APRIL/MAY 2015
ASK A PRIEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM
FATHER LAZARUS CHAWDI
PRIEST STAFF
CATHOLICVIEW STAFF
FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM
"My
last two of five children were
conceived attempting to
practice NFP. I have numerous
health issues. Don't I
have a responsibility to protect the
lives I've already
created? - Sherri
Father Kevin:
I am
44, married with 5 children. The
last 2 were conceived attempting to
practice NFP. I have had 4
c-sections, have high blood pressure
and cholesterol and degenerative
disc disease. My doctor feels that I
should not have any more children
due to my health. I elected to have
a tubal ligation 3 years ago and
have avoided Communion since that
time. Can I be forgiven even though
I knew that I was sinning and am not
sorry for my decision? I feel so
disconnected from the Church because
I cannot go to receive Jesus and
feel hopeless. I go to Mass for my
children but am just going through
the motions. Don't I have a
responsibility to protect the life
I've already created? I feel that
simply avoiding all sexual
intercourse with my husband is not
conducive to a healthy marriage. I
don't know where to turn. - Sherri
_______________________________________________________
Dear Sherri,
God bless you for your faith and
courage. A tubal ligation in your
circumstances is a most life-giving
choice. Your husband and children
need you and taking un-wise risks
with your life is not an option. You
say that you have sinned, but from
where I am sitting you have been
nothing short of heroic and
faithful.
All God ever asks of us is that we
be a life-giving as we can and from
what you’ve said in your letter,
that is exactly what you have done.
God never asks more of us than we
can manage. You have been as
generous and more than generous and
at great cost. You have made the
decisions you have made for the sake
of love of your husband and
children. Isn’t that all Jesus asked
of anyone?
This love is the value that
underlies the Church’s teachings
around sexual and reproductive
issues. Sadly we are sometimes
blinded by the law and forget the
value of charity that the law is
meant to serve. St Thomas Aquinas
wrote this very thing five hundred
years ago and still we didn’t get
it!
We come to the Table of the
Eucharist not because we are worthy,
but because we are hungry. I
encourage you to return to Communion
with a trusting heart as soon as you
can. I presume you are not in
Sydney. If you were, I would invite
you to visit our parish here for a
real good chat. My love and
prayers to you and your family. If
you wish to correspond further, you
are very welcome, and the publisher
at CatholicView has my details.
Every blessing. - Father
Kevin
"I
am concerned about same-sex marriage
becoming law. As
a paralegal I will be fired if I
don't prepare legal documents
for such couples. What should I
do? Mike
Father Kevin:
I
have been working as a paralegal for
25 years. I am concerned about
same-sex marriage becoming the law
of the land. If it does I will have
to prepare legal documents for
same-sex couples naming them as
"married" within. Is that sinful?
Note: If I won't do it, I'll be
fired immediately. - Mike
___________________________________________________
Dear Mike,
Thank you for your question. The
whole question of same-sex marriage
is coming more to the fore in public
discussion in many parts of the
world as you are aware. The fact
that same-sex marriage is not
allowed in Church law, should in no
way prevent you from earning your
living and carrying out whatever
duties your employer requires. By
preparing those papers, you are
simply providing a service and are
not making any judgement regarding
such couples. Naming them as married
in a legal document because your
work requires you to do so is simply
acknowledging that such unions are
regarded as legal in your
jurisdiction, nothing more.
People who are gay are not gay by
choice in the main. We need to have
some very thoughtful and careful
conversations about the way we
relate to them in the Church. They
are often members of our Church
communities and deserve the same
pastoral care as any other person.
I refer you to a recently published
book by Bishop Geoffrey Robinson.
He is a retired Bishop here in
Sydney and has written this little
book in the hope that delegates at
the Synod on the Family will take
the opportunity to reflect on what
he has written. It may be of some
help to you. It’s called The 2015
Synod – the Crucial Questions,
Divorce and Homosexuality. Bishop
Geoffrey Robinson. ATF Press
Adelaide 2015. You could also try
www.catalyst-for-renewal.com.au
. Every blessing. - Father
Kevin
"My
wife is a non-practicing Catholic
and I am a non-practicing
Presbyterian. We married in the
Church. If we do not baptize
our daughter, will we be
disavowed?" - Michael.
Father Kevin:
My
wife and I have a three year old
daughter. My wife is a life-long
Catholic, who is non-practicing. I
was baptized Presbyterian, but never
went to church. We were married in
the Catholic Church. If we do not
baptize our daughter, will our
marriage be disavowed by the
Catholic Church? - Michael
_______________________________________________________
Hi Michael:
Thank you for your question. If you
do not baptize your daughter, the
Church will love you just as much as
we would if you did baptize her.
