FEATURED
QUESTION
“How can I be sure that what we believe is real?” - Michael CatholicView: My
name is Michael. I am 19 years old. My question comes
to you from the deepest part of my heart it is a
question that bothers me everyday and I really want to
get to a place where I can cope with this. Anyway,
seven, almost eight years ago when I was 11 my sister
Jaclyn who was 13 passed away from pneumonia. She lived
her whole life with severe cerebral palsy and was never
given the opportunity to do the things that you and I
take for granted like walk or talk. Even though she
couldn't communicate normally I still knew she loved me
and I knew that she knew that I loved her. When she died
the sole thing that held me together was knowing that
Jesus and God loved my sister and would take care of her
even though she had died. I used to be completely
certain that she was in a better place however lately I
have found myself questioning the very validity of our
faith and even find my self questioning if God is even
real. I want nothing more than for God, Jesus, and the
Catholic faith to be real because if it isn't then that
means that my sister is nothing but dead and in oblivion
unable to feel love or compassion and just rotting in
the ground. She doesn't deserve that, she deserves a
heaven and a wonderful afterlife but how can I be sure
that the idea of heaven and the afterlife isn't just a
product of man? How can I be sure that what we believe
is real? I have talked to people in my family about this
before and they just tell me that I have to have faith
but honestly I'm tired of just trying to have faith I
WANT TO KNOW! How can I know that what we as Catholics
believe is true with so many different religions out
there and science making it hard to validate the faith?
I'm petrified that when we die we just die and my poor
sister is just dead for eternity. I'm really hurting but
I need truthful answers. Thank You for your time, Mike Michael: I can really appreciate your feelings about the passing of those we love. Your sister, Jaclyn, was a special person that lived her life as best as she could. Her body imprisoned her yet her mind and love knew no bounds. I know you are tired of the platitudes that people in your life say to you such as "you need to have faith." But it doesn't even begin to address the depth of your hurt and confusion that exist in your heart. But sometimes, the people who love you don't know what to say. Science cannot answer all the questions that we have about things that are not measurable and somewhat invisible. For example, love is a human emotion that is very real yet cannot be measured or even seen -- yet it is a force that changes lives and changes the world. The opposite of love is hate and obsession, and those two emotions are just as powerful and real as love, yet cannot be scientifically quantified. Families and destinies are built from love. Wars and societal conflict come from hate and obsession. These emotions come from within, from what we call the soul. It is the soul that is who I am. The soul is the energy force that runs our bodies. Our bodies are not who we are. My soul embodies everything I am. My consciousness flows from my soul, my energy and movement comes from my soul. The famous quote from Albert Einstein comes to mind, someone from science: "Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another." Well, then if you need proof that your sister lives on, look at that quote from Einstein: your sister's soul, her energy, the force that moved her body, cannot be destroyed but it can be changed. When your sister's body died, her soul, her personality, her being, her memories, her emotions were freed at last from her bodily prison and she was made free to be the person that God made her to be. Her energy, her soul started on another journey of eternal life. One of my favorite verses from the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible) is from WISDOM, Chapter 3, and here it is for your meditation:
The souls of the just
are in the hand of God,
As gold in the furnace,
He proved them, and as sacrificial The verse that implies the energy of the soul is this one: "and they shall dart as sparks through stubble!" Your sister was found worthy for God Himself through her suffering and life condition and now she is darting about the whole universe as a spark of energy forever, free, beautiful, unlimited, shining as light in the presence of the Creator. We are all energy and we will be energy for ever. We will not die. Our bodies will die and rot away. But who cares? We are souls, energy beings, destined to be free in God's presence and love which is the energy force of everything created. Science is not contrary to faith. And faith in Jesus Christ is not contrary to science. Science and faith deal with two different realities, but at the same time, science and faith complement each other as we strive to know our place in the universe and our destiny in our Creator God. You wrote that Einstein says "energy cannot be created or destroyed." Why? Because all life, all creation comes from an energy source that is forever, hence God Himself. God is neither created nor can have an end, therefore forever and infinite. God is energy. God is even more than energy. God is the consciousness of the world and the universe. God is more than energy and consciousness, He is the life force of everything. He is more than a life force. He just IS, He is existence. My consciousness (and memories, emotions, personality) is now part of the greater consciousness which is God. When scripture said that we were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), it is clear that it was making reference to the fact that we are souls, energy beings that come from God. When we were given a human body, God took a part of Himself and placed it in my body. My soul, my being was truly made in the image of God. We are reflections of God. We are independent and separate from God with free will (an aspect of God) yet my soul, my energy, is a reflection of the Creator. I come from the Creator. When you said that you were created at birth (actually, at your conception) and therefore your energy was created then, you were mistaken. Your energy came from God and was "changed" into an individual and free-willed you. It is He who is the source of your life force therefore you existed in the mind of God always (therefore He made you for this specific place and time...in other words, He knew what He was doing when He made you for NOW.) When my soul leaves my mortal body, I remain who I am, complete with everything, memories, emotions, personality, and the added joy of true freedom....no limitations to my spirit. Look at what happened when Jesus rose from the dead. He was complete. He didn't lose his memories or emotion. He remembered everything. And that is what is going to happen to us. When our bodies die, we enter a new reality complete with everything I am. Your sister is complete. She is free. She is energy. She is love. She is living the heavenly promise of eternal life. She is truly happy! Alleluia! I cannot explain, nor can anyone explain, why bad things happen to good people. Books have been written about it (please see link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_Bad_Things_Happen_to_Good_People.) But there is always some mystery and question despite our trying to explain the unexplainable. But I also KNOW one thing and I do not take it on faith because it is a historical fact: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. The apostles created a new faith and church because of this fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They gave their lives for it. If