Simply Catholic and Welcoming You

Catholic Spirituality

Amma Charlene Distributes the Holy Eucharist

Catholic spirituality involves living out one's baptismal promise through prayer, action, and participation in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and experiencing God's grace through various spiritual practices and moments. All within the context of the Church's faith and teachings.

Catholic spirituality encompasses a sacramental vision, seeing God in all aspects of life, and developing a conscious relationship with God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Central to this is the belief that faith should be expressed in actions and works, demonstrating a real connection between belief and life.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of Catholic faith, and participation in the liturgy is a central spiritual practice.

Personal encounters with God include finding God through prayer, personal reflection, and seeking reconciliation with God for wrongdoing. We express faith through love and service to others, particularly the poor and marginalized.

Catholic spirituality involves belonging to the Church, the community of believers, and participating in communal worship and prayer. Living a life of compassion and service, embodying the teachings of Jesus and following the example of the saints. Practicing prayer, fasting, silence, and other spiritual disciplines to cultivate a closer relationship with God. Living a life of joy and love, sharing God's love with others and finding fulfillment in God's presence.

Catholic Spirituality In Practice

A Rosary Draped Over a Wooden Cross We Practice a Strong Devotion to the Holy Rosary

Besides this broader overview, Catholic spirituality can be expressed in four words: faith, sacraments, commandments, and prayer.

Faith

Catholic spirituality and faith are intertwined, focusing on a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and lived out within the community of the Church.This encompasses prayer, sacraments, and living a life of love and service, reflecting faith in action. Catholic spirituality emphasizes the belief in the Trinity, the Incarnation of Jesus, and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit. At the heart of Catholic spirituality is faith, a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ, which is central to everything Catholics are and do.

The Holy Spirit is seen as the source of grace and the guiding force that helps Catholics grow in their faith and live a life of holiness. Prayer, especially the Eucharistic liturgy (Mass), is a central aspect of Catholic faith and spirituality, allowing Catholics to encounter God and deepen their relationship with Him.

Sacraments

In Catholic spirituality, the sacraments are sacred rituals instituted by Christ that visibly and invisibly impart grace, strengthening believers' spiritual lives and connection with God. They are outward signs of inward grace, signifying and making present the action of Christ and the Church, thereby nourishing, strengthening, and expressing faith.

Sacraments of Initiation

Baptism: Initiates individuals into the Christian faith and washes away original sin, marking the beginning of their spiritual journey.

Confirmation: Strengthens and deepens one's faith, granting the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Eucharist (or Communion): The central sacrament, where believers partake in the Body and Blood of Christ, nourishing their souls and uniting them with Christ.

Sacraments of Healing

Confession and Reconciliation: Provides forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism, allowing for healing and restoration of relationship with God.

Anointing of the Sick: Offers spiritual and physical strength to those who are seriously ill or near death.

Sacraments of Commitment

Holy Orders: Ordains people to serve as priests, bishops, and deacons, empowering them to lead the Church and administer the sacraments.

Marriage: Blesses the union of two people,in a loving, committed relationship, signifying their commitment to each other and their witness to Christ's love for the Church.

The sacraments are essential for spiritual growth and are considered a necessary means of salvation for believers. Through them, Christ continues to act in the Church, strengthening and transforming the lives of those who receive them with faith.

Commandments

For Catholics, indeed most Christians, the ongoing challenge of keeping the commandments is a part of the faith emphasized from the earliest years and basic catechism.

Today the focus is on what Jesus called the greatest of the commandments, loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37 These two commandments are considered the foundation upon which all other commandments are built.

The first commandment is to love God with your whole being. This means dedicating yourself to God, seeking Him in prayer and scripture, and living a life that reflects your love for Him. The second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. This means treating others with compassion, kindness, and respect, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity. Do not overlook that this commandment also indicates that we need to also love ourselves.

These form the cornerstones for Catholics today, together with "Judge not, lest ye be judged", from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:1-2, urging people to be compassionate and forgiving, as they will be judged by the same standards they use to judge others. It's a reminder that everyone is imperfect and prone to making mistakes, and that judging others harshly can lead to similar judgment from others.

Prayer

In Catholic spirituality, prayer encompasses a wide variety of forms, from structured prayers like the Rosary and Mass to personal, informal conversations with God. These prayers are often guided by the four basic elements of Christian prayer: adoration/blessing, contrition/repentance, thanksgiving/gratitude, and supplication/petition/intercession.

Many Catholics incorporate specific prayers like the Nicene Creed, morning and evening prayers, and prayers to saints or angels into their daily routines. At St. Brigit’s Community Catholic Church we encourage laity to also pray the Rosary daily and attend Mass at least once each week.

We ask all clergy to pray the Divine office daily (asking a minimum of two sessions), as well as the daily Rosary and saying Mass at least once each week. (Remember our clergy hold regular jobs/careers outside of their clergy calling so, unlike full time paid clergy, they may not have time to do more than this.)

Catholic Spirituality

Catholic Spirituality In Practice

Recent Articles

Catholic-Confession

Ordination, incardination and dismissal of clergy

Catholic Last Rites