_______________________________________

Doug:

The sacrament of marriage implies that a man and a woman are united together in faithfulness until the death of one of the spouses.  The couple sacramentally represents the love that Christ has for His bride, the Church.  In Ephesians, Chapter 5, Verses 31-32, Saint Paul writes:  For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  This is a great mystery but I speak in reference to Christ and His Church.  This is further clarified in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 21, Verse 2:  I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

In the sacrament of marriage, the man represents Jesus Christ, and the wife represents the Church, and the love between them represents the love that Christ has for all of us.  Your "open" marriage destroyed the great symbolism of faithful and eternal love that God has for you and me.  Yet, you can repent and so can your wife and leave behind the selfishness that you both practiced freely and making a mockery of marriage as a sacrament.  Sadly, you both made decisions that probably doomed your marriage and the trust and faithfulness that is demanded in marriage.  You have repented from your grave and mortal sin.  But your wife has not yet reached a point that she is willing to leave her sinful life behind her and get back on the road to salvation in Jesus Christ.  At this very moment, I am praying for your wife to repent and get back to living her sacramental marriage.  As to your question about whether you can be a good Catholic, you are a good Christian now because you have acknowledged your sin and have turned your back on sin.   You can now return to the full sacramental life of the Church after making a good confession (the Sacrament of Penance).  As for your wife, let us both pray for her and pray that the Spirit of God open her eyes as the Spirit of God opened yours.  You are a good Catholic now.  Live up to Christ's expectations of you as His disciple.  - CatholicView Priest Staff

 
“I am a Marine and when I was in Afghanistan, I acquired
HPV.  How can I be in God’s arms again? - Brennan

      
CatholicView Priest Staff:

I'm in the Marines and I'm not proud of some things that I've done in Afghanistan. I acquired HPV some how but my ex doesn't have anything how I got it I don't know, possibly from sharing stuff in the military.  I'm on a bad road indulging in porn alcohol and tobacco.  I want to be in God’s arms again what do I do? - Brennan

______________________________

Brennan:

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection common among most of the human population.  That's why many in the medical community have advocated a vaccine for the human papillomavirus.  I cannot answer your question how you contracted this infection.  It can be transmitted in sexual intimate relations.  So, instead of focusing on the virus, focus on being faithful to God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

It's time to stop the overindulging of alcohol and cut out the pornography which subconsciously causes unfair sexual expectations of your future spouse.  Smoking tobacco is a health issue that can cause the deterioration of your quality of life later (and believe me, you want a great quality of life when you are older).  You are ALWAYS in God's Arms.  Always. 

You have not always been aware of you being surrounded by God's love.  Once you begin becoming aware of God's love that is always there, then you become a more grateful person willing to leave behind alcohol, pornography, and even tobacco because you become absolutely grateful for life.  So, let's begin with a prayer:

“Lord God, through your Son Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, you gave me life and made me for this time and place for your Plan and greater glory.  I have sinned and I have allowed myself to be blind to your eternal love for me that is always there.  So, Father, I acknowledge your love for me.  I acknowledge the gift of life you have given to me.  Help me to make this world a better place.  Lord Jesus, come into my life now, and I accept your Lordship over my life.  I give you my heart and my destiny.  I accept your gift of forgiveness and your gift of salvation.  Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior.  Holy Spirit,  walk with me, guide me, and strengthen me for the Plan you have for me.  I thank you, God, for everything.  Help me overcome every obstacle that life will put in my way.  Father, in Jesus Name, you have my life in your Hands.  I am yours.  Amen.”

I know you will be the best Christian you can be!  And allow me to take this time to thank you for your service as a U.S. Marine.  May God bless you and all your comrades in arms as you continue your mission of peace. - CatholicView Priest Staff     

“Why did cultural differences prevent the decree of
union from maintaining a reunification?” - Josie
 

Priest Staff:

Why did cultural differences prevent the decree of union that was signed on the 6th of July 1439 at the Council of Florence from maintaining a reunification? - Josie

 __________________________________

Josie:

If there was a short answer to this complex question, it would be this:  the total reunification of the Orthodox Church, headed by the Patriarch of Constantinople (the successor of Saint Andrew) and the Catholic Church, headed by the Bishop of Rome and Patriarch of the West (the successor of Saint Peter) ultimately failed because it was a forced reunification by the Byzantine emperor, John VIII Palaiologos, to save his kingdom from the Ottoman Turks who had taken much of his kingdom in present day Turkey.  Emperor John VIII wanted to ally himself with the Catholics in the West and the Holy Roman Emperor (Germany) so that he could afford himself the military might of Europe.  The Council of Florence, which started in Basel, Switzerland then later moved to Florence, began the tackling such issues of reunification even though the Orthodox churches felt compelled by its emperor to do so in order to save the Byzantine empire.  Even though reunification decrees were signed in 1439 in Florence, with the Bishop of Ephesus, Mark (successor of Saint John the Apostle) dissenting quite loudly and refusing to follow this reunification decree, it all fell apart when Constantinople (present day Istanbul, Turkey) fell to the Ottoman Turks.   Politics and military need got in the way as well as other issues such as the issue of papal primacy in the governance of the entire Christian Church, both East and West.  Despite all the issues that were tackled in this fractured Council (the 17th Ecumenical Council of the Church), several things came out of it such as the defined doctrine of papal primacy.  Here is one of the agreed statements of doctrine from the Council of Florence:

We likewise define that the holy Apostolic See, and the Roman Pontiff, hold the primacy throughout the entire world; and that the Roman Pontiff himself is the successor of blessed Peter, the chief of the Apostles, and the true vicar of Christ, and that he is the head of the entire Church, and the father and teacher of all Christians; and that full power was given to him in blessed Peter by our Lord Jesus Christ, to feed, rule, and govern the universal Church.

