CatholicView: If I will be attending a funeral mass on a Holy Day of Obligation, does that mass fulfill my Holy Day Obligation? - James ____________________________ Dear James: In the case of attending a funeral on a Holy Day of Obligation, this does fulfill the Holy Day of Obligation. Generally, funerals do not happen on Sundays and Holy Day of Obligations, but if the Holy Day of Obligation and the funeral Mass fall on the same day, then yes it does fulfill the obligation of attending Mass. I hope this helps you. - The Priests at CatholicView
the Book of Revelation? Is she Eve?" Magee CatholicView Staff: I stumbled across your website after failing to find answers on Vatican's Site. I read revelations and realize I don't have the education to fully understand the meaning as it relates to other events in scriptures I am not familiar with, meaning I'm no scholar. My question is this: Are the women in Revelation giving birth to the people who are on earth right now? Is she Eve and who is the father of the child? If she is a fornicator, why is God helping her hide? - Magee ______________________________ Magee: The woman in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 12, has a double meaning. It is using the image of the Blessed Virgin as symbolic of the Church (the whole body of believers) since BOTH give birth to Jesus, one physically (Mary) the other by proclaiming the Word of God. She (both Mary and Church) is being protected because the devil wants to destroy all of the woman's (both Mary and Church) children, which is us. This means we are being protected by the Lord. - The Priests at CatholicView
for strengthening the faith?" - Adam CatholicView Staff: Can the oil of catechumens and the oil of chrism be used by a member of the clergy outside the use in sacraments. Could a deacon anoint someone with the oil of catechumens if he felt that person needed his faith strengthened? - Adam _____________________________ Adam:
Interesting question. The oil of catechumens is the ointment used for those preparing for baptism and used as part of the sacrament of baptism. Only a priest or deacon uses this oil. If a person is near death is baptized by a lay person because a priest or deacon is unavailable, the anointing of this oil is omitted. The Oil of Chrism, a perfumed oil blessed by the bishop of a diocese during the Chrism Mass during Holy Week, is used in the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used in the consecration of Churches, and also in chalices, patens, altars, and altar stones and in the blessing of baptismal water.
These solemnly blessed oils are not for ordinary use such as "strengthening faith" but for use in the sacraments for the specific purpose of formal focusing on the sacrament administered or for solemn blessing of church buildings and sacred objects to be used for the greater glory of God. Your question about a deacon using the oil of catechumens as a means of prayer makes me think that the deacon wanted to use this blessed oil as a way to bring attention to his prayer and for blessing the person he is praying over. But using this oil (or Chrism Oil for that matter) is liturgically incorrect. Instead, I would recommend to the deacon that he bless some olive oil separately from the three liturgical oils (Oil of Catechumen, Chrism Oil, and the Oil for the Anointing of the Sick) and use this blessed olive oil in his prayer over people. Olive oil can be blessed by anyone for the purpose of using the oil for any kind of prayer, especially for healing prayers and deliverance prayers. Please show your deacon this answer. I am sure that he will understand my answer and start using blessed oil (that he can bless) for prayer and leave the three liturgical oils to be used for its purpose as sacrament oils. I am including a simple blessing for olive oil for your use:
Blessing of oil: God of
compassion, mercy, and love, in the midst of the pain and suffering
of the world your Son came among us to heal our infirmities and
soothe our wounds.