Love is not conditional upon any
religious ritual or performance.
Jesus makes that pretty clear in his
response to so many people. Your
decision regarding baptism for your
has no bearing on how the Church
would look at your marriage.
In practical terms, I don’t know how
things work in your part of the
world, but here in Australia, if you
were wanting your daughter to be
enrolled in a Catholic school,
naturally preference is given to
people who are committed in their
faith and who are bringing their
children up as people of faith. You
would never be excluded, but would
have to line up behind people for
whom faith was a living commitment
in their homes. Every good wish to
you and your family. - Father
Kevin
PRIEST STAFF
"If one can follow the message
that Christ provides in Matt
22:36-30 and do this alone, then is
that person saved and
living within the grace of The
Lord?" - Andrew
Father Francisco:
Would a soul focus on the two
commandments that Christ references
in Matthew 22:36-40 as a basis of
your Christian faith be heretical?
What I mean is, if one can follow
the message that Christ provides
here and do this alone, then is that
person saved and living within the
grace of the Lord? In simpler
terms: Would a focus on the Love of
GOD, the love of others, and a love
of yourself be in a sense, The
Truth? - Andrew
___________________________________________________________
Andrew:
Your question focuses on only one
part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The other part, just as important as
keeping the commandments, if not
even more so, is the acceptance of
Jesus Christ and the acknowledgement
of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
There must be the acceptance of the
Truth that Jesus died on the cross
for our sins as the ultimate
sacrificial lamb whose blood washes
us clean. There must be the
acceptance that Jesus rose from the
dead and sits at the right hand of
the Father. When anyone accepts,
acknowledges, and lives the fact
that Jesus is Lord, everything else
will follow, including living out
the commandments of love of God and
neighbor. The focus ONLY on the
commandments of love of God and
neighbor will not ensure salvation
since following the commandments
would make no sense without the
complete and sincere faith in Jesus
as Lord.
Father Francisco
"Why
is the pope accepting the State of
Palestine,
when they are not Jewish?" - Vince
Father Cervantes:
I used to be a Catholic, Why is the
pope accepting the state of
Palestine, when they are not Jewish
, but the Catholic Church is built
on Jesus, and Jesus was a Jew.
Something is not right here? -
Vince
_________________________________________________________
Vince:
I don't understand what your
question is. The Holy See, Vatican
City State, has diplomatic relations
with countries throughout the
world. Vatican City State is an
independent and sovereign country
all its own, headed by the Pope, the
Bishop of Rome. It maintains
embassies (nunciatures) in most
countries of the world, and those
countries send ambassadors to the
Holy See.
The Holy See's diplomatic relations
are not based on religion but on the
relationship between countries. But
the reason why there are an exchange
of ambassadors in almost every
country in the world between the
Holy See and them is that the rights
of all Christians, especially
Catholics, are respected and that
the patrimony of the Church is
protected in those countries.
The only state in the world that is
considered Jewish is the state of
Israel. The Holy See and Israel
have good international relations
and have exchanged ambassadors. The
rest of the world's countries are of
various cultures and religions, yet,
the Holy See (Vatican City State)
has diplomatic relations with them
all. After a long time of planning
and the making of international
treaties, the Holy See has opened
diplomatic relations with the state
of Palestine in May 2015. By doing
so, it has recognized the
Palestinian people's destiny as a
nation, and recognizes its people's
right to self-governance.
This was done to hasten the peace
treaties between the state of
Palestine (the Gaza Strip and the
West Bank) and the state of Israel.
The Holy See also is very concerned
for the Christians (Catholics) of
the state of Palestine. There are
Palestinian Catholics who are
striving to survive, and there are
Christian holy sites within the
state of Palestine that must be
protected, such as Bethlehem (within
the West Bank), the site of the
birth of Jesus, our Lord and
Savior.
The Jordan River and the site of the
baptism of Jesus is also in the West
Bank of the state of Palestine. By
making an international treaty
between the Holy See and the state
of Palestine, these Christian sites
can be protected from destruction by
those who are not Christian, and the
rights of the Catholic Palestinian
can be ensured by law. Many people
are mistaken to think that all
Palestinians are of one religion,
Islam. On the contrary,
some Palestinians are Christians
too! There are 50,000 Christians in
the West Bank and 3,000 Christians
in the Gaza Strip with a total of
53,000 Christians living within the
Palestinian state. Then there are
154,000 Christians living in the
state of Israel, of which 80% say
that they are of Arab and
Palestinian descent. Then there
are even more Palestinian Christians
that live around the world outside
of Palestine. The Pope (the Holy
See) is very concerned for them and
their protection from persecution.
