What is a Catholic's Identity?
Most Rev. Michael Sheehan
Archbishop of Santa Fe
Founding Bishop of the Diocese of Lubbock

   Many Catholics are growing up without an awareness of what it means to be Catholic.  As a bishop, I am concerned - together with many clergy, religious and lay people in the United States - about this loss of "Catholic identity."
     Here are some of the elements of Catholic Identity I believe are critical for us to care about and pass on to our children:

Live Out Your Own Catholic Commitment

     Be a good example.  And pray - at church, at home, at work and in the class room - for the grace to be a good witness of the faith.  Others will absorb your Catholic values as you talk and live with them.

Stick to the Basics of the Catholic Faith

     People in various circumstances obviously have different expectations and needs.  Without ignoring the place of Jesus, the Bible and the other elements we have in common with other churches, there are a number of richly Catholic essentials to stress:

• The Mass or Eucharist Liturgy is central for Catholic lives.  We must participate in it at least every Sunday and holy day.
• The seven sacraments, our most profound personal encounters with the Living God, must be thoroughly understood.
• The place of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is mentioned in the scriptures at all the important moment's in her Son's life, must be emphasized.  Christian revelation is incomplete without mention of her.
       Other Saints are important, too, as examples of how faith is lived.
• The importance of the pastors of the church must be explained: the role of the priests, the bishop of the diocese and the Holy Father, the Bishop of Rome and head of the church.   There is no Catholicism without union with the pastor.
       The value of sisters, brothers and deacons in the church must be taught.  A good Catholic, in this context, will want to promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
• The official teaching of the church, the magisterium, must be made clear.  It is important for the Catholics to know that we don't make up the teaching as we go along; but, rather, rely upon the official teaching authority of the church in order to know what is truly Catholic and what isn't.
• The living tradition of the church must be clarified.  Many beliefs have come to us as a result of 2,000 years of the living heritage of believers.  Tradition - living and written in the Bible - is the process whereby revealed truth is transmitted by the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, source of all inspiration.
• Our teaching on social justice must be prioritized.  The church has always stressed the importance of the dignity of each person, regardless of age, race, creed or condition.   It teaches, for example, the dignity of the unborn, the sick and the dying; it teaches moral priciples to guide the military and the economy; it teaches condemnation of racism and sexism.

Teach About the Catholic Sacraments

     Sacramentals are sacred symbols which encourage prayer and attitudes of reverence.  Holy water, which reminds us of our Baptism; the sign of the Cross; the Rosary, the Crucifix and statues; holy oils; blessed palms, candles, ashes, medals and incense are some of the most popular sacramentals.
     Catholics must know the meaning, the internal significance, of these external symbols lest they ignore them or become superstitious and place magical value on them.  These externals are related to our faith and should, to some extent, be present in all Catholic homes, work places and classrooms.

Create A Catholic Environment

     It is unfortunate that, in some places, it has become common to drop the Sign of the Cross at the beginning of prayer or grace before meals.  The Sign of the Cross is a rather basic sign of a Catholic.  It should be carefully understood as a public act of faith in the Trinity, and in redemption by Christ through his cross.
     In addition to learning extemporaneous prayer, Catholics must memorize the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be, the Act of Contrition and grace before meals, so we can all pray in one voice.
     Classroom, workplace and household decorations should include an enthronement of the Bible, Catholic art, statues and a Crucifix on the walls.  Blank walls, it has been said, are dumb walls!  They don't speak to us.  That which we put on our walls is important.  Make sure the walls "speak" of our faith.
     Special church seasons should be celebrated: The Advent Wreath ceremony, mananitas, posadas, the Christmas crib, the Lenten Rice Bowl, the Rosary during October and the Marian shrine and May crowning during month of May are symbols of deep importance to a Catholic way of life.
     Catholic periodicals, including the diocesan newspaper, and pamphlets should be received and read by Catholics according to their age and development.
     Most of all, a loving, caring atmosphere, a welcoming spirit - especially for the poor and disadvantaged - must be present in Catholic homes, businesses, churches and classrooms.

Remember All the Precepts of the Catholic Church

     The serious obligation for Catholics to participate in the Eucharist on Sunday and holy days must be underscored.  (Excusing factors such as sickness and traveling should be considered, of course.)
     The stewardship obligation to provide financial support for the church (tithing) must be embraced.  Children and adults should be given an opportunity to develop the habit of regular, proportionate giving.
     The serious obligation to marry in the church must be stressed.   A couple needs the grace of the sacraments to help them in their family life; and they must be married in the church to receive communion at Mass.

Emphasize Catholic Teaching on Sexuality

     The basic Christian teaching on sexual activity is clearly counter - cultural; but it must be taught, nevertheless.  Sexual activity belongs in marriage only.  Despite a permissive culture - we're awash in a sewer of morally offensive songs, movies and TV programs - a Christian is called to self-control.   Christian teaching on sexuality cannot be ignored without serious harm.

Prioritize Evangelization

     Catholics must be challenged to be evangelizer, inviting inactive people to Sunday Mass and to religious education programs.
     Class time, break time and household conversations should be used to talk about Catholic missionary efforts in Africa, Asia, Latin American and other parts of the world; including local efforts in home missions.

Visit Your Catholic Church

     The easiest way to illustrate many of the elements of Catholic identity is to visit the church.  I highly recommend it.  This gives an opportunity to understand the altar, the pulpit, the Tabernacle, the Stations of the Cross and other points of interest.  We see these things during Mass but often have no understanding of their meaning.
     The practice of making visits to pray before the Blessed Sacrament and various shrine areas is also encouraged.

Keep Growing As A Catholic

     All Catholics need to keep growing and learning more about the Catholic faith.  There are refresher courses available through diocesan offices.   Take advantage of them.
     Be enthusiastic in your love for Jesus and his one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic church.  And don't ever let the others hear petty criticisms of pastors or other church leaders.  Children, especially, trust you.  They will form their opinions on the attitudes you display.
     Ultimately, the work we do is God's work.  We must trust in the presence of the holy Spirit in our endeavors to pass on a positive and joyful Catholic Identity; an identity will do so much to help all Catholics in their journeys through life.