the resurrection did not happen, there would be no Catholic Church, no Christianity. There would be no apostles whose lives were changed and their destinies ordered to tell everyone about Jesus Christ as Lord. Since I know that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, then I know that my faith in God is based in reality not some fairy tale. And if Jesus is risen from the dead, then I know that we will live forever. That's why I can say with confidence: Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and your sister, Jaclyn, lives forever, Alleluia! You are a blest man for knowing and loving your sister, and your sister loved you in return. Now, she is darting about the universe, going from one place to another at her mere thought, and thinking of you until that day when you and your family will be reunited in that heavenly place where everything will make sense. Your sister sees God face to face and she is praying for you and waiting for you when you finish your mission here on earth. And when that day comes, your soul, your energy force, will change into something pure, beyond our imagination, and you will be free at last with your sister at your side. That's heaven! May you find the peace only the Lord can give. - The Priests at CatholicView
Dear Father Bill: My question is more of a factual nature than spiritual. Was Mary Magdalene a prostitute as is so often depicted? I have done some research and the closest I can get is the Gospel of Luke referring to her as a 'sinful' woman. I have no ulterior motive in asking the question, the history of the bible fascinates me. - Damien __________________________________ Dear Damien, Thanks for your question. Your fascination with the Bible and its history is a good thing. You worded your question in a very appropriate way, using the words “as so often depicted”. It is indeed true that Mary Magdalene has long and often been depicted as a prostitute in art, literature and even in movies. But was she? First, a little background about this Mary, much of which I am taking from the Wikipedia entry about her. (You can do further research there, as I can't possible digest the entire article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Magdalene). Mary Magdalene is really not mentioned all that often in the four Gospels. With one exception in Luke 8:1-3, there is no biblical reference to her before the crucifixion of Jesus. It is that one exception that may have led people to think that she was a prostitute. Here's what the passage in Luke says: Afterward [Jesus] journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. (New American Bible) There it is: ...from whom seven demons had gone out... (incidentally, this also is mentioned in Mark 16:9). Who knows what those “seven demons” were? Was she healed from some kind of illness—physical or mental? Was she a sinner—and if she was, why doesn't Luke just say that Jesus forgave her sins? We know that at the time of Jesus possession by demons was a way of explaining symptoms that we would now recognize as some kind of medical condition. Clearly, there is nothing here in Luke that suggests that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute, but it must be from this passage that some have surmised as much. Since this was a confusion in my own mind for many years, I suspect that many people think that the woman who was caught in adultery in the Gospel of John (7:53-8:11) was Mary Magdalene. However, there is absolutely no evidence to support this. As you'll see in the Wikipedia article, Pope Gregory the Great may be the one most responsible for the depiction of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. He says as much in a homily preached in 591. However, there are other Christian traditions that would strongly disagree with this. I believe that current Catholic thought, while not particularly vocal on the matter, pretty much assumes that there is no good evidence that Mary Magdalene was ever a prostitute. No doubt popular culture will continue to depict her as such, and obviously there is no way of erasing all the paintings and literary references to this alleged aspect of her previous life. But was she really a prostitute? I doubt it.
God bless
you, Damien, and keep studying your Bible! -
Father Bill
Father Bill: After reading Deut. 8:2 I'm confused as to whether God does know what is in our hearts or not. According to other Scripture verses, God does know our hearts, but in Deut 8:2 it says "in order to know what was in your heart". Thank you for helping. - Jon _______________________________ Dear Jon, Thank you for your question. I'm happy to know that you are reading the Bible with an open heart and a curious mind. For the sake of our readers, let me just review that the Book of Deuteronomy is largely devoted to Moses' instruction to the people of Israel as they are about to enter the promised land following their forty days of wandering in the desert. The heart of Moses' message is that the Lord has done many things for them. In return, the Lord expects them to obey his commandments. Here is the specific passage you cite in your question: Remember how for these forty years the LORD, your God, has directed all your journeying in the wilderness, so as to test you by affliction, to know what was in your heart: to keep his commandments, or not. (New American Bible) What Moses is saying in this passage is that the Lord has been testing the people to see if they really had the “right stuff” to fulfill their part of the Covenant. Were they strong enough in character and in their commitment to the Lord? He goes on to say that, since they were able to endure the trials of the desert, they have passed the Lord's test. They have the “right stuff”. The Lord knows that they are able to keep the commandments. Moses is exhorting them to remember that. Moses' message here is very much like a coach's pep talk before a big game. “Team, do you have it in your heart to give it your all today? You have practiced hard. You have given up a lot to come this far. You are on the brink of achieving all you have worked for. God knows you have it in your heart to put into practice all you have learned. Now it's up to you to do it!” I might add that it helps to understand that God in the Bible is often portrayed as if he were actually a human being—or at least a being endowed with human-type qualities. While the people of Israel knew that God is totally other, it sometimes was helpful to think of God and his attributes in human terms. Our minds are so limited and God is so unlimited that we are almost compelled to do this in order to understand God better. Moses was a master at doing this in order to help the people understand a God who is really beyond our comprehension. Yes, since God is all-knowing, he must know what is in our hearts, our thoughts, our inmost longings. Sometimes we, like the Israelites, just need to be reminded of that. May God bless you, Jon. - Father Bill
Father Bill: What is the Catholic opinion on capital punishment and what would a priest say to someone right before they were to be killed as a result of capital punishment? Thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions. - Erma
