2006 Youth Supplement

Has anyone ever asked you, ‘Why does your faith matter?’

Photo caption: Outgoing Archdiocesan Youth Council members Abby Coffenberry, left, a member of St. Benedict Parish in Terre Haute, and Jennifer Wulf, a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Terre Haute, help lead praise and worship music during the Archdiocesan Youth Rally on March 5 at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. Abby is a now a freshman at Indiana University and Jennifer is a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. (Photo by Mary Ann Wyand)

By Meredith Riley (Special to The Criterion)

Has anyone ever asked you, “Have you been saved?” or “Why do Catholics worship Mary?” or “Our church services are new and exciting. Why is yours the same every time?”

If so, then you’ve probably had to defend your faith or explain the significance of the Church’s teachings.

Whether you know it or not, you’ve already begun to engage in apologetics, which is defending your faith. Apologetics helps us get a better understanding of what it means to be Catholic, and why we do what we do. It is easy to get started in apologetics, but it takes time, patience and perseverance to continue to learn what you need to know.

Reading the Bible is necessary to develop a good understanding of apologetics. Start with the Gospels and learn about the life Jesus lived, his teachings and how he is calling each of us to live.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is also very important in understanding what the Church teaches. There are many books available that address issues of faith and how we are to defend those matters. Reading about the lives of the saints can be inspiring on your journey and can help you understand our own call to sainthood.

Apologetics is not always easy. There will be people who do not understand why you would go against what society is telling you and defend the faith. There might be a time when you do not know what to do or say.

In Luke 12:11-12, Jesus tells us, “When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to say; for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say.”

Trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide you is essential, and there could be no apologetics without it. No one can be successful in apologetics without prayer. Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and the intercession of the saints, especially St. Michael, St. Anthony and the Blessed Virgin Mother.

There are many people who do not understand the Church and its teachings—many of them Catholics. This is why it is so important to stand up for the Truth. Jesus said in Luke 12:8, “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God; but whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.”

Apologetics is helpful whether you’re at home, work or school. We must always be ready and willing to stand up for our faith. The early Christians, some of the saints and even others throughout history were killed because they defended what they believed. We should follow their example of fortitude when we stick up for our beliefs.

In the words of our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, “Be not afraid!” Go out and spread the message of Christ’s love to all the world!

(Meredith Riley is a member of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Franklin.) †