as attractive looking purely on the physical, social and cultural levels. The art and music
that accompanies Catholicism is of itself amazing. For many years, no artist painted
anything that didn't eventually end up in a church. Nothing glorifies God so powerfully
as being in the middle of a Gothic style Catholic church. The Paintings, Stain glass,
statues and other forms of art are extremely powerful at uplifting the mind + will to God.
Beyond this the prayers of Catholicism, especially the Eucharistic prayer have within
them powerful symbolism and poetic verse. The Sacramentals of the church invoke great
symbolism to draw our minds to God, and express our faith so beautifully. The Catholic
Church truly is, if anything, a pretty Church!!!!!
#9 The firmness and unity of the Church - One thing can be sure: The church doesn't
change. In our society there is a great crisis of faith and truth. People of all faiths are
reluctant to propose their beliefs as absolute truth. Yet, the Catholic Church Has No Fear
of admitting that it holds within itself the fullness of the truth. It does not question, it
does not doubt. It is not swayed by culture. Where various sects of Christianity are
becoming more and more liberal in their moral teachings(eg. Contraception, Divorce),
the church continues to firmly pronounce the truth of Christ! Where other churches are
beginning to deny certain doctrines of the faith because they are hard to believe, the
Church remains strong in saying "Christ is truly Present in the Eucharist", "Confession to
a priest is necessary for absolution.". You will find no religion on the globe with more
certainty, integrity, firmness and passion.
#8 It's Universality - Catholic means "Universal", and it stands up to it's name. Not only
does Catholicism embrace every culture, it is meant for all cultures. The Catholic faith
embraces all of human life. Their is nothing in our life, that is not or cannot somehow be
incorporated into the Catholic Faith. All our work, no matter how simple or pointless it
is can be offered to God and help us receive graces abounding. And it doesn't matter who
you are, or what skills you posses as long as you offer them totally to God. Catholicism
is not about denying who we are but taking what we are, and using it for the purpose God
gave. In this sense, Catholicism is really a religion not only for our times, but for all
time.
#7 Faith and Reason - Catholicism is NOT a stupid religion. Anslem, Augustine,
Ireneus, Aquinas, Theresa: These were some of the greatest thinkers who ever lived. And
all their conclusions led to the same place - Christ in the Catholic Church. The studies
are not surface deep but advanced in wisdom and understanding. Just pick up a copy of
the writings of the doctors of the church and see for yourself!!! Of all mainstream
Christian denominations, Catholicism understands the function of science. We know
that truth cannot contradict truth and that God reveals himself in both natural and
supernatural ways. If reason or logic is to be the deciding factor in the validity of a
religion, Catholicism would win!
#6 The Hierarchy - Woah!!!(I bet you didn't see this one coming) Ironically, contrary to
popular opinion, I think that the Hierarchy is one of the best things about the Catholic
Faith. No religion has such a well organized+ and hierarchical structure. But it is this
very attribute which makes the Catholic Church such a powerful witness of Christ, and
such a firm "pillar of truth" (1 Tim 3:15) The Hierarchy is NOT an oppressive system,
but rather an organized group of shepherds which Jesus entrusted to take care of his
sheep. They lead us, in the person of Christ himself, in God's way, and in His will.
Because of the gift of Papal infallibility, we have an ability to be certian, in a world of
confusion. Also, all the bishops in union with the pope, create within the church the
unity it's meant to be!
#5 The Communion of Saints - St. Peter pray for us! Through the great plan of God, all
men who have been baptized are united to Christ, and thus united to each other.
Therefore, dead or alive, all the work we do, and all the graces we received are shared in
union with the whole body. I can offer my works and prayers for another, that they may
receive grace and sanctification. Then, when I die, I have them to pray for me while I'm
in purgatory. Thus their prayers and works can help speed up the process of purification
for me. Those who have already been purified and are experiencing perfect Joy in
heaven can also pray for us struggling on earth. The communion of Saint perfects the
unity of all peoples that so many religions long for in a beautiful and complete way. We
become one as God is one. Not only are our prayers beneficial, but the examples of the
saints shine through history as great testimonies to the power of Christ. They inspire and
move us to go beyond our ordinary works, and attempt to follow God's will in every
action, as they themselves did. Only the Catholic Church goes to such work to remember
and honor the saints.
#4 Mary, Our Mother- If Mary is the mother of Christ, she is also our Mother, for we
are the Body of Christ. If the intercession of the saints is powerful, the intercession of
Mary is certainly greater. For Mary is immaculate and sinless. She sought God not only
in most things, but in EVERYTHING. Her acts and her life are an example to us of how
God calls us to surrender completely to him as Mary did in her "Fiat". Yet, I don't think
Mary's intercession is the main reason why she is so important. It is her place in God's
plan for salvation. It was by Mary's choice and action, that Christ came to the world.
The fact that God would allow a human to play such a great role in salvation is really
quite stupendous. It is the fact that Christ, while a child, lived in dependance on and
submission to Mary, that makes Marian Doctrine so special. God calls us to make our
wills just like Mary's: one that says "Yes" always. Only the Catholic Church retains the
Marian Doctrines.
#3 The Deposit of the Faith - Christ came to reveal to us all the truth about God, us,
and the way to live our lives and thus fulfil God's purpose. He passed these teachings to
his apostles and told them to "preach the good news to all nations". He promised them
that the Holy Spirit would be with them and would lead them in all the truth. Upon Peter
he founded the church and gave it authority over spiritual matters. They thus passed the
faith down trough generations, through written works and various traditions. This
deposit is truly the "pearl of great price", for in it is the message of God become man.
YET IT CAN ONLY BE FOUND COMPLETE, IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. Other
faiths do not have the treasure of God's revelation. The Protestant churches have rejected
all of it but that which is contained the bible. The full revelation of Christ can only be
found in SACRED SCRIPTURE, and SACRED TRADITION interpreted through the
authority of the MAGISTERIUM (all the bishops in union with the pope). This is
something all Catholics should be proud of.
#2 The Sacraments - Christ, while with us, instituted the Sacrament as "effacious" signs
of grace. They are signs or symbols, through which God's grace is communicated to
humanity. Without them, we are alienated from God and his life. Through them we
come to share in God's life, and are filled with all the grace's necessary for salvation. It
may be true that Christ died in satisfaction for all our sins, but without the sacraments we
have no way of sharing in the fruits of his salvation. No ritual, prayer or sacrifice will
ever match the love of God poured out through the sacraments.
#1 THE FATHER, SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT - One awesome God who loves us
completely, fully and totally. No words can describe the love they give us. A God who
created us out of nothing, for the sole purpose of sharing in His life. He has done
everything possible to let us know of his love. He gave Himself humbly upon the cross
for our sins. He leads and guides his church in every generation. HE ALONE IS
ENOUGH REASON TO REJOICE THAT WE BELONG TO HIS FAMILY THE
CHURCH!!!!!!
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