All My Children

What Does It Mean to Be a Catholic?

Catholicism is so much a part of religious life in Western culture, both in fact and in fiction, that many people feel they know what a Catholic is without looking deeply into the religion itself. But Catholicism is, in fact, a very complex religion. Even if you are a devout Catholic, don’t assume that your youngster understands Catholic beliefs and rituals. Take the time to discuss even highly Popularized symbols of Catholicism, particularly because your interpretation of what a Catholic is may differ sharply from popular depictions.

Begin with fundamental details about the origins of Catholicism. Unfortunately, some children grow up with an appreciation for Christmas trees and Easter eggs but are not adequately informed about the significance of New Testament events. The accoutrements of religious holidays can captivate a child’s interest, but spiritual explanations of life and of God’s design can provide a lasting sense of fulfillment.

“I tried to give my kids Jesus,” fifty-year-old Theresa says. “I tried to feed them Jesus’s teachings and his parables,” Theresa continued only half in jest. “What I mean to say is, a child has to have God in them from the time they are young. That’s the only way to be sure they’ll do right in the world.”

When you sit down with your child, you can distinguish Catholicism from many later Christian religions by emphasizing that it was founded in the time of Jesus Christ. Explain that it is based on Christ’s teachings, as communicated through his disciples and written in the Gospels.

The notion of the Holy Trinity is central to Catholic beliefs. However, because of its inherent complexity, it’s one of the most difficult aspects of the faith for children to grasp. Catholic children that I have interviewed show surprising confusion about the Trinity, variously referring to it as “some part of the Mass,” “a Catholic grammar school,” and “like the three wise men.” You may need to take a good deal of time in explaining the Trinity, but be patient with your child. Be sure to say that the idea is different from everyday life because God is something beyond reality. Be careful to point out that the Trinity represents three distinct images as well as one Being—God. Be mindful to suggest that the Holy Spirit represents an essence or a feeling, not a true ghost or demon.

Since much of your child’s expectations about formal Catholicism may come from the Church, you should devote ongoing conversation to the Church’s role—a role which is sometimes very controversial. “Who is the pope?” a six-year-old may ask. “Is the pope always right?” a ten-year-old youngster may wish to know. If you abide by some or all papal decisions, it is crucial that you clearly delineate the doctrine of papal infallibility. You can suggest to your child that the doctrine does not mean that the pope is always right in all aspects of his life. It does mean, however, that Catholics believe the pope to be designated by God to keep Catholics aligned with God. Catholics maintain that the papal position, not the man himself, is divinely guided.

In keeping with this philosophy, Catholics believe that the Church is the anointed supervisor of the Bible. Thus, the Church has the ultimate word on what is intended by a given passage. Your child may wonder if this is fair or not, so it will be up to you to express your opinion on the Church’s authority. The more lucid and the more specific you can be, the more you will encourage your child to carefully think about the Catholic Church and its role in your child’s young life.

“What’s Mass for?” your child may question. Remember that Mass is a cornerstone to a Catholic’s practice and worship. If you attend church regularly, the Mass will be familiar and distinct for your child—at least in regard to procedures. But how clear is your child, and indeed, how informed are you concerning the variety of symbolic meanings conveyed in the Catholic Mass? There are a number of meanings you can decipher for your child. You can relate that the Mass is a memorial for the death and resurrection of the Lord. You can note that the Mass is a sacrifice like the sacrifice that Jesus made when he died on the cross. You can also see the Mass as a sacred banquet in which church members receive the literal body and blood of Christ (Communion). Don’t forget to ask your child: “Why else do we go to Mass?” and “What goes through your mind when you see people taking Communion?”

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Talking Kids about Catholicism

• Sitemap
• Science and Nature Games
• Why my Baby avoids Toys such as Tricycles and Scooters?
• Suggestions for Catholic Parents
• Sex Education: Monitoring the input to mind and heart continue…
• Babble Language: Mastering the Mother Tongue continue...
• Sex education: meet the faculty
• Going to School
• And then there was one part 2
• Career Preparation

Trackback URI | Comments RSS