CatholicView Staff: How can I repent for murder? - Bonnie ______________________________ Dear Bonnie: I am so sorry that you find yourself in this sad situation. Have you sought counsel? First, I must ask you to pray to God for forgiveness with your repentance for this act. You do not say whether this murder is of an unborn child or another person. Sadly, the murder of an unborn does not have the legal ramifications that taking the life of another person does. Although they are both murder in the eyes of God, the murder of the unborn does not carry the civil penalty. God, our ultimate judge, waits for you to ask Him for forgiveness, with your promise of repentance. Full repentance means that if, at all possible, you can extend your sorrow to those people of the victim such as the parents, spouses, and other members of the family. This is called reconciliation. If you do not repent and get forgiveness from God in this lifetime, you will forfeit eternal life. In His loving mercy, God does forgive murder of the unborn and yes, murder of another person. If you are truly sorry and seek amends and live as He wants all of us to live. But killing another means you must turn yourself in and accept the consequences for this penalty. The court will decide on how you must civilly pay for this act. Please talk to a minister or a priest for strength in this matter. They will pray with you and guide you. Know that God will be with you as you think about this act you have committed. We will pray that you recognize that you do have an advocate to carry you through and strengthen you if a civil act has been committed. God will be with you through it all. - CatholicView Staff
without interment?" - Andrew CatholicView: After his passing, my father, a staunch Catholic, was cremated. Due to a situation out of our control, we were not able to inter him immediately. We are going to try and have him interred in the spring, but have concerns that may not work as well. How long is it permissible to go without interment? - Andrew __________________________
Andrew: I am so sorry for the loss of your father. In answer to your question, the Church insists that cremated remains be treated with the same dignity and respect accorded a human body, and disposed of as though they were a human body in a timely fashion. Your father must be interred or placed in a mausoleum. It is a mark of respect for the human body which was a temple of the Holy Spirit, was nourished at the Eucharistic Table and will share in the Resurrection and would give your father the final dignity of being laid to rest. If at all possible please take care of this right away. This is important. Please arrange to have your father entombed or buried as soon as possible. Talk to your priest about this, and follow his instructions. May the Lord bless you during this sad time, and know that CatholicView will keep you in prayer. - CatholicView Staff
stay in one room together on their trip to Rome?" - Chris CatholicView Staff: I want to take my girlfriend on a trip to see Rome in the summer to celebrate her graduation, but we would be staying in the same room for the trip. She is a practicing Catholic, and I am not. Her parents/grandparents are uncomfortable with us going on the trip. Would it be acceptable for a chaste adult couple to stay in the same room to experience the beauty of Rome and the Vatican? - Chris _________________________ Dear Chris: I firmly agree with your fiancée's parents/grandparents. The Catholic religious rule for two unmarried people who are traveling together is this: "Avoid the occasion of sin." Do not tempt each other by staying in the same room. It is not a wise decision and may lead to sinful actions. - CatholicView Staff
a Catholic. Can you help me? - Bill CatholicView Staff: I was christened as a child, don't know where, records are lost, maybe Jersey city N.J. I want to find out how to become a catholic. I will be 68years old this December 26th. Please help me. - Bill ______________________ Dear Bill: I am happy that God has led you to our Church. If you want to become Catholic, find a good priest to talk to, or just talk to the pastor of the local parish. Tell the priest that you want to inquire into the Catholic faith and that you want to be received into the Catholic faith, and he will speak with you about your faith journey and will arrange R.C.I.A. classes ((The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.) After you complete these classes, you will be baptized and will receive a baptismal certificate. The Catholic church warmly welcomes new members and provides appropriate spiritual formation according to each person's needs. Respond to where God is leading you and pray for His will. - CatholicView Staff
outdoor wedding? - Erynn CatholicView Staff: I recently got engaged. I have never seen my big wedding day as being in a Church, despite being raised Catholic. Can I have a small ceremony with my family before I have a big ceremony at an outdoor wedding? If I can, can I also have a priest come say a blessing at the larger ceremony as well? - Erynn ___________________________ Erynn: The Catholic Church recognizes marriage as a Sacrament. And the marriage has to take place in the house of the Lord, for it is one of of the most important Sacraments. The Church is where God resides and there we celebrate the important Sacrament of Marriage. While God is present everywhere, the church building is where He resides for it is a relevant building set aside for Him solely. If you are having a small wedding with your family in the Catholic Church first, you have received the blessing of the Church. I would suggest you simply have a large outdoor celebration following your marriage. - CatholicView Staff
and become a priest?" - Robert CatholicView Staff: Can a Catholic man divorce his wife and become a priest? - Robert ________________________ Robert: If a man has been married and the Church deems the marriage invalid because of just causes and circumstances, and if the man has received a Declaration of Nullity, it may be possible for this person to become a priest. This matter has to be presented to your priest, who will determine if the possibility of annulment can be achieved and the tribunal has to make a decision on the invalidity of the marriage. Hope this helps. - CatholicView Staff.
