Blog 3: Catholicism & Community

Membership in Catholicism is sometimes viewed by Protestant Christians as an exclusive and nearly uninviting process. Arguably, this sense of exclusivity is a tool used to strengthen the sense of community and dedication to a relationship with God and the Church. The Catholic faith and the image it creates of itself for the world is emboldened by the community created by the requisite participation within and outside of the mass.

Sacraments are reminders and manifestations of God’s grace within the Church. They are seven significant rituals to completing membership in the Church and actively interacting with God. Dr. Eileen Crowley of the Catholic Theological Union writes that “worshipers need to ‘participate’ before, during, and after liturgy in a life that becomes a life of ongoing worship,” (Crowley 27). These sacraments, such as communion, confession, and confirmation, are a considerable part of the liturgy and worship that Crowley discusses. They reinforce and depict the holiness that God communicates with believers.

The Catholic community requires more than participation in mass and sacraments, it requires a dedication to the community itself. Many Catholics devote time to service within and outside of the Church as a way to strengthen their relationship with each other, their fellow brothers and sisters, and with God. The provided image illustrates a typical community board posted outside an Italian Catholic Church, reviewing the upcoming events within the parish and town, in which involvement is encouraged to bring the parish closer together and to God. Participation in selfless work and active communication with God and community are just as significant to a Catholic lifestyle as the traditions of the religion.

Community is one of the most essential tenants within Catholicism. While membership of the faith may be a difficult process that deters those unwilling to move forward with the Church, the practices work to strengthen the relationships that believers have with each other, with their parish, and with God.