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"My Jehovah Witness wife wants me to sign that she does not want blood transfusions if needed. Any suggestions?" - Mario  Father Bill: I am happily married in Catholic Church almost 22 years with my wife and we have a daughter and son. My concern is that approximately 10 years ago my family have joined the Jehovah Witness church. My wife and daughter are already baptized. At one point my wife showed up with a document indicating that not even in case of life threatening situation will accept blood transfusions, same document that she wanted me to approve by signing which I declined. At the beginning we started debates about faith since I am Catholic and assist mass every Sunday with Prayers assembly on Tuesdays, later those debates were ignored and we try to live different faith lives. I am afraid I may lose one of my family members due to JW doctrine and beliefs, debates recently started again and it is frustrating for me. What is a good recommendation, I know that praying is essential but I do really need another good suggestion. - Thank You, Blessings. - Mario
__________________________________ Dear Mario: Strongly held
religious beliefs often pose problems for those who do not share
those beliefs. Your concern is a good example of that. If a situation were to occur in which you are the one left with the responsibility for deciding whether one of your JW family members should receive a transfusion of whole blood in a life-threatening emergency, you would have quite a dilemma. I would suggest first of all that you become very familiar with what IS allowed under the JW doctrine. The transfusion of certain blood products is permitted, so this knowledge could be life-saving and not violate your family members' beliefs.
Since the doctrine prohibits Witnesses from willingly
accepting a transfusion of whole blood, you would have two choices:
either order the transfusion or respect the religious beliefs of
your JW family members. The first choice might not be available if
your family members have signed directives regarding their medical
care, as medical professionals would be obliged to honor those
directives, if they are aware of them.
Father Bill: My brother in law and his "husband" and their adopted 5 year old son will be staying with my family for 10 days and I don't agree with their lifestyle. Is it wrong for them to sleep in my house while they are here? Between my husband of almost 1 year, we have 5 young children together. I don't want the kids thinking it's o.k. and I don't want to hurt my brother in law. Thank you. - Kristi ________________________________________ Dear Kristi, In this case it is easy for me to assume that the “brother-in-law” in question is your husband's brother, since it couldn't be your sister's husband. That being so, my first question would be: What does your husband think about this? Your question does not indicate that the two of you have discussed the matter, yet the very fact that his brother and family have been invited to your home suggests that you not only discussed it, but are probably in disagreement about it. Since this visit likely has your husband's approval, your question really is, what should you do about it? I think that the simple answer is: Try to make the best of it. It seems reasonable that you and your husband could ask your brother-in-law and his partner to be discrete while they are with you. For your part, kindness and respect, even in the face of your disagreement with their lifestyle, would be far better than confrontation or refusing them hospitality. From a cultural perspective, you are not going to save the small children in your family from eventually having to deal with the reality of same-sex relationships, so the best thing is to be ready to help them understand when the time comes. Depending on their ages and life experiences, this particular visit from your brother-in-law and family may be a non-event … or it may give rise to questions. Be ready. Be honest. Be kind. There may be more visits in the future, so it would best for your children to love and accept their uncle and his family, even if you and they are not comfortable with the lifestyle issues. I'm sure you don't need me to say this, but I'll say it anyway: Be especially kind to the adopted son of this gay couple. I don't mean in a fawning way, but make sure that you and your husband accept him as a nephew and that your children accept him as a cousin. The lifestyle of his parents are none of his doing—and they probably are the only parents he knows, so he loves them. It's possible that I have painted an idyllic picture. Perhaps your brother-in-law and his family are simply not nice people to have around. Maybe their child is a real pest, and your family will be more than happy to see him leave. Perhaps they will never be invited back. Perhaps. But for this visit hospitality and kindness ought to be the order of the day. Jesus was far less concerned with lifestyle issues than he was with hypocrisy and failure to love.
I realize that ten days is a long time to have visitors in the
house, even under the very best of circumstances, so I wish you and
your guests well. God bless you. - Father Bill
Father Bill: I am struggling with fear of death. I am 61, 25 years sober and in pretty good health. I take care of my ill wife (Mental breakdown) so I don't work. I know all about turning my life and will over to the care of God and praying only for the knowledge of his will for us, and the power to carry that out. I fear I will die too soon and no one will be able to do the unfinished things that I feel only I can do. I need a different way of "thinking about" dealing with the fact that I will die. Any suggestion will help. - Jack ______________________________________ Dear Jack: I think that the fear of dying is pretty normal for most of us humans—for some more than others, but few of us are totally at ease with this reality of life. As I ponder your question, however, I am struck by your implication that your fear is not so much of death itself—your own mortality—as it is a fear that your death will leave you unable to fulfill your responsibilities. If that's the
case, I have a couple of suggestions for you. One is to make a list
of those “unfinished things that you feel only [you] can do”.
Writing out that list gets it out of your head and into the world of
manageable realities. It may take you a while to compile this list,
but it will be worth the effort. The other suggestion I have for you is a brief reminder that I occasionally preach to myself when I begin to think that I might be indispensable: The world got along without me before I came along, so it will find a way to get along without me after I'm gone. God bless you, Jack. - Father Bill Respectful Priest: My Uncle's ( Dad's Elder Brother) eldest daughter died of Breast Cancer (She was 35) on Dec 7 2007. My Aunt's (Dads elder Sister) eldest son died Dec 19 2011 ( He was 29).
