Catholic Church Experience Paper

When one describes themselves as “Christian,” they are using a wide brush to paint themselves with. My faith background began in a charismatic, non-denominational church indicative of the Pentecostal movement. The writer now is active as a member of a Methodist church’s congregation. I chatted with Rizzelle Hohenstern about what church entails in the context of the Roman Catholic Church as she grew up in and continues to be a part of the church both in a congregational and a support capacity for the youth ministry in her local parish in Atlanta, GA. Additionally, she also has her Master’s of Pastoral Studies,, so as a Theology major, she was able to provide answers from both the mainline Roman Catholic perspective as well as her own learned

According to mainline Catholicism, “[i]f you’re with the Catholic church, you value the seven sacraments. You understand their beauty and allow them to fill your life.”[3] The sacraments are an outward manifestation of the inner workings of the spirit in each Catholic’s life. The sacraments are as follows: 1) Baptism. This sacrament represents you have become part of the church and received the Holy Spirit. 2) Reconciliation. This sacrament is the act of acknowledging one’s sin through confessional. It allows the believer to feel God’s mercy in a central way. 3) Eucharist. Through communion, the catholic believer receives Jesus’ body and blood under the earth visual of bread and wine. It is a symbol for how Jesus continues to nourish us. 4) Confirmation. This sacrament completes baptism. Upon completing this sacrament, the catholic believer receives the Holy Spirit in a special way. Also, it serves as an active and intentional sign of your walk with Christ in discipleship. 5) Marriage. The marriage bond is a representation of Christ’s love for humanity. 6) Holy Orders. If a follower is not called to marriage, they may be called to religious life. Single people take on these vows. Those who take the sacrament of Holy Orders are effectively marrying the church. 7) Anointing of the sick. This sacrament is primarily for physical ailments, but also impacts us