OCT/NOV 2013

ASK A PRIEST

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

FATHER WILLIAM G. MENZEL
FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM
FATHER AMARO SAUMELL
CATHOLICVIEW STAFF
CATHOLICVIEW PRIEST STAFF

FATHER WILLIAM G. MENZEL

"A friend said I needed a spiritual cleansing. 
Isn't confession a cleansing? - Jeanne

Father Bill:

A friend of mine said I needed a spiritual cleansing from past traumas.  She said I needed to go a Raikia(sp) person and have them pray over me and cleans my spirit from echos of the things I have gone through.  I am uncomfortable about this.  Isn't confession my cleansing and although praying for one another and over someone is great-are we allowed to participate in this universal type of approach?  I don't know the answer to why I feel this is not correct for me.  When you have a chance I would greatly appreciate an answer-thanks!  - Jeanne

____________________________

Dear Jeanne:

According to some quick research I did, I learned that Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.  It has its spiritual roots in Buddhism, but it adds some odd tenets about energy fields around the body and how these can be manipulated by practitioners who have mastered the correct methods.

On the website Quackwatch.com Dr. Stephen Barrett says about Reiki:

"In 2009, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops concluded that "reiki therapy finds no support either in the findings of natural science or in Christian belief" and urged Catholic health-care facilities and clergy not to promote or support it. It further stated:

"Reiki lacks scientific credibility. It has not been accepted by the scientific and medical communities as an effective therapy. Reputable scientific studies attesting to the efficacy of Reiki are lacking, as is a plausible scientific explanation as to how it could possibly be efficacious. The explanation of the efficacy of Reiki depends entirely on a particular view of the world as permeated by this "universal life energy" (Reiki) that is subject to manipulation by human thought and will. Reiki practitioners claim that their training allows one to channel the "universal life energy" that is present in all things. This "universal life energy," however, is unknown to natural science. As the presence of such energy has not been observed by means of natural science, the justification for these therapies necessarily must come from something other than science."
 

Clearly your instincts are correct, Jeanne. Reiki sessions are probably not correct for you.  It's unlikely that they would cause you any harm or even endanger your faith, but they would probably be more advantageous to the practitioner's pocketbook than to your health.

The Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is where we encounter Jesus as one who forgives our sins.  As you rightly point out, this is indeed a form of cleansing.  However, even as we experience the peace of forgiveness, we may find that further healing is sometimes necessary.  Some find this in counseling. Some find it in meditation.  Some may find it in group therapy or other proven approaches to dealing with life's challenges.  If you feel you need more cleansing and healing than you get from the sacraments alone, you might consider looking into these.

 

I commend you for your cautious approach to your friend's suggestion, and I hope that my answer is a help to you.  May God bless you. - Father Bill
 

"I married a man I do not love.  Is this a sin?"
- Michelle

 

 

Father Bill:

I married a man I am not in love with.  I feel this is a great sin.  Is this a grave sin?  I do plan on staying with him until I die. - Michelle

________________________

Dear Michelle

Far from being a grave sin—or sin of any kind—I would say that your marriage is heroic.  Frankly, I think that most marriages are heroic, and I do not wish to imply any irony, humor or cynicism in saying that.  To make a life-long commitment to another human being is a profound act of love, and that's true even if one does not have the feeling of being in love.

Still, a great deal hinges on what we humans mean by “love”. Instead of just one word like we have, the ancient Greeks had three words for “love”.  “Eros” denoted a passionate, possessive, often self-centered kind of love. “Philos” denoted a kind of love that one might have for a parent or sibling or even a hobby. “Agape” denoted an unselfish, loyal love that a parent might have for a child or a husband for a wife after the “eros” has worn off.  Love to be love does not have to involve intense emotions.  Sometimes it is nothing more—and nothing less—than loyally fulfilling sacred promises that have been made. 

It's extremely difficult for me to make a clear evaluation of you and your marriage, of course, since you really give scant information. Even as I affirm what appears to me to be a heroic adherence to your marriage vows, I wonder if you feel that you did a disservice to your husband by marrying him.  I guess he's the only one who can answer that for you.  It's probably futile for me to say much more, Michelle, since I know so little of what is really going on in your life and in your marriage.  I would hope and pray that you may be able to find some joy and satisfaction in this marriage.  Please pray that the Holy Family will help you to get beyond whatever seems to be lacking in your relationship with your husband.  Your life will be more the richer. - Father Bill
 

 

"My wife died and I recently lost my job and I have no friends.  Where can I turn before deciding I can no longer go on?"- Jim

 

 

Father Bill:

I recently lost my job.  My wife died 10 years ago.  I'm seriously at my end.   Where can I turn before I decide I can no longer go on?  I have no friends.  My kids are grown.  I see no upside, and no way this can end well.  I pray for what seems like hours every day, but nothing changes.  - Jim

 

________________________

 

Dear Jim:

I'm truly sorry for all the pain and loss you are enduring. Your words indicate that you feel very much alone in this world.  Such isolation can feed on itself until it becomes unbearable.

 

You ask where you can turn, but you ask it in a way that actually may point the way to an answer.  Really, it's what you don't say. What you say is, Where can I turn before I decide I can no longer go on?  What you don't say is, Where can I turn for help?

It's good that you are praying, but maybe you're praying too much—or maybe you're talking too much when you pray.  Prayer should be half listening.  Give God a chance to get a word in, and remember: He has the whole universe for His mouthpiece. God can answer our prayers in many ways, but sometimes people fail to grasp His answer because they have a preconceived idea as to what the answer should be.

 

I'm reminded of the story of the man whose house was suddenly surrounded by rising flood waters. He prayed for God to save him from the flood, hoping against hope that the waters would recede.  As the waters began to enter the first floor, a woman came along with an ATV and invited him to hop on. The man said thank you, but God will save me from the flood. The waters reached the second floor. A boy came along in a boat, saw the man and invited him to climb in. The man thanked him, but told him that he knew that God would save him.  The flood waters went higher, and the man had to climb onto the roof to escape them.  A search crew spotted him from a helicopter and lowered a rescue basket for him.  Again he said thank you, but he knew that God would save him.  When he drowned and entered heaven, he complained to God that he had prayed and prayed to be rescued from the flood. Why hadn't God answered his prayers?  God said, “Well, I did.  I sent you an ATV, a boat and a helicopter!"

Jim, answers to your prayers are all around you, but I can't be sure exactly what they are.  You mention having grown children. They might be one of the ways God will answer your prayers, but I can't know if you have a good relationship with them. I'm not a doctor or a psychologist, but I'd suggest that turning to a mental health professional may be one of God's ways to answer your prayers.  Since you are a man of faith, have you tried turning to your pastor or to a faith-based counselor for help?  If not, this may be a way that God will answer your prayers.

I know that when one is experiencing isolation and depression, motivation can be difficult to come by.  It feels a lot easier to just give up than to expend energy on solutions that might not work. For better or worse, you are the only one who can take the first step to find help.  Perhaps your prayer should be to ask God to help you take that first step.  Nothing will change until you do.  -  Father Bill
 

FATHER KEVIN BATES,SM

"Why did God create Satan when the Devil
causes evil in the world?"  Gene
 

Father Kevin:

Since God knows everything and knows the future, why did He create Satan when the Devil would be responsible for causing everything that is evil in the world. I know Angels have free will as well, but why bother? This is a hard one for me to grasp. Thank you, Father. – Gene

_________________________

Gene:
 

Thanks for your question.  One of God’s greatest gifts to us is freedom.  One of the consequences of this gifting is that we have the power to choose between good and evil.  The fact that we often sin, doesn’t mean that human freedom is pointless.  I’m sure you’d prefer to have your gift of free choice rather than live without it.  The same applies to the angels.   Much of the evil in the world is caused by people and it is not realistic to simply blame the devil for our own poor choices. “The Devil made me do it” is the ultimate cop out and failure to take responsibility for ourselves.  Every blessing. - Father Kevin

"Is birth control really a sin if I can't mentally handle
more kids?  - Rodney

Father Kevin

I've been married thirteen years have five kids and don't want any more.  I have depression.  My house is full and to provide for the ones I have will be hard already in today's world.   My question is birth control really a sin if I don't think I can mentally handle more kids.?  - Rodney

_____________________________

Rodney:

Thanks for your question.  When Pope Paul, after much anguishing, published his encyclical “Humanae Vitae” in 1968, he phoned the leaders of the various Bishops’ Conferences around the world, and instructed them to act with great compassion and understanding for people as they struggled with the very issue you mention here.