___________________________________ Dear Erma, The first part of your question can be answered by a direct quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I think it's reasonably understandable: Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people's safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity to the dignity of the human person. Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm - without definitely taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself - the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity "are very rare, if not practically nonexistent." (CCC, 2267) In other words, the Catholic Church teaches that capital punishment is permissible only if there is no other alternative, and it is very unlikely that such would be the case. You didn't ask me to go into an extended discussion about the death penalty, so I won't do so. However, it should be obvious that many people would disagree with the Catholic Church's carefully-worded teaching on the matter, so it should be equally obvious that much more could be said. As to what a priest would say to someone about to be executed, I think a lot would depend on the circumstances, as well as the relationship between the priest and the prisoner. If the prisoner were a baptized Christian and well-disposed to the priest's ministry, I would assume that the priest would pray with the prisoner and offer the opportunity for confession and absolution. The Anointing of the Sick also might be appropriate. I doubt that a prisoner at that point would want to discuss the morality of capital punishment, so I think that the priest's efforts would most likely be directed toward helping the prisoner prepare his or her heart and soul to meet God. I hope this gives you some food for thought, Erma. May God bless you. - Father Bill
Father Kevin: What are the two sacraments a priest cannot perform? I have asked my family and no one seems to know. I say it is Confirmation and Holy Orders, but Confirmation can be performed if there is no Bishop available. Thank you. – Gene ________________________________________
Hi Gene:
Father Kevin: May I licitly attend Mass in a Byzantine Rite Catholic Church and receive Holy Communion? They seem more Orthodox than Catholic, but I am told that they are Catholics and supposedly in communion with Rome. - Hunter _________________________________ Hunter: Yes. They are all good if they are one of the Uniate Churches, in communion with Rome, then we can readily take part in their Eucharist. Yes they do appear more Orthodox in style – it is the way the Eastern Churches perform their liturgy and is more like the Orthodox rite than our Roman rite. - Good wishes. Father Kevin
Father Kevin: I read somewhere that receiving Holy Communion in the hand is a sacrilege? And, if it is not a sacrilege, then, is it better to receive on the tongue than in the hand? Thank you, and God bless you. - Nicole _______________________________ Hi Nicole: You may well have read this somewhere as there are people who are against the practice of receiving Communion in the hand. Since Vatican 2 we have been able to receive Communion in the hand. The Church allows it and most people here in my parish in Sydney receive it that way. A few prefer to take Communion on the tongue. They may regard this as somehow more respectful, not to actually touch the host with the hands. This is understandable given our long practice of only receiving on the tongue. However, when you think about we probably commit more sins with our tongue than with our hands, so the issue of respect doesn’t seem to carry much weight. Some people may prefer receiving on the tongue for hygienic reasons. Whatever the case, the practice of receiving Holy Communion in the hand is common, normal and sanctioned by the Church. Good wishes. - Father Kevin CatholicView Staff: How can the Catholic Church be described in 10 words? Best Regards. - Roger ________________________________ Dear Roger: Here is the answer to your question: Catholic Church described: "The Body of Christ on earth for humankind's salvation." May the Lord bless you. - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: My daughter was killed in California. I live in Ohio and am ill. She was cremated with no Catholic burial. I have her ashes. What do I do now? - Donna ______________________________ Donna: I am so sorry to hear of your daughter's death happening in a place so far from you. Your daughter lives with the Lord and she is free at last to be the person that God meant her to be: pure love, pure spirit, pure peace in our risen Lord Jesus Christ! As for her ashes, you may keep them with you or place them in a cemetery close by to you. You may have a memorial Mass said for her at your local parish and have her ashes present there. You may also bury the ashes or place them in columbarium at the cemetery and the priest or deacon may bless the resting place for your daughter's remains. Once again, my sympathies to you on the passing of your daughter. By the way, as a reminder to our readers, we Catholics always place the remains of our deceased loved ones in one place and do not scatter the ashes because we believe that Jesus Christ is coming at the end of time and will raise our mortal bodies to glory. Burial of remains or placing of ashes (not scattering) in one place is a sign of our faith in the second coming of Christ. - The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: My husband takes Communion to a
local prison. Inmates have asked him if non-Catholics may receive ashes
on Ash Wednesday. Is it permitted? - Theadora CatholicView: The seven sacraments are usually reserved for Catholics, and those seven sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Penance (confession), Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. The receiving of ashes on Ash Wednesday is not a sacrament therefore can be received by anyone who believes in Christ as Lord and Savior. Blessed ashes are considered a sacramental, which means that they remind us of our relationship with God. Other sacramentals are medals representing saints or Jesus, rosaries, holy water, blessed prayer books, and other such sacred objects. Since we give sacramentals to others whether they are Catholic or not, ashes can be given to any believer who wishes to repent and change their lives. The giving of ashes on Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent (a season of penance), in a prison is a wonderful way of calling even those who are not Catholic to a closer walk with Jesus. Please see this link about the history and use of sacramentals in the Church: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm - The Priests at CatholicView CatholicView Staff: Why does the church require parents to sign a form stating they will raise a child Catholic before granting baptism? Isn't concern about the child's soul most paramount at this time? - Vicky ____________________________________ Vicky: The salvation of a child rests on the faith and commitment of the parents of that child to bring up the baptized child in the Church. The grace of baptism can be lost if the parents are not committed to making a promise and fulfilling that promise to bring up their child in knowing who Jesus Christ is and how our faith in Jesus Christ brings us to salvation not only at the end of our lives, but also brings salvation to every minute of our lives. Baptism, even though an important step to salvation and the sacrament that makes a person Catholic and Christian, is not the ONLY thing that is necessary for salvation. A life long commitment to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior is the road to salvation. It is the Church's concern for the child's soul that we demand and expect a commitment and promise from the parents and godparents to being the first teachers of your child in the ways of Jesus Christ and our Catholic faith. God bless you. The Priests at CatholicView
