catholic community. One way is to join a parish or ministry, such as St. Katharine Drexel (SKD), where you can also find opportunities to volunteer. If you are a student, you can get involved with campus ministry, where you can help build up the community and bring others closer to Christ. You can also pray the Scriptures in a group setting, either in your dorm or led by your campus chaplain.
Another way to find a Catholic community is to join or create an online account on platforms such as Reddit, where you can connect with other Catholics and discuss new developments in the world of Catholicism, theological teachings, and grow in your own spirituality.
You can also find a Catholic community by making Catholic friends. This can be done by extending a loving welcome to those who have drifted from the faith or feel alienated from the Church, as well as by reading and learning about the lives of the saints, who provide timeless examples of how to live a Christian life and endless hope.
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Abstain from certain practices
To be a good Catholic, one must abstain from certain practices. This includes the occult and new age practices such as Ouija boards, horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, and mediums. Catholics are also expected to oppose abortion, euthanasia, sexual activity outside of marriage, contraception, sterilization, polygamy, divorce, pornography, unjust war, and unjust use of capital punishment.
Additionally, Catholics are called to observe the laws of the Church concerning marriage and to abstain from meat on Fridays, or substitute another form of penance with the permission of the bishops. During Easter, one should receive Holy Communion, and fasting is encouraged on appointed days. It is also important to avoid the near occasion of sin and to confess sins regularly, with weekly or monthly confessions recommended.
Catholics are also encouraged to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness, thanking the Lord for three things each day. This helps to kill a bitter heart and fosters a recognition that everything is a gift from God. It is also beneficial to read and reflect on Scripture, particularly the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to deepen one's understanding of the faith and inform one's conscience.
Furthermore, it is essential to abstain from defending one's faith without adequate knowledge. Catholics should strive to learn and grow in their faith by reading recommended books, such as "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales, "Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis, and "Bad Jokes and Good Advice" by Fr. Joe Krupp. Group retreats and podcasts like "Pints with Aquinas" can also provide valuable opportunities for growth and community building.
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Raise children in the Catholic faith
Raising children in the Catholic faith is a commitment to teaching them about God and the Church. It involves educating them about theology and the key tenets of Catholicism, while also fostering a relationship with God and encouraging them to take ownership of their faith.
Parents play a crucial role in this process. They should strive to live out their faith actively, attending Mass and praying regularly with their children. It is important to be open and honest when answering children's questions about faith and to learn alongside them when necessary. This includes being prepared to address difficult topics within the Church, such as the clergy sex abuse crisis or the position on same-sex marriage, without dismissing or oversimplifying these issues.
Creating habits of devotion is also important. This can include praying the Rosary, observing days of penance, and receiving Holy Communion during Easter. Parents can also encourage their children to participate in Catholic communities or ministries, as well as find Catholic friends who can support and encourage them in their faith journey.
It is worth noting that some sources emphasize the importance of presenting Catholicism as the one truth. This can be challenging in households with parents of different faiths, as it may require teaching children things that one parent may not personally believe. In such cases, it is recommended to be transparent and ensure that children receive a unified message about faith, even if it means seeking outside support for their religious education.
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Frequently asked questions
Some habits that can help you become a good Catholic include:
- Reading the Bible, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the lives of the saints
- Praying the Rosary
- Joining a Catholic community or finding Catholic friends
- Volunteering in the Parish
- Going to Mass every Sunday
Some books that can help you become a better Catholic include:
- Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis De Sales
- Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
- Signs of Life by Scott Hahn
- The Lamb's Supper by Scott Hahn
Some online resources that can help include:
- Bishop Barron YouTube channel
- Pints with Aquinas podcast
- Laudate app