Everyone there, including the Eastern Churches and including the members of the Coptic Orthodox Church based in Alexandria, Egypt (successor of Saint Mark), signed that agreement.  As soon as Constantinople fell and the Ottoman Empire proclaimed, reunification fell apart.  This signed agreement did provide some of the Orthodox churches the framework to reunite to the Catholic Church and were called the Eastern Catholic Church over the next three hundred years after the Council of Florence.  Probably also playing a major part in the dissolution of unification was the battle between factions within the Roman Catholic side which included those who said that Ecumenical Councils have authority over the Bishop of Rome (the pope) and those who said that the Pope had final say and veto power over the council.  That argument about papal primacy and supremacy would go on and finally defined and declared by the First Vatican Council of 1868-1870 the doctrines of papal primacy, supremacy and infallibility in matters of defining doctrine. 

All Christians pray for the unification of all churches under one shepherd.  But human politics and sin always seems to get in the way.  At the end of time, Jesus Himself will bring all his disciples over all time into His One Body where there will be no more tears, sadness, only love.   -  CatholicView Priest Staff

“I have kidney failure.  Is it a sin to no longer
undergo treatments and die naturally?” - Jim
 

Dear Father:

I currently have kidney failure and several other health issues. I know that suicide is a mortal sin, but is it a sin to no longer undergo treatments and die naturally?  Thank you for your advice - Jim

 _________________________________

Dear Jim:

I am so sorry to hear of your health problems and issues.  These kinds of health crisis can confuse the mind and are sometimes the cause of severe depression.  For some people, giving up becomes an option.  You are correct in saying that taking one's life is immoral and considered murder at one's own hands.  Yet, in regards to specific health issues, the teaching Church says that EXTRAORDINARY means of sustaining life can also be an immoral choice in some cases, and I would consider extraordinary means of sustaining life a kind of unmerciful torture.  

Extraordinary means of sustaining life can be seen in perhaps a person who is "brain dead" being kept alive by machines, or people with incurable cancer being kept on chemo-therapy with no hope of a cure.  In your situation as you described it, if your medical team around you told you that receiving a new transplanted kidney would NOT help you, then in this kind of situation, you would be making a moral decision to end all therapies and die "naturally" as you say.  This would be an acceptable moral decision and let "nature" takes its course (no sin here). 

But your medical team must tell you that any further therapies would not help.  The difference between ordinary and extraordinary means of sustaining life is whether a specific therapy would actually help and heal you as versus medical therapies that would not help and there is no hope of a cure.  I could see in your situation that a kidney transplant would be considered ordinary means of sustaining life and therefore a decision to take the kidney transplant would be expected.  I could also see in your situation that your other health issues would make a kidney transplant improbable.  If so, then, let nature takes its course and place your life in God's Hands and trust Him as you ready yourself to meet your loving and forgiving Lord. 

So, please, ask your doctors to be totally honest with you about your health condition.  Ask their opinion and share your concerns about taking on medical therapies that would not help you, or therapies that will help you and get you back into living.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your medical decision making. 

After consulting your medical team and the Holy Spirit, you will know clearly what to do.  As I write this, I lift you up in prayer.  I ask God for your healing and for your wisdom.  May the Spirit of God lift your heart and give you peace and joy in everything.  – CatholicView Priest Staff 

“I live in the Middle East where Christians are
persecuted or dying.  Please pray for me?”
 - Bishoy
 

Dear Priest:

I'm Bishoy, 20 year old guy, and I became an atheist when I was 15 when one of my friends was persecuted for being a Christian and I started to ask where is God and I found no answer, so after 3 years I started to feel this emptiness lack of hope and started to look into many religions like Judaism, Buddhism and so on, just to stay away from Christianity because I had problems with the trinity and salvation of Christians only, but I had this problem of fear of the Christian hell, so I tried to stay a Christian but I can't trick my brain to believe this anymore, also I was baptized and raised a Coptic orthodox but I somehow believe in the purgatory, and that St. Peter is the head of the church, but I have problems with receiving the Body only without the Blood as my church gives the Body and the Blood, also there is a huge problem with me which is my country has bad things happening in it, the army is fighting terrorists and so and there are so many innocent people who died, I feel that I am about to reject God again as I don't see His Hands in any of this, please pray for me, and consult me on these issues, and also about the issue of pornography and masturbation addiction I am struggling with it, on a streak for 5 days till now, but I can't find the motivation to continue especially that I have about 4 or something years until I can get married and I don't want to have premarital sex, I am sorry my ideas are not arranged well, I'm waiting for your answer, and thanks a lot for your time. - Bishoy

_______________________________


Bishoy:

I am overwhelmed by the events happening in the Middle East and especially Egypt in regards to the persecution of Christians by terrorists using religion as a pretext for murder and persecution.  I feel helpless and I, too, ask God where He is in these kinds of horrible situations.  I am immediately reminded of the biblical verse in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5, Verse 11 when Jesus said this:  "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.  God has a long range plan, a plan much bigger than our individual selves, and the persecution of the Church in parts of the world is part of the big plan which is simply the destruction of evil, hate, and death itself.   This is alluded to in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 6, Verses 9 - 11:  "When he broke open the fifth seal, I saw underneath  the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered because of the witness they bore to the word of God.  They cried out in a loud voice, 'How long will it be, holy and true Master, before You sit in judgment and avenge our blood on the inhabitants of the earth?    Each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to be patient a little while longer until the number was filled of their fellow servants and brothers who were going to be killed as they had been. 

Here, the souls of the persecuted were asking the same questions as you did concerning the persecution and murder of Christians in the Middle East.  God's comment was to be patient and wait a little longer before He intervenes and brings His justice which is radically different from our own vision of "justice."  God's justice is to make all things right, to fix what is broken.  In God's infinite vision, you play an important part in the final victory over evil even though you feel helpless and fearful.  Your struggles and your pain which no one can truly understand are part of the sacrifice of love that you give to God with a patient heart until all things are caught up in Christ.  This is what Saint Paul writes about in Colossians Chapter 1, Verse 24:  "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His Body, which is the Church. "  

The issue with you and all those struggling every day in life and death situations because of your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is not focusing on the persecution, but rejoicing in the fact that you are being persecuted because of the name of Jesus.  I know that what I just said sounds absolutely ridiculous and makes no sense in your situation.  But you have a choice:  either rejoice in the Lord and trust in His plan which is much bigger than any of us, or just stop believing, have no hope, and wallow in the pain that is in you and all around you.  The great saints, such as Saint Paul (and Saint Mark the gospel writer, the patriarch-founder of the Coptic Church), decided to rejoice in the persecution that surrounded them and was aimed at them, instead of cursing at life and living a miserable life.  There seems to be no answer to the persecution of my fellow Christians of the Coptic Church (both Orthodox and Catholic).  But God knows what He is doing.  And I trust in Him absolutely even when things do not make sense to me.  Please know that you are not alone even though you feel alone.