CatholicView Staff: My stepdaughter has died and was cremated. She was not baptized because of the wishes of her mother, but I raised her in the Catholic faith do I need to have her ashes blessed? - Helen _____________________________________ Helen: I am saddened to hear of your step-daughter's death. There is much sorrow when a child dies before a parent. But she did know the Lord Jesus through your faith and the sharing of your faith in our risen Lord Jesus. She is home with the Lord! As for what to do with her ashes, please place them in one place and you may ask your parish priest or deacon to bless the placed or buried ashes. You may even have a memorial Mass said for her at your parish and have the ashes present there. Be at peace. Your step-daughter is with the Lord! - The Priests at CatholicView CatholicView I would like to get an answer for my problem in my marriage. I'm a Catholic from India, Tamilnadu Province, and wish to marry a non-Christian (Hindu). We would like to get married in a church, but without him converting into Christianity. Is there any possibility for this? - Jessy __________________________ I know that in India, the Christian community and the Hindu community have had their conflicts over issues such as nationalism, religion, and the caste system. I am sure that your family have discussed with you their concerns for your happiness and safety when you marry someone outside of your faith. It is even more of a concern when you marry a Hindu person who has no appreciation of your faith in Jesus as Lord and our belief in only one God. Such major differences will be a cause of strain in your marriage especially when children will come into your marriage and how they will be raised, either Christian or Hindu. Now for your basic question, can a Catholic and Hindu marry in the Church? The answer is yes. But he will have to agree to bringing up your children in the Catholic faith. He does not have to convert to Christianity. But he does have to agree to bringing up his children in the Catholic faith. I pray for you now. I pray that the Holy Spirit will enlighten you as you make a decision about your future. Think clearly and ask for advice from those you are important to you. Your life with someone who does not share your faith will be difficult and a challenge. It can be done. But it will be difficult. God bless you. - The Priests at CatholicView CatholicView Staff: I was born in a Muslim family. It's been a year and more that I have faith to Lord Jesus. I hear
a call to be a nun and dedicate myself to Christ, which is not possible
for us. What should I do? My family won't support me to emigrate
for this aim. Pray for me father. - M God's blessings, I am so happy and joyful in the Lord to hear of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! I am well aware that your faith in the Lord Jesus can be very dangerous for you, especially since you come from a Muslim family. You must be very discreet about your new found faith in the Lord Jesus. Your situation is a very delicate one. I also understand your desire to be a member of a religious order or congregation (sister/nun). These steps must be taken carefully. Your family are mostly concerned for your welfare and for your safety. I understand that they cannot support you in your decision to be a Christian. Continue what you are doing now. You became a Christian because of your relationship with a church community. Stay with that community and speak confidentially with your priest concerning your desire to live the religious life. Your priest will be able to direct you to a religious community when the time is right according to God's Will. Otherwise, continue to be involved in your local church. You will understand prosecution for your faith. That is what pains me in my heart. But the Lord Jesus has a plan for you. - The Priests at CatholicView CatholicView Staff: I am having sexual
relations with a man who is Catholic. We are in a committed
relationship; but he has never asked me to marry him . I as well as he
go to confession often and admit this sin? I don't feel comfortable.
What should I do? - Mina Mina: You are committing adultery which is a mortal sin. If you have been confessing this sin before God Who sees all sin, and you continue to do this in spite of promising to change your sinful lifestyle, you are losing your salvation unless you repent. Is your boyfriend worth this? You must ask God for His forgiveness and mean it. Each time you promise to change in the confessional, God hears it. Change your life while you still have it. Make things right with God. Please arrange an appointment with your priest and explain what you and your boyfriend are doing. Explain also that your boyfriend will not make a commitment to you. Pray to God through Jesus Christ immediately for forgiveness and strength to move on if your boyfriend does not want to marry you. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: If you know someone is coming to the church seeking food but has money to buy it. Is it right to inform the Church Bank about it? I am not judging that is for God but I know this is wrong , am I wrong by telling the church about it? - Ann __________________________________ Ann: None of us can see what the other has in their wallets or purses. If you are sure that these people CAN afford food and clothing but are just greedy and taking from the poor, then they should be reported. Perhaps too, they are taking the food to someone who really needs it. If you can, ask the person why they are doing this. If you are sure they just want freebies instead of being thankful to God for what they do have, then report it to the Church. God bless you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView: My church is having A Jubilee and some pictures were posted on the board. There is a picture of a pedophile who served in my church and abused a boy in the parish. I don't think his picture should be up there. What do you think? - Anna Marie ___________________________________ Dear Anna Marie: You are absolutely correct. I am sure the picture was posted inadvertently. Please inform whoever heads the Jubilee to remove it. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Is it a sin if a person has an involuntary, impulsive, inappropriate, or impure thought and immediately dismisses it? - AN ______________________________________ An: You must remember that you are human. If as you say, a involuntary thought should occur and you dismiss it from your mind, you have taken control. You did not act on this momentary thought. God is pleased at your Christian control and there is no sin involved. But, keep in mind that if you give more than passing thought to impurity it then rings the bell of alarm. Do not dwell on it for then you would be opening yourself to actual sin. Keep moving ahead in trying your best to remain pure. The Lord will step in if you ask Him. God bless you - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I was involved in magic, and I created a thought-form so I could have a friend, but for years I can't make it stay away; I'm a saved Christian and I asked God to forgive me, but it keeps coming back after exorcising. - Nancy _______________________________ Nancy: I think you know now that magic is wrong and God forbids it. Jeremiah 27:9 tells, “Do not listen to your false prophets, fortune-tellers, interpreters of dreams, mediums, and sorcerers…”In Acts 13: 8; Paul rebukes Simon Magus, a magician, who wanted to buy the powers of the Holy Spirit to make himself more powerful. Many people, especially when troubles happen to them, when situations are uncomfortable, out of control, or painful would like to know what lies ahead for them. Sadly some turn to magic, fortune tellers, and witchcraft without realizing that Satan loves to see someone take that first step against God Who wants us to bring all things to Him.
