YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH IN TODAY'S WORLD

The Catholic Identity Card and Catholic Identity.

By Father Owen Gorman
 
When it comes to the assertion of Catholic identity, we are clearly dealing with something that needs to be reclaimed. Many who were brought up as Catholics and who still adhere to their faith often do so with less confidence and support than in the past. It takes a greater level of courage to publicly identity oneself as a Catholic in these times and the temptation is always there to 'soft-pedal' one's faith, by wearing it so lightly or burying it so deeply that it becomes a private affair that has little bearing on one's public life.
 
Despite the felt pressure to hide one's Catholic identity under the proverbial tub, many have continued to proclaim it in gentle yet striking ways. Christian symbols have been appropriated by believers so as to express identity and belief. Rosary beads are seen dangling from the dashboard of cars and crosses and blessed medals are worn by many as a statement of faith and not simply as a fashion accessory.
 
Within this context of public reminders of personal faith, we can highlight the 'Catholic Identity Card' that is now available for all Catholics. The idea is simple yet striking: a Catholic identity card that identifies one as a Catholic and that contains the important instruction that in the case of an accident or an emergency to contact a priest. In an increasingly secular context, I believe I'm right in saying that we can no longer presume, if we are ever involved in a serious accident or an emergency, that those around us will have the awareness to act with a view to our spiritual needs. We hope that they will but the beauty of this card is that it highlights these needs in written words: please contact a priest for me!
 
Besides reclaiming Catholic identity and encouraging others to make a 'spiritual 999 call' for us when needed, the card, on its flip side, contains a beautiful prayer that we can offer up for our priests. It would be my sincere hope that those who carry this card would be reminded of those who have laid down their lives for the service of the People of God through sacred ordination. Priests need to be affirmed in these times in their priesthood and one simple way that we can do this is to pray for them. May this card enkindle a greater culture of prayer for our priests as they go about their ministry and may we carry it always as something that speaks of our Catholic identity and of our desire for a priest to be with us when we need one most.

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The Joy of our Catholic Identity

By Frances Hogan

Christians are called to be 'other Christs' on the earth, thus prolonging the presence of Jesus and His Mission of Redemption until the end of time. It is an extraordinary privilege to be 'Christed' in Baptism. Without any merit on our part we are given the mission to participate in forgiving, healing and co-redeeming humanity. It is not an easy calling, but a glorious one, in which we are made living tabernacles of God, carrying the true Presence of God to others wherever we go, and in every circumstance of our lives.

We have the privilege of a personal relationship with the Father, through Jesus, the Son, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. This Trinitarian relationship is not only not understood by non-Christians, but their minds could not contain such an idea. Yet this is our daily reality. We walk with God as we move among people. Others do not see this miracle of grace. Many Christians do not appreciate it or develop its potential. Yet God has no favorites. He will give Himself to anyone who wants Him, and He will give Himself to the extent that we desire union with Him.

As Catholics we have a privilege that no other Christians have. We share in the priesthood of Christ, and some of us are called to the ministerial priesthood, sharing more deeply in this mystery of Christ. As the priestly people of God we offer the Son of God to God on behalf of the whole of humanity daily in the Holy Eucharist. We make the grace of Jesus in His Great Sacrifice available to everyone on earth who is seeking God and hoping for His love, whether Christian or not. As participants in this mystery, offering ourselves to God, in Jesus and through Him, all of our experiences can become channels of grace to others, while we join the intercession of Christ for the Salvation of the world.

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