We can say that God hopes we will be as life-giving as possible in our years here.  We can also say that God only asks us to be as life-giving as we possibly can. Once we take into account all our circumstances, our personal, emotional, psychological, spiritual and economic capacities, we can only do our best. God does not ask more of us.

God wants us to be happy and fulfilled in our marriages, relationships, work-places and does not intend for us to live in impossible situations.

We sin when we are being selfish, lazy, greedy, etc.  We do not sin when we are giving our very best to our family and to God.

Every blessing to you.  If you want to speak more directly with me, CatholicView has my contact details. - Father Kevin
 

 

"Does the church still tell children about
hell?" - Jayne

 

Father Kevin:

Does the church still tell children about hell? – Jayne

_______________________

Jayne:

The short answer is yes.  Since I was young, (and I don’t know how old you are!), we have grown in our understanding of human behaviour, human freedom and in our understanding of what is right and wrong.

Often enough in the past, hell was used to frighten people into being “good.”  I would say that for the most part we don’t do this anymore. We do teach children the difference between good and evil, right and wrong, loving and un-loving behaviours. We also teach them that when we sin there are consequences, and the ultimate consequence of living a life of sin is to live without God’s presence – which is what we mean by hell.

We choose hell rather than being sent there. Our own sins become our ultimate judge. So when we hear images of God sending us away as in Matthew 25, it is because we have already failed to visit the sick, welcome strangers, feed the hungry etc.

Some people deny the existence of hell, but to do this is to deny human freedom.  Without the possibility of hell human freedom would be pointless. At the same time the Church has never and can never say that there is anyone in hell since that decision rests between a person and God.   Every blessing to you.  - Father Kevin

 

 

CATHOLICVIEW PRIEST STAFF

"I am scared to death about getting pregnant and using
the meds I need for anxiety.  Can I use other
contraceptives? - Chris

CatholicView Priest Staff:

I sometimes have to take strong medicine for anxiety problems, I am going through perimenopause with everything messed up with my hormones and regular signs of ovulation. I asked my ob/gyn (obstetrician/ gynecologist) about natural family planning. she told me it is no real way to follow NFP during this period of a woman's life.  I sometimes skip my periods. NFP is very difficult to follow.  With the fear of using the meds while pregnant, I am scared to death about getting pregnant and using the meds. Is it alright to use other means of contraceptives? - Chris

______________________________________

 

Chris:

 

The teaching about artificial use of contraceptives (birth control) is stated in Pope Paul VI's encyclical by the title, Humane Vitae (Of Human Life, please if you wish, you can read the encyclical yourself on the Vatican website: ( http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html ). The teaching is clear that the acceptance (or as seen by many as a blessing from the Church for such actions) of artificial means of birth control would go against the natural laws of God, and that sexual intimacy would be reduced to no more than another way of receiving narcissistic sexual pleasure without personal and societal responsibility.  And having artificial birth control accepted by Christians as just another medical procedure would also give license to nations around the world to force married couples to limit the sizes of their families or even place restrictions on how many children a family can have. 

 

These concerns of family limitation, expressed by Pope Paul VI in 1968, have already been forced upon families in such countries as China which has seen dire consequences in the support of their economy (there are more senior citizens needing support than there are young people to provide such support).  The Church's main concern is that sexual intimacy isn't degraded into just desire without true committed love within the sacrament of marriage.  And by degrading sexual intimacy, the human person is degraded into sexual objects for the use of anyone's basest lusts without regard to human dignity. 

With that said, in your particular and unique medical situation, and you are married and have already safeguarded the sacredness of sexual intimacy, the use of other means of contraception, even by artificial means, would be acceptable because of your medical condition.  Your physical condition could be helped by the hormonal therapy of birth control medications that would bring balance into your physical body and bring peace to your emotional self.  In regard to solely your particular medical situation, please follow your doctor's advice and get your body back into balance. 

Your primary use of artificial means of contraception is not to have sexual relations without love and responsibility.  Your primary use of such means is to take care of your health and well-being by bringing hormonal balance to your body.  Leave your anxieties and worries in God's Hands.  He will heal you and strengthen you.  So, please be at peace.  Please know that by following your doctor's advice to you regarding your unique medical situation, you are not sinning, breaking any Church teaching, or doing anything that is contrary to God's Will.  Please follow your doctor's advice to the letter.  Trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior and ask Him in faith to send the Holy Spirit of healing upon you.  - CatholicView Priest Staff

 

"I met a guy who is Pentecostal and I now attend his church.  We argue about salvation and how I act in his church.  Please help?" - Elsie

CatholicView Priest Staff:

Praise God, I am a Catholic, same case for our whole family.  3 months ago I met a guy and we started dating.   One month later, he goes to a Pentecostal church. Recently I now attend their church but we have been arguing a lot especially about salvation and how to behave in church.  I have tried telling him that I am still new to their church and I require more time to adjust but that doesn't help since he wants me to behave like other members of their church.
I appreciate your help. God bless you.  Regards,  Elsie.

_________________________________

Elsie


This letter raises RED FLAGS of danger about your relationship.  When any person wants you to behave a certain way and worship a certain way, those are danger warnings about a controlling personality.  My question to him is why he wants you to believe, behave, pray in his own way and not the other way around.  Why doesn't he want to behave, worship, and pray as a Catholic?  And why are you so willing to give up the faith of Jesus Christ that has been passed down to us from the apostles?  Don't you see?  He wants to control your life. 

He doesn't truly love you unless he is in control of you and takes away your freedom to be who God made you to be.  So, here is my simple advice:  Get away from him.  He is not for you.  Find someone who will accept you as you are, who can accept your relationship with Jesus Christ as you express it in the Catholic faith.  Run away from this man.  He is not for you.  I am quite sure that I am not the only one to give you this advice.  If others see it, then it's time to open your eyes and see that his controlling ways will make you very unhappy in time.  Pray and ask the Lord to guide you in this decision.  -  CatholicView Priest Staff

"I aborted the child of my fiancé without telling him or
confessed the sin.  We are now married.  Is it valid?"
 - Denise 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

I got married in the Catholic Church after I had aborted the child of my fiancé.  I never told him and I was too afraid to go to confession.  Is my sacrament of marriage valid since I have this horrible sin that remains confessed? - Denise

 

_________________________________

 

Denise:

 

I am troubled by your question.  I am troubled that you didn't tell your husband that you had aborted his and your unborn child.  I am troubled that you kept this very important information from him.  The sacramental validity of your marriage is in question. 

One of the impediments of a valid sacramental marriage is deception.  You not only sinned against God by having an abortion, you sinned against God, your fiancé/husband, and the Church by deceiving them concerning the existence of this unborn child. 

 

The fact that you didn't go to confession before your marriage does not affect the validity of your sacramental marriage.  The fact that you deceived those around you about this unborn child is what will probably make your marriage invalid.  You must first participate in the sacrament of Penance (confession) as soon as you can, discuss this situation with your confessor.  Then you must make amends by first telling your husband (no one else other than he needs to know) of what happened.  I suggest that you might consider doing this with a counselor if you feel that you can't face your husband with this information.  But your husband must know what happened in the past concerning his unborn child.  Then, you can pick up the pieces of your life and live in the truth and repentance and not have to worry about your past showing up in the future. 

