November 12, 2009

I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER*

* (my emphasis in bold, my comments in red)

"What does it mean, really, to be a Catholic? After all, being a Catholic has to mean something, right?

Being a Catholic means that you’re part of a faith community that possesses a clearly defined authority and doctrine, obligations and expectations. It means that you believe AND accept the teachings of the Church, especially (but not only) on essential matters of faith and morals; that you belong to a local Catholic community, a parish; that you attend Mass on Sundays and receive the sacraments regularly; that you support the Church, personally, publicly, spiritually and financially." - Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, RI

2 comments:

Louisiana Rose said...

Amen!

That pretty much sums it up. I think many Catholics do not undertand their religion. Just know the mechanics of it and the "laws." That's sad. That's why there are so many "Cafeteria Catholics."

Fr John Speekman said...

So you would love the new Premier of the State of New South Wales here in Australia. We are all (not) excited because she's a catholic. Here is a little news item from CathNews this morning.


'NSW Premier Kristina Keneally is in "utter agreement" with the teachings of the Catholic Church but wants female priests, the vow of celibacy relaxed and believes abortion "should be safe, it should be available ... and it should be rare".'

Isn't that nice .. 'utter agreement'?