Can you give me information to help make a decision?" - Kelsey
Hi, I am currently questioning my place within a church body. I have been raised Baptist my whole life, but have not identified with it for some time now. I attend Catholic services every week and truely feel led to convert. However, before I make this decision, I want as much information as possible on the Catholic religion and historical significance before making a decision. - Kelsey _________________________ Kelsey: Thank you for your interest in the Catholic Faith. I suggest that you sign up and attend R.C.I.A. classes (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). In these classes you will come to know what the Catholic Church teaches, participate with others who want to become Catholic just like you. At the end of those classes, you can be baptized and enjoy all the sacraments including confession and communion. Please call your nearest church and speak to someone in the office. They will set up an appointment for you to speak to a priest. Thank you for your interest in the Catholic Church. We welcome you. May the Lord bless you. - CatholicView Staff
I received forgiveness. Should I break the friendship?" - Beatrice CatholicView Staff: I am a married woman and I had sexual contact with a friend of mine, who happens to be a priest. We had been friends for10 years and I think that contributed to it. He did not force me, but I felt "pressured" toward doing it. We did it one time and I went back home. When I confessed, i confessed adultery and was forgiven for my sin, but I did not tell the priest who I committed adultery with. I didn't want to hurt him in any way since I believed it was a mistake on both parts. That happened 7 years ago. I went back home to visit and he "tried" to approach me in the same manner. I told him that what we did was a mistake and that he was not to touch me ever again in that manner and that I was convinced I will not commit adultery again with no one. I have too much to lose, specially the peace with God. Well my question is. I had already confessed, but I didn't gave any details to the priest as to who I committed a sin with. Was my sin really forgiven?? Should I break my friendship with this priest? I do not want to be a temptation for him either. Please help me, I do not feel worthy of the love of God!. - Beatrice ______________________ Beatrice: You have confessed you sin. And when temptation came again, you resisted it. How happy the angels in heaven must be! As for breaking off the friendship, I would say absolutely yes, for this could lead into sin again. In fact the priest should be reported so that some other unsuspecting parishioner may not fall prey to this man who professes to be a leader in the church. He knows he sinned but yet he tried to lead you into it again. He MUST BE reported and you must not encourage or have contact with him again. Continue to pray, Beatrice. Be strong! Your soul is at risk. - CatholicView Staff
about it but no answer?" - Beverly CatholicView Staff: My question is about unanswered prayer. I pray all the time and ask the Lord...why do I have to stay at my current job? (I've been there for 24 years) and I never get an answer. I say, "If You could please give me a reason that I have to stay there then maybe I would understand", but nothing. People will tell me, "why don't you just quit or get another job"...I am not making this up, but everytime I try and quit the Lord makes things better for me. I mean it, my boss will be less mean to me, my work load will miraculiously be lifted, etc. I know, some people will tell me that I have it made if the Lord is actually doing this, but I hate my job and feel that it is not doing anything to help mankind or that it is not what I was truly meant to do in life. Could my husband's prayers to keep me there actually override mine to quit? This is very serious and it's against my belief, but I have in the past considered suicide to get out of working there. Thank you for helping me. Unhappily employed but otherwise happy, - Beverly ______________________________ Beverly: Thank you for writing. I am so sorry your job has caused you such pain. Certainly this job should not make you want to take your life. You must make up your mind as to what you want to do. CatholicView does not know have all the details about your husband such as why he wants you to keep your job or the state of your finances. The job is just that...a job, and certainly not worth taking your life for. If you can afford to leave, then pray about it once again and then decide if it is feasible. If you think it is wise, then quit. Your life is worth more than money. CatholicView cannot give you a "leave your job" answer. We are not a forum for that. What we can do is pray that you find peace in either your present job or in a new job. If you are in dire straits and need the money then you must make a decision only you can make. Please tell your husband you hate your job to the point that you want to take your life. Possibly he will see your unhappiness and will be supportive in your feelings concerning wanting to leave your employment. Perhaps you can secure a job where you can be happy. Ask the Lord to guide you. Continue to pray as God hears each prayer. I know He has a plan for you. You need counsel. Please call and make an appointment to see your parish priest, sit down and talk to him. When he gets all the details he will be able to help you. And we will pray for your peace and guidance in this matter. God go with you. - CatholicView Staff
