What's Catholic?

The word "catholic" is defined in the dictionary as broad-minded, as in belief or tastes; liberal; comprehensive; large.

With a capitol "C" the word Catholic is described in the dictionary as an adjective, since the Reformtion; of or pertaining to the Roman Catholic Church; designating those churches that claim to have the apostolic doctrine and sacraments of the ancient, undivided church, and including the Anglican, Old Catholic, Orthodox communions.

Catholicism is the doctrine, system and practice of a Catholic church, especially the Roman Catholic Church.

To catholicize is to make or become catholic or Catholic.

Catholics believe that God created the human race to know, love and serve the Creator.

It was through the disobedience, however, of the first man and woman that the human race fragmented itself from the favor, grace and blessing of God. Yet, in the infinite, all-loving mercy and forgiveness of God, however, the Maker sent the only begotten son to die for their sins (Greek, "harmatia," meaning, missing the mark).

Jesus' sacrifice on the cross gave way to abundant grace and reunited humankind to God. People are saved (salvation, healing) by the grace of Jesus the Christ alone. To accept this grace, they have to have faith and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Daily connections with the Creator, the Word of God in the bible, with intercession of the saints, and Mary, mother of God, and of the Church, this happens.

Without actions and good fruits and works such a relationship is void of meaning, however.

"If you love me you will keep my commandments," the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 15 notes.

Catholic Christians are called by the commandments to love God above all things and to love one's neighbor as one's self, the greatest of the ten laws summarized by Jesus.

In worship, love for God is demonstrated through Mass, prayers, Scripture, sacraments, saints and service to the community as expressed in Catholic social teaching and service to the world.


Marks of the Church are one, holy, catholic and apostolic. Faith, hope, love, prudence, fortitude, justice and temperance are strengths (virtues) emphasized in the Church for all to practice daily with prayer, and the Mass, of course.

"Do to others as you would have them do to you," St. Luke, chapter 6:31, notes. Moral standards make Catholics aim high to do this.

Completing God's law of love fully, however, is a human impossibility, given one's fallen human nature. But, "with God all things are possible," St. Matthew notes in chapter 19:26. "Ask and you will receive," reminds Catholics of the help and strength God provides those who seek and find it through the source and summit of all prayer, especially, in the daily bread, Mass (Eucharist, meaning "thanksgiving," from the Greek) and other sacraments. Family and home is the domestic church where parents, a mother and father, are primary formators in the faith. Schools and churches supplant what is taught in the domestic church of the home. Example is the best teacher. Sponsors, grandparents, and others, help parents especially where neglect of the faith is present.

Christ instituted the Catholic Church to administer the sacraments and instruct by way of application of God's law. For over two thousand years, the Catholic Church has witnessed to this law of God's love. Humans are challenged to membership in the Catholic Church.