Book helps explain elements of Catholicism that are often misunderstood
By Father Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church
At our three Christmas Masses this year every family will be presented with a gift from Bishop Rhoades as they leave church. The gift is a free copy of a book by Matthew Kelly entitled "Rediscover Catholicism." This is not just for practicing Catholics, but for everyone, including those who only make it to Mass on Christmas. All the parishes in our diocese will be making the book available. Written by a young layman with a background as a motivational speaker, it shows how Catholic beliefs and practices can enable people to live “with passion and purpose."
Many of us are comfortable in our Catholic faith but find ourselves tongue-tied when we are asked for an explanation of something we have always believed.
This book can help us overcome this hurdle.
One topic misunderstood by those who are not Catholic as well as by a number who are, is Holy Communion. Our belief, solidly based on the words of Jesus, is that He is really, literally present under the mere appearances of bread and wine. Of course we don’t expect those appearances to taste like, or test out chemically to be, ordinary human flesh and blood. But Jesus clearly said we must ‘”feed on” His flesh and blood. Scripture says many who had been following Him left when He said this and He did not call them back.
This is why Catholic churches, regardless of architectural style, are places of peace and quiet. A few minutes of quiet reflection in this physical presence of the risen Christ has been found to be a calming and inspiring oasis in busy lives. This is also why the altar-mounted cabinet containing the Eucharistic “bread” consecrated at a previous Mass is called a “tabernacle” or dwelling place. It is also why bishops like to have all churches in their dioceses remain open to the public as long and often as safety allows. St. Paul’s is open 24/7.
Even people not of our faith like to visit here, feeling that somehow they are more present to God and God to them than anywhere else. If this hasn’t been something you’ve done, try it. You may be pleasantly surprised!
At our three Christmas Masses this year every family will be presented with a gift from Bishop Rhoades as they leave church. The gift is a free copy of a book by Matthew Kelly entitled "Rediscover Catholicism." This is not just for practicing Catholics, but for everyone, including those who only make it to Mass on Christmas. All the parishes in our diocese will be making the book available. Written by a young layman with a background as a motivational speaker, it shows how Catholic beliefs and practices can enable people to live “with passion and purpose."
Many of us are comfortable in our Catholic faith but find ourselves tongue-tied when we are asked for an explanation of something we have always believed.
This book can help us overcome this hurdle.
One topic misunderstood by those who are not Catholic as well as by a number who are, is Holy Communion. Our belief, solidly based on the words of Jesus, is that He is really, literally present under the mere appearances of bread and wine. Of course we don’t expect those appearances to taste like, or test out chemically to be, ordinary human flesh and blood. But Jesus clearly said we must ‘”feed on” His flesh and blood. Scripture says many who had been following Him left when He said this and He did not call them back.
This is why Catholic churches, regardless of architectural style, are places of peace and quiet. A few minutes of quiet reflection in this physical presence of the risen Christ has been found to be a calming and inspiring oasis in busy lives. This is also why the altar-mounted cabinet containing the Eucharistic “bread” consecrated at a previous Mass is called a “tabernacle” or dwelling place. It is also why bishops like to have all churches in their dioceses remain open to the public as long and often as safety allows. St. Paul’s is open 24/7.
Even people not of our faith like to visit here, feeling that somehow they are more present to God and God to them than anywhere else. If this hasn’t been something you’ve done, try it. You may be pleasantly surprised!