All members of Meaning of Catholic promise to fulfil these requirements as a part of our lay apostolate.
1. I will never speak a word on the Internet that is not in accord with truth and charity: truth, in that every word will accord with the thing as it is (as far as I know), and charity, in that it speaks from the heart of Christ to the heart of my brother or sister. As it is written, Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it on the day of judgment (Matt. xii. 36).
2. I will always accept and welcome correction. As it is written, The way of life, to him that observeth correction: but he that forsaketh reproofs, goeth astray (Prov. x. 17).
3. I will never say a dishonourable word regarding any superior whether ecclesiastical, natural or political: honour, as a witnessing to the excellence of an office (II-II q103 a1). As it is written, The prince of thy people thou shalt not curse (Ex. xxii. 28).
4. If I am constrained by truth and charity to speak of evil among my superiors or my brethren, I will do so only out of necessity-that is, when the faith is endangered (II-II q33 a4 ad2) - while maintaining due honour to the office according to the Scripture, An ancient man rebuke not, but entreat him as a father (I Tim. v. 1).
5. I will never say anything profane or vulgar, as it is written, Let no evil speech proceed from your mouth; but that which is good, to the edification of faith, that it may administer grace to the hearers (Eph. ii. 29).[1]
[1] Profanity profanes what is a sacred, for example as men use the words “Hell” or “Damn” which speaks blithely of the action or place of God’s eternal justice. Vulgarity is against modesty by speaking of private or unclean things with vulgar words. For an explication of the moral considerations on this matter, see Fr. Chad Ripperger, “Language”