Palestinians are not only Muslim.
They are Christian too. With the
Holy See recognizing the state of
Palestine, the peace process can
move forward in that now both
parties are equal partners at the
negotiation table.
Thank you for writing to us. -
Father Cervantes
"If
God is the same yesterday, today and
forever,
why was God so "just" in the Old
Testament, while
today it is always about God's
mercy?" Christopher
Father Francisco:
If
God is the same yesterday, today and
forever, why was God so "just" in
the Old Testament, while today it is
always about God's mercy. I know
that God loves us but as a good
Father should not God also
discipline His children when they
continuously disobey the
commandments and live in sin? -
Christopher
________________________________________________________
Christopher:
The Old Testament is a history of
the Hebrew's people's experience
with God, and their spiritual and
physical journey with the one God we
all profess today. Under the Old
Testament, there was a covenant made
between God and His people, the
Hebrews. The elements of the Old
Covenant was this: I will be your
God and you shall be my people.
Part of the Old Covenant was the
animal sacrifices in the Temple, the
10 commandments, the various other
commandments mentioned in the first
five books of the Old Testament.
When Jesus came, He fulfilled the
Old Covenant and the Old Testament.
By his life, death, and
resurrection, He became the last and
ultimate sacrifice that expiated the
sins of all humankind forever. The
relationship of God and His people
changed and expanded to all who
professed and believe in Jesus as
Lord and Savior. Salvation for
humankind was ensured by this New
Covenant made with Jesus. The
Father made a New Covenant with His
Son, the perfection of all
humankind. So, what happened is not
that God changed, but our
relationship with God changed. Now,
the most important aspect of the
New Covenant is mercy and faith,
forgiveness of sin and healing. God
hasn't changed.
The Covenant between God and His
people, the Church, has been made
new. As for discipline of
believers, Jesus took upon Himself
on the cross the sins and guilt of
us all. That one ultimate sacrifice
on the cross washed us all in His
blood. Discipline and punishment
are now to be seen as the
consequences of our actions. For
each action in our lives are our
responsibility now. There are no
more excuses under the New
Covenant. We punish ourselves by
the consequences of our actions.
So, now, we live not under the Old
Covenant which has been fulfilled
completely in Jesus Christ. We live
in the New Covenant based on faith
and obedience in Jesus as Lord and
Savior. God hasn't changed. The
Covenant between God and His people
has changed. Hope this helps.
-
Father
Francisco
"What is the Church's view on
alchemy" - Max
Father Francisco:
What
is the church's view on alchemy? I
am Catholic, and I've been
interested in alchemy for some time
now (practical laboratory alchemy of
course, not the New Age garbage). -
Max
_________________________________________________________
Max:
Alchemy has not been a proven
scientific process of changing lower
metals to something like gold and
silver, or finding the elixir of
life and youth, or other purported
purposes of alchemy. The Church has
no teaching contrary to alchemy
taking its direction from accepted
science of facts and conclusion.
-
Father Francisco
"I had to abort my twin unborn
babies because the doctor
said they would die and so would I.
Should I have said no
under these circumstances?" - Amanda
Father Cervantes:
I
had a twin pregnancy about a year
and half ago, and I was sick
throughout. The babies stopped
growing, and I was in and out of the
hospital. At 22 weeks into the
pregnancy I was in the hospital and
the doctors determined it was a life
threatening condition (HELP). They
said that they couldn't save the
twins, that no matter what they
would die, and unless I allowed them
to induce labor immediately I would
die too. I knew the twins were still
alive. I knew that at 24 weeks
gestation they can try to save the
babies in the NICU, I only needed to
go another week and a half. I told
the doctors I would wait, and if
needed to put me on life support
until they could survive. The doctor
said "You don't have weeks, you
don't have days, you have hours." I
felt like if I waited they might
live, but I was weak and emotional.
My husband was sobbing, begging me
to induce labor. I relented and
agreed, knowing I was killing my
babies. I don't know if I would have
survived long enough for them to be
viable - even if I did they probably
wouldn't have made it. The boy
weighed 11 ounces and the girl 8
ounces at birth. Even so, they are
dead because of me - because of the
decision I made. What should I have
done? Should I have said no under
any circumstances, and leave my life
or death up to God? I feel like I
should have done that - but now I
have a baby boy. He wouldn't be
alive today if I died - or maybe he
would be and he would have a twin
brother and sister. What is the
moral decision in those
circumstances? - Amanda
_____________________________________________________
Amanda:
Your babies are with the Lord, not
because of you, but because of the
weak health of your body and the
weak health of your babies. As you
described, they stopped growing.
