ABC’s of Catholic Doctrine

The ABC’s of Catholic Doctrine

By Lianne Tiu

Coming Home to Rome

There is a saying, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” When we are baptized in the

Catholic Church, we receive a permanent and distinctive character (or mark) of baptism.

Even if we commit mortal sin after baptism, even if we leave the Church for another

faith…we may lose sanctifying grace but we do not lose the baptismal character in our

souls.

We hear of our brothers and sisters who have left the Catholic faith because of the

hurt they have experienced from fellow Christians; or because they prefer the liveliness

and entertainment that other churches provide; or because they object to some of the

Church teachings and practices. Many of our fallen-away brothers and sisters do love

our Lord; however, they know little about our faith; they “hate what they wrongly believe

to be the Catholic Church,” as Venerable Fulton Sheen would say.

If we have been away from the Church or we have not been going to Mass for some

time, we may feel a tug. It is Father God who is eagerly calling us to come home.

How do we return to the Catholic Church? There is no “formal” way to go back, no

liturgical fanfare. We have always been a Catholic because of our baptismal character.

Through Confession, which is one of the most unique and beautiful aspects of our faith,

we regain the grace that we have lost. We may want to discuss with a priest any

concerns about our return. We start attending Mass again and get to know more about

the beautiful and timeless teachings of the Church. This way, we will experience an

immense joy of a renewed relationship with Father God, who loves us and accepts us

unconditionally. Indeed, there is no place like home in the Catholic Church.

(Reference: “The Faith Explained” by Leo Trese, “Choosing to be Catholic: Converts,

Reverts and Renewed Catholics” By Deacon Keith Fournier; Catholics Come Home.org