“In the doctrine of Christ there is no invitation to mediocrity, but a clear call to Heaven, to love and to cheerful sacrifice.” (Fr. Francis Fernandez, In Conversation with God)
Feeling let down by politicians and public figures who say they are Catholic, but whose words and actions are often contrary to the teachings of the Church? Do we seek good examples for ourselves, our children or our grandchildren to emulate because we hope they will demonstrate in word and deed what it means to be authentically Catholic? Perhaps we are looking in the wrong places. Maybe for too long we have placed the wrong people on pedestals. It is entirely possible that we need look no further than our own parishes, workplaces and communities for good examples, or as we may want to call them, “regular Catholic heroes.”
They are all around, but we may fail to notice them as it is easy to overlook the faithful, virtuous, humble and selfless among us. We do not notice them because they go about serving Christ and His Church in often quiet ways, avoiding the spotlight whenever possible. They care more about doing good than getting the credit. When they are not working, they are likely to be spending quality time with their families, serving others in the community or on their knees in prayer. They provide a powerful witness in the simplest of actions.
What prompted this post? In the past year, I have encountered three people who I had the good fortune to see, maybe for the first time, as everyday Catholic heroes. I have known who they are for years, but I was struck recently by how each of them were such good role models for me and most people I know. Tom, a senior sales leader devoted to the Church and his family, selflessly gives his time to a local homeless shelter and organizes our parish community to support it. He is a prayer warrior who loves the Rosary and can always be counted on when you need help. Paige, a senior executive with an Atlanta based company, is a devoted Catholic wife and mother who finds time to carry out her business duties, run a jobs ministry at her parish, teach PSR and selflessly help anyone she meets find everything from stronger faith to a new job. Finally, there is Judy, a lady in my parish who is heavily involved in pro-life ministry and is one of the most faithful Catholics I have ever met. She is always smiling, talking about her children and grandchildren and setting an example for all of us in her devotion to the Lord and His Sacraments. Ironically, all of them would be very uncomfortable being described as heroes.
What traits do they have in common?
“Regular Catholic Heroes” like these three individuals and others are often humble, selfless, loving, reliable, prayerful and authentically Catholic.
How can we recognize these “Everyday Catholic Heroes”?
- They clearly show the light of Christ to those around them.
- They are joyful and make being Catholic look inviting and attractive.
- They follow the Magisterium, are devoted to the Sacraments and have vibrant prayer lives.
- They live authentic Catholic lives which don’t change to suit their companions or in the face of challenges.
- When dealing with others, it is never about self.
- It is their privilege to do any task necessary to help a ministry or labor in the service of another person.
- They possess a quiet and powerful form of courage in the face of adversity which emanates from their complete trust in Jesus Christ.
What really struck me as I wrote this post and reflected on the heroes I am now seeing with new eyes, is how they are pursuing lives of holiness and working to attain Heaven. They are likely closer than the rest of us. In fact, these humble and selfless Catholic heroes all around us may just be the saints of tomorrow. We should seek them out, share our sincere gratitude and pray that we will follow their great example.
Do we have what it takes to become Catholic heroes to the people we encounter each day?
Editor’s Note: Would you like to learn more about “regular Catholic heroes” and the joyful witness they give for Christ and the Catholic faith? Randy Hain’s exciting and popular sixth book, Joyful Witness: How to Be an Extraordinary Catholic (Servant Books) is available through Amazon and all Catholic bookstores!
