What Does It Mean to Be Catholic?
Published October 11, 2022
While some chose to convert to Catholicism, many of us are born into this faith. As such, it’s no surprise that some Catholics don’t really fully comprehend what this religion is about. So what does it mean to be Catholic?
As simple as this question may seem, it’s something that many of us don’t really know the answer to. Because being Catholic means more than just reciting the rosary, believing in saints, or going to church every Sunday. In fact, there is no single definition that can define what a Catholic is.
Some define being Catholic as a continuous personal encounter with Christ that renews our spirit. While others say that being Catholic means sensing God’s presence and power in and around us. But these definitions do not fully encapsulate the essence of being a Catholic.
To really understand what it means to be Catholic, let’s first define what a Catholic is.
Defining Catholicism
According to jesuitresource.org, the word “Catholic” came from a Greek term that means “through the whole”. It can also mean something that is “universal”, “worldwide”, or “all-inclusive”. The first recorded use of the term was in St. Ignatius of Antioch’s letter to the Smyrneans. In there, he wrote that:
wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.
What does this mean for us?
During Jesus’ ministry, he emphasized the importance of loving God and loving others regardless of who they are. He showed it himself when he talked with the Samaritan woman in the well, dined with sinners, and preached to the Gentiles.
This is why one of the basic tenets of Catholicism is the universality of God’s love. Catholics come from all corners of the world. We speak different languages, have widely varying cultures, and live very different lives. Yet, we are united in God’s love – a love so great that He sacrificed His only son so that our sins may be forgiven.
The Difference Between Christians and Catholics
There’s a common misconception that Catholics are not Christians. While non-Christians tend to think that “Christians” and “Catholics” are the same.
For starters, all Catholics are Christians but not all Christians are Catholics. The term “Catholic” usually refers to members of the Roman Catholic Church. While “Christians” refer to anyone who believes in Christ regardless of their religious affiliation.
There are several things that set Catholics apart from other Christians such as:
- the use of symbolism in expressing our faith (statues, pictures, rosaries, etc.)
- practicing the Holy Sacraments
- having a standard liturgy
- the belief in the communion of saints
What Do Catholics Believe In?
Every religion has its own core set of beliefs and teachings. Here are some of the tenets that define the Catholic faith:
The Trinity
One of the most basic Catholic doctrines is the Trinity: that there is one God manifested in three persons:
1. The Father, Who Is The Creator;
Catholics believe in God, the loving Father, and Creator. We believe that His love is overflowing and limitless.
2. The Son, Who Is The Redeemer
Catholics believe that God sent his own beloved Son, Jesus Christ. The Redeemer, our Lord, and Savior, who suffered and died on the cross, rose from the dead to save us from our sins, and gave us the gift of eternal life.
3. and the Holy Spirit, Who Is The Sanctifier.
Catholics believe in the Holy Spirit and the powerful presence that it gives to the church. Provided by the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the Church at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit lets us live a righteous and faithful life. It acts as a comforter, especially in times of our trials.
Christ’s Teachings
Like all Christians, the Catholic faith puts much emphasis on the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In the Old Testament, God gave us ten commandments to follow. Jesus, in the New Testament, summed those up into two: to love God above all else and to love others as we love ourselves. Through his parables and preachings, he also taught us to practice forgiveness and mercy. These teachings form the core of the Catholic church’s dogma which every faithful must strive to follow.
Sacraments
Catholics worship, praise, and follow God by living a sacramental life. We believe that the sacraments bring us up close and personal with God. For example, the bread and wine in the Holy Eucharist is more than just a symbol of receiving the body and blood of Christ. It’s about communing with God and being one with Him.
Applying The Scriptures in Our Daily Lives
To be able to follow God and live a righteous life, Catholics acknowledge the importance of reading and practicing the teachings in the Holy Bible.
Bearing Witness to God
Like how Christ endured suffering and rejections, Catholics preach the word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world where the values and teachings are often contrary to what God and Jesus say, Catholics speak up for what we believe to be right and true.
The Communion of Saints
This is what most people often misunderstood about us Catholics. And even some Catholics misunderstood the values of believing in the communion of saints. The latter part of the Nicene Creed also concisely sums up this belief.
But when we say we believe in the communion of saints, that doesn’t mean that we tend to think of them as equal to God and Christ. We are connected to our Christian family through the Holy Spirit. We don’t worship our brothers and sisters but we do respect them and ask them to pray for us. The Bible says that the prayer of a holy person is very powerful. Saints are holy people who can pray for us. They are an instrument for us to be more connected to God and feel His eternal love.
So What Does It Mean to be Catholic?
As mentioned, there is no single phrase or sentence that can define the Catholic faith. If you ask Catholics right now about what it means to be Catholic, you’ll surely get varying answers.
But for me, being a Catholic means fulfilling the mission that Christ himself set for us: to love God and love others. And no, it’s not just about attending mass or praying to the saints. Being a Catholic is a life-long and continuous encounter with God. It’s about living our lives as Christ’s disciples and as living witnesses to His divine grace.
How about you? What does being a Catholic mean to you?
(Related: What’s the Difference Between Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation?)
Seek a Deeper Connection with God and Join Lay Cistercians of South Florida
Lay Cistercians of South Florida, is a community of lay people who seeks to have a deeper connection with God by living a life inspired by the monks and nuns through Lay Monasticism. Learn more about what is a Lay Cistercian on our website. Anyone who aspires to do the same as us, and is a confirmed Catholic is welcome to join us! We meet every second Saturday of the month at Emmanuel Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Florida.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
