St. Mary's Parish at 509 Main Street,P.O.Box 310, Morrice, MI 48857-0310 US - A Catholic Question

This question was brought to me from one of our dear parishioners. The question was what is the difference between a Catholic and Christian? The name of those who follow the Lord Jesus is called Christians. This includes all Christians. If you read the book of the Acts of the Apostles, it is said the Christians are very distinct group of people. St. Luke calls Christians " Holy Peoples". In later days the name Christian is applied more widely to all who followed Jesus way of life. This includes all the baptized persons are called Christians. In the year 107 A.D. St. Ignatius of Antioch used the name "Catholic". Catholic means universal. The Fathers of the Church used " Catholic" to mean the true Church of Jesus established on Peter the Rock, as distinct from all other religious groups. It was applied to individuals as well as to the institution. St. Pacianus,a bishop of Barcelona in the fourth century, said, "Christian is my name and Catholic is my surname." Light of Christ shine on you all.
Fr. John

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