All
power belongs to God and to invoke any other evil power puts you into
the darkness of Satan. You must not let Satan win you back, for this
is what he is trying to do. In your situation, you must pray hard,
asking the Lord to strengthen and protect you from this diabolical
situation. Satan wants you to continue to cling to your old ways. Do
not let him win. Our heavenly Father is stronger than Satan, and you
must believe and know that the power of God will and can carry you
though this. Please continue to read your bible and pray. If
you feel weak in your faith, strengthen yourself by reading God's Word.
When you weaken, turn to the Scriptures. If you can, ask someone in your
family to pray for you. The more Christian people involved in praying
for you, the stronger you will become. See your pastor if you belong to
a church and have him pray for you. If you do not belong to a church, make an appointment to see a priest. He will talk to you and guide you through this and most of all, will pray with you if you ask him to do so. I will add my prayers to yours in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I came in through RCIA and I come from Jewish roots. I have brought my daughters and ex-husband to Jesus but they tell me that they cannot get baptized because of their spouses. Are they saved? They have what my teacher called "the baptism of desire". - Janice __________________________________ Janice: I am sorry to hear that although your daughters believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, they cannot complete their show of faith. You must continue to pray for them. The "baptism of desire" will not help. Please make an appointment to discuss your concerns with your parish priest. He will be able to talk with you in depth. Do not be discouraged for your daughters have taken the first step toward our Lord and Savior. You have already laid a firm foundation. If they truly believe, they will want to follow where the Holy Spirit leads them. May God give you the peace only He can give. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: My husband is an alcoholic and became "friends" with a woman from rehab. They talk on the phone every day and he is getting involved in her drama with her soon to be ex-husband. He shares his drama with her and she told him to take the kids and leave me and start a new life with her. Would this be adultery? - Maureen _____________________________________ Dear Maureen: I am so sorry that your husband has treated you and children so badly. The ironic thing is that you held onto your marriage through his drinking problems and sadly, when he got help, he became involved in this relationship. Yes this is an adulterous relationship. Although it is doubtful that he could claim your children because of his and her alcoholic past, I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to see your parish priest to discuss your options and perhaps seek help for the both of you. Keep praying. Ask the Lord for strength during this rough time. We will add our prayers to yours that the Lord will make things right for you and your children. May the Lord bless you and your children and give you peace and strength during this difficult time. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: How God can know of our actions before we commit them, yet we still have not been determined to be going to heaven or hell? - Greg ____________________________________ Greg: We know the old saying that God sees and knows all things. This is because God does not "live" in time as we do. We are not predestined with no choice. God gave us Free Will to decide what and how we spend our lives. We decide if we are going to Heaven or Hell. And yes, He know what we will choose to do for He is an all knowing God. Although we have Free Will, God already knows our past, our present, and our future. He did not choose for us; it is only that He knows what we will choose to do. He is not bound by a time frame as we are. One day all will be made clear to us. Keep the faith, using your Free Will to love Him. He will take care of the rest. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Please answer as I have written before with no replies. I feel a need to dedicate my life to religion but why I do not know. It is as if I am being pulled in I fight it but the need is so great. - Dee ________________________________ Dee: The Lord seems to be calling you to work for Him and sometimes that call is persistent. I would suggest strongly that you heed that call by talking to your minister or if you do not attend church but want to become a Catholic Christian, I strongly suggest that you speak with a priest in person. Tell him what is happening and explain in detail how you feel about your dedication. May the Lord grant you peace. - CatholicView Staff
Dear CatholicView Staff: I am a medical assistant and at times am given orders to administer birth control injections to certain patients. Am I committing sin in doing so considering the Church's view on artificial birth control? If so, what do you suggest for a medical worker when faced with this situation? Thank you. Ryan _________________________________ Dear Ryan: A wise answer
comes from Father Peter R. Scott (
Catholic FAQs: Morality) If your hospital or employer refuses to grant this, you would be able to administer such injections, under duress, if it were the only way to keep your job. It would be what is called a material co-operation, which is to help in another’s action, not inasmuch as it is a sin, but simply as a physical action, which is not in itself evil, but good or indifferent. The actual act of giving an injection or a medication is not in itself evil, even though the intention of the person and of the physician are immoral. This is permitted for a sufficiently grave reason, such as keeping your employment, and provided that you have an upright intention, namely to provide for yourself and your family, and to help out the sick by the practice of the nursing profession. However, you are obliged to try and find another nursing position, in which you would not be asked to act against the moral law. The great tragedy is that nursing is an eminently Christian profession, one which has grown out of the Catholic Church, and the living of the Faith, and the practice of the corporal works of mercy. Traditional Catholics should do all that they can to stay in this field." Catholic FAQs: Morality Hope this helps you. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView: I am married with 4 children, and am having feminine problems. It has been suggested that I have an endometrial ablation done. If I have it done, it would still be possible to get pregnant, but impossible to carry a baby to term. I'm very prolife, and just want to make sure I am not committing a sin by having this procedure. - Denise _________________________________ Denise: To conceive and start a life knowing that your baby will abort is a sin. Here is an answer which would be appropriate for you as a Catholic. It comes from a Catholic doctor at EWTN "Here is some
information on Endometrial ablation: It is a procedure which destroys
the uterine (endometrial) lining. As long as the ovaries are
functioning, ovulation and fertilization will go on as before. HOWEVER,
the fertilized egg will have no lining to implant into and develop, and
miscarriage would occur. It is for this reason that the procedure should
not be done on a woman of child bearing age who is sexually active. Yes,
in the past, I have said there are places for the procedure such as the
post menopausal woman, or the celibate, chaste woman, a nun for example.
