How does the Church envisage the ideal Catholic?

[Sirona]

I'm a lapsed Catholic and I would like to know how the Church envisages the ideal Catholic. Should one sacrifice oneself like Jesus or Mother Teresa of Calcutta did, or should one live a rather "balanced" life? Should one be happy about being saved or sad about one's sins? Thanks for your replies.

 

[metis]

Generally speaking, it cn be summed up in the Nicene Creed, which is what a convert would recite if converting:

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy,
catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.


Forgiveness can be found through confessing one's sins to God and asking for forgiveness.

 

[First Baseman]

I'm a lapsed Catholic and I would like to know how the Church envisages the ideal Catholic. Should one sacrifice oneself like Jesus or Mother Teresa of Calcutta did, or should one live a rather "balanced" life? Should one be happy about being saved or sad about one's sins? Thanks for your replies.

I recently converted to Catholicism in 2011. One should seek to do God's will.

To answer your questions, try this scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

You can see from the scripture that it is God's will that you be rejoicing, praying and giving thanks at all times. Further, please read Peter's epistles to better understand why we go through tough times. Also, the book of Job is a good read to understand why we go through bad times as well.

I hope that helps.

 

[Sirona]

Generally speaking, it cn be summed up in the Nicene Creed, which is what a convert would recite if converting:

I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son
is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy,
catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Forgiveness can be found through confessing one's sins to God and asking for forgiveness.

In my case, lapsed Catholic doesn't mean religiously illiterate. I can still rattle off the Creed. I stopped going to mass out of respect for the Eucharist. I poked my nose into Hinduism to learn what it requires from me. Now I am asking the same question to my former faith. What is to be done to be a good Catholic?

 

[First Baseman]

In my case, lapsed Catholic doesn't mean religiously illiterate. I can still rattle off the Creed. I stopped going to mass out of respect for the Eucharist. I poked my nose into Hinduism to learn what it requires from me. Now I am asking the same question to my former faith. What is to be done to be a good Catholic?

Don't be concerned with being a good Catholic. Be concerned with being the kind of person that God wants you to be.

 

[metis]

In my case, lapsed Catholic doesn't mean religiously illiterate. I can still rattle off the Creed. I stopped going to mass out of respect for the Eucharist. I poked my nose into Hinduism to learn what it requires from me. Now I am asking the same question to my former faith. What is to be done to be a good Catholic?

Instead of answering your question directly, let me recommend the book the "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis. If you haven't already read it, treat yourself.

I should boogie out of here because this is a Catholic DIR and I ain't Catholic. However, I'm quite familiar with Catholic teachings, which is why I responded.

 

[Sirona]

Instead of answering your question directly, let me recommend the book the "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis. If you haven't already read it, treat yourself.

I should boogie out of here because this is a Catholic DIR and I ain't Catholic. However, I'm quite familiar with Catholic teachings, which is why I responded.

Found it. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Shiranui117]

I'm a lapsed Catholic and I would like to know how the Church envisages the ideal Catholic. Should one sacrifice oneself like Jesus or Mother Teresa of Calcutta did, or should one live a rather "balanced" life?

Everyone is called to sacrifice themselves. How much of ourselves we are called to sacrifice will vary from person to person.

Should one be happy about being saved or sad about one's sins?

The answer is "yes". But above all, you should be at peace, tranquil in heart, and aware of where you're at.

 

[Glaurung]

I'm a lapsed Catholic and I would like to know how the Church envisages the ideal Catholic. Should one sacrifice oneself like Jesus or Mother Teresa of Calcutta did, or should one live a rather "balanced" life? Should one be happy about being saved or sad about one's sins? Thanks for your replies.

It is simple although not always easy, you do your best to live a good Christian life by doing good and avoiding sin. You're also expected to observe your religious obligations such as attending Sunday Mass and days of obligation, observing the fasts, confessing your sins at least once a year, and doing your bit for the material needs of the Church.

The Chruch doesn't ask that we all go over and beyond and become monastics, but you shouldn't let that stop you from going beyond the bare minimum either. God calls us each of us to differing things, it's up to you to discern that.

As for being "saved", while you should have confidence in God and His mercy, it's presumptuous to assume your salvation as a sure thing. This is only the case if you persevere in a state of grace to the very end. Catholicism does not teach election in the Protestant sense.

 

[Serenity Now]

The 4 Pillars of the Catholic Faith
The Apostles Creed
The Seven Sacraments
The Ten Commandments
The Lord's Prayer

The 7 Corporal Works of Mercy
To feed the hungry
To give drink to the thirsty
To clothe the naked
To shelter the homeless
To visit the sick
To visit the imprisoned
To bury the dead

Note:
Reference Matthew 25 and Tobias 12. "To visit the imprisoned" was originally listed as "to ransom the captives," referring to the ransoming of Christians taken prisoner during Moslem aggression.

The 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy
To counsel the doubtful
To instruct the ignorant
To admonish the sinner
To comfort the sorrowful
To forgive all injuries
To bear wrongs patiently
To pray for the living and the dead

 

[kepha31]

I'm a lapsed Catholic and I would like to know how the Church envisages the ideal Catholic. Should one sacrifice oneself like Jesus or Mother Teresa of Calcutta did, or should one live a rather "balanced" life? Should one be happy about being saved or sad about one's sins? Thanks for your replies.

I suggest you make a sincere examination of conscience before going to confession. Enjoy the peace of mind that follows, then receive the Eucharist as soon as possible. Discuss any doubts you may have about the faith with the priest. Nurturing voluntary doubt can lead to spiritual blindness. Don't expect instant answers for all your concerns. Take time to sit still and listen...
...for that still small Voice.