Keep the Faith: Catholicism is More Than One Man

I find it despicable that some anti-Catholic bigots are using the recent pastoral letter of Pope Francis granting priests the personal discernment when to give a couple a blessing, be they in an irregular relationship or even a same-sex marriage, as some Rosetta stone for showing he is the Anti-Christ or somehow an apostate and in so doing try to lure Catholics away from their faith and convert them to that anti-Catholic's denomination or cult.

First off, this letter is not an infallible, ex-Cathedra declaration, so not all Catholics are bound to agree to it. Second, the blessing is in no way an endorsement of anyone's personal lifestyle, just asking for help from God. Third, even if the Pope was to apostatize, the Catholic faith is more than just one man, more than just even the Pope. While the Holy Father is the Vicar of Christ and Earthly head of our Church, he is after all just a fallible human being and the humans that sit in the Papal office come and go. No matter how bad a Pope may be, God promised the gates of Hell would not destroy His Church, the living faith and legacy of Catholicism; its teachings, tradition, rituals, and legacy and history lives on. Whenever a Bishop or Pope says or does something that makes us Catholics look bad, I always take it as motivation to be a better Catholic, in other words, when our leaders in the Church fail, as every human will do at some point, we are not to leave the Church, but as the lay faithful we are to step up and lead by example. Do not let anyone, any one man or any group of humans, even in your own Church, lure you away from your faith.

About this Blog

Welcome to My Catholic Journey & Defense & Reference Links blog. Let me first start by saying that I am in no way a professional writer or blogger, I have had no formal education in this industry, and the same is true for theology and church history. So why are you reading this? The purpose of this blog is not to compete, but be a fellow partner with better, more established blogs and web sites defending the Catholic Church, offering apologetics, and answering criticisms and questions. You will find many links to those many fine, informative, well-written and designed sites and blogs about Catholicism by lay and religious Catholics alike here in order to add yet another source and voice for Catholicism on the web. Yes, I will attempt to write my own original articles and apologetics, but please do not blame me if those writings do not turn out, let me put it this way, ready for publication in a newspaper or as a novel.

I will also share with you my Catholic journey, my walk of faith, to show you what your life as a Catholic could be like and to inspire you to come to or come back to the Catholic Church or, if you are already a Catholic, to get more involved with your faith and community.

And allow me to also declare that many of the opinions, even those on Church history and theology, posted here, in either my original works or in borrowed sources, do not represent the Catholic Church official, ex-cathedra declared teachings, beliefs and opinions, unless otherwise noted.

Catholics Come Home! We miss you!

Catholics Come Home! We miss you!

I found my way home, back to the Catholic Church, a story I will share a bit later, and I desire all lapse and former Catholics, as well as though who want the fullness of the Christian faith, the fullness of truth to come to her, our Mother, the Bride of Christ, His Church. Unlike what you have probably been taught or just been brainwashed to believe by the media, pop culture, and, perhaps, by some Protestant minister, well intentioned or not, the Catholic Church is not as judgmental and "legalistic" as you may think. While it is certainly true that there are certain truths that can not be changed and one must believe and obey, and while it is true that there is such a thing as mortal sin that can make you lose your salvation, the Church is "a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints." In other words, all christians are sinners, we all make mistakes, not one can boast of their holiness and look down on you from a pedestal.

If you have been a way, and feel that in that time you have committed mortal sins, or actions that are in direct opposition with Catholic or general christian moral teaching, please do not be afraid to come home, to walk into a parish church and seek guidance. No priest or usher is going to yell, "get out, sinner!" On the contrary, you would be welcomed back with open arms. All that is required is true repentance and contrition for your sins and, depending on the circumstance, a trip to the Confessional, followed by the prescribed penance, which usually isn't too burdensome. As Christ Himself said, "Do not be afraid." The Church, as Christ, loves you and wants you back home. So please, if you feel a nudge, something pushing on your soul, come home, return to the Catholic faith. 

In this blog, along with my defense of The Church and Her beliefs, I will also share my conversion story, and provide useful links to help you better understand Catholicism in general and on how to come home.

How to Come Home:

For lapsed Catholics: How Do I Come Home?

For new Catholics: Becoming Catholic? The Beginner's Guide To a Life of Faith