Here's to us Catholics

Submitted on November 15, 2001

Send to friend We Catholics today don't tend to wear our religion on our sleeves. If asked to tell about ourselves, "I'm a Catholic" would probably not be the first words out of our mouths. Those words would be somewhere in our description, however, because our Catholic beliefs are an integral part of who we are. Those beliefs are an ingrained guide for our thoughts and actions. The results are evident everywhere, even if we don't take time to acknowledge them. Maybe it's time we Catholics gave ourselves a pat on the back. We're not perfect, for certain, but we are persistent followers of Christ. Although we hold certain beliefs in common, we are a diverse lot in ways we pray, celebrate and volunteer. We also have diverse views on a wide variety of issues. Yet our commonality and our diversity are complementary components of our makeup. Our commonality is our foundation as well as the mortar that holds us together. Our diversity is the fuel that enables us to accomplish so much in so many different areas. This is particularly evident in the area of social justice. For the past six weeks, small groups of Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis have been gathering to pray over, study and share their faith experiences on that topic. The Renew study guide prepared by the Catholic Education Office listed more than three dozen archdiocesan programs actively working in such social justice areas as pro-life, support for families, racism and prejudice, assistance to the poor, disability ministry, protection of the environment and world peace. For each program listed, a half dozen or more related programs and projects exist within our archdiocese alone. All are funded by Catholics and fueled by our volunteer time and sharing of talents. These organized activities, however, are only the tip of the iceberg. As the U.S. Catholic bishops wrote in 1998 in "Everyday Christianity: To Hunger and Thirst for Justice," Catholics are called "to be instruments of God's grace and creative power in business and politics, factories and offices, in homes and schools, and in all the events of daily life. Social justice and the common good are built up or torn down day by day in the countless decisions and choices we make." The Renew program and similar faith-sharing programs enable us to take a close look at the decisions and choices we make in business dealings; in community activities; and in relating to others, including co-workers, elderly parents, adult children, young children and even strangers. We can take pride in what we have accomplished with God's help, learn from our mistakes and be open to new opportunities to do God's work. Such programs also help us to connect with God and to gather strength and support through one another. It is well worth our time to participate in a faith-sharing group throughout the year because, while we have accomplished much, there is still much more to do.