My walk with catholism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My walk with catholism - Research Paper Example The aims of this essay are two-fold: to observe and to participate in an unfamiliar spiritual tradition that is different from one’s own.  I was reared in a conservative southern Baptist church. For the purpose of this paper, my attendance to a Catholic church is hereby detailed and shared. Introduction to the Catholic Church The rich historical background of the Catholic Church has led scholars and theologians to pinpoint its origins from the time of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ nearly 2,000 years ago (Aguilar, 2007). People who are strongly devoted to the Catholic faith contend that Jesus Christ is the ultimate founder and supreme head of Roman Catholics. Upon the demise of Christ, one of the apostles, Peter, was reported to be designated as the first Pope, or temporal head of the increasing number of faithful devotees of the Catholic Church. Since then, it has been averred that the mission of this faith is to spread the faith across the world. According to Pope Ben edict XVI, the Catholic Church’s mission is summarized â€Å"as a threefold responsibility to proclaim the word of God, celebrate the sacraments, and exercise the ministry of charity† (Benedict XVI 2005). ... St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church is reported to have been established in the year 1853 and â€Å"named for the patron of the Bishop, Martin John Spalding† (St. Martin: Parish History, 2011, par. 1). I made four visits to this church on following dates: 21st March (Monday), 23rd March (Wednesday), 27th March (Sunday ) and my last visit was on the 30th of March (Wednesday). On first three visits, I attended Masses; while on my last visit, I conducted an interview. B. Social Issues Endorsed by the Place of Worship The St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church actively endorses participation in social issues being a multicultural Catholic church. The population living nearby in the vicinity is African American and this community is a working class and mainly poor. This church remains opens 24/7 and is open to everyone. The place of worship’s governing staff and leaders believe in supporting minorities as well as their rights. One of the main issues addressed by the parish is t he issue of racial equality, specifically black and Indian minorities living particularly in Kentucky, and in the USA, in general. The reason they address this issue is consistent with the Catholic’s mission of proclaiming the word of God to all mankind. Further, the parish aims to gather funds and donations in order to support various charitable endeavors. One of the communities supported through financial contributions is the Catholic American Indian communities on reservations, in inner cities and in rural areas. Parishioners are encouraged to give voluntary gifts, either in kind or in cash, to support evangelization programs of African Americans. From among the currently ongoing programs include Preaches in their own Archdiocese through the work of