Your body was not strong enough.
Your babies were not strong enough.
The babies probably could not have
been saved even if you waited and
you yourself went into a terminal
health situation. Your decision and
your husband's decision to go
forward in saving your life was the
proper moral decision in this
situation. The doctors were
correct. Waiting even a week more
would have killed you and would have
killed the babies. The abortions
were not the FIRST GOAL of the
medical procedure. The FIRST GOAL
of the medical procedure was to save
your life and your family as it
exists. The abortion were secondary
effects of keeping you alive. God
knows all things, and He knows your
heart and love for these babies that
could not have been brought to
term. Be at peace. God took care
of your babies and they now live
with Him forever in that heavenly
place where joy, love, and peace
exists forever.
Your baby boy is happy that he has
a mother who is alive! And because
of your trust in God, He returned
your trust with a healthy baby boy
according to His Will. That baby
boy was destined to be born, and you
were destined to be his healthy
and alive mother. God has worked
wonders in your family despite the
great sadness of losing your two
babies. They are now saints in
heaven shining brightly!
- Father Cervantes
"My
brother is divorced and living with
a non-Catholic woman
yet is active in the Church, is an
usher, takes communion and
in the Knights of Columbus. Is he
living a grace filled life?"
- Kathy
Father Cervantes:
My
brother is a Catholic who is
divorced and lives with a
non-Catholic woman. They don't
marry because his 1st marriage isn't
annulled and his live-in girlfriend
doesn't desire to become Catholic.
He is an usher, goes to communion at
mass, and is an active member of the
Knights of Columbus. Is he living a
grace filled life and if he isn't,
can he still be buried in the
Catholic faith since he picks and
chooses his own Catholic dogmas and
doctrines? My two boys want to now
be like their uncle whom they claim
is a good practicing Catholic
because he sets the example that it
is okay with the Church if you just
live together but strive to be a
good person. Please help me to know
the right answers!!!! Thank you! -
Kathy
______________________________________________________
Kathy:
It is difficult for me to grasp how
your brother can so easily deceive
himself in regards to his personal
behavior. Some people like living
in denial. Your brother's situation
is not an example to be followed.
He does need to change his selfish
ways to get back on the road to
salvation and deliverance from sin.
Jesus demands not only out faith,
but our obedience to his
commandments. Your brother is not
in communion with the Catholic
Church at this time in his life
despite his actions. As to whether
your brother can still be buried
with Catholic rites, he sure can.
The Church is also not in the
position to judge anyone who comes
to be buried in the Church. Your
brother is answerable to God and His
Church for his actions.
Let God take care of things here.
You can remind your brother about
his separation from the Church
because of his life situation. But
after that, he is responsible for
his own life, his own soul, and his
judgment before God.
- Thanks for writing to us. -
Father Cervantes
"In
prayers of petition, does one pray
for specifics,
or in generalities?" - Walter
Father Francisco:
In
prayers of petition, does one pray
for specifics, or in generalities?
Are there prayers for your enemies,
to wish blessings on them and God's
love and truth? Should one continue
praying, because the answer No, and
Yes but not now seem similar -
Walter
________________________________________________________
Walter:
The scriptures tell us that we
should always pray to the Lord,
sharing always what is on our
hearts. Trust that the Lord will
answer your prayer in the best
possible way for you and those
around you. You can pray for
specific things! And you can pray
in general. But pray and don't
loose hope. I always have a problem
with people who say that God answers
prayer with a NO, a negative. On
the contrary, ALL prayer, specific
or general, is answered by God
always in the positive. The
positive is seen in the big picture
of life and His Will. The answer
that you perceived as NO is really a
positive in the big picture that you
cannot see or comprehend now. I can
guarantee you that the answer to
prayer that you perceive as NO is
really a blessing in disguise. God
knows what is best for you in the
long term. That He will do. So,
keep on praying, specifically
and generally. But know that once
you place your petition in God's
Hands, the Lord will take care of
the rest. Trust Him totally! All
things will work out for the best. - Father Francisco
"I
joined the Catholic Church and
considered the black sheep by
my Protestant family. For decades I
have been the family care giver,
sacrificing virtually everything. I
see no way out of this mess, I am
screaming in frustration. Advice
would be greatly appreciated. - Joan
Father Francisco:
I am
a convert, joined the Church
officially in 2010, my beliefs have
always been Catholic. My immediate
family is Protestant, I was
considered to be the black sheep.
For decades I have been the family
care giver, to an extreme,
sacrificing virtually everything to
take care of close family in crisis.
