What Type of Catholic Are You? Exploring the Diversity of Catholicism

The word “Catholic” comes from the Greek word katholikos, which means “universal” or “according to the whole.” It’s a term that speaks to the Church’s mission to embrace all people, all cultures, and all times. When we say the Church is "Catholic," we mean it’s meant for everyone and offers a spiritual home to all who seek Christ.

But did you know that Catholicism is incredibly diverse? While many people think of the Roman Catholic Church when they hear the word "Catholic," there are many other Catholic traditions and communities, each with unique practices, liturgies, and histories. Let’s take a journey to explore these branches of Catholicism and the rich traditions they represent.

Understanding Catholicism: Universal and Diverse

At its core, Catholicism is about unity in faith, worship, and community, but this unity doesn't mean uniformity. The Catholic Church, in its universal mission, has embraced cultural and theological diversity over the centuries. St. Paul reminds us of this in his letter to the Corinthians:

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).

This diversity is evident in the various "types" of Catholics we encounter today. Some are part of the Roman Catholic Church, others belong to Eastern Catholic Churches, and still others identify with Old Catholics or independent movements. So, what kind of Catholic are you? Let’s explore!

The Roman Catholic Church

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest branch of Catholicism and is centered in Rome under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope). Roman Catholics celebrate the Mass using the Roman Rite and adhere to the teachings found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Key Features of Roman Catholicism:

Leadership: The Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope) is the spiritual leader and visible head of the Church.
Liturgy: Most Roman Catholics worship using the Ordinary Form of the Mass, but some prefer the Traditional Latin Mass (Tridentine Rite).
Sacraments: Roman Catholicism emphasizes the seven sacraments, including the Eucharist, which is the "source and summit" of Christian life (CCC, 1324).

Eastern Catholics: Ancient Traditions in Communion with the Bishop of Rome

Eastern Catholic Churches are in full communion with the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope) but have their own distinct liturgical, spiritual, and theological traditions. These Churches often trace their origins back to the earliest Christian communities.

Examples of Eastern Catholic Churches:

Byzantine Catholics: Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Melkite Greek Catholic Church.
Maronite Church: Known for its deep roots in Lebanon and use of the Syriac liturgical tradition.
Syro-Malabar Church: Based in India, it reflects the East Syriac Rite.

Why Do They Matter?

Eastern Catholics show the Church's universality by preserving ancient traditions while staying united in faith under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope). Their diversity enriches the Catholic experience, much like the different languages and customs of the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).

Old Catholics: A Historical Perspective

The Old Catholic Church separated from the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope) in the 19th century, primarily due to disagreements over the doctrine of papal infallibility declared at the First Vatican Council (1869–1870). Today, Old Catholics strive to preserve early Church traditions while embracing modern inclusivity.

Key Beliefs of Old Catholics:

Sacramental Validity: Old Catholics maintain valid apostolic succession, meaning their sacraments are recognized as valid.
Inclusivity: Many Old Catholic communities allow married, gay, and female priests, seeing this as a return to early Church practices. For example, the New Testament shows women as leaders in the early Church, such as Phoebe, a deaconess (Romans 16:1).

Why Do Some Catholics Allow Married, Gay, and Female Priests?

The debate over clerical celibacy, gender, and sexuality is deeply rooted in Church history and theology. Here’s why some Catholic traditions have different approaches:

Married Priests:Many Catholic rites, especially Eastern Catholics, allow married priests. This practice is rooted in early Church tradition, as the apostles, like St. Peter, were married (Mark 1:30).
Gay and Female Clergy:While not accepted in Roman Catholicism, other Catholic traditions, such as Old Catholics, view inclusivity as a reflection of Christ’s universal love. They emphasize Galatians 3:28:
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Historical Context:Women held leadership roles in the early Church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s letters. The Old Catholic Church and others see this as a basis for ordaining women.

Independent Catholic Movements

Independent Catholic movements often identify as Catholic but are not in communion with the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope). These groups may adapt Catholic traditions to fit modern needs while retaining core elements like the sacraments and liturgy.

Examples:

Liberal Catholic Church: Known for its focus on spirituality and inclusivity.
National Churches: These include movements like the Polish National Catholic Church.

Orthodox Catholics: A Different Path

The Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches are not in communion with the Bishop of Rome (aka the Pope) but share a Catholic identity in their claim to apostolic succession and their emphasis on the early Church's teachings.

Key Differences from Roman Catholicism:

Authority: Orthodox Churches operate under a conciliar model of governance rather than papal primacy.
Liturgy: Their worship is deeply rooted in ancient traditions, such as the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

Conclusion: What Type of Catholic Are You?

Whether Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic, Old Catholic, or part of another Catholic tradition, the beauty of Catholicism lies in its universality and diversity. This diversity reflects the Church’s mission to bring Christ’s love to the whole world. As St. Augustine once wrote:

"In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity."

Wherever you find yourself in the spectrum of Catholicism, remember that the Church’s richness comes from its ability to hold many traditions together under one faith. Perhaps this is what it truly means to be “Catholic”: to be universal in love and open to the boundless grace of God.

References

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Holy Bible: Douay-Rheims Edition. (1899). New York: Benziger Brothers.
Holy Bible: New Testament. (2009). The Jerusalem Bible.
Acts of the Apostles, New Testament.
Romans 16:1, New Testament.
Galatians 3:28, New Testament.
Mark 1:30, New Testament.
First Vatican Council Documents. (1870). Vatican Archives.
Augustine, St. (n.d.). On Christian Doctrine.
Catholic Encyclopedia. (1913). New York: Robert Appleton Company.

About the Author

Rev. Fr. Justin W. Hurtado-Palomo, PhD, is an Old Catholic priest, theologian, historian, and pastoral counselor with a PhD in Pastoral Counseling/Psychology. As the Founder and CEO of Ekklesia Iwiga, Inc. (www.iwiga.com), Fr. Justin is dedicated to creating a sacred and inclusive space for spiritual growth, healing, and community building. A scholar and pastoral leader, he is passionate about exploring the richness of the Catholic tradition, fostering understanding among Roman, Eastern, Old Catholic, and independent movements. Married and deeply connected to his family, Fr. Justin integrates his academic expertise and personal experiences into his work, offering a compassionate and universal perspective that embodies the heart of Catholicism.