I know that Jesus is all merciful and He will forgive you just by the asking.  Trust in His mercy.  Your sin is forgivable.  But you must make amends, starting with your husband.  When that has happened, know that the Lord has forgiven you and you are free from your past.  But you have a lot of work to do.  So, don't waste anymore time, get to confession, tell your husband, and begin a new life in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  - CatholicView Priest Staff

"Where in the bible did God institute marriage as
a sacrament? - Juan

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 

Understanding that sacraments were instituted by Christ for us to receive His grace, how can we apply this rough "definition" to the sacrament of marriage? Where in the bible did He institute marriage as a sacrament? - Juan

_________________________

Juan:

Marriage is one of those sacraments that was instituted by God from the very beginning.  God designed marriage for the procreation of children and the unification of two souls into one flesh.  God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and it can be said quite clearly that marriage was a sacrament, a sign of God's love for us all and a means of grace (relationship) with the Creator of all life and love. In Genesis 1:27-28, the scriptures state that God created man in His Image; in the divine Image He created him, male and female He created them.  God blessed them saying, Be fertile and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it.  Then in Genesis 2:24:  That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife and the two of them become one body.

So, right there, God performed the first marriage between Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28.  God, therefore including Jesus as the second person of the Blessed Trinity, instituted marriage as a sacrament and a perpetual institution for all humankind.  Jesus reminds his disciples in Matthew 19:1-12 that the Creator, and therefore Himself, instituted marriage to be a monogamous sacrament between a man and a woman.  In the Gospel of John, Chapter 2, Verses 1-12, Jesus attends the wedding at Cana as a sign that He accepts that marriage was a sacred institution created by God, and now recognized as a Christian sacrament by Jesus because of His presence and the miracle He accomplished there.

The scriptures are filled with the sacredness and the sacramentality of marriage.  In Ephesians 5:31-32, Saint Paul recognizes that marriage is truly a sacrament made by God to symbolize the marriage of Christ and His Church.  In Revelation 21:1-3, the Church, the New Jerusalem, is described as a bride ready to meet her husband, Jesus Christ.  There is no question that marriage, probably considered the FIRST sacrament, was instituted by God and Christ Himself as the Creator of all things as stated in Colossians Chapter 1: Verses 15-16:  "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For in Him were created all things in heaven and earth, the visible and invisible...all things were created through Him and for Him."  That's why the Church obviously observes and teaches that marriage is a sacrament instituted by Christ to give grace.  Thanks for your question.  - CatholicView Priest Staff

 

"I had sex with my boyfriend over a year and a half
and do not regret it.  Will I go to Hell for this?”
 - Sarah

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

I had sex with my boyfriend after over a year and a half. We lost our virginity to each other. Now, after two years, we plan on getting married and he is even looking for an engagement ring for me. I know that God forgives all sin, but I just don't see it as a sin. I don't regret doing it. He is three years older than me and I was seventeen at the time. I did it because I love him and I didn't want to force him to wait any longer even though I knew he would. Because I did it for him I have no regrets of it and do not intend on asking for forgiveness. But, we've been studying Dante's Inferno in my English class in college and it's been on my mind. Will I go to hell for this? Will he? If I don't ask for forgiveness for this, what will happen? - Sarah

 

___________________________

 

Sarah:

In regards to your email you sent to CatholicView that your pre-marital sex, starting at the age of 17, a minor in the eyes of USA jurisprudence, and therefore your actions were clearly illegal and the law would have your boyfriend charged with statutory rape up to 20 years after the fact, is something that is not sinful for you or you feel no remorse or guilt about your sexual actions with your boyfriend just because you say that something is not wrong and sinful doesn't make it acceptable for a Christian. In my three decades as a priest, I have met people who have used every excuse and explanation to delude themselves that something is not sinful and wrong.

So, no matter what you think about pre-marital sex, even as a legally recognized minor doing something illegal, no matter how much you can delude yourself, pre-marital sex is morally sinful, breaking your relationship with God and Church.  You say that you have read Dante's INFERNO as part of your academic studies.  You will remember, then, that Dante also explained in his great work that there are those in hell that have deluded themselves in thinking that they were not sinning when in fact they were sinning.  You know in your heart that having a sexual relationship without social and spiritual responsibility is always wrong no matter how much you want to convince yourself otherwise. You would not have written to us here if you felt that you were not sinning. I hope that Dante's INFERNO would challenge you to see things in a different light, the light of Jesus Christ and His call to you to be pure as He is.

Sexual relationships are fully realized, according to God's Plan and Design, in the bonds of the sacrament of marriage.  Sexual relationships outside of marriage are so pleasure-centered that it degrades the other and attacks the dignity and spirituality of the other and the self.  Time to give your life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior and avail yourself of the sacrament of Penance (confession) and get back on the road to salvation.  - CatholicView Priest Staff 

 

"I am upset because my Catholic Children are not
celebrating Mass weekly and in a Church building. 
Is this normal? - John-Paul

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff: 

I am a bit puzzled.  I am a Roman Catholic from Scotland that moved to England and have 2 biological children and 1 step-child who is 9 years old.   I got them all baptized at the same time and I got my step-child enrolled into Catholic primary school, now the thing I am puzzled about is that every week I will ask my daughter (have you been to mass this week?)   Reply: No dad.   Then 4 weeks later she comes home saying daddy we did mass today and I said gleaming, oh that's great darling, I asked so did you go to the church next door?  She said no.   We celebrated mass in the classroom. I had rung the school to query and was told that they only celebrate mass so many times in a school year and that mass is celebrated in the classroom even though there is a Church joined onto the school.  Is this the norm?  Because when I was at primary and high school in Scotland, we attended mass every Wednesday and every Friday.  I feel as if the English Catholic education system is lacking in Catholic education. Is it just me or is this normal? - John

 

________________________

 

John-Paul:

As a pastor of a very large Southern California parish, far from you, I can understand your concern that your Catholic school children are not celebrating Mass weekly and in a church building set aside and dedicated for the purpose of worshipping Almighty God.  I too have a parochial school that I am responsible for as a pastor (priest-in-charge).  Yet, there are times when I have celebrated Mass in the classroom.

Even though each of our classes gather in the church for Masses during the week during our scheduled daily morning Mass time, sometimes we have Mass in the classroom in what we call a "class Mass" for specific reasons.  There could be a Mass set aside specially for a class that is graduating from our school and the intimacy of the setting can make the student particularly aware of how close Jesus is to us in the Eucharist.

Other times, it could be a way to educate the students on the details of the liturgy and why it is the one sacrifice of Jesus Christ that reconciles all humankind.  There are so many pastoral reasons for a "class Mass."  Usually, we have Masses in the church.  But once in a while, a class Mass would be appropriate according to a pastoral reason.

I cannot speak for your parish priest and your school.  I am just explaining what we do here in regards to weekly Masses with the entire student body and those times when a class Mass would be considered appropriate.  - CatholicView Priest Staff

 

 

 

"My husband divorced me for a twice married co-worker then got an annulment built on lies.  Can the priest of my new parish call up my annulment papers? - Connie

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

I was divorced and annulled by my ex-husband in 1998. He was having an affair with a co-worker of his for about 18 years or so. She befriended me and wanted to help me take care of our two boys.  She was already married twice then, but her then husband was out of town and so my husband often would invite her to our outings.  When the girlfriend developed cancer he finally came clean about the affair and wanted to leave me and the boys so he could be with her.  He proceeded with the annulment.  I was so devastated at the time I could not write a word.  In the annulment papers I read his story that he did the majority of the housework which was a lie. He also did not allude to any affair.  Now it's 15 years later and I have tried to move on as best as I could after finishing raising the boys.  I think I did a bad job.  I was not eating or sleeping for years after. Now I have joined another parish in the small town of 15,000. On the application papers to this Catholic Church, they wanted to know my marital status.  I wrote "Divorced and Annulled".  
The priest seems friendly to me and I'm happy about it. Divorced people are sometimes as welcome as a wet diaper. Can this priest of my new parish call up my annulment papers and read them, just because he wants to?  I wish I had told my side then, but.........if he reads my ex-husband's side of the story and takes that for absolute truth then I would be a little upset.  Can you help? - Connie

________________________

Connie:

As a pastor of a church, when I ask the marital status of a parishioner, it is usually in regards to how that person wishes to be involved in our parochial outreach ministries.  Some parishioners have told me that they have had their marriages annulled by an ecclesiastical tribunal.   I just accept that as truth, especially when they show me the tribunal decree of annulment.