To answer your final question; no, birth control would not be allowed in
this case, as in any other case, as it is intrinsically immoral. The end
does not justify the means and none of the criteria of the principle of
double effect are met. Conservative therapy with progestational agents
(progesterone) can be quite effective. They should be taken orally. I
would not recommend the IUD's which release progesterone directly into
the uterus as they can be abortifacient, not because of the
progesterone, but for the action of the IUD. Progesterone (name means
favors pregnancy) is the hormone secreted in the latter half of the
cycle to prepare the endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg.
If fertilization does not occur, the lining sloughs off as menstruation.
Very often a deficiency in progesterone levels post menopausally is the
cause of the thickened lining and irregular bleeding. Oral replacement
very often corrects the problem. When given as I described above, this
is safe and morally acceptable. Assuming the endometrial biopsy was done
and a proper diagnosis established, I would not object to hysterectomy
as a definitive therapy especially if all conservative therapy has
failed or the lining is pre-malignant. Hysterectomy performed for
legitimate indications is certainly morally acceptable, and very often,
is the overall best treatment. God bless you for your good
intentions." Anthony N. Dardano. M.D. Hope This helps. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Am I rightfully married? I do not want to be separated from God eternally after death for this. My wife was divorced twice, married me, and I found out. Both times she married a non Catholic but not through a Catholic Wedding. We married with some minister in Reno NV in a chapel in 2009. We're both Roman Catholic since birth. I do not know if I need to divorce being proper or needed. It does not sound the route to go; as it sounds against the Bible Jesus' teaching itself. It seems messed up but I do not want "it" \ the situation to become worse. Is any action necessary I am contemplating. I have never been married. What should be done (or) are we married in the eyes of God? Thank You! - Jyhnu ___________________________________ Jyhnu: I am so sorry that your wife did not inform you of her previous marriages and two divorces. Please go and talk to your parish priest about your situation. I am sure your priest will be able to sit down and sort through all you have written here. There are things that you have not included or made clear that need to be addressed. Do you want to have
this marriage blessed? At present, your marriage is not recognized by
the Church until annulments are obtained. And then there is your
marriage that took place in Reno that has to be considered. But, I am
sure your parish priest will be able to straighten all of this out so
that you will be able to once again enjoy the sacraments and move
forward as a member of the Church.
CatholicView Staff: How can I get married quickly? I am a Catholic. My previous marriage was annulled. My fiancé was married twice. He is not Catholic. I was evicted from my home due to unemployment and I am now living with him. Everything I have is in storage minus what I could fit in a suitcase. I spent one month homeless. I cannot be separated from the sacraments but I cannot "live with him" not being married. Please help. - Michele ______________________ Michele: I am sorry that you are living through so many hard times. There are several things that must be corrected. Your fiancé previous marriages and the fact that you and he are living in adultery. In your case, I truly would suggest that you contact your parish priest in your area. He may be able to talk to someone who might provide shelter as well as whether or not your fiancé may need to obtain annulments. As you say, you cannot continue to with your fiancé because you are living in sin. Make an appointment right away and get this untangled so that you may be free to accept the sacraments and enjoy your Church family once more. CatholicView will pray for you. God bless you, Michele - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: My daughter has cancer. She's a wonderful person. Why do things like this happen to such good people? She needs chemo, and I'm having terrible time with this. - Tina ____________________________________ Tina Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan tells, "We will never fully understand the meaning of suffering in this life. Suffering is a mystery. We do know that God does not want us to suffer. Rather, he allows suffering because it is a part of the material world in which we live. Christ stands ready; however, to help us cope with the pain and suffering that come our way. The suffering of Jesus -- his passion and death -- was redemptive suffering. Christ Jesus has shown us that suffering has great power for good since His suffering led to the Resurrection and the promise of redemption and eternal life. The Christian faith has always joined our sufferings to those of Christ who suffered for our sins. Our suffering, therefore, becomes redemptive for us. Saint Paul said that he, in his own flesh, filled up that which was lacking in the sufferings of Christ for the sake of his Body, the church (Colossians 1:24). In some The suffering of Jesus on Calvary led to his Resurrection on Easter Sunday when he broke the power of sin and death and offered us hope. The Catholic teaching on the paschal mystery says that we should enter in to the sufferings of Jesus so that we can also participate in his Resurrection, gaining peace here and eternal life hereafter. Our sufferings can have meaning if we bear them with dignity; join them to those of Christ; and, offer them for a particular intention, such as comfort for person dying of AIDS or other terrible diseases or for people who have neither hope nor anyone to love them.