All Christians are with you in prayer while others are doing other things in the political sphere to stop the persecution.  But do not give up.  As to the other topics that you brought up, please know that God knows your confusion and struggle.  He does not condemn but forgives so that you can always learn from your mistakes and move forward in hope.  He knows the love in your heart and how you are searching for Him everywhere.  Just know that He lives within you and around you.  Walk with your head held high and do not fear.

With God on your side, who can be against us?  Trusting in God and believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is truly the only way to go in persecution.  And when you faith is your guiding light, all things that you are concerned about will be taken care of by God's eternal and healing love. 

We will be holding you in prayer and asking the Lord to give you strength keep moving forward.  -  CatholicView Priest Staff

 

“How will we recognize Christ's return
at the end-times?” - Jim
 

Priest Staff:

Hi; I teach 5th grade catechism at my parish.  Near the end of the school year, one of my students asked me a question I couldn't answer, and when I ask the pastoral staff, I get a lot of hemming and hawing without real answers -- So I thought I'd ask here in a public venue (and yes, I have smart kids in my class!) and pass an answer on to the sixth-grad catechist.

It's a two-part question:

1) How will we recognize Christ's return at the end-times?  What signs are we looking for?

2) Since we 'know not the hour', and the Church is prepared for His return millenia OR tomorrow -- just what exactly is the Church's protocol for verifying and proclaiming His return?

Now, I've re-worded my students' questions for this discussion, and I've got an observation of my own:

Our Jewish brethren expected / still expect a majestic presentation of the Meshach, and we recognize the very un-majestic presentation in the manger.  As Catholics, we await his 'triumphant return in Glory'; What if we miss His return in, say, the un-glorious slums of Mumbai or the Modern West Bank -- making the same mistakes our bretheren did 2K years ago?  Thanks! – Jim

 ________________________________

Jim:

You fail to know your scriptures in this regards of the second coming of Christ as Judge.  In the first coming of Christ, Jesus through His death and resurrection reconciled the world to God His Father and the Holy Spirit is renewing the world.  In the second coming, Christ is not coming to do something again like the first time.  Jesus is not going to be reborn in another virgin.  Instead, He will come as Judge. 

There will be no more death and resurrection for Jesus.  There is one thing left to do:  to reconcile all things and turn it over to the Father in one judicial act.  

In the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1, Verse 11, when Jesus ascended into heaven in a cloud, angels said to the gawking apostles:  “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?  This Jesus who had been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen Him going into Heaven.”

Jesus is going to come back from heaven.  Clear enough from that verse.  Jesus has already died for the sins of all humankind.  So, when He returns, He will judge the living and the dead.  No physical rebirth for Jesus.  No verification because it will be clear to all in the world.  The Church (the see of Peter) has no verification plans of Jesus coming reborn to another virgin like the first time because we have been told clearly throughout scriptures that Jesus is returning to be Judge and Reconciler. 

In Saint Paul's Letter to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verse 19:  “For in Him, all fullness was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile all things for Him, making peace by the blood of His cross.  It is with this New Testament verse in mind that Revelation, Chapter 21 makes sense:  Jesus is clearly coming as a Judge and Reconciler.  He is not going to be reborn or reincarnated.  He has already done that.  All that is left to do is to end the world and make all things new (Revelation 21:5).  So, how will it be recognize that Jesus has returned?  Jesus' return is the end of time and the end of this physical world.  When the end comes, we will know that Jesus is here again.  Clear enough for me.   – CatholicView Priest Staff   

“Can someone who has left the faith return and be
forgiven and have hope to be with God in
heaven? - Justin

Hello Father:

I am18 and my question is “can someone who has left the faith return and be forgiven and still have hope to be with God in heaven?” I guess I should explain my problem.   You see I was raised in a Protestant home and about the age of 6 I was saved and at 10 was baptized in a neighbor’s pool by a 11 year old ( didn't know if that was valid.  I am kind of hoping it’s not valid because I would love to be baptized in a church.  Throughout my teen years I began to doubt my faith and ended up being lukewarm and leaving the faith, then returning and then leaving again.  I repeated this process multiple times through out my teen years I am ashamed to say and then I lost my mom at 16 an for the pass 2 years all I have wanted is to find forgiveness some how.  I heard of the Catholic Church and for 2 years have read all I could and made a promise to myself that at 18 I would convert but I read a passage in the bible Hebrews 6:4-6 and it seems to me that Paul was saying that anyone who leaves the faith can never return.   This was very disheartening to me and I have read online that it means that if you leave and never return that it means you will go to hell.   My question is can some one who has left come back if they are sorry and confess their sin?   Was my baptism valid. Thank you,  Father - Justin

 __________________________________

Justin: 

I am so happy for you.  Now that you are 18 years of age, it is time to make your stand for Jesus and be part of the historical church of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church.  One's spiritual journey is always filled with twists and turns, and you have experienced these twists and turns in your young life.  My life with Jesus is not always so clear-cut.  I make mistakes, I sin, I learn from my mistakes.  I am not expected to be perfect in Jesus.  I am expected to be faithful to Him as best as I can. 

You mentioned Hebrews Chapter 6, Verses 4 - 6 which states:  “For it is impossible in the case of those who have been once enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit and tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to bring them to repentance again, since they are recrucifying the Son of God for themselves and holding Him for contempt.”

This particular verse has to do with reconciling those who have fallen away from the community of faith by baptizing them again.  Baptism according to Saint Paul is a one time event (Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism,  One God and Father Who is over all and through all and in all.) and should not be practiced again and again each time a person falls short of living in Jesus Christ. 