 

In the decree of annulment, there is no mention of the details of why your marriage was judged  "sacramentally invalid."  It just states that your sacramental marriage was annulled.  If there are any further conditions, it is stated there, such as a limitation on whether a person can enter a sacramental marriage in the future with the requirement of counseling, or other tribunal recommendations. The details of your annulment process is locked up in a secret archive in your diocesan tribunal.  Your annulment files are protected by a "pontifical secret," akin to keeping the confidences in the sacrament of Penance (confession). 

 

As a pastor, I cannot, I am not allowed, I am forbidden to see anyone's annulment case files.  I cannot access those files.  I cannot ask about them.  I cannot see them.  Only the head of the ecclesiastical tribunal (the diocesan judicial vicar) or the diocesan bishop can ask to see the files for a very specific and serious reason, and even then, they are bound by the pontifical secret.  So, please be at peace.

 

Your pastor cannot see the details of your annulment case files.  And as a pastor, I can assure you that I have no desire to find out the details of why a person had an annulment of their sacramental marriage.  If they want to discuss that with me, that is their option not mine.  Your pastor cannot "call up your annulment papers and read them."  And he probably doesn't want to do that since he has many parishioners that seek his spiritual leadership.  So, please, be at peace.

 

As a pastor, I am not in the business of judging people because life can be messy.   Nothing is clear cut.  Life is a series of triumphs and errors, grace and sin.  So, who am I to judge?  I am happy to know that you have found a church home.   Please do not worry.  Move forward in the Lord. - CatholicView Priest Staff"

 

 

A former priest said I could bless residents at a
nursing home.  Can I do that?" - Pat

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

A former priest said I could bless residents of a nursing home with holy water on the forehead. New parish priest said no. That can only be done by a priest.  Residents are disappointed with this. Can only a priest do this blessing?- Pat

 

____________________________

 

Pat:

Every Christian can say a blessing and prayer over anyone who needs it.  You are free to do so with the people you meet in your ministry of service to those in the nursing home.  So, please do so.  As to using holy water or other sacramentals, please follow your pastor's recommendations since he is ultimately responsible for the spiritual needs of all the people in his parish.

Each pastor seems to have his views about how to use sacramentals such as holy water in praying over people who are ill or in need.  So, if your pastor does not want you using holy water in blessing someone, then just place your hand on the person's head or hold that person's hand and say a blessing and prayer.  That will be greatly appreciated by the person.  I repeat, every Catholic, every Christian, can pray over and say a blessing over any person who asks.  So, please do so.  And you don't need to use holy water to do that. - CatholicView Priest Staff 

 

"What can I do to fully embrace God as my path
in life?" - Michael 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

My name is Michael Ostien and I was baptized catholic and now I am 23 years old. I have never been much into faith but not have a wanting for faith. I feel God and want God but still do not feel Him 100%.   What can I do to fully embrace God as my path in life? - Michael

_________________________

Michael:

God is everywhere and is in you.  He envelops you.  He walks with you and feels with you.  You are not alone for this great infinite Creator is always there, breathing life into everything including yourself.  Your body has life because He ensures that you are alive in this material world and dimension by His thought and will.  I do not know what your expectations or definition of faith is.  All I know is that my faith is really a daily exercise in being aware of His Presence and always believing and hoping that there is always something better for everyone.  You say that you are "not much into faith."  I don't know what that means.

 

All I know is that always being aware and thankful for everything makes me certainly aware that I am surrounded by a Love that is beyond my comprehension.  I trust that Love and Life.  I am not afraid and concerned about things that I cannot control because I am aware that all will be taken care of by that Infinite Presence.  I KNOW this (mind you, I didn't say I have faith in this) because I have seen all throughout my life the effects of His Presence.  Some call it blessings.  Others call it miracles.  I call it just being aware that we are not alone, and that we are being taken care of on our journey through destiny.  I "feel" God, as you say it, when I start saying THANK YOU.  Thank You for my life.  Thank You for my family.  Thank You for my parents who gave me life through their love (I am walking love, the product of my parents' love, I am love itself).  Thank You for my job that gives me the ability to have material comforts and necessary food.  Thank You for my health that I am able to move and enjoy the world.  Feeling God, as you say, is not an expectation of my belief in God.

 

Feeling God is a result of being aware of His Presence.  So, if you want to fully embrace God, then it's time for you to stop being so blind to what is so obvious around you.  Start by being thankful and appreciative for everything and soon your eyes will be opened to God's Presence in your life.  This is just the start of your spiritual maturity in Christ.  Thanksgiving is merely the first step in knowing your Creator.

 

As you become more thankful and appreciative, then spiritual knowledge comes to you and your mind begins to open beyond its present limits.  As an example, I have a little dog that I take for long walks every evening after dinner.  We walk for about 2 miles.  As I walk, my mind begins to slow down, and then I see trees, moving cars, sunsets, and I begin to marvel at the beauty of everything.  By the time I finish the walk, I am in another state of mind, a calm and thankful state of mind and I am in touch with the Creator God who made it all.  He made it for me.  And you.  And everyone else.  And I become overwhelmed emotionally

 

Even when things go wrong and I have painful events that life can throw at us, I just go back and remember those special overwhelming moments with my Creator and then I know that everything will be just fine in time.  So, I trust that He will take care of the problem or painful issue.  So, begin your spiritual journey and open your mind and heart and see that you are not alone.  You see, God has you already in His embrace.  All that is required is that you embrace Him back in your awareness of His Presence. Goodness, Mercy, and Love.  Your embrace of God, the awareness that you are already in His embrace, is what faith is all about. - CatholicView Priest Staff
 

"Am I wrong to pray for marriage as a vocation? - C.C.
 

CatholicView Staff:

In my diocese, we pray frequently for an increase in vocations to the priesthood/religious life- rightly so as there is a large shortage in our area.  I join in these prayers, but I also pray for the fulfillment of my vocation to marriage.  Is it wrong for me to pray for this for myself?  Am I being selfish? - C.C.

 

__________________________

 

C.C.:

The vocation to sacramental marriage is an awesome call from God Himself. Not everyone is called or destined for marriage. Marriage is only for those that are called by God to build the kingdom of God here on earth through marital unitive  love (which symbolizes the love between Christ and His church) and family. As you pray for people to respond to God's call (vocation) to the religious life (orders, congregations, communal communities with religious constitutions) and holy orders (deacon, priest, bishop), it is right and just to pray that God sends you His Holy Spirit to help you fulfill your vocation to marriage.

 

You are MOST correct in praying for yourself as well as for vocations to religious life and holy orders. I expect you to pray for yourself. Without your vocation, the world and church would not be able to fulfill Christ's command to bring all to salvation through Him. So, at this moment, I am praying for you and your spouse. May the Lord bless you, keep you strong in your mutual love, safeguard your family, and fill your home with joy!

