The Catholic Identity series features guest posts that reflect unique Catholic voices exploring the concept of Catholic Identity, personally and professionally. In this article, Thomas Pezo, an 8th grader at St. John's Academy, reflects on his Catholic identity as a student and young person. Read more and download a Catholic Identity Activity to complete and share.
My faith has always been important, the love of and for the Catholic faith has surrounded me since I can remember. This love is part of what makes my Catholic identity. Catholic identity is not just about going to church or learning prayers, but it’s about how I live my life daily, the things I have learned and experienced in my faith. It shapes how I treat others, how I talk to God, and how I see the world around me. Being Catholic means following Jesus, living by His example, and being proud of my faith.
Being Catholic means following Jesus, living by His example, and being proud of my faith.
My family, especially my mom and grandma are a big part of who I think I am today with my faith formation and my development. I love that I have very early memories of going to Mass in both Spanish and English. I’ve experienced and love my Catholic traditions like going to Midnight Mass every year, celebrating the Epiphany and Three Kings Day. I also have memories from an early age in my house of hearing and seeing images of Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Anthony of Padua, San Martin of Porres, Saint Pope John Paul II and the Blessed Mother. It’s been a formation of love and devotion for Christ that I saw always and is a part of me as well.
Ideal for use with children and families, this customizable booklet invites reflection and expression of our unique Catholic identity and faith experiences. Download the free booklet with instructions and a corresponding Catholic identity sticker set to affix to completed pages. Add pages focused on prayer, evangelization, learning, and celebrating.
A strong relationship with God is essential in Catholic identity. It’s more than just knowing about Him; it’s about talking to Him and making Him a part of my life. It’s a relationship of trust and pure love.
Another important part of my Catholic identity is the sacraments. I’ve celebrated Baptism, First Communion, and Reconciliation, and each of these sacraments has brought me closer to God in a special way. My First Communion was one of the most important moments of my life because I knew I was receiving the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Every time I go to Mass now, I feel that same excitement and closeness to Jesus when I receive Communion. Confession is another sacrament that helps me grow in my faith and I truly love. Reconciliation heals one’s soul and deepens the relationship with Christ. It’s a reminder of God’s love and that God’s mercy is always there for me, no matter how many mistakes I make. I am now preparing for Confirmation and reflection on which saint will be my guide and patron in my life to help me become more like Christ. Through these sacraments, I feel connected to my faith and to the whole Catholic Church.
As I am reflecting on saints for my Confirmation it is important to note that a big part of being Catholic is looking up to the saints. Saints are heroes and warriors of the faith. They lived out their Catholic identity in amazing ways, and their stories inspire me to live my faith every day. I have many favorite saints. Some are Saint Pope John Paul II, and Blessed Carlo Acutis.
Saint John Paul II was a man who really cared about young people and encouraged us to not be afraid and to be proud of our faith. He taught that we should never be afraid to follow Jesus and that we can make a difference in the world by sharing God’s love
Blessed Carlo Acutis is a saint that I connect with because he was young, just like me. He loved technology and used the Internet to share his love for Jesus. He reminds me that I can use the things I enjoy, like music, art, and sports, to show others what it means to be Catholic. Carlo’s deep love for the Eucharist also helps me appreciate the importance of going to Mass and receiving Jesus in Communion.
Mary, the Mother of God, is another important part of my Catholic identity. I look up to her because she always said “yes” to God, even when it was difficult. She trusted Him and loved him completely, and I try to follow her example by trusting God in my life. The Rosary is my favorite prayer and when I pray the Rosary, I feel close to Mary, and I ask her to help me be brave in my faith, just like she was.
Living out my Catholic identity isn’t just something that happens at church—it’s something I try to do every day. Jesus taught us many things like to love one another, and I try to live that out by being kind and helping others whenever I can.
At school, I try to show kindness by including everyone or by helping classmates with their work. At home, I help my family whenever I can, I know that these acts of kindness and service are ways I can live out my Catholic identity, just like Jesus asks us to.
Serving others is a big part of what it means to have a Catholic identity. Jesus said that when we serve others, we are serving Him, and that’s something I take seriously. At school, we have service projects, these experiences help me see how important it is to put my faith into action.
Even small acts of kindness, like holding the door open for someone or helping a classmate who’s struggling, are ways I can live out my Catholic identity. I know that being Catholic isn’t just about what I believe—it’s about how I live, what decisions I make, and how I treat others and how I can make a difference in the world.
Even small acts of kindness, like holding the door open for someone or helping a classmate who’s struggling, are ways I can live out my Catholic identity.
As I continue to grow in my faith, I know that my Catholic identity will keep evolving and growing but also remain true to traditions and Catholic doctrine and scripture. I’ll learn more about what it means to be Catholic and have new experiences that shape me. My Catholic identity will always be with me, guiding me in how I live and how I treat others.
This article is the seventh in a series on Catholic identity. Visit the Sadlier Religion Blog to read previous and upcoming guest posts written by individuals who serve the Church in many ways. Each author will reflect on what Catholic identity means to them personally in their life and work.
