Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure. - St. John Paul II Time and time again due to the latest headlines about the Catholic Church in the secular media outlets, such as a new lawsuit alleging child abuse by a clergy member or the ‘risk of schism’ due to the actions being taken by the Church in Germany, I have been asked the following question, “How are you still Catholic?” It is a question that often has been presented to me not simply with verbal words, but usually with the addition of an eye roll and look of complete and utter perplexity. It was not a query that I could readily answer at first, and it was not until the first time someone presented it to me that I deeply pondered such thoughts within my heart and mind as to what I would offer as a response.
Beautifully written. I see so many wander away from their faith, not walk away, largely because they do not fully understand what they are abandoning. They never encountered our Lord. Part of this is a luke-warm attitude about salvation among so many Catholics. This results in an "everyone is going to heaven attitude", so why bother. The Lord needs Catholics to be active evangelists, excited about their faith and mostly, in love with God. We tend to often default to a live and let live attitude. Heaven is truly at stake and we need to be more assertive about this.
"Walking away from the truth once I know the truth cannot lead me to salvation." What a great article, and I hope more Millennials will follow your lead as you are indeed very much a leader.
I was at the DYC a few weeks ago and a sister there talked about this little autistic girl who could only respond when someone talked to her. She was at Mass (graduated from the cry room) and ran up the aisle to sit in front of the altar. As the priest was consecrating the bread and wine the little girl started saying, “Hello! Hello!” She only responded verbally when talked to first. Then when the priest put the ciborium in the tabernacle the little girl started saying, “Goodbye! I love you too!”
I’m crying writing this. It was so powerful to hear that.
Feb 3, 2023Liked by Kelly Ann Tallent, Chantal LaFortune, Dave DuBay, Christina M. Sorrentino
Yes,exactly! Growing up my Dad was a Catholic and my Mum a die hard Evangelical Protestant. Occasionally I would invite her to Mass. She always said no. When I was 16, one Sunday she said I think I will go today. We walked into the church. I genuflected and entered the pew. Then realized my mother wasn't with me. I turned to the aisle, and there she stood staring at the Tabernacle. I had never told her what Catholics believed about the Eucharist. It took me a couple of minutes to get her attention and into the pew where she sat continuing to stare at the Tabernacle. At home I took her aside and asked why she did that. She answered God was there! Really there in that box! Obviously my mother converted!
Beautifully written. I see so many wander away from their faith, not walk away, largely because they do not fully understand what they are abandoning. They never encountered our Lord. Part of this is a luke-warm attitude about salvation among so many Catholics. This results in an "everyone is going to heaven attitude", so why bother. The Lord needs Catholics to be active evangelists, excited about their faith and mostly, in love with God. We tend to often default to a live and let live attitude. Heaven is truly at stake and we need to be more assertive about this.
"Walking away from the truth once I know the truth cannot lead me to salvation." What a great article, and I hope more Millennials will follow your lead as you are indeed very much a leader.
🥰🥰🥰The Eucharist🥰🥰🥰
I was at the DYC a few weeks ago and a sister there talked about this little autistic girl who could only respond when someone talked to her. She was at Mass (graduated from the cry room) and ran up the aisle to sit in front of the altar. As the priest was consecrating the bread and wine the little girl started saying, “Hello! Hello!” She only responded verbally when talked to first. Then when the priest put the ciborium in the tabernacle the little girl started saying, “Goodbye! I love you too!”
I’m crying writing this. It was so powerful to hear that.
Yes,exactly! Growing up my Dad was a Catholic and my Mum a die hard Evangelical Protestant. Occasionally I would invite her to Mass. She always said no. When I was 16, one Sunday she said I think I will go today. We walked into the church. I genuflected and entered the pew. Then realized my mother wasn't with me. I turned to the aisle, and there she stood staring at the Tabernacle. I had never told her what Catholics believed about the Eucharist. It took me a couple of minutes to get her attention and into the pew where she sat continuing to stare at the Tabernacle. At home I took her aside and asked why she did that. She answered God was there! Really there in that box! Obviously my mother converted!
Please continue to be a witness to the world and to the next generation. God bless you, Christina!
Excellent essay. Beautiful testimony.