I've been taking care of my mother
for five years, since my father
died. Naturally I don't mind helping
but unfortunately I feel I'm being
used and abused; she is clearly not
capable of taking care of herself
but refuses to even help pay for my
groceries, transportation, anything,
or much of her own food for that
matter. I am financially trapped at
this point, my career is destroyed,
by years of unpaid credit card
bills. My brother is power of
attorney, he wants to take control
of her property and have me evicted
because I don't have medical
insurance; he views me as a threat
to his inheritance. I see no way out
of this mess, am constantly
screaming in frustration. Any advice
would be greatly appreciated. My
mother has significant assets, this
is not a question of her ability to
pay, in fact she is under obligation
to do so based on trust documents in
place but chooses to ignore, my
father left instructions to care for
me in situations like this. In many
ways my mother seems to derive
pleasure from watching me suffer. I
take her with me to Mass almost
every Sunday, she shows no interest,
and has no church membership, tor
the past 35 years. Many thanks again
for any words you can offer. I have
talked to several priests in
confession, it doesn't seem to help.
If it makes any difference, I am
never married, no children, wanted
to be a nun at an early age, was
told by my mother that was not
possible since I was not Catholic.
At my age, in debt, and taking care
of my mother I no longer think it's
an option, I took private vows on my
own in 2012. - Joan
__________________________________________________________
Joan:
You have a difficult situation. You
have given so much of yourself to
your mother and yet it seems that
others seems threatened by your
help, the service you give your
mother so freely, and by your faith
in Jesus Christ as a Catholic. Your
private vows are a sweet sacrifice
to God that rises as its own prayer
of praise and thanksgiving to the
One who sees everything and knows
your heart. I do not know all the
details of the legal documents
concerning your mother, inheritance
and instructions from your father.
But I do know this: the Lord is
pleased with your sacrifice of time
and service to your mother no matter
what her attitude is. The Lord has
called you to service. You are
fulfilling his command. You are
certainly blest by the Lord because
you are doing His Will.
Since your mother, who is not
Catholic, does not seem to be
interested in the Catholic Church, I
ask you to stop taking her to Mass
as this only frustrates her and
frustrates you. This is not a good
spiritual situation for either of
you. Meanwhile, keep serving with
all the love of your heart. This is
your call from the Lord. Do not be
concerned about your brother. Just
remind him that your father left
instructions to take care of you.
When your mother dies, you will know
that you have done all you could for
her. And then, your soul will be at
peace. Until then, keep going
forward. You are doing the Lord's
work even if no one around you
appreciates it.
-
Father Francisco
My
friend ordered pizza from a Pizza
Hut to be delivered to
his house knowing that the roads
were flooded and dangerous.
This endangered a poor Indian man.
Will my friend go to hell?
- Aaron
Father Cervantes:
My
friend ordered pizzas from Pizza Hut
to be delivered to his house.
However the road was flooded. He
knew full well about this beforehand
and did it anyway, potentially
endangering a poor Indian man. Will
my friend be going to hell if he
doesn't offer penance? - Aaron
_____________________________________________________
Aaron:
Yes, your friend who ordered the
pizzas was not acting in the best
interests of the driver. But at the
same time, any business has the
freedom to say no to an order if it
is unsafe for their employees.
Obviously, the owners of the pizza
place felt that the pizza could be
delivered safely by their employee.
The burden of the safety of the
employee is on the business, not on
the one who ordered the pizza. If
there was any danger, the pizza
place would have said no to the
order. Your friend is not going to
hell for something like this.
But the employer at the pizza place
may have some explaining to do to
God, the Judge, if indeed the driver
was in danger.
-
Father Cervantes
"Why is the Catholic Church so
silent towards the
criticisms and acquisitions made by
the SDA
Church?" - Godfrey
Father Cervantes:
Why
is the Catholic Church so silent
towards the criticisms and
acquisitions made by the SDA
Church? They say that the Roman
Catholic Church contains the
Antichrist and the beast? They say
the Biblical Prophecies of Daniel
and Revelation are coming to
fulfillment. Is our Catholic System
bad? What is wrong? Please tell
me. - Godfrey
_____________________________________
Godfrey:
The Catholic Church is the bulwark
of truth. We have been founded by
Jesus Christ on the apostles. No
other Christian congregation can say
that. The Catholic Church has
always been the guardians of the
gospel of Jesus Christ and its
correct interpretation. The Seventh
Day Adventist congregation was
founded on the visions of Ellen
Gould White in the late 19th century
(1863) in the United States when she
predicted that the world was coming
to an end then. After several
prophecies failed to bring on the
end of the world, they changed their
focus. This cannot be the pillar of
truth as the Church is described in
the bible at I Timothy 3:15:
"The church of the living God, the
pillar and foundation of truth."