God grant me
the serenity to accept the things I cannot change I hope this helps a bit. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: My daughter is pregnant. She wants to get an apartment and live with the child's father but doesn't want to get married at this time. Would this considered adultery, and will she still be able to receive the sacraments? I need the right answers to guide her, thank-you _____________________________________ Renee: I am so sorry to hear that your daughter is planning to live in mortal sin. She is committing adultery. She is not allowed to take part in any of the sacraments until she either marries or stop living in adultery. 1 Corinthians 11:27 tells us: "Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord." She must make a choice. Although the child was conceived out of wedlock, that child is still a precious and innocent soul. This is a special and beautiful miracle and I know you will love it greatly. Have your daughter go and speak to a parish priest. Our lives are not promised and she needs to get answers concerning her present position. We will keep her in prayer. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I am wondering if priests are allowed to have friends, as I have offered friendship to several priests and they have acted like I was trying to give them bags of dirt. I am 61, an old lady by all respects, and not interested in sex or anything like that, but they act like my friendship is somehow improper or unholy, and I have only the best intentions. Am I missing something here? - Karen _________________________________ Dear Karen: I think your offer of friendship sounds like a Christian thing to do. However, most priests' heavy schedules do not allow for much socializing. I do not think that this is a slight to you. Some priests do enjoy a lighter schedule, however, so do not give up. If you are married, invite a priest for dinner. Or offer lunch at someplace nice. Good luck and may the Lord bless you for your gracious efforts. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Does one go to hell if they do not believe that Jesus is the son of God? - Gregg _____________________________________ Dear Gregg: That depends on whether a person knows of Jesus Christ and refuses to accept Him as Lord and Savior. Some people in certain countries have not or are unable to read, or they do not have a radio or television to hear the wonderful news that Jesus Christ died and paid for our sins. And so, we must pray that God moves within them without the joys we have. Remember, we cannot judge others. A seeming unbeliever may believe. God knows the heart and He decides all our fates and whether we are entitled to eternal life. He alone is the judge. Hope this helps. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: What to do? A priest became my closest personal friend for 4 years, right after my husband died. With no warning, this priest told me to "Go away and leave him alone", and was verb abusive to me/friends/family. I lost 30+lbs, heart problems, lost my faith, cannot go to church, stressed, doctors, counseling over this.- Nora _____________________________________ Nora: I am sorry you have been through so much stress over the loss of your priest friend. But, you must never put another person on a pedestal for each individual is a human being and is flawed like all of us. Priests are human too, and are strongly committed to the Church. Their time is swallowed up by the pulls of parishioners' needs that is time consuming. There are baptisms, funerals, marriages needing repair, sufferings, patients in hospitals visited, homilies prepared, masses done, as well as countless other obligations that are on the shoulders of a priest. For four years, your priest was a constant in your life, offering years of friendship, but now it is time for you to let go and try to find some peace in your life on your own. Granted, it was a blow that he spoke out of turn to you. This was wrong. But then, I do not know your whole story. I will pray for your strength and courage to get beyond the past. It is time for you to take value in yourself, knowing that dependence on another individual does not always last. Move forward, knowing that the Lord loves you and will carry you through this rough time. Do not let another human being destroy you. Look beyond this struggle and see a future for yourself. God has a plan for your life. Keep praying and asking the Lord for that strength, and be positive He will give it to you. Don't let the past tear you apart. You have value. Move ahead knowing that you have a friend that surpasses all other friendships; and that friend is Jesus Christ. Go forth now and feel God's power descend on you. You are loved beyond your wildest dreams by God Himself. He is your greatest friend. This will never change. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Can a single Catholic marry a divorced Catholic (no annulment) and both continue to receive communion and give out communion? The pastor is aware but just ignores it. I am confused, I have relatives and friends who have been told they cannot receive. Please answer. Thank you. - Cristina ______________________________________ Cristina: The divorced Catholic
is still married in the eyes of the Church. That person must get an
annulment before receiving the Sacrament of Communion. Until this happens
the person is committing adultery. To live in this state negates serving
communion as well and it negates the whole meaning of the blessed
sacrament. The bibles tells us that to take communion in a state of sin
(unworthiness) is sinful. See 1 Corinthians 11:27 which reads: "Wherefore
whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."
CatholicView Staff: Is ghost hunting forbidden? Asking simple questions through the investigation (ex. the year, gender, president, etc.) just to see if you receive a response? Nothing more than that. - Cel _____________________________ Cel:
Ghost
hunting is the process of investigating locations that are reported to be
haunted by ghosts. The bible teaches us to move away from such practices. It is an abomination to the Lord Who forbids such things. Make sure you educate yourself on the teachings of the Church. We should never try to contact or talk to spirits. Keep your distance. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff:
I have recently come back to the Catholic Church after a prolonged absence. I joined the closest parish to my house but after being there a few months my wife and I realized this parish has many, many problems much of which is rampant gossip, hostility towards others, and other related stuff. I have never seen a parish like this one. I want to move on to another parish. Is there anything wrong with doing so? We don't feel comfortable there anymore and the priest is aware of the problems. Jerry _____________________________ Jerry: There is nothing wrong with attending another parish where you will be welcomed. May the Lord guide you to a Church where you will find joy instead of dissension among the parishioners. God bless. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I am married to a non-catholic. He attends mass every weekend even though he can't receive the sacraments. He supports me in every single way possible, from taking the kids to religious education when I can't, (or even when I can) to supporting and finding Catholic Churches on vacation, etc. If he dies before me, will I be able to have a funeral mass when I bury him? He's been a faithful member of the parish since our marriage, all but for the act of converting. Stacie ____________________________________ Stacie: Your husband sounds like a fine, upstanding husband and father. To answer your question regarding having a funeral mass for your husband if he dies before you, yes your husband can have a funeral mass. To foster and respect family bonds, non-Catholic members of Catholic families may be interred in a Catholic cemetery. Clergy of other communions may conduct the cemetery rites according to their tradition, if the family so desires or if it was the expressed wish of the deceased. Please read more at this link: http://bluepanjeet.net/2009/01/20/2196/noncatholics-receiving-catholic-funeral-mass. If you can, you might want to make an appointment and talk to a priest to see what can be done for the future. - CatholicView Staff