This verse DOES NOT apply to you.  It applies to those who were baptized and left the church and then later want to be part of the church again and want to be baptized again.  No, a baptized Christian cannot be baptized again.  A baptized Christian reconciles himself to the church by asking forgiveness of God and the Church (through the Sacrament of Penance -- Confession).  No need to be baptized again. 

As to your baptism in the pool by your 11 year old friend, a case can be argued that this was a valid baptism.  But usually the Church would formally baptize you as you become a Catholic as well as you would receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist at your reception into the Church. 

If you don't become Catholic but enter another Christian denomination, you would be baptized in that congregation.  But once FORMALLY baptized, you cannot be baptized again.  Your baptism was probably not "valid" but a expression of your young faith in God!  How wonderful!  But once you make an adult decision to join the Catholic Church or another Christian denomination, you will be baptized!   

The great saints, such as Saint Paul (and Saint Mark the gospel writer, the patriarch-founder of the Coptic Church), decided to rejoice in the persecution that surrounded them and was aimed at them, instead of cursing at life and living a miserable life.  -  CatholicView Priest Staff

“If you leave the priesthood, can you
receive communion?” - Bruce

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

If you leave the priesthood and marry, will you ever be able to receive the sacrament of communion again? – Bruce

 ______________________________

Bruce:

Yes, those who leave the life of celibacy and the office of priesthood (presbyter) and marry can receive the Holy Eucharist after being "laicized" (a decree from the Church stating that the deacon/priest/bishop has returned to the Church as a lay person).  Usually, when a cleric (deacon, priest, bishop) leaves his office to change his relationship with the Church, a decree of laicization is usually made and that person is reconciled to the church and returns as a layperson.   Please see this link for more information:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Defrocking  and  http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08744a.htm  God bless you.  – CatholicView Priest Staff

“I did not understand about birth control nor
relations before marriage.  Is my marriage
valid?” - Dina 

 

Dear Priest Staff:

I was ignorant of many Catholic teachings regarding sex and marriage when I entered into the sacrament of marriage almost thirty years ago. Years later, I became a devout Catholic and went to confession to confess some of my sins such as my use of birth control and having sexual relations with my husband before being married.  It dawned on me, however, that perhaps my marriage sacrament was never valid since my husband and I were technically in a state of sin when we got married.  Ignorance is no excuse.  Could you please tell me if this in fact would be the case? - Dina

 __________________________________

Dina:

The sacrament of marriage is always considered valid unless proven otherwise by an ecclesiastical tribunal at the diocesan level.  You have not given me any proof that your marriage would be considered invalid.  To prove the invalidity of your marriage would require much evidence of your inability to contract marriage in the first place.  And even if you were in a "state of sin," your marriage is valid and God has chosen your marriage to be the living symbol of Christ's love for His Church.  

Be at peace.  God called you to the vocation of marriage, has blessed your marriage all during the years with many good things and strength in the bad times.  Now, you are in a more mature stage in your growth in Christ.  Rejoice in the wisdom you have now!  Rejoice in the love of God that you represent!   - CatholicView Priest Staff

“My fiancé is adamant about not getting a marriage
license in Ohio instead of in Texas.  Why?  - Anna

 

CatholicView Priest Staff:

My fiancé and I are planning a wedding at my hometown parish next year in Ohio. We are residents of Texas now and he is very adamant about having a Texas marriage certificate (I know no matter where you get your cert.  It's valid everywhere obviously, but this seems to be a big deal to him). Texas will let our priest in Ohio sign the license and bring it back...but Ohio will not so of course we can't ask our priest to break state law. Can we have a judge sign off on our license but still have a ceremony in Ohio or will that messy up church rules? -

 ______________________________

Anna:

I am concerned about your fiancé 's adamant and fierce opposition to getting an Ohio marriage license and instead wanting a Texas marriage license.  Was he married in Ohio so that such a marriage would show up when an Ohio marriage license is issued?  I am really concerned.  This is not normal for a man who grew up in Ohio not wanting an Ohio marriage license.  With that in mind, yes, you can have a civil officer sign your Texas marriage license and bring a certified copy (with the state/county seal) of that license to your priest in Ohio.  If your fiance wants a Texas license, then get your license signed in Texas.  That would be acceptable in this case.  – CatholicView Priest Staff

 

“Is it suicide for a soldier to end their lives to save
others or his country?” - Sarge

Dear Priest Staff:

Is suicide still a sin under these circumstances?

In the Canadian military, many soldiers, by choice, carry two extra bullets, "just in case" That means that, if they are taken captive by the enemy, ex. the Taliban, they have the option to end their life. That is suicide. However, in doing this, they are potentially saving the lives of their fellow soldiers, and even, potentially, their country, because the enemy cannot force them to give out information.  However, it is still suicide. Could God forgive it in those circumstances?

Or what about the odd time when a soldier actually throws him/herself over a grenade or bomb to save his buddies? That is also suicide, but he has saved lives there. Does God forgive it and allow them to enter into Heaven, or are they condemned to Hell?

I'm sorry it was so long, but I really need help with this. It really concerns me in case I am ever in a circumstance such as these. Thank you so much for your time! God bless you! - Sarge

 _____________________________

Sarge:

Suicide is considered a mortal and grave sin, self-murder.  But suicide really depends on the person's motivation and why a person does such an act.  If a person commits suicide because of his hatred for God and his own life, this can be considered a grave sin.  If a person puts himself in harm's way to save lives, then he is laying down his life because of others, a true act of love.  Jesus Himself said this in the Gospel of John, Chapter 15, Verse 13:  “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends”.  Jesus laid down His life for us on the cross and was raised from the dead because of this pure act of selfless love.  The same for a soldier for his friends, brothers and sisters in arms, family, and countrymen:  laying down his/her life for one's friends and others would not be considered suicide but a pure act of love that will reverberate throughout history until the end of time.  Please be at peace with these options that your military service offers you and your brothers and sisters in arms in times of great distress.  The motivation of your heart determines the sinfulness of any act.   – CatholicView Priest Staff

 

“How do you address an Eastern Rite
Patriarch or Bishop?  - Amparo
 

CatholicView Staff:

What is the correct title to use when addressing an Eastern Rite Patriarch or Bishop? Would one use the same "Your Eminence" as one would use with a Roman Rite Bishop? Also, what is the Eastern Rite Catholic equivalent of "Monsignor?" Thank you for your answer.  - Amparo

________________________________

Amparo:

Titles are such strange things to Christians, but in the Western Rite here is a list of titles to be used in speaking and writing:

Cardinal:    His Eminence in writing, and in speaking, Your Eminence

Archbishop (Metropolitan) and Bishop:   His Excellency in writing, and in speaking, Your Excellency.

