Readers round out top ten

Readers of The Evangelist have all sorts of reasons for being Catholics, including their father's influence and Purgatory.

Their ideas came in response to an article by Kathy Coffey in the Jan. 29 issue of The Evangelist. After listing her own nine reasons for being a Catholic, such as the universality of the Church and its spirituality, she invited readers to supply a tenth.

"It's your turn," Ms. Coffey wrote. "What's your favorite reason for being a Catholic?"

The Evangelist received many replies to her question, including these:

* "To learn about Jesus. Who was He? Why did He come? Will He come again? We receive the sacraments to be close to Jesus, but do we know Him enough to love Him?" -- Nancy Capek, St. Johnsville.

* "It is the most wonderful gift my Irish father ever gave me." -- Ellen Oliver Schembri, Bolton Landing.

* "This is the Church founded upon Peter the 'rock.' Jesus is present in the Holy Eucharist so we can receive Him. Jesus gave us His mother, Mary." -- Mildred Breitenbach, Altamont.

* "I am a Catholic because I received the new life with Christ when I was baptized as a baby. But today I am an adult Catholic because I love the Church. My faith has deepened and matured. I attend daily Mass because I have come to recognize my need for Christ in a deeper way. The two main influences in my deepening faith have been the charismatic renewal and my devotion to the Blessed Mother." -- Agnes Blodgett, Albany.

* "The Mass and receiving the sacraments. After receiving Holy Communion, I feel I am surrounded by God." -- Mary J. Butler, Glens Falls.

* "The Catholic Church is the only Church not created by man. It was not a dream; it was not an inspiration. It was not an idea originating from a human mind setting forth ideas and principles to live by. My Church traces itself back to the Son of the Living God, Jesus Christ. [Other reasons include] Purgatory,...Confession,...and finally, the Real Presence....Others can enter church and pray to Jesus, but we can enter church and be with Jesus Christ. He is there." -- John Bossoni, North Petersburg.

* "It is the last and only standing organization in the whole of the western world remaining true to the Lord's teaching in the most important realm of sexual morality. The Church is the last and only hope left that can truly teach the sanctity of human life." -- Jim and Denise Nelligan, Schenectady.

* "Devotion to our Savior's Blessed Mother, who agonized with her Son every painful step of the way and then rejoiced in his glorious resurrection." -- Jim Gregory, Albany.

* "So many other churches put Mary in the background. We acknowledge the many miracles she has performed for her special devotees, such as Bernadette of Lourdes. This has always meant a lot to me." -- Trudy Van Ryn, Selkirk.

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