WHY CATHOLICISM?
What is it really about?
WHAT DID JESUS INTEND
From what you read of Him, do you think Jesus Christ set up an organisation that would become the single most wealthy entity in the world?
Did He want the leaders of His Church to parade around in flaboyantly expensive costumes and be treated with such honour and worship as the Pope and Bishops currently enjoy?
Do you you think Jesus would be pleased with the elitism of the Catholic School System that emphasises the distinction between those who have means and those who don't?
One question seldom asked by those in authority when it comes to decision making is "What Would Jesus Do?". It seems for the hierarchy of the Church rules and doctrines are more concerned with keeping people out than bringing people in. And for members of the Church, be they born into it or converted, those laws, dogmas and rubrics dictate your participation and limit your personal freedom in following Jesus.
The rules change & the goal posts are frequently moved by means of Vatican Councils, Papal Encyclicals or the whim of Diocesan Bishops. Participation in the Eucharist has been defined as reserved to those in a state of grace and in full communion with the teachings of the Catholic Church yet in practice priests arbitrarily impose restrictions on the lay faithful's right to have their children baptised or receive their First Holy Communion.
Catholicism has tended to be more about the rules and restrictions that men have imposed, than a concern for the poor, sick, marginalised or separated. The challenge for the lay Catholics today is to put pressure on the top echelon to reflect the faith that Jesus Christ espoused and exemplified. If they will not abide by the expectations of the community in regard to lifestyle and leadership, they need to go!
Catholicism needs to be seen as a realistic methodology of reaching spiritual perfection: by following the example, teachings and life of Jesus Christ; and endeavouring to inspire other people to discover an intimate, personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe.
WHO IS THE CHURCH?
When asked this question many would respond that the Church is the Pope, Bishops, priests and others who hold position of power in the organisation, but Jesus Christ meant that all people would constitute His Church.
The Church consists of people, not bricks and mortar empty buildings. You are the Church! As such, you have a responsibility to be involved. Not just go to church, but to BE CHURCH.
Being baptised makes you a Christian, but being involved gives you the opportunity to live your Christian calling! So get involved!
BE THE CHURCH!
INVOLVEMENT
As a priest, I often met people only three times in their lives: at their baptism, their wedding and their funeral!
There is a joke among priests that describes some people as "4 wheeled Catholics": "Your mother brought you to your Baptism in a pram; you came to your wedding in a bridal car; and you will be brought to your funeral in a hearse. Try coming on your own sometimes.."
It is my hope and sincere prayer that one day Catholic people will be welcomed to have more say in the decision-making processes in the Church and have a greater involvement in the day-to-day life of their parish.
Testimonial
“Great mass last night Kevin. The thing I like most about you mate is your a real bloke with a down-to-earth presence. You have made going to mass somewhere I really want to be. I went to a Catholic school but I found it hard to have a strong faith. Since coming to your small gatherings on a Sunday, I have prayed every week for God to come into my life and heart and every time I spend time with you I feel my faith getting stronger."
Carl Richards, Personal Trainer