 

Thank you for being married. Thank you for being living symbols of Christ's love for His church. And please, say a little prayer for me, my fellow deacons, priests, and bishops, as well as those in religious vowed life, and for more people to accept that call from God to serve Him in the church through holy orders and religious life. - CatholicView Priest Staff
 

 

"Can I be confirmed without my baptismal or 
communion certificates? - Amanda

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 

I have been a current member of my church for three years, I run the children's liturgy group and I want to help run the communion classes. However, I have not been confirmed and I do not know if my current priest knows this. I took my first communion on my wedding day and it appears the priest who married me did not record my communion. He also did not give me back my baptism certificate or supply me with my holy communion certificate. I feel embarrassed to tell my priest that I have not been confirmed.  I want to do my confirmation this year but three years previously when I tried I was told by my then priest that without my certificates I cannot be confirmed. Is this right? - Amanda

 

_________________________

 

Amanda:

 

I want to commend and thank you for the service and ministry to youth that you have.  I am so thankful for your service.  I also want to encourage you to receive the sacrament of confirmation and seal your baptismal call to live a Christian life in the church.

 

Yes, you do need your baptismal certificate to get started on this journey to the reception of the sacrament of confirmation.  But you can ask the church of your baptism for a copy of your baptismal certificate.  Just go there or call them and ask for a copy of that document to be sent to you.   This happens all the time in our parish.  Our parish secretary is always answering requests for baptismal certificates.  I am sure that she sends out about 8 certificates a week!

 

We do ask for a $10.00US donation for the certificate and the seal of the parish making it an official document (similar to a birth certificate from your civil authorities).  If you don't remember where you were baptized, then go to the church where you were married and ask for the copy of the baptismal certificate that you gave them and get a new official one from the parish church of your baptism. 

 

As for your first holy communion certificate, this was probably recorded as part of the marriage record in the church that you were married.  If not, just explain to your parish priest that you did receive your first communion at your marriage Mass.  Getting a baptismal certificate is not a problem.  It's easy even though you might have to wait for it depending on the parish staff or volunteers at the church of your baptism.  But you won't have to wait long.  So, get back on track and plan on your confirmation.  And keep working with your wonderful youth.  You are certainly a blessing for your parish! - Catholic View Priest Staff

 

 

"If we are cremated do we have to be buried in
a Catholic Cemetery? - Donna

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 

My husband and I want to be cremated when we die and I was wondering, do we have to be buried in a Catholic cemetery?  Thank you. - Donna

_______________________

 

Donna:

 

All that is required is that your bodily remains be buried or placed somewhere.  If you are cremated, then your ashes must be kept together in one place (not scattered), such as a burial plot or a place for cremated remains called a columbarium.  The reason for that is that it shows our belief and faith that we as Christians are awaiting the resurrection of the dead at the second coming of Christ at the end of time.   You don't have to be buried in a Catholic cemetery.  But a Catholic cemetery is consecrated ground and is considered a dedicated place of worship.  Catholic cemeteries are basically churches in the open.  Once again, if you decide to cremate your remains, please, as a sign of your faith in the resurrection from the dead, place your cremains in one place, either buried, interred, placed in a columbarium, or with family members who will ensure a dignified place for your remains until the end of time. - CatholicView Priest Staff

 

 

"I want to convert to Catholicism but my wife
doesn't.  What should I do? - Matt

 

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 

My wife and I were both baptized and married in a Baptist church.  I am wishing to convert to Catholicism (just started RCIA).   My priest spoke of validation of our marriage- attending a retreat and renewal of vows.  My wife does not wish to participate in either.  What do I do? - Matt

________________________

Matt:

There is a way for you to have your marriage blessed and validated (recognized as a sacramental marriage) without the help of your wife.  It is called RADICAL SANATION (the official Latin is SANATIO IN RADICE) or RETROACTIVE VALIDATION.  It is a process in which the church recognizes your marriage as a sacramentally valid marriage from the beginning.  No ritual is needed for such a proclamation.  No need for you and her to attend any retreat or class.  You may want to but it is not necessary.  All that is necessary is that the church needs to know that your marriage is going to last a lifetime.  I know that your wife is very wary of you becoming Catholic especially if she has been taught that Catholics are somehow not Christian (some Baptist preachers actually say that).  So, to keep your marriage united in the love of Christ, the church retroactively recognizes your marriage as a sacramental marriage in the church through this process.  It is simple and requires a document that is signed by you and your parish priest and sent to the diocesan marriage tribunal for review and the granting of a RETROACTIVE VALIDATION (radical sanation).  Be at peace and welcome to the Catholic Church.  Here is the copy of the church canon law regarding the process and definition of retroactive validation below.  And here is our diocesan link to the Sanatio in Radice documents that will be sent to our diocesan tribunal for review and acceptance:  http://www.dioslc.org/images/tribunal/SANATIO%20IN%20RADICE.pdf

Article 2: Retroactive Validation

 

Canon 1161.1 The retroactive validation of an invalid marriage is its validation without the renewal of consent, granted by the competent authority. It involves a dispensation from an impediment if there is one and from the canonical form if it had not been observed, as well as a referral back to the past of the canonical effects.

 

Canon 1161.2 The validation takes place from the moment the favour is granted; the referral back, however, is understood to have been made to the moment the marriage was celebrated, unless it is otherwise expressly provided.

 

Canon 1161.3 A retroactive validation is not to be granted unless it is probable that the parties intend to persevere in conjugal life.

 

Canon 1162.1 If consent is lacking in either or both of the parties, a marriage cannot be rectified by a retroactive validation, whether consent was absent from the beginning or, though given at the beginning, was subsequently revoked.

 

Canon 1162.2 If the consent was indeed absent from the beginning but was subsequently given, a retroactive validation can be granted from the moment the consent was given.

 

Canon 1163.1 A marriage which is invalid because of an impediment or because of defect of the legal form, can be validated retroactively, provided the consent of both parties persists.

 

Canon 1163.2 A marriage which is invalid because of an impediment of the natural law or of the divine positive law, can be validated retroactively only after the impediment has ceased.

 

Canon 1164 A retroactive validation may validly be granted even if one or both of the parties is unaware of it; it is not, however, to be granted except for a grave reason.

 

Canon 1165.1 Retroactive validation can be granted by the Apostolic See.

 

Canon 1165.2 It can be granted by the diocesan Bishop in individual cases, even if a number of reasons for nullity occur together in the same marriage, assuming that for a retroactive validation of a mixed marriage the conditions of Canon 1125 will have been fulfilled. It cannot, however, be granted by him if there is an impediment whose dispensation is reserved to the Apostolic See in accordance with Canon 1078.2, or if there is question of an impediment of the natural law or of the divine positive law which has now ceased.

 

Hope this helps.  - CatholicView Priest Staff

 

 

"I joined the Mormon faith but want to return to the
 Catholic Church.  Am I excommunicated?"  - Kathleen

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 

I have been a Catholic my entire life up until two years ago when I joined the Mormon faith.  I even got baptized Mormon.  After a period of time I had my doubts on the Mormon beliefs and very recently returned to the Catholic Church.  I know I need to talk with the priest about this but he is gone for another week and the guilt and shame of it all is really stressing me out.  Am I excommunicated?- Kathleen 

_______________________

 

Kathleen:

Please, be at peace and welcome back to the Catholic Church.  There is no need to stress out about this homecoming.  You are correct in talking to your parish priest about this.  Here are some things you need to know.  When you accepted baptism in another religious institution such as the Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons), you formally separated yourself from the Catholic Church and thereby excommunicated yourself from us by your action.  But this is easily resolved.  By talking to your parish priest and returning to the church, your self-imposed excommunication is lifted and forgiven, and you return to the church.

