by Karen Boyd

Created on: April 08, 2009

Are you a "Menu Catholic"?

You've heard of them; also commonly referred to as "C & E Catholics", (aka Christmas & Easter), suggesting those who only care to practice the Catholic faith at these pinnacle celebrations do not truly honor God or Christianity.

"Menu Catholics", a term I affectionately borrowed from my mother-in-law, is somewhat less derogatory. Nevertheless, it illuminates the practice of believing in God and practicing Christianity, countered with the seemingly impossible rigidity of Catholicism. The name, "Menu Catholic" not only refers to those picking and choosing when to celebrate Mass, but encompasses the entire structure and belief system of Catholicism.

Some of these "Menu Catholics" are self-admitting. They stand firm in their human right to select which of the Ten Commandments, Seven Sacraments, or Catholic norms and rituals they want to comply with. Often times this admission is followed by justifications such as, "everyone sins, it's impossible to follow all these rules", "my relationship with God is my own and the church shouldn't dictate that", "God knows I'm a good Christian", or even "I go to confession" as if all of these reasons suffice to excuse members from their Catholic "duties".

After all, we are human and God knows we are not infallible. Even those of us who've been baptized as infants or otherwise are not eternally free from sin. We're "washed" by the Holy Spirit and given the gift of a clean slate; however it is dependent on our beliefs and practices whether we remain one with God.

Remaining one with God does not mean we will never sin. That is not only impossible, but unrealistic. When we do sin, however, it is required that we repent of these transgressions, ask God's forgiveness, and commit to improving our behavior; not just through words - but by actions.

It is my belief that Christianity and Catholicism, in particular, is a foundation established for us as a means of guidance. Catholicism in all its rules and rigor is not intended to be punishment nor an impossible set of standards. The structure of the Catholic religion is a benchmark to aspire.

We will never live perfectly. We can try our best to avoid sin and repent when we do sin. We can attend church, pray to God, and attempt to follow the Ten Commandments, Seven Sacraments, and other Catholic norms or rituals as they're laid out for us.

How do we do this? We aspire to be the best Catholic Christians we can be. Yes, it's impossible to follow all the rules all of the time. The intent is to live and be one with God and Catholicism. The Catholic religion gives us the necessary structure to instill virtue and discipline in our human lives.

If we didn't have Catholicism to inspire and challenge us, we wouldn't have much reason to follow or practice this faith.

Be true to yourself in the practice of your faith and in your relationship with God. Nobody can tell you how to be a "good Catholic", but those who lean toward the "C & E" or "Menu" variety have much to think about.

Learn more about this author, Karen Boyd.
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