Dear Friends,
References to Catholicism have made their way into 2026 social media, print journalism, and conversations. Political advertising and speeches often note the ethics and religious beliefs of candidates. Some US citizens are analyzing whether there is or should be a clear Catholic voting bloc. The immigration crisis sparks discussion of morality and responsibility of citizens and their leaders. Some Catholic bishops initiate conversations about Catholic social teaching. And, oh yes, a former Rochester bishop is named a Catholic Blessed and the ceremony and veneration of relics prompt reminiscence and questions and reflection.
What does the word catholic mean? Its Greek roots point to a concern for the whole, a universal perspective. When second century bishop Ignatius of Antioch used the adjective catholic to describe the early church, he was celebrating its missionary communities of many locations, languages, and traditions.
During the years of the protestant reformation, catholic began to denote the Christian churches loyal to Rome. The word’s use to refer to one Christian denomination weakened its rich message of mission and universality.
This fall I am preoccupied with being Catholic and with the meaning of this affiliation. Returning to the earliest meaning of the word catholic helps me gain some perspective on the many issues and events I mention above. I attempt to think and pray as a member of a church that encompasses many eras and many cultures. I want to vote and behave as a citizen with a global and inclusive perspective.
Catholic and catholic,
Susan Schantz SSJ