Eastern Patriarch:   His Beatitude in writing, and in speaking, Your Beatitude, or if the Patriarch is the Patriarch of Constantinople or the Bishop of Rome, or Patriarch of Alexandria, Egypt, or the Archbishop (Metropolitan) of Thessaloniki, Greece, the title is His Holiness in writing and Your Holiness in speaking.

Eastern Archbishop and Metropolitan:  His Eminence in writing and in speaking, Your Eminence.

Eastern Bishop:  His Reverence or His Excellency in writing, and in speaking, Your Reverence or Your Excellency.

There is no such thing as a Monsignor in any Eastern Churches though in each Eastern Church tradition, there may be those who have honors given to them by their bishops that may be loosely considered like a honorific title of monsignor.  Monsignor is a member of the household of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope and Patriarch of the West.  So, only Catholics, both Roman and Eastern Churches in union with Rome, would have monsignors.  The title of monsignor signifies that the priest is a member of the papal household, whether in fact (such as that this is really their job) or as a honor given to priests not working in the papal household.  Thanks for your question.  - CatholicView Priest Staff
 

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

“If I believe in heaven and my wife doesn't,
does she still go to heaven with me? - Sean

 

CatholicView Staff

I have a fast question. If I believe in heaven and my wife doesn't, does she still go to heaven with me?  Because I want to be with her while in there. The only way I'll be happy is if she's there. She was born Catholic but her family wasn't big into it.  So now she doesn't believe.  And I can't make her believe.  But my question was.  Does she go to heaven?

 __________________________________

Dear Sean:

Each person faces God's final judgment ALONE.  Because you believe that Jesus Christ died  for our sins and if we accept this in faith and trust, and live as He wants you to, you will be welcomed into heaven.  But this will not entitle her to enter heaven.

But there is something you can do.  Pray for your wife that she comes to faith in the Lord.  Ask her to come to Church with you.  Read the bible with her.   Ask others to pray for her.  Most important, live as a Christian must live, letting her see the joy you have in the Lord.  If you have children, share your faith with them, and make sure they attend Church.

Remember, our Lord Jesus is merciful and knows all things.  God also knows what heaven truly means to you as well.  The Lord will keep His promise to you of a heaven that is beyond all human description.  Trust Him and know that your wife will be given every opportunity to know Him as her Lord and Savior.  You keep praying for her and be patient.  Her faith may be just a seed waiting for the right time to bloom.  The Lord has everything in his Hands.

 Keep praying that God will touch your wife's heart.  May the Lord bless you always.  - CatholicView Staff

 

"What shall I do when my mother gets upset
if I do not see her often?" - Lisa
 

CatholicView Staff:

My Mom gets upset because I don't see her as often as she would like.  What do I do? - Lisa

_________________________________ 

Lisa:

Because your mother loves you, this sparks a need in her to see her beloved child. 

You did not say if you are married or have children of your own.  A small token of your time such as a phone call can go a long way to make your mother happy.  Share a bit of your life so she will not worry or feel deserted.  And pray that she will understand that you are grown up and must move forward with your own life.  I hope this helps a bit.  God's peace be with you.  -  CatholicView Staff

 
“My Catholic friend got baptized in the Mormon Church
but wants to return to the Catholic Church.  Is she
still Catholic?” - Kim

CatholicView Staff:

My best friend was baptized Catholic.  Recently she felt pressured by Mormon missionaries and got baptized in their church. Now 5 months later she feels lost and wants to come back to Catholic Church.  Does she need re-baptized Catholic or can she repent for doing this action and still be considered Catholic?  -Kim

 ________________________________

Kim:

Your friend is still Catholic since she was baptized in the Catholic Church.  Please ask your friend to read Ephesians 4:5 – “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism,”  She does not need to be re-baptized.  Her Catholic baptism is valid.    What your friend should do is stop attending the Mormon Church and if their missionaries get in touch with her, she should tell them she has resigned and returning to her own Church.  She absolutely can return home. 

Please ask your friend to make an appointment with her former priest or any priest and tell him what has happened.  He will explain what she has to do to be re-instated within the Church.   Yes, this definitely can be done.  But the key is to see her priest and talk this situation out.  May God go with her as she makes her way back home.  May God bless you for caring about your friend.  - CatholicView Staff   

 
“How much should I pay a priest for a counseling
session?” Judy

CatholicView Staff:

I made an appointment to talk to a priest.  I have questions I need answered.  I guess it would be like a counseling session.  Should I make a donation, a payment, and how much? - Judy

 ________________________________

Judy:

You do not have to pay a priest for his advice or for answering questions.  It is part of his job to do so.  There is no charge for such services.  If you feel you want to make a donation to the Church you can do that.  Thanks for your question.  God be with you.  - CatholicView Staff

 
“My non-Catholic boyfriend was previously married in
the Catholic Church.  Can we get married in the Church
also?” - Audrey

CatholicView Priest Staff:

 I am a Catholic who fell in love with a man who is not.  We are engaged and I have learned that he was married to a Catholic in a Catholic marriage and is now divorced.  Could he still marry me in the Catholic Church?  - Audrey

 __________________________________

Audrey:

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.   And yes you can marry in the Catholic Church.  However, your fiancé needs to have his previous marriage annulled.   Right now, according to the Church he is still married to his previous wife.  Your fiancé can only remarry in the Church if he has obtained a declaration of nullity from the Church for his original marriage.