confession. How should I handle this?" - Deb CatholicView Staff: My adult daughter just got married to a Catholic man. I saw them both take communion at the mass. I am quite sure neither of them went to confession before the marriage. Both have not been going to mass but wanted to be married in The Church. I did not say anything to them about going to confession first now I feel so guilty that I should have told them my feelings...don't think my advice would have been taken since they are both adults. Thank you for your answer. A worried Mom. - Deb __________________________ Deb: As a mother, I am sure you taught your daughter the protocol a believing Catholic must follow when taking the Sacrament of Communion. But as you say, she is an adult and must make her own way. If you have the opportunity to speak with her, please explain what the God requires of us, that we be worthy to accept the body and blood of our Lord and when we do, we must be free of all sin. If you cannot talk to your daughter, pray earnestly that she understands what she is doing, that God will touch her heart. You have already laid the foundation of her faith, now leave it up to the Lord Who will work through her conscience via the Holy Spirit to bring realization of what she is doing. It is all you can do. You are a good mother. God bless you, Deb. - CatholicView Staff
"Must I stay with a husband whom I believe is a narcissist/sociopath?" Jacqueline CatholicView Staff: I have been married for almost 21 years to a man whom I now believe to be a narcissist/sociopath. Four months into our marriage I realized I didn't know who he was. He lies, spends money we don't have, is unable to empathize, does not show love to our children or me, no empathy, refuses to sleep in our bed or have marital relations with me. This is not a marriage. He refuses to go for help or for counseling, joint or otherwise. Must I stay with him? I am sick with stress. He cannot be trusted. He does things behind my back with no discussion...... Help....- Jacqueline
Jacqueline: I am so sorry that you are facing such trials in your marriage. It sounds like you have been a faithful wife and mother, as well as a loving wife to your husband. Marriage is a union of two people working towards the same end. It is a sharing of all things. The bible tells us we become one which means we do not go our own way. It also tells us that the wife, and yes the husband's body belongs to the spouse. If you cannot get him to seek help, you have no recourse but to seek help for yourself and this marriage. Please talk to your parish priest immediately and he will tell you whether you have the grounds for an annulment. Please tell him everything so he can make a true evaluation. If you are in any danger, please protect yourself and your children. You are important too, so take the first step and talk to your priest immediately. - CatholicView Staff
"My girlfriend is pregnant and happy but I am not. What should I do?" - Alzee CatholicView Staff: I am 23 yrs old, my girl friend is 20, we found out she is 1 month pregnant 2 days ago!! We are not married or engaged. Well my girl friend is so excited about it. I'm not. I can't help feeling bad about it all! It was an accident to begin with and I don't feel like I'm ready to have a baby yet... and the more I think about it the more I wonder if she is the girl I would like to spend the rest of my days with! I'm very confused.... abortion has been on my mind but I know that it is very bad to do being a Maronite Catholic from Lebanon. It is against religion to do so I don't know what to do and I was hoping someone can give me advice on this I really need it before its too late please!!! - Alzee ______________________________ Alzee: I am sorry to hear that you are not happy about the miracle of your beautiful baby. Most important and vital in the eyes of God: You cannot kill your unborn and helpless life through abortion. It is a mortal sin and will added to your sin of committing fornication. But we need to reflect on this new life that God has given to both you and your girl friend even though now you have doubts about marrying her. You need to go in person and discuss this with your priest. If for some reason you do not marry this girl, you must do the responsible thing and take care of your child until it reaches the age of 18 years of age (maturity). Make an appointment immediately to discuss your dilemma. Your priest will talk with you and give you clarity on what to do. May the Lord go with you. - CatholicView Staff
to go home to the Father?" - Kevin CatholicView Staff: Is it, as a Catholic, right to want your father who is gravely ill to go home to the Father? My mother is taking care of him an now she having health problems. It has cost me dearly financially and I have problems with my own children. Thanks and God Bless. - Kevin: _________________________
I am so sorry to hear that your poor dad is gravelly ill. As bad as things financially are for you, and the problems with your own children, the only thing you can do is rely on what God wants to do and when. God gave life and He will decide when to take it away. Please pray for your father and continue to love him as you have, remembering that one of His Commandments tell us all that we must "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. -Exodus 20:12 We will pray for you. - CatholicView Staff
able to attend Mass. Is this a sin?" - Joseph
CatholicView Staff: I am considering going on a cruise but am concerned that on my return on a Sunday, that I may be too late to attend mass. I will attend mass prior to my cruise and during my cruise. Will I be commiting a mortal sin? - Joseph
Joseph: God can read your heart and already knows that you may not be able to attend mass. You are not committing a mortal sin. A mortal sin is when a person chooses not to attend mass and does other activities. You want to attend but because of your schedule you cannot. But your will and desire to go surpasses the fact that you will not be able to. Instead take the time to read your bible and pray for an hour to honor the Lord. There is no sin, for God knows this is out of your hands. Have a safe trip. - CatholicView Staff
afraid. What should I do?" - Kimberly