You will be required to make a statement of faith and to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  This is basically the recitation of the Nicene Creed and repeating your baptismal vows.  I am so happy for you.  And you come away from this experience a more deeply spiritual person and closer to Jesus Christ.  May the Spirit of God bless you and fill you with the joy that comes from God!  - CatholicView Priest Staff 

 

 

"What is the symbol of Saint Anna Schaffer and
what is she the saint of?  - Anna Rose

 

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 

My daughter has a saint project for school.  She choose one of the newest saints, Saint Anna Schaffer.  We need to know her symbol and what she is the saint of.  Since she is new, we are having trouble with this.  We would appreciate any help you can give.  Thanks and God Bless! - Anna Rose

_________________________

Anna Rose:

 

You made me even do more research about Saint Anna Schaffer (born February 18, 1882 in Bavaria, Germany, and died on October 5, 1925 in Bavaria, Germany)!  I was aware that she was canonized a saint by the authority of Pope Benedict XVI on 21 October 2012 but I do not know much about her.  But once I began to read her story and her testimony to Christ crucified, I was overwhelmed by her life and by how she carried her pain and infirmity.  She made her pain and weakness a prayer of adoration to Christ as her Savior.  Her life made me seem like a spoiled rotten little child.  If I just prick my finger, I react with pain and usually I want someone to acknowledge my discomfort.  But Saint Anna Schaffer was wracked with pain all the time, and she even bore the wounds of Jesus on her body by receiving the stigmata (the visible or invisible wounds of Christ on one's body) in 1910.  Even though saints have been given symbols or coat of arms from those who admire their lives for Jesus, I cannot find one for Saint Anna Schaffer.  You are going to have to make one up.  I would suggest a cross with the ends showing the wounds of Christ evoking the stigmata.  Here is a beautiful link about her life though I am sure that you have already seen it.  This is for the benefit of our readers:  http://www.romereports.com/palio/st-anna-sch%C3%A4ffer-bedridden-at-19-yet-stillmanaged-to-inspire-through-letters-english-8019.html#.Umg_pCtAKIw   Also here is a more complete story about her life:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Sch%C3%A4ffer  Her feast day is on October 5th. 

 

I thank you for this question and it was educational and spiritually challenging for me.  I don't ever want to complain about anything again.  - CatholicView Priest Staff.  

 

 

 

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

"If I sin over and over each time after confession,
 am I cursed?  Am I forgiven?" - Ally

 

CatholicView Staff:

If I sinned, then came back to church, and then sinned again, several times, am I cursed?  Someone said you are cursed as in the bible.  And that you may not be forgiven. And a priest there said yes as well.  I am afraid I will lose God. - Ally

 

__________________________

 

Ally:

 

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.   You are not cursed but you have allowed Satan direct entry into your life.  When you went to confession, and confessed sinning, you made a promise to God not to repeat that sin again.  But you keep breaking that promise over and over again.  What if you die suddenly in this state of sin?  I believe you know the answer to that.

 

It is true that God forgives us many, many times.  But when we promise Him to stop this behavior, we must truly mean it and try not to repeat it again. 

 

Satan is the most cunning creature ever created by God. He has been studying you and I ever since we were born, and he knows what we have said, what we have done, and what we do when we think no one is looking.  He wants your soul.  Get rid of him through prayer and penance and mean it.

 

And so Ally, ask the Lord to give you the strength to overcome your sin, for now is the time to stop.   Do not presume you can always go to confession and straighten things out, for none of us knows when God will call us home, so learn to be prepared while you still can.  Self indulgences can cost you eternity.  Please don't take that chance.  We will pray for you. - CatholicView Staff

 

"Is it okay to purchase a 3rd Class Relic with
dirt from the Catacombs?" - Elizabeth

 

CatholicView Staff:

I recently purchased a crucifix not knowing about simony. Was it okay to purchase a crucifix to wear that includes the title "Relic 3rd Class Dirt from the Catacombs"? - Elizabeth

______________________

Elizabeth:

 

For the benefit of those who are reading this answer, simony "means the sin of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, etc.  It is the making of profit out of sacred things".  

 

You ask if it is okay to purchase a crucifix that reads and contains "Relic 3rd Class Dirt from the Catacombs".  We do not know the value of the relic you purchased but there was one listed on eBay and it is a 3rd class Relic containing dirt from the Catacombs.  See this link that pictures a third Class relic:       http://www.madonnashopsonline.com/Relic-3rd-Class-Dirt-from-the-Catacombs-1-3-4-Crucifix-Cross-E18-13-1999-Relic-Crrucifix.htm.

 

Just give your purchase the reverence it deserves.  You have done nothing wrong.  - CatholicView Staff

 

 

"My 16 years old daughter is taking the pill.  She claims
it is for medical reasons.  Help! - Jennifer

 

CatholicView Staff:

 

Our 16 year old daughter is taking the pill with our strong disapproval.  She says she is taking it for medica l reasons (her heavy periods which she does have) but I am not sure as a few of her friends are taking it  "just in case."   She does not have a boyfriend and says she is not sexually active.  Do we forbid this knowing she will take it behind our back and risk her not sharing other things with us or do we trust her and leave it in God's hands.  Praying on what to do. Help! - Jennifer

 

________________________

 

Jennifer:

Your daughter is only sixteen years old.  She is not an adult.  I am surprised that the doctor did not call you to get your approval about this issue.  After all, you pay for her medical needs.

Please talk to the doctor who prescribed these pills and ask him to notify you before giving out prescriptions to a minor.  If she is in need of medical care because of her heavy periods, you should have been notified before the doctor prescribed birth control pills.  The good thing is that your daughter is willing to share this with you.

The Church prohibits birth control.  If your daughter uses this for health reasons, that is acceptable; if she wants to use it for sexual issues, she is committing sin.  She should discuss this with her priest.

Please check into this matter with your doctor.  If the pills were given without hidden motives on your daughter's part, you will feel better.  Pray for your daughter.  Ask the Lord to keep her strong in her faith, avoiding sexual activity. Hope this helps.  - CatholicView Staff

 

 

"What are the key teachings of the Church?"
 - Ashleigh

 

CatholicView Staff:

 

I was wondering what are the key teachings of the church? - Ashleigh

________________________

 

Ashleigh:

 

Interesting question.  The key church teachings can be found in the following Nicene Creed, adopted at the Council of Nicea in the 4th century.  They are as follows:

 

"We believe in one God the Father, the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and of all that is, seen and unseen. 
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being [substance] with the Father.

Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary, and was made truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered , died and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.  Amen

Here is the brief summary of the belief of Catholics that is the Creed, and must be professed by all those who desire to become or are Catholic:

 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen

 -  CatholicView Staff

 

Are forgotten sins forgiven when absolution
is given?" - Floris

 

 

CatholicView Staff:

Sins forgotten during Confession, are they forgiven when the absolution is given? Floris

 

____________________________

 

Floris: 

 

This is a question that has been asked many times.  Please know it was absolved IF you intended to confess it but forgot to do so.  If it is a venial sin, you do not need to confess it.  If it was a mortal sin, it was absolved, provided you implicitly intended to mention it if you had remembered.  What this means is that you confessed all known sins and would have confessed whatever others you committed had you recalled them. So if you now recall a mortal sin, you might mention it the next time you go to confession.  Be at peace.  - CatholicView Staff

 

"My 30 year old Catholic daughter lives with her
 Catholic boyfriend and want to marry in the Church.
Any advice?" - Leonard

 

CatholicView Staff:

My 30 year old daughter is living with a man. They are both  Catholic but don't practice their religion. They plan on getting married in the Church. To me this is a lie and I don't want to be involved. It is breaking my heart and I don't know what to do. Any advice? Thank You - Leonard

 

________________________

 

Leonard:

 

If your Catholic daughter and her Catholic fiancé are living in sin and want to marry in the Church, they will, as Catholics, be asked certain questions if they want to have a sacred marriage within the Church.

 

Perhaps these questions may assist the engaged couple and the priest to jointly discern whether the couple is ready for marriage.  The Church's main concern is to help prepare the engaged couple for a lifelong commitment of love to one another and to God. Hopefully, this is also the main concern of the engaged couple themselves.  If it is not, then there must be a re-evaluation of the reasons for the couple seeking marriage in the Church.