I am 30 and
already suffering from Leukemia and undergoing treatment. Is
this a family curse on my father's family that "You will outlive
your children". I want to get rid of this curse. Please
help me? Heleena Dear Heleena: When life becomes burdened with concerns about the people you love, and when you have to share that burden through your own battle with severe illness, it may seem that there is a curse on you and your family. I am saddened to hear about your sufferings and I am asking the Lord Jesus to send His healing Spirit upon you all. In India, there seems to be a real worry about Vedic curses and people will usually comment that such curses must exist if there is such suffering. But as Christians and believers in the Lord Jesus, we know that such curses have no power over any believer because Jesus is Lord and He is Lord of our lives. He is always in control. He is always protective. Yet, even suffering has meaning for believers. Saint Paul writes in his letter to the Romans (Romans 8:18), "I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us." Saint Paul doesn't want Christians to focus on sufferings as something so negative that it takes away your positive power of living for a reason. Instead, we are challenged to give meaning to our sufferings by uniting our pain to the cross of Christ. Saint Paul writes again concerning my relationship with God and His Son, Jesus (Philippians 3:10): "to know Him and the power of the resurrection and the sharing of his suffering by being conformed to his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead." That means that we get to know Jesus intimately through our own sufferings. We are walking in the footsteps of the suffering Christ and by doing so, we mature and we grow in understanding and wisdom. In doing that, we have our eyes on heaven instead of earthly passing things and events. We are being prepared for our own resurrection and freedom from suffering and death. Your family's sufferings are not part of any curse. The effects of original sin of Adam and Eve are the cause of all suffering. Yet, even though we seem to be caught in this cycle of the effects of original sin, all suffering has meaning in Christ. By keeping this attitude of seeing suffering as a way of spiritual maturity, Saint Paul's words in Colossians 1:24 would make sense: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body which is the church." The challenge is making your suffering and the sufferings of others as a prayer for the entire body of believers called the Church. And in this time, the Church really needs your prayers. Your sufferings and your battle with intense illness is a call to prayer and trust in the Lord. You have been given an opportunity to use your sufferings for the betterment of those around you. So, instead of seeing your family's illness as a curse, your sufferings become blessings for yourself and those around you. And that is the difference between Christians and others. We believers turn what the world sees as pain and make it into a blessing. And with such a positive outlook, we will overcome every obstacle and one day enjoy our own resurrections. You are not cursed. You are blessed. Here is a prayer for you: Father God, in the name of Jesus, your beloved Son and our Lord and Savior, send your Healing Spirit upon my family and me. We are all suffering from severe illness and there are times that we are confused and our faith is weakened by the pain. But we trust in Your mercy and we trust in Your love. In the name of Jesus, heal our family. Heal our illnesses. Heal our pain. Lift our hearts and fill our souls with joy in knowing that our sufferings are now united to the sufferings of Jesus on the cross. Send your Spirit to break any kind of evil or curses that may have hold on any member of our family. We stand on your love and we believe that You will make all things whole because that is Your Will to do so. We place our lives in your Hands through Christ our Lord. Amen. Be at peace. You are blessed. Go forward and in the midst of your sufferings and burdens, please smile and let the light of God shine through you. By doing so, no perceived curse could ever take hold. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.– Philippians 4:7 - The Priests At CatholicView
Dear Father:
My understanding is the Church permits belief in evolution as long as it was by God's hand. John Paul II even stated under “Humani Generis;” "… the doctrine of 'evolutionism' as a serious hypothesis.” We also understand though genetic research that mating occurred between early Homo-Sapiens and Neanderthals. So my question becomes: what was original sin? When in the time-line were we found "in God's image" and when did we subsequently fall from grace?
I find this important, as Christ is the redeemer. But from what? The Church and science have converged in dispensing with Adam and Eve as myth. I have difficulty returning to Mass without at least some measure to reconcile evolution and original sin with Christ as Redeemer.
Frederick: You must have misunderstood the Church's teaching in regards to the scientific theory called the evolution of humankind. Even though the teaching Church states that God could have created humankind through an evolutionary process, there was a first human being, a first human male and a first human female, an Adam and Eve. These first human parents were the first to be created in the "image of God," and the first to have a human soul that was capable of self-awareness and the knowledge of the existence of God. So, no matter how the evolutionary process made the first human being, there was a FIRST, there was an Adam and Eve with free will, with a conscience, with the ability to discern good and evil (science has stated that there was a first mother whom we share all our DNA see this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_Eve.) That was quite a jump from animal life to human life. That jump was done by God Himself for He designed the human soul with free will and discernment, and awareness of self and its surroundings. There was an Adam and Eve and that is not a myth or fable. Original Sin was that first choice against God's Will explained in the rendering of creation stories in the Book of Genesis. Even though the Book of Genesis is not a scientific book nor did it ever state it was, it did teach the TRUTH that the first humans messed it all up by their disobedience. There was that first choice by that first human to break from God's relationship and that started a cascading series of events that ruined everything in creation. Jesus Christ had to right (justify) this first disobedience against God Himself. Jesus had to make it right by choosing to obey His Father in heaven in EVERYTHING, even unto death. Jesus as fully human (and fully divine) had to do this. Humankind needed a redeemer, a human redeemer. That was because those first humans made the decision to break everything. Only Jesus could put it back together again. And that is what salvation is all about. By riding on Jesus' total sacrifice of self through our faith in Him, we have heaven as our inheritance and our relationship with God is fully restored in Jesus Christ. The Mass makes this reality present in our time and age, and makes us participants in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. - CatholicView Priest Staff
CatholicView Priest Staff: I was have been worried recently about the type of music my daughter has been listening to. I think it may be satanic and I am deeply concerned for the future of my family. She is also starting to wear black eyeliner and become a "gothical" child. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9fmSEEogps here is a link, do you think this band are Satan lovers? How should I go about helping her in the eyes of the Lord? Thank you for your time. - Kryssie ______________________________________ Dear Krissie:
Thank you for writing to us. You did not include your daughter's age in your letter so we shall have to assume she is still at home with you. Nonetheless, we can certainly understand your worries.
