Why stay Catholic?
This past Thanksgiving I was at a friend’s house (sorry Mom and Dad) and one of my friend’s brothers said to me, “You’re not really Catholic, are you? You can’t believe in the stuff; you’re not dumb.” I might be dumb, but I am certainly not Catholic because I’m dumb. I am Catholic because of my love for God and my love of people. I wish I’d had the chance to really answer that man’s questions, so here is why I remain Catholic; the four C’s.
Community – The communal aspect of Catholicism calls me to serve and be served. The image of the Body of Christ is inexhaustible. One student told me last semester, “I don’t know if I believe in God, but the closest thing I can get to that is a group of committed people.” Whether I am seeing community in Communion, in church, or simply in one of the Buddig elevators – it is real. We are meant to walk towards God together and my community gives me many companions. (Companion literally means one you break bread with!)
Comfort – Yes, my faith brings me comfort. When I find my life challenging I can turn towards my God, and I can do that in a number of ways. I can turn towards my community. I can lift my heart and mind up in prayer. I can attend Mass. In the midst of life’s struggles, I am comforted by Christ. My faith gives me a worldview as a starting point, and from there I make decisions.
Challenge – Staying faithful to anything is a challenge. The church challenges us to be in humble community with each other. In the face of the iPod-Youtube-it’s all about me lifestyle, the church calls me into solidarity with the poor. The church challenges me to become humble, to let others shine. And I, if I’m really Catholic, am called to be part of that dialogue. I am called to challenge my church. Questioning the church is not a sign of a weak faith; it’s the sign of a thoughtful faith.
Christ – Sweet Jesus is the best part of this whole deal. Jesus is the reason I am Catholic, I stay Catholic, and I will continue to be Catholic. Christ calls us to radical love, not only for him, but for each other. Jesus calls us into friendship. He calls us to love one another deeply. And to quote a great man, the Rev. Jerry Fagin, S.J., “Unconditional love is the most challenging kind of love. It challenges us to love others the same way.” And this kind of love has made my life full.
I don’t believe for a minute that I could’ve answered that man’s questions to his satisfaction. He didn’t want to have a dialogue, he wanted to put out how silly it is to have faith. And maybe it is, but I’m here, baby, and I’m staying.
Joe Albin is a graduate student in the Loyola Institute for Ministry. He can be reached at
This column is open to any member of the Loyola community, regardless of faith. Those interested in contributing can contact [email protected]
