Why I Love the Catholic Faith

The Mass

The Catholic Mass is not only a beautiful liturgical celebration but also a means of gaining grace by receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist. During every hour of the day, somewhere in the world, a Catholic Mass is being celebrated, fulfilling Jesus’ request to “Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19)

I love the fact that I can attend Mass in Spanish, Latin or any other language and I know exactly what is going on because there is a rhythm and ritual that is always the same. Yet each community can personalize the celebration through music, church décor and ethnic customs. I feel equally at home in a “gospel” style Mass in a tiny chapel in New Orleans as I do in a Latin High Mass in a cathedral in South Dakota.

The Sacrament

The Catholic Church offers seven sacraments which are visible signs of grace, instituted by Christ. Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist are sacraments of initiation and are the foundation of our faith. Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are sacraments of healing. Matrimony and Holy Orders are sacraments of service.

I love the ceremony and tradition that defines each of the sacraments, and I am grateful that I can go to Communion and Confession as often as I’d like. I am awed by the fact that reception of the Eucharist at Mass transforms my body into a tabernacle in which I carry Christ out into the world. I also appreciate the humility required to say my sins out loud in the Confessional. It seems that the more often I participate in the sacraments, the more blessings and grace I receive.