My Dad has recently died and I am missing him so much. Will I meet him again in heaven? - Clare ______________________________________ Clare: Although Scripture does not explain this clearly to us, we do know that in heaven all will be made perfect. In Revelation 2:6, Jesus tells us, “Behold, I make all things new.” These things include our family relationships to one another. In light of the perfection God promises, and if our family members died in the state of grace, they are in heaven and when we die and join them, we will know them as family and we will be re-united forever with our loved ones. But God, Jesus Christ, and all the angels in their wondrous glory will be our main focus. In His eternal love for you, God will give you the happiness of seeing and recognizing your father. God will grant eternal joy and that includes your reunion with your dad. He also promises perfect bodies where we do not suffer and there will be no more death. We will live eternally in peace, surrounded by God, the Father, Jesus Christ, and all the saints. Heaven holds that promise for you and all who believe. And so, Clare, I hope this answer settles your heart and brings you peace, knowing that your wonderful father not only waits for you to join him one day for all eternity in Heaven, but that he is near to you even now, helping lead you on your Christian journey. May the Lord calm your heart and give you peace. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Since my father died I have visited his grave every Sunday morning at 2:30 after I attend Eucharistic Adoration. One really cold winter day while I was getting into my car at the cemetery I was aware of a very strong smell of roses. It was unbelievable! There was snow on the ground and no rose bushes were in the area and certainly would not be in bloom in the winter. I got out of the car and just stood there in total amazement of the wonderful fragrance. Can you tell me what this means? It was the most wonderful thing to ever happen to me in my life. I think about it all the time. I felt funny asking anyone about what this could mean. Do you have any thoughts or ideas of what this could mean? Thank you. Tricia _________________________________ Patricia: None of us can say exactly what this means. It is a beautiful and special happening. Sometimes the Lord blesses us in ways we do not understand. Be happy, knowing that God can show love in many ways. One day when this life is over and Jesus returns, all will be made known to us. God bless you, Patricia - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: What does the Church
teach about what happened to the fortune that the Magi brought to Jesus,
Mary and
Joseph? They are always depicted as a "poor carpenter family." - Fred _____________________________________ Dear Fred: No one really knows what happened to the myrrh, frankincense and it is never mentioned in scripture. What subsequently happened to these three gifts are explicitly identified in the gospel of Matthew as gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Myrrh was used as an embalming ointment and as a penitential incense in funerals and cremations until the 15th century. Frankincense is the white bits from the gum resin of a tree that grows in Arabia, and was used to make special incense which was then burned in the Temple by the priests as a sweet-smelling offering to God, and reminds us that Jesus is both a priest and an offering to God on our behalf. Myrrh comes from a small bush in Arabia and it was used to make perfume and annointing oil. It was used by the Egyptians in their embalming fluids, and as a perfume it was used by many nations as part of preparing a body for burial. Many different theories of the meaning and symbolism of the gifts have been brought forward. While gold is fairly obviously explained, frankincense, and particularly myrrh, are much more obscure but several traditions have developed. One story has the gold being stolen by the two thieves who were later crucified alongside Jesus. Another tale has it being entrusted to and then misappropriated by Judas. One tradition suggests that Joseph and Mary used the gold to finance their travels when they fled Bethlehem after the magi had warned them about King Herod's plan to kill Jesus. Baby Jesus and his family had, however, escaped to Egypt beforehand. After these events the gifts passed into obscurity. And yet another story proposes the theory that the myrrh given to them at Jesus' birth was used to anoint Jesus' body after his crucifixion. Please read more at this link: Biblical Magi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia And so, Fred, we do not know what happened to these gifts. One day we will have to ask the Lord about this. Go in peace. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff:: I'm a 51 yr old man that whose girlfriend just left for another man. I thought I have moved on, but still love her and can't get her out of my head. What can I do? - Anthony ___________________________________
CatholicView is sorry that your girl friend has left you for someone else. There are so many possibilities as to why she left. But sadly, we cannot make another person love us, no matter what we do to gain that person back. You can pray about it but you see, God may have other, greater plans for you. Be patient. Move forward with your life, knowing that if it is God's will, she will return to you. But always keep in mind what the bible tells us: " For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11. May the Lord give you peace - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: If I purchase something from a store, for example a clock, and I come home and take the tag off and put it on another clock that I have had at home and return the old clock back to the store, is this stealing or would God consider it a sin? ___________________________________________ Bethany: If the clock you are returning is the same as the new one but defective in some way, it is fairer to try getting your money back within the store's return policy. But if you just decide to replace an old one by exchanging it for a new clock, this is absolutely wrong. This is paramount to stealing and therefore a sin. One should avoid such actions. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: I repeat the same sin a lot - that of missing Sunday mass despite confessing this on many occasions. The going to confession and coming back to mass and leaving again cycle makes me feel horrible and guilty and I don't know what to do to break the cycle. I question my repentance and sometimes I think maybe I should not think about mass as it just opens up my weakness and guilt. Please can you guide me what to do. - Anita ___________________________________ Anita: There are two things you must do and that is to pray and read your bible. Get to know the Lord and feel His presence. One of the commandments is to keep the Sabbath holy. I want you to make an appointment with your parish priest and explain your situation. To do this is the first step back to Church as well as showing your love for our Savior, Jesus Christ. I will pray that you heed God's commandment and go to mass with faith and love for our heavenly Father. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: If God doesn't think that money is that important then why did he make girls attracted to money/resources. I have always gone with money is not that important but as I go along it has become increasingly clear that this is part of what attracts a woman to a man. I realize that there are other things that women are attracted to about a man but having money/resources is very much a part of it. I feel this encompasses all women to include Christian women. I'm concerned that I should have chosen a career that makes more money. Maybe I was given some bad info about what God thinks about money. I feel like maybe I should have pursued a career that makes more money to help ensure that I can attract a woman that I really like. I feel sort of unfulfilled as result and unsure if that is just me being selfish or having pursued a career that makes more money in the hopes of attracting a female was fine along. I feel like that is what most men do anyway, they choose jobs that they think will help ensure a mate. I don't think there would be near as many doctor's or lawyers or politicians if it weren't for this. Any thoughts? - Scott __________________________________ Scott: We live in a world that is full of sinful behavior. Many people cannot see beyond their greed. If the girl you date is only interested in your money, then she is not for you. She would be blind to simple goodness and lasting happiness. Or not willing to get to know who you really are. Have you ever prayed and asked the Lord to send you someone who will love you in spite of your money or the lack of it? Try it. And remember, do not be obvious about what you materially have. Let a friendship develop without flashing cash or bragging about your fine car. Be quiet and never showy. Let them see who you are. God bless! - CatholicView Staff
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