The music itself, although on the wild side, is not necessarily Satanic but is certainly a disturbing display that a young person should not be attracted to or spend time listening to for it is suggestive and dangerous to a young mind. It also plays with images which give the impression of a dark side of life. Because of the content of this type of music, I would not recommend it to any young person because its violent and suggestive nature. This music could emotionally encourage ungodly thoughts, damage and lead your daughter to accept actions not fitting for any young person. However this music may be indicative of what she may be feeling since she seems to be drawn to it. If you can, please try to find out why she is so attracted to it.
In reference to what you refer to about your daughter being a "gothic child", this is also worrisome since it does embrace a lifestyle that praises death and not the existence that God wants for us, particularly those on the threshold of life. Certainly God wants your daughter to instead welcome and look forward to a life full of happiness, joy, and fulfillment.
Your daughter stands at the doorway of her future; indeed a gift from God. However, she may be acting out deep seated emotional needs by this choice of music. If so, this must be addressed if she feels her family is not providing these emotional necessities. In some cases, this music could be a cry for the help. You must seek professional care for your daughter as sometimes children feel hopeless and may even have an unconscious desire for death.
Do not delay. Talk to a counselor who can help you with this. Talk to your priest who can also convey valid answers for you to consider. See if he can suggest someone professional in your area who will counsel and advise you on this issue. And please do not forget to pray. Ask the Lord to show you how to handle your worries and what you must do to circumvent this matter. And know that you will be in our prayers as you seek help for your daughter. God bless you. - Priests and Staff at CatholicView
CatholicView:
Why do so many examinations of conscience, that include a Nihil Obstat, Imprimatur, Imprimi Potest, failed to mention, certain sins, may include an excommunication? Examples are: Apostasy, Heresy, Schism (Canon 1364), Profantion of the Eucharist (Canon 1367) and Procuring an Abortion (Canon 1398) I've never, been able to get a clear answer on this. Thanks, JKB _______________________________ JKB: I must disagree with you. The examination of conscience that I use in my parish has all the elements you mentioned in your question. Here is a link to it: http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-examination-of-conscience.html I have used this examination of conscience in my adult classes for those who wish to be Catholic and in our penance service pamphlets addendum. Of course, each examination you have probably seen has been made for specific audiences, for example, an examination of conscience for children would be different in tone from an adult examination of conscience. Hope this helps. - CatholicView Priest Staff
Dear Father:
Is there any Catholic teaching/literature on the 44 seals of Solomon the king, and do the angels named on the seals exist? - Marie
____________________________________ Marie: The Catholic Church does not accept anything concerning the so-called 44 seals of Solomon, or the devil and angels so named in the book called Pseudomonarchia Daemonum attributed to Johann Weyer in the 16th century A.D. These are symbols that have to do with the occult.
The 44 seals of Solomon have their
origin in older Jewish mysticism and has been picked up by fringe
groups within Jewish mysticism. Each of the 44 seals have some
promise of love, fortune, success, and protection. Christians do not
believe in such seals as some kind of talismans of any promised
positive effect.
CatholicView:
Was the
Hebrew word "almah" (young woman) mistranslated into the Septuagint
as "parthenos" (virgin) in regards to the passage in Isaiah that
prophesied that the Messiah would be born of a Virgin? If not, how
should one respond to this allegation? If so, same question. - Jacob
Jacob: In a simple response to your question -- NO -- the Hebrew word, ALMAH, and the Greek word, PARTHENOS, meaning virgin or young woman (therefore somehow implying that this young woman was not a virgin or chaste...unthinkable to the writers of the scriptures or the translators of the Hebrew Bible into Greek), the word ALMAH was NOT mistranslated. Please see this article by Jewish Christian scholars (see link here http://www.lightofmashiach.org/almah.html:) Non-believers are quick to assert that almah means "young woman" here -- to discredit the prophecy that Mashiach was "born of a virgin." However it seems obvious that in biblical times a young unmarried Jewish woman was assumed to be a virgin. The sign of Mashiach's birth was a miracle -- a virgin birth -- a child without an earthly father. Young married women giving birth would hardly be a sign -- it would be commonplace. In Song of Solomon 1:31 and 6:8, Rashi makes almah mean "virgin." That fits. Yet in Isaiah 7:14, Rashi tries to say almah means young woman without virginity being implied. That is quite contrary to how he interpreted the same word in Song of Solomon. Further Rashi acknowledged that other scholars of his day did understand almah in Isaiah 7:14 to mean "virgin."2 Does almah mean virgin or not? Let's look elsewhere in scripture. Almah is first found in Genesis 24:43, "behold, I stand by the fountain of water; and let it come to pass, that the virgin/almah that cometh forth to draw, to whom I shall say: Give me, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher to drink;" . Rabbis agree Rebecca's virginity was understood here. In Exodus 2:8 "And Pharaoh's daughter said to her: 'Go.' And the maiden almah went and called the child's mother" (maiden meaning Miriam -- Moshe's sister -- still a child herself). Rabbis agree this one can mean virgin too. Probably one of the strongest argument for almah meaning "virgin" is that when the 70 rabbis translated the Septuagint (around 2nd century BCE) they translated almah as parthenos ("virgin" in Greek). There were perfectly good Greek words for young woman, but note, the rabbis chose the word for "virgin. So if modern Judaism wants to debunk almah by saying it can't mean virgin, we see this is newer thinking (not even popularized yet in Rashi's day) and that previously almah was understood to mean "virgin" -- even in Isaiah 7:14. - CatholicView Priest Staff
CatholicView Staff:
