A & P Catholics?

In my small Church group recently, I was expressing my amazement at the huge crowd that appeared at Church on Ash Wednesday (see my previous post). They all smiled and one person said: "They are the A&P Catholics." What??? The person continued with the rest in agreement: "They only go to Church if they get something - ashes and palm fronds."

I was astounded. We are offered the greatest gift of all every Sunday in the Eucharist. Are there actually people who place greater value on ashes and palms over the Body and Blood? I can only guess many of these people are "cradle" Catholics who have become complacent. 

I am a convert and I confess I do not understand the A&P's. Perhaps it's because it took me a lifetime to become a Catholic. I am far from the perfect Catholic, but I love my faith and the Church. At least I keep the Holy Days, including Mass every Sunday, and monitor my thoughts, words, and activity in an attempt to become a better Catholic.

If you call yourself a Catholic, honor your faith.