Please have him talk to your parish priest to get this started.  God bless you. - CatholicView Staff

 

“I think God is asking me to wait for something. 
What do you think?” Frank
 

CatholicView Staff:

I think God is asking me to wait for something but I'm not sure if it's my own thoughts talking.  So I asked for a specific sign and I got it now I'm thinking maybe it's a coincidence.  What do you think?  - Frank

 ____________________________________

Frank:

What a beautiful connection to the Lord!  It is God speaking to you through the Holy Spirit. 

One way is to ask God to show you through prayer what He is asking of you.  When He does, you will know without a doubt what it is.  The Holy Spirit will guide you.  Keep praying about it!  God go with you.  - CatholicView Staff

 

 
“I am Hindu and my fiancé is Catholic and want to
marry in the Church but are turned away. 
Why?  Ravi
 

CatholicView Staff:

I was raised a Hindu and I am engaged to Cristina , a practicing Catholic.  She is quite keen on getting married in a Church. We are at the moment hunting for a Church to get married at, however so far we have been turned away by every Church we have visited. Is there anything I can do to improve our chances of finding a Church where we can get married?  Regards - Ravi

 _____________________________

Ravi:

It is unusual for a man from a Hindu background and his Catholic fiancée to be turned away from marrying in the Catholic Church.  

Yes, you can absolutely be married in the Catholic Church.   One question I must ask though, were either you or your girlfriend previously married?     

An important point for the future:  The non-Catholic needs to agree to raise the children as Catholics and accept the faith of your future wife.  This is not negotiable.  Would you agree to this?

Also, why not ask your fiancée if her parish priest can marry you at her church.

Many blessings to you and your future bride.  - CatholicView Staff

 
“If I wear jeans and a T shirt or a skirt an inch above
the knee, is that going against the Church?”
- Elizabeth
 

CatholicView Staff:

I have always believed that dressing modestly is important however the only Catholic guidelines I can find are pre-Vatican II and these guidelines seem a bit too strict for today's culture.  For example, sleeves to the elbow and probably no trousers either.  As a Catholic, am I sinning if I do not adhere to these guidelines or is modesty up to the individual's conscience?  If I wear jeans and a t-shirt or a skirt an inch above the knee is that going against the Catholic Church?  Many thanks and God bless! - Elizabeth

 ___________________________________

Elizabeth:

I would suggest  Catholic women as well as men remember where they are, which is in the house of the Lord.  To dress in brazen attire, causing others to speculate or be tempted by someone who is dressed immodestly would take away from what the mass is all about.

It is true that today's fashions are different.  And Catholic Churches concede to the change within reason.   Men and women come to mass wearing jeans or other casual clothes which are acceptable.  However, if the attire is provoking, meant to draw the attention of others, this is offensive for it takes away from the purpose of God's day.

And so, you must ask yourself, to what purpose am I dressing this way?  Since Jesus is present in this house, dress accordingly, as if He is seated next to you.

Here is a link that may be beneficial on this subject: http://www.catholicapologetics.info/morality/modesty/dress.htm

Hope this helps you.  - CatholicView Staff

 

“I am Catholic converting to Baptist.  If I
do, what will happen?” - Susan

 

CatholicView Staff:

Catholic converting to Baptist.   What will happen to me if I do so? - Susan

_____________________________ 

Susan:

If you feel strongly in your heart to be a member elsewhere, then you must follow your heart.  We will pray for you that your decision to become Baptist will keep you near to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May the Lord be with you always.  -    CatholicView Staff

“I made a detailed confession to a priest with an
accent and now I wonder if he understood
everything and if details lost on him”?
 - Margaret

CatholicView Staff:

I recently made a sort of long and detailed confession to a priest who had an accent, and I was wondering if it is essential that he understood everything I said. He gave me absolution and penance, but am I okay if maybe some of the details were lost on him?   I know this is scrupulous of me... but thanks!

 _____________________________________

Margaret:

Do not feel that your confession was invalid.  You see, God our Father, heard every word you said.  This most important.   He heard your sorrow for your sins and forgave you of all wrong doing.  You also made a promise to avoid these sins in the future.

God loves you and wants you to move forward with your faith.  John 8:11 reads "Go and sin no more."  May God bless you abundantly. -  CatholicView Staff

 

“Is there any way to assign my children new
godparents?” - Eva
                                                                                                   
 

CatholicView Staff:

I've had a falling out with my children's godparents.    Is there any way to assign my children new godparents? there is no hope for reconciliation. - Eva

 __________________________________

Eva:

I am so sorry that your children's godparents were not a suitable choice.  But sadly, the records that were taken for the baptismal ceremony cannot be changed.   You cannot replace the names of your original godparents because at this time any replacements you might choose would not be the witnesses to your children's baptism.

If your children have not received confirmation, you could choose new and suitable guardians for your children, making sure that the chosen people are ones you could trust to keep and help your children in their faith.  But you can only do this providing the original godparents do not want to continue.  Please visit this link which explains more about this issue:  http://www.catholicdoors.com/faq/qu129.htm .  I hope this helps.  - CatholicView Staff

“My friend’s father was cremated but the family
split up the ashes.  Will the father be accepted
into heaven?” - Michelle
 

CatholicView Staff:

I have a friend who's father was cremated but then the siblings split up the ashes to each have a piece of their father.  Now she is worried that her father will not be accepted into heaven because the ashes are not altogether.  Is this true or will her father still be accepted into heaven even if his ashes are not as one? - Michelle

_______________________________ 

Michelle:

The Church requires that the cremated remains be buried in the ground in a cemetery or placed in a mausoleum or columbarium, preferably in a Catholic cemetery.  When a person is cremated the Church recommends that the place of burial or entombment be permanently memorialized with a traditional memorial stone, crypt/niche front, or bronze plaque, minimally marking the name and dates of birth and death of the deceased person.   Contemporary practices such as scattering the cremated remains over water or from the air or keeping the remains at home is not acceptable nor considered a reverent form of disposition that the Church requires.  Practices such as dividing up cremated remains among family members or friends must not be done.   The remains should be handled with dignity.