I am a bit confused about the title Saint Michael the Archangel. Can an angel also be a saint? Can we say all angels are saints, like our Guardian Angels? Gabriel, etc.? Thank you. - Frank _______________________________________ Frank: I will admit that calling Archangels and Angels saints is somewhat confusing. But it was the early church's way of saying that the angels are in heaven with God, contemplating the face of God. Human beings who made it to heaven also contemplate the face of God as well! So, everyone in heaven is a saint. As the church's understanding of the ministry of angels came into sharper focus by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the title saint continued to be used as a matter of tradition. So, even though Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael (Archangels named in scripture) are given the title of "saint" by early Christians, you are correct in concluding that everyone and every angel in heaven are titled "saint." But angels are quite different in spirit and ministry than us humans. Knowing that, I use the title angel or archangel when speaking of the Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael. When I speak of human beings canonized by the Church, I use the title "saint." - CatholicView Priest Staff
CatholicView Staff: Are Catholic women allowed to use birth control for medical reasons or not? my doctor said it would be a good idea for me to use it but I have not yet. Am I allowed to receive communion ever again if I take birth control? - Erin ______________________________________ Erin: You ask if it is against Catholic teaching to use birth control measures. The Catholic Church teaching is that the only method approved for birth control is NFP or Natural Family Planning. The Church also offers teaching about this method. Your medical doctor told you that it is only a possibility that using birth control will reduce your migraines since she is unsure these birth control pills will help you. Now if you have a life threatening disease or grave medical condition, then birth control pills would be allowed under these dire circumstances. I would suggest that you make an appointment with your priest. Please bring your medical reports from your doctor with you so you will be able to discuss this situation fully. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Why won't God help me? Is it because I was given away at birth? - Steve _____________________________________________ Steve: Your question is difficult to answer because we do not know what it is you are asking God to do. When you pray to ask the Lord for something, it may not be something the Lord wants you to have. He may have something far superior than you can imagine but you must have trust, patience, and faith in Him to give you the best things for you. Being given away at birth is a very sad thing that hurts painfully. I can sympathize that you do not know your father or your mother. I do not know what the circumstances were that made this happen. But I do know that you and every single life that comes into this world is very special in the eyes of God. Consider that God sent His only Son down from heaven to die for you and me and all creation so one day all who believe in Him will live forever in perfection, with no more suffering and no more earthly pain. Stop thinking that you have no value. This is not true. The very fact that you are alive is a great blessing. If you do not get whatever you asked God for, this does not mean He has no love for you. On the contrary, it means He does. What you ask for may not be right for you. Wait on Him. Keep praying with trust, knowing that He hears each prayer you pray, sees each tear you shed in frustration. You are very special to God. You are truly loved. Don't forget to pray and thank Him for the very life He gave to you. We will also pray for you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Father I was married in the Catholic Church. I got divorced then remarried outside the Catholic Church. That marriage also ended in divorce What does the Church say about receiving the Sacraments. I am living a pure life. - Debbie _______________________________________ Debbie: Please know that God is very pleased you are living a pure and sacred life. However, you have several issues that need to be taken care of: First, there is the matter of your divorce to your first husband. You see, in the eyes of the Church you are still married to your first husband because you have not gotten an annulment from the Church. This means that when you married again, you were living in adultery. Until you talk to your priest about receiving an annulment and rectifying the matter of your second marriage you cannot receive the Sacrament of Communion. Make an appointment with your parish priest. It seems that you want to reconcile yourself with the Church and most of all with the Lord. Do not despair. Please talk these matters through with your Priest. He will help you to make things right with God and Church. There will be matters he will talk to you about, and he will ask you to bring all papers pertaining to your marriages. Know that God sees that you are trying to live a pure life now. Once all things have been sorted out, you will be able to receive the Sacrament of Communion. Please call you parish priest and get things started. May the Lord give you the peace you seek. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView: I was brought up Catholic and still believe in God and Jesus yet am prepared to walk away from the Catholic Church because of all the well known abuse cases here in Ireland (Magdalene laundries, pedophile priests). Even in my own chapel all I see is "holier than thou" parishioners... Yet I still want to see some good from the church. Why should I stay? - Gemma
Gemma: I can understand your position and your discouragement with our Catholic Church. Sadly, most Catholics see our priests as perfect. But, they are human just like the rest of us and wrestle with sin the same as some of the disciples did. However they persevered just like Saint Peter who, in his humanity denied Jesus Christ then went on to die for Him. This abuse is not new although it remained hidden for many, many years and we owe a debt of gratitude to the press for its insistence that the Church face its failures. Without the press this shameful abuse might have remained hidden under the cloak of shame for fear the trust would be broken. But, there are so many good priests among us, even willing to die for their faith just like Peter. Their goodness is real, and their humbleness has prevailed even though some of the shame caused people to be cautious and questioning, with some leaving the Church altogether. But the beauty of the Church remains with us, and nothing can crumble or defile its intent for it is a sacred place, a temple for a God Who is perfect. But, we, as humans are not perfect. Yes, God sees everything. No parishioner is exempt from sin though we strive to be. Though some try to appear "holier than thou" they are just sad replicas of what the Lord wants us to be and that is humble. Jesus was the Son of God, perfect in every way, and yet He was humble. Imagine that! He tells us we are all subject to sin, and we must depend on God for His forgiveness. This is why our Father sent His Son to show us the way. None of