Here is a quick summary of the
beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventist
from our viewpoint.
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/seventh-day-adventism
Take a look. And here is another
link: http://www.catholic-convert.com/blog/2011/09/07/answering-seventh-day-adventists/
The Catholic Church doesn't argue
with any Christian congregation.
But the Catholic Church is the
pillar of God's Truth always until
the end of time.
- Father
Cervantes
"I am wondering if Catholics can
participate in Body Talk,
which is a new form of healing.
Would this compromise
my faith if I go? Jenna
Father Francisco:
I am
wondering if Catholics can
participate in Body Talk, which is a
new form of healing. My naturopath
recommended that I go, and I was
wondering if it would compromise my
faith if I go.
Thank you, Jenna
________________________________________________________
Jenna:
Body Talk is an alternative medical
healing process that incorporates
meditation, energy direction and
getting in touch with the vibrations
of the universe. Through this
process, the body is reminded to
heal itself. The program usually
entails other healthful things such
as diet and exercise, but healing is
done through a harnessing of energy
that is around us. As long as no
deities are proclaimed or called
upon, this form of alternative
healing should be acceptable to a
Christian. If it helps, try it!
Also, using this Body Talk
alternative healing, remember to
pray to Jesus constantly to send the
Holy Spirit of healing upon you. -
Father Francisco
"My friends invite me to be in their
youth group at their
Episcopal Church. and one asked me
to be a Chalice
Bearer and serve communion. How can
I explain to
the leader that I want to stay true
to my faith?
- Tom
Father:
I am
Catholic, but my friends often
invite me to hang out with their
youth group when they have events. I
go along to spend time with God with
my friends, but I want to stay true
to my Catholic faith. This Sunday,
their Episcopal Service will be a
"youth service," and their youth
leader asked me to be a chalice
bearer. I'm wondering if this is
something okay to do or not. I feel
uncomfortable about doing it because
I know that their communion is not
the true blood and body of Christ,
and I feel if I were to chalice
bear, I would almost be 'lying' when
I told the person coming up for
communion, "The Blood of Christ." Is
this justified? If I shouldn't
participate in chalice bearing at
their church, how can I explain this
to their youth leader? I told the
youth leader I'd be willing to do
anything else, but he told me he
want to know why I won't serve,
saying that Jesus would. I'm just
wondering if I am right or not, and
if so, how can I explain it. Thank
you! - Tom
_______________________________________________________
Tom:
You must know that there is no
intercommunion between the Roman
Catholic Church and the Episcopal
Church and any other Anglican
communion congregation. You serving
as a cup bearer for communion would
be against this basic tenet accepted
by both our faiths: intercommunion
is not yet accepted or condoned
until all that separates us is
resolved. You must state this to
the youth minister of the Episcopal
Church that you attend.
As a Catholic, you cannot in good
conscience participate in this
manner in their service.
If you have a difficulty in
explaining yourself, please show him
this answer.
- Father Francisco
"I
feel I am being forced by God to be
a priest.
What if I do not want to become a
priest?" - Alan
Father Cervantes:
I
feel like I'm being forced by God to
become a priest. What if I don't
want to? I want to start a family
(I could have as a kid.) My whole
life's primary dream and work has
been to get a girlfriend and I have
not been able to get one. It's too
much pain. I have no desire to
live. I've been a good Catholic
most of my life. Am I doing
wrong? But I feel that God is
forcing me to become a priest. All
my life has been suffering, as if
He's doing this to hurt me. I lost
all my desire to live. I cannot
take this. Am I doing wrong?
What if I don't want to be a priest?
- Alan
____________________________________________________________
Alan:
If you do not want to become a
priest, then you have correctly
discerned God's Will for your life.
God is NOT calling you to be a
celibate priest. When
a person receives the call or
vocation to the ordained ministries
of deacon, priest, or bishop, there
is an inner joy that comes from the
realization that God is calling that
person to ordained ministry. Since
you have no such inner joy, you are
NOT being called to ordained
ministry in the Church.
Instead, what is so clear in your
letter is that God is
DEFINITELY calling you to the
sacrament of marriage and family
life. You stated that you have not
been able so far to have a
girlfriend who would marry you and
share a family with you. In God's
Plan, timing is everything. So far,
in God's timing for your particular
destiny, your marriage partner has
not been manifested to you yet. But
since God is clearly calling you to
marriage, God will show you that
person in His time, not yours.