Although the ashes should not have been divided, they must still be placed in a Catholic cemetery either in the ground or in a mausoleum as mentioned above.

The human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and it is a loss of respect to separate the ashes and not given the reverence the Church requires.

Tell your friend not to worry.  Our loving God Who sees all will welcome your friend's father into His Kingdom in spite of how others handled his final remains. - CatholicView Staff

“I wasted several hours a week on the Internet at my
 work.  Should I have mentioned this during
confession?”- Margaret

CatholicView Staff:

I confessed that several hours per a few weeks I wasted time at work on the Internet. But now I'm wondering, should I also have mentioned the amount of money I get paid (hourly), to better explain how much I got for time wasted? (I AM going to be trying to amend this by working extra minutes, cutting lunch, etc. Thanks and God bless! - Margaret

 ______________________________

Margaret:

May the Lord bless you for trying to do the right thing at your workplace.  Yes, you could have mentioned this at the time of confession, however it goes without saying that the hours you wasted cost your employer money.  With this in mind, do your best to compensate for your employer's loss, knowing that our God Who sees all will bless you for your honesty.  Go in peace as you correct this.  - CatholicView Staff

“I took communion with full knowledge that only
Catholics are permitted to do so.  How can
I repent? - Cynthia

CatholicView Staff:

I had received communion with full knowledge that only Catholics are permitted to do so, not others.   I am Christian too but Baptist( Protestant).  I feel very sorry and sad about it.  Is there any way to repent the sin I have done by receiving the communion? - Cynthia

____________________________________ 

Cynthia:

You are correct in knowing that non-Catholics should not receive communion unless they are Catholic.  The reason is because as Catholics, we believe in the Real Presence of Christ in communion. In other words, we believe that Jesus is truly, fully, literally present - body, blood, soul and divinity - in the blessed sacrament. There are many Christian denominations who do not believe this.   

Pray sincerely about it, mean it, and let it go.   Move forward now, knowing that everything will be okay, and that you will not repeat this in the future.  

Remember, you can always receive a blessing from the priest if you go in the line with your hands folded across your chest (right hand to the left  with the left hand on the right ).  Go in peace and continue to serve the Lord.  - CatholicView Staff     

“I am a widow and dating a divorced Catholic
man.  Is this considered adultery on either
of us? - Michelle

CatholicView Staff:

I'm widow who has begun seeing a practicing Catholic man. He was married to a non-Catholic in the Catholic church. She left the marriage after 10 years. He is divorced but never attempted to have the marriage annulled because he'd been hurt too badly.   Is this considered adultery on either of our parts? - Michelle

 _______________________________

Michelle:

You ask if it is adultery to date a divorced Catholic man.  Yes, it is if this is a serious relationship.  To marry this man, he will have to get an annulment from the Church.  As you are now, if this is a relationship which will lead to marriage, your friend should think about getting the annulment you will need to marry him. 

In the eyes of the Church, he is still married to his former wife.  Anything sexual would be a sin because of this.  Hope this helps.  - CatholicView Staff

“I am going through difficult times.  If I commit
suicide would I go to hell?” - Maria

CatholicView Staff:

I am going through great difficulties in my life at the moment and I am wondering about God"s  plan for me.  30 years ago I got beaten by a group of skinheads while I was waiting for the train, they threatened to push me in front of the train but I was saved by 2 men in the nick of time.  I went on with my life, got married had kids . in April this year my son aged only 21 died suddenly after a fall and I cant help thinking was this the plan God had for me???  I mean I might as well got killed 30 yrs ago what's the point of raising my beautiful boy to have him taken away from me?  Does god want me to suffer for old sins?  Is this a punishment?  I think about suicide a lot and it's the only comfort I feel to be with my son again.  I used to believe God loves me but how is He showing me His love. I feel empty and hate the whole world and no, time does not heal wounds.   It gets worse and worse and more painful each day.   Is suicide still a sin?   If I commit suicide would I go to hell? - Maria

__________________________________ 

Maria:

We live in a sin filled world where Satan runs around trying to steal our souls.  He will do whatever he can do to get your soul.  When you were saved by the two men who stopped the skinheads from throwing you onto the rails of the train, God was there, wasn't he?  God further blessed you with marriage.  He gave you two beautiful children.  Sadly, this sinful world took your son, but through God's grace he cannot touch your son's soul.  One day, you will live eternally with your beautiful son, yes, forever.  Count on it! 

You must pray, pray, and pray and try to move on with what you still have, your beautiful daughter and perhaps your beautiful grandchildren.  Is life hard?  Yes it is.  But then, we learn to depend on Jesus.  He will carry you through the worst things in our lives.   Do not let Satan win.  When you feel you cannot go on, pray.

 Yes, suicide is a deadly sin.  The only time suicide IS NOT A SIN is if the person does this outside of their complete free will, have serious mental issues  and are thereby are not guilty of sin.  People who are “fully aware and free”, who commit suicide will have to answer to God for their actions. 

Please go and talk to your parish priest.  Tell him what you feel and please tell him your suicidal thoughts.  He will help you.  

We will be praying for you.  In the meantime, use this link to one of CatholicView articles which may help you go forward:   KEEP PEDALING .  May the Lord comfort you and give you the strength to move forward with your life.  - CatholicView Staff

“My husband made me have two abortions.
Can I get forgiveness?” - Shannon
 

CatholicView Staff:

When I was 24, I was married to a man who was killed last weekend.  I got pregnant twice. He always told me he didn't want children.  I had to get abortions.  I'm so sorry for what I did.  I want them back so bad.  I live with awful guilt, and have tried to commit suicide to be with them.  Since my ex husband died, are these 2 aborted children with him in Heaven?  Please, I have to know.  I need to know if these children are with him.  He was adopted and had no family in Heaven.  They were both terminated at 7 weeks, the worst mistakes of my life.  Please, forgive me Lord. - Shannon

 ___________________________________

Shannon:

Be at peace.  Your two innocent babies are in heaven and they are waiting to see you.  They are happy and are secure in the arms of Jesus.  One day, God willing you will hold them close. 