us are perfect or better than anyone else. Instead we must strive to live our Christianity, loving our neighbors as ourselves. None is better than the other. Your faith does not depend on whether a priest has sinned before God. Your salvation depends on you and your belief in the Lord Jesus. There is no Church or denomination that is perfect, yet we want our leaders to be but some are weak and subject to sin. Those are the ones we forgive and pray for, then send them on their way, asking that our God who is a forgiving God will help them amend their lives. We must move on in our faith and trust in the Lord, not men. Father Amaro Saumell has this to say about this topic: "Like you, I have been hearing and reading more and more about the crisis of priests in the Church involved with repugnant activity. Like you, I am appalled at the monies that have been paid out. Like you, I find great sadness in the reassignments that have taken place. Like you, I am weary of all the uneducated rhetoric that has ensued. I truly believe that the Holy Spirit is calling us to "clean up our act," so to speak." I think it is time for all of us to roll up our sleeves and make some changes in our Churches with the help of our Lord, knowing He will help us move the mountains of shame and yet support the faithful and Christian leaders sent to us. If you can forgive those who have colored the Church with shame, imagine how the Lord will bless you for your faithfulness. Pray about this situation and know however you choose, God will guide you all the way. May God bless you. CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: We drive semi truck cross country. Is it a sin when we do not attend Sunday Mass? Only if we are not by a Church? - Mary ________________________________________ Mary: I can understand your situation and know that you really want to do the right thing in observing the Sabbath. On those days when you cannot find a Church or time gets in the way, God knows that it is impossible to worship in His Church. BUT, you can celebrate the Sabbath by giving God an hour of your time and prayer, by reading a chapter of the bible in a quiet place. With this, the Lord will be pleased. Thank you for writing in. God bless you and keep you safe on your journeys. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Is there a rule about displaying your Baby Jesus all year round, or is He only to be displayed during the Christmas celebration and then put away? - Cesar _____________________________________ Cesar: There is nothing wrong about displaying your Baby Jesus at any time in your home. This is up to you. Your Baby Jesus is a reminder of our Lord's sacrifice for us all. May God bless you always. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: How do I become a priest.
Do you have to complete a college degree before becoming a priest?
- Ryan Ryan What a wonderful undertaking for the Lord! Becoming a priest is a long process of study in college and seminary. After deciding on the priesthood, you can go to a college with a major preferably in a Liberal Arts field that will enhance your studies in the seminary. Such degrees could include philosophy, religious studies and psychology. You can get a bachelor's degree (a Catholic college or university is preferred) or go directly into a seminary. If you possess a college degree, the seminary time will be shortened. All in all, it will take approximately eight years to become a priest. Talk to your parish priest who can help you further with this. May the Lord walk always with you. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView: I have heard in some articles and writings that you can go to hell for masturbating, I must confess as a teenager I did masturbate for a while. I'm so worried and concerned, please help me!! - Molly ___________________________________ Molly: Over two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ died and paid for your sins and mine. Have you prayed about your sins? Do you trust in His Word? Do not let Satan keep reminding you that you sinned. Don't let him tell you that you are going to hell. This is NOT true unless you believe Satan's words and keep committing sin. You have a Savior, an advocate and that Person is Jesus Christ Who is with you right now. He paid for your sins and if you believe and trust in Him He will forgive you. The first step you have already taken and it is your sorrow for your transgressions. Now you must pray and sincerely ask the Lord to forgive you, with a promise that you will do you very best to avoid such sin in the future. You do not need fancy words, just talk to Him in simple but sincere words. Then keep your promise foremost in front of you as you strive to avoid sin. Go to confession and confess your sins. The next step is accepting... accepting the forgiveness of God. Jesus Christ is waiting for you to come forward and take His forgiveness through prayer and when you do, you will be made clean and whole. Guaranteed!!! Always remember you are truly loved and valuable to the Lord. Jesus knows that it is hard to resist sin. BUT He waits always with a loving Hand to keep forgiving you, over and over and over again. Each time He forgives you, you are cleaned up and made brand new again. Remember though, you must strive to maintain that cleanliness in your life. What a gift for you and I and all who trust and believe in Him! Go forward now knowing that you have accepted His forgiveness for the past and have been made brand new through your prayers. Molly, you are so loved by Jesus Christ. Believe it! I will pray for you also. May God give you peace. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: I think everybody lies in time. What makes lying a mortal sin? _______________________________________ Dear Ed: Lying is sometimes a venial sin and other times a mortal sin. Most of the lies that people often tell in their lives are venial lies. No number of venial sins can add up to a mortal sin. But the more that one commits venial sin without repentance, the closer one moves to eventually committing a mortal sin for it becomes easier to lie without remorse or care for others. Lying is intrinsically evil. Every intrinsically evil act is always immoral because the act is, by its very nature, contrary to the moral law. But not every intrinsically evil act is a mortal sin. These evil acts are venial sins; other intrinsically evil acts are mortal sins. To lie (little white lies we call them) to someone about being busy or unable to do something but it does not irreparably hurt that person, is usually a venial sin. But if a person lies and causes others pain as in lying about someone's character which could cost a job, lying to police about someone and that person is put in jail falsely, or any lie putting others in danger, or if those lies are destructive emotionally or any other way, then this is a mortal sin. Here is a link on this topic:
When is lying a mortal sin? | improperium Christi .
