I converted to Catholicism in the fifth grade. Fifth grade is when I discovered I loved public speaking, writing, and the traditional Christian Faith. I attended a Catholic school in Memphis and hung out with a huge Catholic community. Being Catholic was easy and natural. Halfway through high school I moved to Arkansas. I went from attending a Catholic high school in a big city to a public school in the middle of a corn field. I knew living in a town with one Catholic Church would be hard but I had no idea that people actually stereotyped Catholics. Now I’m no Catholic expert. I’m still learning everyday and I would love to discover more and more about my faith. One of the coolest parts of being Catholic is that we're constantly learning and growing in our faith. Here are some of the questions I receive the most after people figure out how I'm Catholic.
1. Do you worship Mary?
*makes sign of cross because you're literally being so rude right now* No, we do not worship Mary. We worship Jesus. Mary is like the ultimate female role model. She responded to God's Grace like NO OTHER WOMAN. We like saying "everyday is Mother's Day in the Catholic Church" because while society idolizes drug dealers and reality TV stars we're using mother Mary as our role model.
2. OK but you worship the Saints, right?
The saints were people who sinned. They saw the world’s temptation and they experienced prejudice. They stood their faith in persecution and even death. As Catholics, we aspire to have the faith of saints. (Read about St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Angela Merici, St. Padre Pio, St. Francis of Assisi, and Joan of Arc)
3. Yeah but don't you worship statues?
We use statues as a sign of God's love. We like having an artistic visual as we pray. We're not praying to a statue. Are we in the book of Exodus or something?
4. Why do you have necklace prayers?
The rosary is such a holy symbol and you will never know unless you're Catholic. It helps one stay in course during prayer and helps with your attention to God. Mary literally appeared to St. Dominic and told him about the Rosary. SO COOL. Oh and please stop wearing it as the latest fashion accessory.
5. Do you believe that Jesus' body and blood is actually there? In Mass?
Yes I do. In a form, yes. In the Bible Jesus says "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” He didn't say "this is a symbol of my body and this is actually grape juice." Jesus wanted us to remember it just like it was.
6. Why is the Pope necessary?
Because the Catholic Church is kind of universal. The Pope is like the super holy president of our church. The first Pope was actually one of Jesus' disciples, Peter. The Pope appoints priests and bishops and keeps everyone in line. If we didn't have a pope, the church would be very unorganized. (Plus Pope Francis is modernizing the church and he is ADORABLE.)
7. Why do you confess to a priest?
Forget what you’ve heard about priests. They are holy, helpful, and wise. Just like teachers, doctors, police, everyone has bad apples. Priests have committed their life to Christ. Confession is one of the greatest parts of Catholicism. You’re acknowledging that you are a sinner. You say your sins out loud then have a holy person give you life advice- all in confidentiality. Then after confession you pray to God and it feels great. Confession puts you on a Jesus high. I have never felt more loved by Christ than having a confessional.
8. Don't you believe that good works get you into heaven?
James 2:18 “But someone will say, ‘“You have faith and I have works.”’ Show me your faith aside from your works, and I will show you my faith by works.”
If we are true Christians, wouldn't we want to show our love of Jesus through feeding the poor, visiting the imprisoned, and giving water to the thirsty? Our love for Jesus gives us the drive to have service.
9. Why don't Catholics have a firm grip on science?
George Mendal was monk of Christian and Catholic origins. He is responsible for making advances in hereditary science through his study of pea plants. Some historians even call him "The father of Genetics."
10. What is Adoration?
*Breaks down crying while singing Lord I Need You* Adoration is one of the most beautiful parts of the Catholic faith. You are literally sitting in front of the Eucharist and adoring Christ in prayer. (P.S. Steubenville Conferences had the most emotional adorations.)
So I hope that these explanations helped debunk some stereotypes other denominations have about Catholics. By writing this, I am in no way saying I “don’t like protestants” or anything like that. I mean I used to be one. Everyone has different personalities and that's one of many reasons for different denominations. So go practice whatever makes you happy and a better person because at the end of the day, we're all children of God.