God knows what you need at all
times, and He knows you need a
marital partner to complete your
destiny. Instead of hurrying God's
Plan, be patient and wait on the
Lord. God may want you to do some
work on your own personality and
your self-confidence. I would like
to suggest to you that you seek
counsel from your parish priest, or
someone like a professional
counselor to help you look at things
that you can do to make yourself
more confident and secure in your
search for a marital partner.
But one thing I can say with
confidence: God does not want you
to be a celibate priest. He wants
you to be married. The suffering
you have is really your frustration
and impatience with God's Plan for
you. Remember, God knows your
needs. He knows that He wants you
to be a married man with a family.
He also wants you to work on
yourself so that you can be that
loving and confident husband for a
loving and confident wife.
Please, talk with someone to help
you on your journey to be the man
and husband you need to be for that
special someone God has already
chosen for you. And just one more
thing: God NEVER forces anyone to
do anything. We are free will
persons always. God will always
respect and guard our free will.
But He does call people to certain
vocations for His greater glory and
for the good of the person God calls
to a specific life. God is calling
you to marriage and family life. Be
patient and work on yourself. I
know with confidence that your
future wife will be made manifest to
you in God's time. Go in peace,
knowing that God has plans for your
future. -
Father Cervantes
I
tried to go to confession before
Sunday at a church
near my work but the priest did not
show up. What can
I do?" - - Rose
Father Cervantes:
I
tried to go to confession to a
church that is near my work and I
was told that confession was between
11:15 and 11:45 AM. The priest did
not show up. I have no other chance
of getting to Confession before
Sunday. What can I do? - Rose
________________________________________________________
Rose:
Participation in the Sacrament of
Penance (confession) is obligatory
when a person has committed a mortal
sin, or a sin that has
excommunication as an effect of the
act, for example, abortion or
participating in an abortion before
receiving communion at any Mass.
Confession for venial sins is
not required
but the sacrament of Penance is a
valuable tool for your spiritual
discipline as well as a source of
God's grace. So all Catholics
should avail themselves of the
Sacrament of Penance.
If you are unable to go to
confession and participate in the
sacrament of Penance, you may say an
ACT OF CONTRITION
(a formal prayer asking God's
forgiveness), and receive holy
communion on that Sunday. But, as
soon as you can make it to
confession, please do so.
The EXCEPTION
to this involves sin that has an
excommunication attached to it (such
as abortion, murder, desecration of
the Eucharist, etc..), or if someone
has married outside the sacrament of
Holy Matrimony presided by an
ordained Catholic deacon, priest, or
bishop. In such limited cases, the
person must go to confession first
and resolve the situation before
receiving holy communion. I don't
think you committed an
excommunicable sinful act, nor are
you living in a non-sacramental
marital relationship.
So, please say an Act of Contrition,
and on Sunday, receive communion
with a peaceful heart. And when you
get the chance, go to
confession. Be at peace. And may I
ask that when you do receive
communion, please pray for those who
cannot receive communion for the
above stated reasons so that one
day, they can participate at the
altar of the Lord and receive Jesus
in the Holy Eucharist.
And just a little reminder: the
Church's spiritual
discipline requires all believers to
go to confession at least
once a year
during the Lenten and Easter season
(from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost).
- Father Cervantes
CATHOLICVIEW STAFF
"I
am retired on a very limited
income. Can a contribution
of time and services be substituted
for tithing? - James
CatholicView:
I am
considering converting to
Catholicism. I am retired, on a very
limited income, low enough to
receive federal housing assistance,
etc. Does "tithing" -- contribution
-- to the Catholic Church have to be
monetary, or can a contribution of
time, professional services, etc.,
be substituted? - James
__________________________________________________________
James:
Welcome to the Catholic Church! If you cannot afford to tithe at
this time, rest assured that God
loves you and sees your situation.
Once you become a member of the
Church, you can participate in many
ways, such as being an usher, a
reader at Mass, extraordinary
ministers (lay persons who assist
the priest
at Mass to give out Holy Communion),
etc.. Some members work in the
parish office, and so on... Once
you become a baptized member of our
Church, you can participate in many
ways. Whatever help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Please talk to a parish priest about
becoming a participating Catholic
member. May you be blessed as you
move forward to become a member to
serve the Lord. -
CatholicView Staff
Will
I go to hell if I have an abortion"?
- Valencia
CatholicView Staff:
Will
I go to hell if I have an abortion?
- Valencia
______________________________________________________
Valencia:
From the first moment of its
existence, an unborn baby must be
recognized as having the rights of
being one of God's living beings.
Therefore, abortion is a mortal
sin.