May God bless you. CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Thank you for your service to God's people. my husband and I are married 49 years. three years ago he began smoking again after 24 years. as a former smoker myself (I quit 26 years ago( I now suffer from residual smoke from his clothes. either I can't convince him to quit or he is truly unable. he is a self-described addict (for 12 years, etc). I feel I am endangering my health by staying with him but also feel unable to leave!!! 49 years, 8 children and my belief that I made a vow before God for better or worse. Is there any help for me? - Gerry ________________________________ Gerry: It is a sad thing that some people cannot give up cigarettes even though they know it endangers their spouses, children and grandchildren. His smoking has become dangerous not only to himself but to the very people he loves. Sadly, You can't force someone to quit. They have to want to do this. Ask your husband if a cigarette is worth losing his wife and causing irreparable damage to his family? The truth is, there is absolutely nothing you can do or say that is going to make him give up his cigarettes. HE has to want to stop smoking and when that happens, then you can support him, should you want to stay with him. I suggest that you both must make an appointment to talk in person with your parish priest. There, with a third party listening to you talk about this dangerous habit, your husband may be able to see how this has caused a breach in your marriage, possibly affecting the health of his wonderful wife who gave him 8 beautiful children. By talking to the priest with you there, he may realize that if you become ill because he has to have that cigarette it might prompt him to rethink his addiction. Please pray about this important decision. We will pray too for you. God bless you and guide you to make the right decision concerning your marriage. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: I have a good friend who calls herself a Catholic, goes to mass, receives communion. She just announced she's entered a homosexual relationship. Should I just ignore that, or give my opinion to her in some way? - Mark _________________________________ Mark: Any sexual relationship outside the bound of marriage is considered adultery and your good friend cannot and must not receive communion. You must tell her the Church forbids it. She is endangering her salvation and if she dies in the sin of this relationship she will lose her salvation. 1 Corinthians 11:27 tells us in no uncertain terms "..anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." She is committing mortal sin. Please tell you friend she must not take communion until she ends this relationship. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: I am from India, Is it ok to keep symbolism of a different religion , eg om , we don't follow it, it's just that we feel the word "om" is peace...is it ok in our religion to have such a thing...or not? - Patricia ___________________________________ Patricia: Thank you for writing to us. The OM, a symbol of letters, is fine to keep as a cultural item. No problem. People keep other things that have religious significance as cultural items. As long as you understand that it is only a symbol of peace and has nothing to do with your faith in Jesus Christ, this is acceptable. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: We are traveling with a tour group to France in June. Our flight is about ten hours and we arrive at our hotel on a Sunday about 11am. By early evening we meet with our tour director for a bus tour of Paris. Are we obligated to attend Mass that Sunday under pain of sin? ___________________________________ Casey: Although you have probably embarked on your tour, here is an answer to your question. Because of the demands of travel time and locating a Church, it may not be possible for you to attend mass. In a case such as yours, spend an hour reading God's word and in prayer in your hotel room. Let God know you are thinking of Him by thanking Him through prayer for all He has done, and reading the bible. Spend an hour with our Lord this way. Have an enjoyable vacation and may the Lord bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I am too humiliated and embarrassed to ask a priest for forgiveness for past sexual acts with both men and women. I am celibate and have asked for forgiveness through Jesus and our Holy Mother Mary. Will I be forgiven? - David ___________________________________ David: Do not be embarrassed to ask for forgiveness. We are all born to sin. No man is perfect except through the blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. When He gave His life on the cross over two thousand years ago, He paid the price for all your sins. Since you express sorrow for your past, He waits for you to come to Him to ask for forgiveness. The Lord states clearly that "Whatever we ask for, using His name, it will be done." Read John 13:14. David, He sees your desire for repentance and even now is waiting for you to come and take His forgiveness. Will you do this? If you do, your soul will be made clean of all past sin. Go to confession and make things right with God and Church. Do not be ashamed to do so. In the meanwhile I want you to pray right now wherever you are, and ask God to forgive you , using the powerful name of Jesus Christ as your advocate. Go in peace. You are loved. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Can you please let me know what will change in my life once I married? - Many thanks. - Claire ___________________________________ Claire: Thank you for your question. Marriage means that your husband belongs to you and you to him. Each of you must give up some rights over his or her life in exchange for rights over the life of the other. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation and mutual support and love. In marriage, one will find four important basic things: It is a union or connection of a man and a woman, it is a lifetime commitment as long as you shall live, ending only with the death of one's spouse, and lastly there must be an exclusion of anyone else but your spouse. God bless you as you enter into this sacred union. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: In the Catholic Church we display the crucifix with the crucified on it. In the Protestant churches they display the cross without Christ - indicating he is risen. I was asked about the Catholics have Christ on the cross and realized I did not know - had never realized the difference. - Frank ________________________________ Dear Frank: The image of the body of Jesus Christ on the cross at the altar carries a message and a strong reminder to all who enter the Church of the sacrifice Jesus made for each and every one of us. We do not go to Church to meditate on the beautiful and empty cross but the stinging truth of what happened over two thousand years ago. It calls for us to remember the heavy price our Lord paid to erase our sins and give us the salvation we could not pay ourselves. It is also a clear reminder that if we keep the faith and belief in Him, one bright day we will rise as He did to go to our eternal home...forever. His death by the shedding of His blood gave all who accepted Him salvation then, and gives all of us as Christians now that same salvation, and will continue to for all who accept Him until the end of the world. His body on the cross remains constant, just as His precious gift remains constant, and is still valid today for all those who humbly come to Him in gratitude and love. And so, our Cross with the crucified Jesus is a continual and precious remainder representing Jesus' living sacrifice which was good yesterday, is good today, and forever for all who accept Him as Lord and Savior. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Is smoking marijuana a
venial or mortal sin? If I smoke, do I have to go to confession
before receiving communion? Thanks. - Tom Tom: Marijuana produces effects
on the mind and on reasoning, therefore it is a grave matter. For
instance, it can distort common sense and possibly change the
perception of reality. Also some people who are "high" are often
very paranoid, and could lose a sense of reality. And sadly those
under the influence of marijuana make it harder to resist sins of
the flesh. CatholicView Staff: I lost my father on April 12, 2012 two days before his 79 birthday. He was at home with my 85 year old mother. I came over to help my mom change his bed sheet. However, my dad tried to say something to me. I told him in Spanish "Dad, I am going to change the sheet. I am going to put you to your left side. As soon, as I did and realized a few seconds had gone by. When, I saw his right hand blue. I turned him around tried as hard as I could to revive him but, it was too late. Held my dad and told to him to go to God. Now, my question did he hear me? Is he suffering in purgatory. I am a devoted Catholic woman since, I was a child. I had a mass two days after and another in May 20. Is there is life after death. What else can I do to help me and assist my mom. Because, she refuses to see or hear anything having to do with God, Jesus and my mother Mary. Please, I need advice. Cordially, Dulce Maria __________________________________ Dear Dulce Maria: I am so sorry about the loss of your father. And saddened to hear that your mother does not want to talk about God, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Savior. Our peace is surely premised on God and Jesus Christ Who died and paid for all sin. We, as Christian Catholics know that if we believe and have faith, one day we will live eternally, with no more pain or suffering. And for you, when your dad passed, you knew, through faith that you "will see him later" one fine day. Right now the only thing you can do for your mother is pray for her. She is at an age where she should stop and take a good look at what Jesus is offering to her...eternal life forever with God and all His angels, and with her believing family. Now is the time for her to acknowledge our Lord. If you can, get her to attend a Church. Keep praying for her that she finds the comfort that she needs which can only come from God through Jesus Christ. I will also pray for her. Be at peace knowing you are doing the best you can for your mother. Know that you are a good daughter. God bless you and may you find comfort in the Lord. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I want to become a Catholic. I have emailed the local Catholic Church but have not received a response. I am 58 yrs old. What should I do? Call the Church or find another church? Or am I to old to join? Thank you for any advice you can give. - Michael ____________________________________ Dear Michael: Welcome to our Church! Sometimes an email will go to the spam folder if it is an unknown name. This can happen. For the best results, please call your local Church office. Tell the Secretary that you would like to make an appointment to speak to a priest about joining our Church. An appointment time will be set up for you. When you see the priest, explain your desire to become Catholic and he will discuss what you must do to start the process. He will also talk of your attending R.C.I.A. which is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. R.C.I.A. will help you learn the basic tenets of the Catholic faith and get a better understanding of Catholic Tradition. Michael, you are never too
old to accept the Lord through faith. God is well pleased with your
decision. We welcome you and praise the Lord that you want to be
part of our Church family. Thank you for writing to us and may God
bless and strengthen you as you move forward. -
CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: How do I become a priest.
Do you have to complete a college degree before becoming a priest?