CatholicView Staff: I owned a wiccan store for nearly 10 years. I taught classes in Wicca and read tarot cards. Six years ago I converted to Catholicism and gave it all up. About two months ago, due to economic hardship, I took up the tarot cards again and began doing readings. I want to stop. I am so afraid. What about the scripture in Leviticus? Do I truly deserve to die? Is there a penance I can do to atone for the damage of all the years I taught Wicca and read the cards? How can I make up for this? I can't believe I've fallen for this again.... what should I do? Please help me, I am so troubled and anxious about what I have done. - Kimberly ___________________
Kimberly: Thank you for writing to us. As you know, the Catholic Church forbids Wicca because it is in direct violation of the first commandment “Thou shall have no other Gods before me.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12, reads in part: "….Let there not be found among you a fortune-teller, soothsayer, charmer, diviner or caster of spells, nor one who consults ghosts and spirits or seeks oracles from the dead. Anyone who does such things is an abomination to the Lord” Involving yourself in Wicca means you have led others into sin also. Atonement means truly giving up this sinful life and obeying the Lord. If you want to get past this and truly mean it, God will forgive you and wipe all sin away. Pray and ask the Lord to give you the courage to move forward in faith and obedience, away from the things that may cause you to lose your soul and therefore salvation. Make an appointment to see your priest. He will listen and strengthen your resolve. He will ask you to redeem yourself through confession. Please know that you are loved and our Lord waits to give you forgiveness if you ask Him for it. Continue on in faith. – CatholicView Staff
"When I was away from the Church things were fine. When I wanted to return I had difficulties in my life. Why?" - Hanna
CatholicView Staff: I was away from the Church for many, many years. Then everything was fine, I had no problems. Since last year, when I wanted to return/convert, I started to experience the most difficult period in my life, the long stream of failures, unpleasant experiences. Why? I wanted to be with God. Does He punish me? - Hanna _______________________ Dear Hanna: I hope you continuing on
your faith journey back to the Church. Please know that it is not
God Who is punishing you for wanting to return to you spiritual
home. What you are experiencing is Satan trying to discourage you
by placing stumbling blocks in your way to make you believe it is
God is punishing you. We human beings cannot know how God will turn sad experiences into victory. Keep moving forward in your religious quest. Continue to pray, knowing that God loves you and will never let you fall. He is right there with you through all things, giving you courage to keep your focus on Him. He sees your earthly struggles, and will soothe your soul. Don't ever give up! See you in Church!! - CatholicView Staff
earth as some predict?" - Peter
CatholicView Staff:
A lot of people are talking about how we in 2012 will see an electric thunderstorm on earth. Would it be possible that God will send us a new deluge? - Peter ___________________________
Dear Peter: Only God can know what is going to happen. Let us depend on Him. The main thing is to be ready spiritually for whatever God allows to happen. Our job is to be ready for all things. May the Lord bless you always and keep you safe. - CatholicView
Church for Christmas but mass is at the same time as her service. What shall I do?" - C.K.
CatholicView Staff: On Christmas this year, we'll be out of town visiting my mom, who is not Catholic. She wants us to go to her (non-Catholic) church for Christmas, and the "only" Christmas Mass held in that area (a very small, rural farm community) is at the "same time" as her church's service. I do not want to disrespect my mother, but Christmas is a Holy Day of Obligation. What should I do? - C.K. ___________________________ C.K.: Since you are visiting your mother in a small rural community and cannot attend both churches at the same time, honor your mother by going to her church. God understands that you are torn and want to do the right thing. But I suggest you spend time reading your bible and praying before or after you return from her service. God sees this situation. May He bless you abundantly. - CatholicView Staff
"I have a medical condition and it is not safe for me to become pregnant. What should I do?" - Andrea
CatholicView Staff: I need to know what my options are on a medical condition I just found out I have. I recently had a baby and almost died due to me having a half a uterus and scoliosis and my doctor is recommending me and my husband that it would not be safe to have any more children because it could lead to a miscarriage or a loss of life. So as a Catholic what are my options because I am scared to get pregnant again and I had a miscarriage the first time and difficulty this time? - Andrea __________________________
Dear Andrea: I am sorry to hear that you have health problems which put you at such a dangerous risk in becoming pregnant. In your case, you must follow your doctor's orders. You have a family to look after as well as your own health. Please make an appointment to see your priest. Talk to him in depth concerning your condition, making sure you explain your doctor's findings so that he will be able to help you make this important decision. You must preserve your life and that of your family. May the Lord bless you at this time of indecision. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Are homosexuals allowed to attend church? - Daniel ___________________________ Daniel: Absolutely homosexuals are invite to attend. But the same rules apply to all of us and that is to stay pure. - CatholicView Staff
CatholicView: When was Saint Adele born? - Michael __________________________
No one is sure of the exact date of Saint Adele's birth but it is believed to be around the year 668. She died in the year of 730. Her feast day is December 24, 735. - CatholicView Staff |
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