Dec 9

Written by: host
12/9/2008 8:57 AM

I’m not saying we start running around shouting to everyone “Hey did you know I’m Catholic?” or wearing t-shirts with Latin sayings on them that we’re not really sure what they mean.    Where we reside (southeastern US) there is always some general, friendly religious discussion that goes around work.  At the least you get “Where do you go to Church?” or “What did you do last Sunday?” 

How do you respond when this happens?  Do you use generic terms and try to play down any opportunity to talk about religion? I used to find myself saying "church" or "service" and be afraid to use the word Mass.  It has also, in some way, become a silly excuse for not making holy days of obligation; not wanting to explain or expose my Catholic-ness.

Well somehow I finally grew up.  Looking back, it is obvious what caused the fear.  Although being a cradle Catholic, I was still not prepared for the 100’s of questions and stereotypes that Catholics experience.  How am I to answer to other Christians as a good Catholic when I didn’t even know what or why myself. 

I have spent the past couple of years reading, discussing and learning about the Catholic Faith.  There is beauty, mystery, and profound insight in our faith.  The challange is that there is so much to know. 

It appears that Pope Benedict and the church realize this with all of the new adult education going on in Dioceses around the country.  In Nashville there are new study groups gathering under the program"Why Catholic".  I know in Kentucky they have a program called "Echo" that are adult Catechesis classes taught by the parish priest.  I know one Parish in Bowling Green where there is a waiting list for the class.

If you get stuck with a question that you can't answer there is always the Gold Standard: Catholic Answers.  This web site is set up to answer any question posed by any body about the Catholic religion.  I have it on my favorites and use it often.

If you truly feel blessed by your religion then give yourself the knowledge to stand up for it.

In Christ

TCP

Do not worry about how or what your defense will be
or about what you are to say.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
Luke 12:12

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