 

The decision to love each other is the basis of the sacrament of matrimony.  It is a love involving a man, a woman and God.  By choosing the better way, not the path of cohabitation, a couple has chosen God's way, in fact, Jesus' way preached in the New Testament. The lesson is clear: To follow Jesus, living "his way," will not be understood by those turned secular or worldly in their criteria; they will not applaud but they cannot deny our witness. After all, as professed disciples of Jesus we have committed ourselves to true love and its discipline

Please talk to your daughter and her fiancé  about returning to the Church, confessing their sins and to make plans to be completed Catholics.  Their desire to be married in the Church tells us that they want to do the right thing.  May God lead you to say loving and rightful things to your daughter and her fiancé.

May your prayers let them see that God's way is the right and the only way.  I wish you peace.  -  CatholicView Staff  

 

"When I was a child I sold my soul to Satan
for fame and fortune.  Can you help?" - Lance

CatholicView Staff:

 

Thank You for helping!  When I was 5 or 6 Years, I was adept at playing the Piano. Some how I thought that I could sell my Soul to the Devil, in exchange for fame and fortune. I remember how badly I wanted to be a famous pianist. I remember signing an agreement with an ex, because I couldn't write my name.  I need to know how to undue that. It has hampered me for most of my life, and need to resolve this, if possible. Can you help me to resolve this problem? Thanks'  - Lance

 

__________________________

 

Lance:

 

At the tender years of five or six years old, you were a child and not able to sell your soul to the devil.

 

You did not “sell” your soul.  If you believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior, your soul belongs to Him.  Satan CANNOT TOUCH IT.  And so, if you live as He teaches, Satan can NEVER claim your soul and certainly, no other human being can have access to something that belongs to God.  God has put His seal of ownership on you.  You can only lose your soul by living in sin, using your “Free Will” to embrace Satan by your actions.  You would have to make the choice to live in sin, turning your back on God and Jesus Christ.

 

If you believe and accept that your soul has already been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, you have nothing to worry about.  It is not for sale as it has already been paid in full for by the blood of Jesus through your faithfulness in Him.            

 

In the future stay away from evil games for they are tools of Satan. Do not allow fear to keep you away from your faith.  Move forward in the mighty name of Christ. You soul is safe.  Go in peace and continue on God's path. -  CatholicView Staff

 

"Can I go to confession if I haven't been baptized?"
 - Jordan

 

 

CatholicView Staff:

 

Can I go to a confession if I haven't been baptized before?  I am about to take a big step in life and I just want to be right with myself but most importantly with the Lord my Savior. - Jordan

 

_______________________

 

Jordan:

God be praised that you realize the Lord as your Savior.  Please get in touch with  a Catholic Church near you and speak to a priest about being baptized.  This sacrament will enable you not only to the sacrament of confession but all the sacraments.  God sees your desires and the angels are rejoicing because of your decision.

Do not delay.  We want to welcome you to our Church family and most importantly, welcome you through Jesus Christ to God's eternal family.  May God bless you.  - CatholicView Staff

 

"My husband is living with another woman.  Is it
okay to ask God to cause chaos and financial
distress? - Mary

 

CatholicView Staff:

 

My husband is having an affair and is living with her.  He has filed for divorce. Everyday I pray that God will open up his eyes to the wrong that he is doing.  Is it okay to ask God to cause chaos and financial distress in their relationship? - Mary

 

________________________

 

Mary:        

 

I am sorry to hear that your husband has filed for a divorce.  Sadly, one cannot make another person love you, even if he is your former husband.  BUT, to ask God to cause chaos and financial distress in that adulterous relationship would be wrong and sinful to do on your part.

 

Keep your mind free of such thoughts.  Ask God to handle this.  And He will.  Give this matter to Jesus.

 

I know this is hard for you.  And we sympathize with you.  Please ask the Lord to help you with strength and endurance to move ahead.  One day the peace will come.  God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". 

 

God go with you, Mary.  Keep praying for good and not for payback.  Do the right thing and let the Lord handle this. - CatholicView Staff

"Because of serious health issues my mother had to
have an abortion.  Will she go to hell?" - Laryssa
 

CatholicView Staff:

 

My mom had to have an abortion. The doctor said giving birth again would kill her and the baby. Will she go to hell? - Laryssa     

__________________________

 

Dear Laryssa:

 

This is a very sad situation but your mother must take her doctor’s advice.  Our God sees all things, nd understands that she wants to live and take care of her family.  Know that our God is a compassionate, loving God and in this unfortunate situation, your mother is not going to hell.

 

May the Lord give you peace.  - CatholicView Staff

 

 

"I lost my son to a motorcycle accident and I have
been questioning God why!  Tell me what to do?"
 - Donna

 

 

CatholicView Staff:
 

My 21 year old son died from a motorcycle accident 9 years ago (he was in the U.S. Coast Guard).  I have been questioning God, are you real, why did this happen?!!  Joey was happy in the USCG, and also married.  He was just enjoying his life.  I'm trying to get closer to God, but it seems I can't.  I pray every night, but i feel empty.  Please, tell me what to do? - Donna

________________________

Donna:

I am so sorry to learn about the death of your wonderful son.  Losing a child is a terrible thing.  But, the good news is that he is in heaven and waiting to be with all of you one day

I am so glad that you are praying.   Please know that it is not over for your son.  Remember, it is not the end; you will see him again for an eternity.  There will be no more pain and suffering; only happiness there.  Keep praying asking God to give you courage to go through this.  He will strengthen you, and give you the peace that you need.

CatholicView's prayer for you:

Dearest Jesus:

Please grant your consolation to Donna who is grieving for her precious son.  Look upon her with ompassion and the love with which You looked upon Your Most Sorrowful Mother.  Keep Donna's son safely in the abode of Your Most Sacred Heart.  Help this entire family to find solace in Your promises and Your grace and enable them to find the strength and the hope You promised to all who believe in You.  We ask this in the Precious Name of Jesus Christ. - Amen

 

Be at peace, Donna.  Lean on the Lord and He will carry you through this tragic time.   - CatholicView Staff

 

"Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his
son?" - Jeannie
 

CatholicView Staff:

 

The Old Testament story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his son Issac has always confused me.  Why would our Lord ask anyone to commit murder....one of his commandments? - Jennie

 

_____________________________

 

Jennie:

 

Please keep in mind that God's ways are not our ways.  In Genesis 22:1-2 God tested Abraham by asking him to take his son Issac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering.  In Verse 2, He said, 'Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."

 

If we read the scripture carefully, we see a finger pointing to Jesus Christ, God's Son, God's only begotten Son, Who was sent as a true sacrifice for our sins.  In the Old Testament, at the time of Abraham,  sacrifices of animals were offered to take away sin.  But Abraham, in faith, was being obedient to God, even to the moment when he would give up his only begotten son as a sin sacrifice.

 

Abraham knew he also had another son, but it was not Ishmael who was the son chosen.  It was because Ishmael was born of Hagar, Sarah's slave who came from Egypt.  Sarah asked Hager to give Abraham a son.  Abraham was eighty-six years old at the time.  At Issac's birth, Abraham was100 years old and Sarah was past 90.  Once Isaac and Ishmael began to grow up, Sarah asked Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away and not to allow Ishmael to share an inheritance with Isaac. 

Abraham at 100 years old and Sarah at 90 became the parents of Issac, whom the Lord referred to as the only begotten son.

 

Keep in mind that the Lord was testing Abraham's faith and when the moment came for Abraham to actually kill Issac, God stilled His hand.  Hope this helps,   - CatholicView Staff

 

 

"What does it mean to see the face of God?
 - Sheena

 

 

CatholicView Staff:

What does it mean to see the face of God on earth for you? - Sheena

Sheena:

 

There are numerous passages in the bible which speak of seeing God face to face.   But, the Hebrew word for face refers to a relationship between God and man.God went as far to tell Moses in Exodus 33 that “no man can see My face and live.”  1 John 4:12 - No man has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

Although such passages as Exodus 33:11,Numbers 14:14, and Deuteronomy5:4,  refer to speaking with God “face to face,” other Scripture passages show that the eternal, omnipresent Spirit who is the Creator of all things, does not show His face. 