God sees the heart of all of us.  Know that God hears your sorrow and your repentance and has already forgiven you.  We cannot judge, but we pray that your husband made his peace with God and is in heaven with your children.  Know that the Lord sees your sorrow.  You have asked Him to forgive you for your transgressions.  Trust that He has, and so you must now look ahead, knowing that the cleansing through Jesus Christ is healing you.  You will see your children one day.  Keep praying and keep your faith in the Lord.  - CatholicView Staff

 

“My friend and I had a disagreement and I
apologized.  She didn’t.  What should I
do? - Dawn

 

CatholicView Staff:

I am very troubled and a newly returned Catholic.  My friend and I had a disagreement and I apologized for my part, but she did not. She went to confession before I could and I think she confessed what she thought was my sin!   Because the priest absolved me at the altar before I received Eucharist. I am very confused and feeling not trusting of the priest and my friend. What should I do? -  Dawn 

 _______________________________

Dawn:

After your disagreement with your friend, you apologized.   Do not concern yourself with your friend's confession.  God saw the whole thing.  And you do not really know what she said in the confessional so this is not important to you and what YOU must do. 

Take care of your own part with God for He knows exactly what happened.   Pray about this and the feeling of forgiveness will come.  Be at peace now and move ahead in your faith. - CatholicView Staff

“I believe there is a demonic presence in my
house.  What can I do to protect my family? - Sarah

 

CatholicView Staff:

I am very concerned about what I believe to be a demonic presence in my house. Things fall over at night, I hear scratching, and recently we found our fish had been killed, mutilated even. Their blood stained the walls. I have already put salt at all our doors and windows and have tattooed a pentagram on myself to prevent demonic possession. What else should I do to protect my family? - Sarah

 ____________________________________

Sarah:

I am so sorry to hear that you feel a demonic presence in your home. 

Please call your parish priest and have him come to your home and bless it, sprinkling Holy Water throughout.  He will pray and bless the house for you. 

Please continue to pray to God for His mercy that this activity stops.  - CatholicView Staff

“I have fallen on hard times and face being
homeless.  Is there a Catholic or Christian
Charity to help?” Dario
 

CatholicView Staff:

i have fallen on hard times and face being made homeless with my two children.  Is there any Catholic or Christian charity that can help me?  - Dario

__________________________________ 

Dario:

I am so sorry to hear that you are in dire straits, especially with two young children.  Homelessness is a problem that plagues many people in cities throughout our country. 

Many cities have free or low-cost health clinics that provide services at prices determined by a person's income.   The Salvation Army is always willing to help.

Speak to your priest about what is available in your city.    Try Welfare Services in your area.  And sign up for Medicaid.  Some hospitals will offer free services for those who cannot afford to pay.  Also some churches offer those in need food packages and perhaps clothing.  Your priest may also be able to direct you to a shelter nearby.

I will pray that God opens up a way for you and your family.  May God bless you with the things you need for your beautiful children and for yourself.  - CatholicView Staff

 


“Is this bad that I receive communion, even
though I have not been baptized?” Scott
 

CatholicView Staff:

I grew up going to Catholic mass, but have never been baptized or confirmed into the Church. I have been going to mass for years now, and I receive Communion.  Is this bad that I receive communion, even though I have not been baptized? I have accepted Jesus into my life as my Savior. Am I fine? – Scott

 ________________________________

Scott:

Scott, what you are doing is wrong.  John 3:5 tells us , “Except a man be born of water(baptism) and of the Spirit (Holy Spirit), he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

If you have accepted the Lord into your life, you must be baptized in faith.  You must not take communion until you rectify this situation.  It is good that you have accepted Jesus into your life as Savior, but now, you must go forth and show it by doing what He commands you to do.

Your intentions are great, Scott, but you have missed the most vital part which is baptism. Baptism will bring the Holy Spirit to live within you and cleanse your soul of all sin. 

Make an appointment to see the parish priest to make arrangements for your baptism.  May the Lord go with you. – CatholicView Staff

 

“How do I become a priest?”  - Tyler
 

CatholicView Staff:

How do I become a priest? - Tyler

 _________________________________

Tyler:

You are blessed to hear God's call for you to serve Him.  If you feel that call and truly believe that the required life of celibacy and devotion to God is for you, this is a decision you are meant to make

Becoming a Catholic priest is a process that begins with a Divine call to the priesthood, deep reflection, prayer and rigorous education. 

The process begins with prayer and introspection. You should talk with you parish priest and the diocese's director of vocations, who will help you and them to determine if the priesthood is for you.

Candidates for the priesthood must finish high school, then complete a Bachelor's Degree at an accredited university. The church does not prescribe a particular degree or major, but strongly recommends a broad liberal arts education that includes a study of philosophy and, if possible, undergraduate courses in theology.  Philosophical study is good preparation for graduate study in theology at a Catholic seminary.  May the Lord continue to lead you in the path to serve Him.  God bless you.  - CatholicView Staff

“Would Jesus want me to help an older
person with a flat tire at night?” - Stan
 

CatholicView Staff:

I am getting off work at 10:30 p.m. and I see someone with a flat tire...they seem older and could use some help.  I am 68 but in pretty good physical shape and have done mechanic work in the past...would Jesus want me to stop and help this individual?

 _________________________________

Stan:

Thank you writing in.  If you are in good health and IF it is safe to do so, I know the Lord would want you to help this person in need.  And particularly when they are old and unable to do this job themselves.  Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan that Jesus tells: 

Luke 10: 25-37 reads  "On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

 “What is written in the Law?” he (Jesus) replied. “How do you read it?”

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.   So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.   He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

^"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

Sadly today, we must also be cautious when approaching strangers.  Please always determine if the person is truly in need before proceeding.  If in doubt and if you can, use your cell phone to call for service for the person.  Be safe!  And God, Who sees all, will reward you for your good deed.  - CatholicView Staff

 

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