Mortal sins are called grave sins.
Those who die in mortal sin cannot
enter God's Kingdom unless they seek
forgiveness for this grievous sin.
If someone does not get repentance
for this sin, they cannot enter
Heaven with this un-forgiven sin on
their soul.
For
this act of a mortal sin there are
three requirements:
1. Grave Matter - The
Church says that Mortal sin destroys
charity in the soul, while a venial
sin does not. This sin means we no
longer live in a pure relationship
with God after sinning mortally.
Grave matter is very serious if
repentant forgiveness is not sought.
2.
Knowledge of this action -
Full
knowledge means that you
knew you were taking a
life of an unborn child.
3.
Deliberate consent -
Deliberate
consent means one knew this act of
abortion was seriously wrong, yet
was done in spite of this knowledge.
The Church teaches that human life
must be respected and protected
absolutely from the moment of
conception. And the Church opposes
all forms of abortion
procedures whose direct purpose is
to destroy an unborn child, since it
holds that "human life must be
absolutely protected and
acknowledged from the moment of
conception.
If you have had an abortion,
I suggest that you make an
appointment as soon as possible with
your parish priest to discuss this
very serious act. -
CatholicView Staff
"I
had intercourse before marriage and
I went to
confession but I sinned again. How
do I abstain? - Grace
CatholicView Staff:
Two
years ago I had intercourse before
marriage. I went to a priest and
confessed. But recently I made out
with a new person. I once again
committed a sin. I feel like I am
beyond repair. How do I abstain
myself from these sins? - Grace
___________________________________________________________
Grace:
Our Father's will is for your
holiness, your sanctification, and
abstinence from sexual immorality.
He wants you to know how to possess
and take care of your body with
honor, and to not be inflamed with
lust. Always keep in mind that our
Savior, Jesus Christ, has the answer
for you. He sees that you are
struggling with sexual sins. He
can help you with every sinful and
addictive behavior if you are open
to His call. His words are freely
provided in the Bible and through
sincere prayer.
Do not let temptation cause you to
sin. Say a prayer when temptation
tries to overtake you and please
know that our God Who sees all will
strengthen you to overcome your
sexual weaknesses.
Galatians 5:16 tells us: "Walk by
Spirit, and you will not gratify the
desires of the flesh". Always keep
in mind that Christians must make
themselves accountable for their
sinful actions and not only seek
sincere forgiveness but make a
promise to avoid these sins in the
future. May the Lord give you the
courage to walk away when
temptations arises. God bless you!
- CatholicView Staff
"Why is there suffering and evil?
and Why
do bad things happen to good
people?" - Sue
CatholicView
Staff:
Why is there suffering and evil? and
Why do bad things happen to good
people? - Sue
___________________________________________________________
Sue:
In
each of our lives, we will all
undergo suffering and face trials.
But we are blessed to have a Savior
who is not unfamiliar with human
suffering and
Christ
expects us to unite our sufferings
with His sufferings. St. Peter
talks about this in 1Peter 4:13:
But rejoice in so far as you share
Christ's sufferings, that you
may also rejoice and be glad when
His glory is revealed.
Suffering comes to us throughout or
lives and through it a person can
learn compassion and wisdom. We
become better and stronger
Christians. Although we are not
happy about it, it can be a gift
from God that allows us to more
fully understand the sufferings of
the crucified Christ.
Remember, in each of our lives, we
will all undergo suffering and face
trials. But we are blessed to have
a God who is not unfamiliar with
human suffering. Remember that one
day, God has promised to make all
things right.
It
is easy for some people to point
their fingers to the suffering in
the world and denounce God because
He allows the JUST to suffer with
the unjust. Being human, it is true
that we constantly ask, "..Why does
bad things happen to good people?
But would it not also be easy for
God to point to our sins every
day and denounce us for
crucifying Him with those sins? But
He doesn’t do that because He is a
merciful God. He loves us even as
we drive nails through His hands
with the very sin we commit. But
remember that in Jesus, we have an
example of how to endure our
suffering. In this earthly life, we
all carry a cross of some kind. But
Jesus will help us carry that
cross. 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells
us, “Beloved, do not be surprised
that a trial by fire is occurring
among you, as if something strange
were happening to you. But rejoice
to the extent that you share in the
sufferings of Christ, so that when
His glory is revealed, you may also
rejoice exultantly”
Remember always His love, and this
means that our sufferings are His
sufferings, just as our happiness is
His happiness. Just know that one
great day, all pain will be over,
all suffering will be a thing of the
past and we will rejoice with our
Heavenly Father and the Savior of
the world forever someday. -
CatholicView Staff
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