- Ryan Ryan What a wonderful undertaking for the Lord! Becoming a priest is a long process of study including college and seminary. After deciding on the priesthood, you can go to a college with a major preferably in a Liberal Arts field which will enhance your studies in the seminary. Such degrees could include philosophy, religious studies and psychology. You can get a bachelor's degree (a Catholic college or university is preferred) or go directly into a seminary. If you possess a college degree, the seminary time will be shortened. All in all, it will take approximately eight years to become a priest. Talk to your parish priest who can help you further with this. May the Lord walk always with you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: A gay person I know states a priest blessed his "union" with his partner. I have told him that even though they claim to be chaste, the perception of them living together is wrong and no priest would bless such a union. Could you confirm or deny this for me so I can correct him? Thank you. - Diane ______________________________________ Diane: "Calling Homosexual unions a marriage undermines 'the future of humanity itself'" states Pope Benedict. Visit this link: http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=44351. The Church maintains that marriage is between a one man and a one woman. The Vatican, working with Catholic officials around the globe has strongly opposed efforts to legalize gay marriage in Europe and other developed parts of the world. Again, the Holy See has defended marriage as a lifelong union between one man and one woman. It bases this defense upon the truth revealed in the Natural Law and recognized cross-culturally for millennia." If the couple you refer to is stating that he had his union blessed by a priest, it was not in the Catholic Church. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Does baptism oblige you to receive the other sacraments, or merely open the door to them? - Anna _____________________________________ Dear Anna: A great question! Baptism does open the door to all the sacraments. When one is baptized, a person becomes cleansed from sin and worthy of the sacrament of communion as well as all sacraments. And that person becomes part of the church family. Yes, baptism is an entitlement. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Our family has been reading the Bible and praying every night. It wasn't easy getting started. God has answered our prayer. My wife and I are very happy and thankful that prayer time has become a routine. We started from the beginning of the Bible and have come to the book of Leviticus. Our two boys are ages 18, 17 and our daughter is 13. The topic of chapter 15 and 18 are very mature and I am not sure if they are suitable for our daughter. My intention was to read the Bible from beginning to end because I think God wants all of us to know His Word. Your guidance in this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you and God bless, Huan ____________________________________ Huan: What a blessed family you are raising. It is wonderful to know you are a bible reading household. You are building a foundation for your children that will always see them through life as adults. You refer to the book of Leviticus Chapter 15 and 18 as being too mature for your 13 year old daughter. I agree with you that you might want to tread lightly at this time in her life. These two chapters of Leviticus should not be an open family reading. If she expresses interest in these chapters, she should read them privately then, if she desires, you or her mother can talk to her about these parts of the bible. Praise the Lord for active Christian parents at a time when our world is in sinful turmoil. May God bless you and your family always. - CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: My husband and I were raised Catholic but now he doesn't believe anything he was taught, he thinks the Gospels were written by people that saw a need for us to be civil. What proof is there that Jesus existed and the Gospels were real? - Lori ___________________________________ Dear Lori: So many scholars have tried to prove once and for all that Jesus didn’t exist. But the magnitude of the evidence is inconceivable. There are over 5000 historical source documents to support the validity of the New Testament. All the Gospels were published within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, and yet there’s no record of anyone ever proving that the Gospels were false or erroneous. BUT, God wrote a proof on our hearts and we accept God and Jesus with faith and belief in Him. Okay, how do we know this? In simple terms, when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in you and me, that Holy Spirit tells us that God and Jesus Christ is real. It also direct us to obey the teachings of God and Christ. What prompts us to forgive our neighbors? What makes us know when to avoid the sin God told us to avoid. It is that built in Holy Spirit that Jesus told us "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you." (see Luke 24:49). That Holy Spirit is the unseen place within us that God created. And so, Lori, you must pray for your husband. Ask him to pray and ask the Lord to kindle that spirit within him and show him the way to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Keep going forward, Lori. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I would like to know if as a catholic it is a sin for me to listen to evangelical preachers? I am very strong in my faith and go to church every week, I pray the rosary and have no interest in changing religion,I understand the basic differences in the religions, and would never deny my Catholic faith or the fundamental beliefs of the Catholic Church. I just found some cd's on subjects that inspire me and I feel that I am closer to God and a better person for having listened to them, but I was reading an examination of conscience and one of the questions was if you have been involved in non-catholic sects, is this what that means? I am also concerned that I like to listen to women preachers, I understand and accept the Catholic Church's view on women as priests, as long as I understand this is it ok? I don't want to commit a sin, but I don't understand how becoming closer to God would be sinful, long as I don't deny my catholic faith. Please help, Slh ________________________________ Slh: No, it isn't a sin to listen to Evangelical Ministers on the radio. Many Protestant and Evangelical ministers have great insight into our Christian relationship with Jesus Christ. Some may give a view on a subject that opens up the heart and soul of us. As long as you discern discrepancies or heresy and are firm in your own faith, it is okay. Be knowledgeable so you can distinguish and recognize the truth. May the Lord bless you for moving forward in the love of God and Christ. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I am not
the real me on a website and it bothers me for lying. I belong
to technical sites that say not be your real self for fear of
hackers getting personal info. Is this wrong? - Shelia Sheila: This all depends why you are using a fake name. If you are doing business, as you indicate in your letter, and you feel it is unsafe to give your true identity, this is okay. It is a protective way of doing business. It is when one uses a fake name to extort or use another person for their own gain that makes using a fictitious name a heavy sin. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I don’t understand how God can be considered a loving God when gives us free will to choose to love and serve him but if we choose not to love him we are sent to hell to suffer for eternity. How can this be love when He did not let me choose whether I wanted to exist or not? I did not choose to exist. It almost seems like God is cruel by doing this. It seems we are being forced into a situation to love Him or else. I hope you can help shed some light on this question because it really bothers me. Thank you. - Stephen ______________________________ Stephen: When God gave us Free Will, He gave us a choice. To love Him or not. You choose. If you turn away from Him, you will lose eternity. How true it is that He gave us life because He loves each of us unconditionally. With that Free Will, He wants us to use it by loving Him back. Why He should care about all of us? He cared so much He sent His son to die for you and I because humanity is prone and filled with sin. The price Jesus paid is another free gift, one that none of us could ever afford to pay, and He did it for you and for me. We have to choose whether we want to live in glory and happiness eternally or go to Hell forever. Those that do choose heaven, He has chosen to bless and to transform into the image of His Son. Those that do not, they, by their own choice will spend eternity in Hell. "Whosoever will, let him come, let him come." Rev. 22:17. Hope this helps. - CatholicView Staff |
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