Because God wanted us to know Him personally, He has literally shown us His “face” in the person of Jesus Christ.

Since God is Spirit in these appearances, they do not represent God’s shape or form.  These are the ways He used to reveal Himself to humanity.  He has revealed Himself in many other ways, including fire in a burning bush.  Exodus 3:2 reads:  "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."

Jesus Christ tells us in John 14:8-10:  "Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.'  Jesus answered:  “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?  Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.  How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?  The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority.  Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work.  

Hope this helps.  - CatholicView Staff 

 

 

"How do I forgive my husband who had an
affair?" - Imvoyles

 

 

CatholicView Staff:

 

How do I forgive my husband who had an affair?   My Husband had affair before our 1 year anniversary.  We have gone to confession,  returned to the church, seen a marriage counselor and are working on saving our marriage but I am having real difficulty actually forgiving him.  I know I need to but just don't know how.   Thank you. - Imvoyles

 

__________________________

 

Imvoyles:

I am so sorry to hear about your husband's affair.  It is difficult to know what you can do to ease the pain of adultery.  I inderstand that although you have done all the things you and your husband can by going to Church and confession, along with consulting with a marriage counselor, the pain of your husband's adultery is still raw in your mind. 

Forgiveness has to be very carefully considered.  It seems that you and your husband are doing all the right things to correct this situation and move forward.  You have made peace with God, faithfully attend church, and seen a marriage counselor.  And now it is up to you to have faith that your husband will avoid such behavior in the future and begin the process to forgive. 

Please consider carefully that your husband is trying to make amends.  You must firmly believe that forgiveness is in order.  The past should be carefully considered, and a conscious choice made.  If you love your husband, you must forgive him and move ahead.  Do not hold on to resentment or anger.  Pray frequently, asking God to calm your spirit and give you the peace to move ahead with your life.  Since your husband has changed and made concessions, with God's help let this be a new beginning for both of you.  Please let the past die and close that chapter of your life.  If you have children, this is a strong reason to make this affair a thing of the past.

Through your prayers, ask the Lord to give you the courage to move beyond this sin of adultery.  Yes, it takes lot of hard work on your part as well as finding a balm for your pain but it will be worth all your efforts.  In time, your marriage bonds will grow stronger and your self esteem will gradually be restored. 

 

Keep praying for this.  We will also pray for your peace.  - CatholicView Staff

"Is the Holy Spirit within each person, baptized
or not? - Sarah

CatholicView Staff:

 

I'm a little confused about the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.   Is He not within each person, baptized or not? Or does the Church teach that the Holy Spirit only dwells within the baptized / confirmed believers? Are we not all children of God? - Sarah

 

_________________________

 

Dear Sarah:

Know that we all have the Holy Spirit but many do not recognize this.  The  Spirit lies dormat to those who have not accepted Jesus Christ.   It can be liken to a pack of seeds that were never planted.  Until they are watered with baptism through faith, and are baptized, the Holy Spirit lies inactive. 

 

The Holy Spirit is the Third of the Trinity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit lives within us and doesn’t give us just feelings; He changes our hearts and lives.  He makes us desire to know God the Father, believe in Him, love Him, and feel sorrow for sin.  He makes us love our neighbors and withstand the hardships life gives to us. He gives special insights about ourselves and others and helps us to believe that we can be saved through faith.  With the Free Will that God gives us, however, we can resist His influence or put up obstacles, turning away from His (Holy Spirit) influence and not grow in the Lord.

Romans 8:9 reads, "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."  Paul is addressing believers; he is not making a statement here about non-believers. He is warning disobedient believers who are refusing to submit to the Holy Spirit in their lives. In effect, he is saying, “You say that the Spirit of God is in you, and you are right. However, your life should be reflecting the presence of the Spirit of Christ.” As Paul says in verse 12, “We have an obligation – but it is not to the sinful nature…” (see verses 10-17).Does Jesus love the person who "does not belong to Christ"? Of course, Jesus loves this person because he died for all people. But because this person is not controlled by the Spirit (is not a believer), they do not subjectively "belong" to Jesus.  Jesus, Who created them and died to reconcile them to the Father.

Paul wrote in Colossians 3:11: "Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all." Ephesians 4:6 adds: "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." All are included—all belong to Christ; but not yet all know it or recognize the Holy Spirit or believe it and therefore do not experience and live out their new life in Him.

The Holy Spirit, a vital part of the Trinity,  changes our hearts, lives and our eternal destiny.  The Spirit makes us desire God, believe in him, love him, and be sorry for sin.  He makes us love others and endure life's battles.  He gives us discernment about ourselves and others.  He warns us to avoid sin.   He helps us to have true confidence that we can be saved.  The Holy Spirit does not "force" itself on any person and those who ignore the Spirit cannot know Him.  Those who choose to accept the Lord will recognize and know He is there to sustain, advise, and give strength to all of us who believe.  - CatholicView Staff

"I have a calling to become a Catholic but don't
know where to begin.  What's your advice?" - David

CatholicView Staff:

I have a calling to become Catholic but I don't know where to begin.  And it's not just being Catholic, it's wanting to spend my every moment praising God and getting to know Him more.   What's your advice? - David

_________________________

David:

The Lord is calling to you.  And He has touched your heart.  Praise God for this.  Please call the parish office near you and let them know your intention to join the church and you will meet with the parish priest or associate in charge of the program.  RCIA exists to help adults to fully understand the Catholic Faith and fortify this very important decision.

Your priest will guide and arrange for you to become familiar with the Church.  The priest will want you to enroll in RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults).  Through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), adults over the age of 18 years become members of the Church over a period of time.  This conversion process, through a prayerful discernment of God's will, culminates in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist), or in the case of baptized Christians the Profession of Faith, Confirmation, Reconciliation, and Eucharist. 

Know that the acceptance of Jesus Christ is profoundly the greatest joy we can experience in this world.  Continue to move forward in the Lord. -  CatholicView Staff

 

 

"Will I go to hell if I practice witchcraft?" - Sarina

 

 

CatholicView Staff:

Will I go to hell if i practice witchcraft?   I really want to practice it but I DO NOT want to spend an eternity in hell!  Help!!!- Sarina

___________________________

Sarina:

Witchcraft is an abomination to the Lord.   The Catholic Catechism tells us:  2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future.  Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

2117 All practices of magic or sorcery, by which one attempts to tame occult powers, so as to place them at one's service and have a supernatural power over others - even if this were for the sake of restoring their health - are gravely contrary to the virtue of religion. These practices are even more to be condemned when accompanied by the intention of harming someone, or when they have recourse to the intervention of demons.  Spiritism often implies divination or magical practices; the Church for her part warns the faithful against it.  Recourse to so-called traditional cures does not justify either the invocation of evil powers or the exploitation of another's credulity."

In the Catholic Catechism, witchcraft, sorcery and superstition are treated under the first commandment, ‘You shall have no gods before Me'  It is not as though the Catholic Church denied the power of witchcraft or magic, but rather the Church insists that religious worship is an end in itself; to offer thanks to our Creator and not a means to some other end.  Any religious system which uses spiritual power as a means to an end such as carrying a charm to increase luck, poking a doll to hurt an enemy, drinking a potion to increase fertility, offering a sacrifice to help the crops, fall under the category of superstition or magic. The same kind of attitude can be held by a person who practices his Christianity because he/she believes it will give good luck.  If the Catholic belief that God is ‘Almighty’ holds true, then He needs no assistance from other spiritual beings such as angels, who serve Him and we owe worship to Him and Him alone, who alone can make us happy in this earthly life.

Do not indulge yourself in this practice.  The most important thing is your soul.   Strengthen your resolve and keep your focus on Jesus Christ.  Any such activity that is practiced is wrong and God forbids it.  You must let the Lord, our God take care of all things concerning your future, for only He knows what lies ahead.  You have only one life and one soul; Give them to God for His safekeeping. - CatholicView Staff

 

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