The Habits of a Catholic

Though Catholics live in the same world as the rest of the population our lives need to reflect a living witness to the transcendent values of the Christian life and be a living witness to the Gospel.  Our testimony must reflect the work of Jesus Christ in our lives and this personal relationship with Christ should energize our service to the Church.  We are all called to a life of holiness, but what does that look like? 

Love of God- The greatest commandment is to love God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), His Church, Our Holy Father and God’s people.

Authenticity of Life- Faithful practice of the faith.  Christ invites us to follow him and live a life of holiness.

Personal Prayer- Setting a daily moment to be alone with God in conversation, interceding for others and eventually making our lives a living prayer.

Missionary Zeal- A desire to share God and our Catholic faith with others.

Active Participation- Attendance at every Sunday Eucharist and involvement in Parish Life.

Devotion to Mary- She’s the example and model of what a “Yes” to God looks like.  Through her we are able to have a deeper understanding and love of the Eucharist.

Practicing Catholics must participate fully in communal worship and the life of the Church, it is this participation that enables us to change and to reach others.  We are all attracted by honesty and can detect hypocrisy quite easily; thus, a practicing Catholic lives what he preaches.  It was Saint Francis of Assisi who said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary.”  Our living testimony speaks louder to others than any words we might utter; so, we must constantly need to ask ourselves what would Jesus do and act accordingly.

National Directory for Catechesis