AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
ASK A PRIEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS


FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM
FATHER LAZARUS CHAWDI
CATHOLICVIEW STAFF
PRIEST STAFF


FATHER LAZARUS CHAWDI

"The idea of death terrifies me.  How can I
alleviate this fear?" - Tiffani
 

Father Lazarus

I am a Catholic Convert and sometimes I struggle with doubt. This is especially true when it comes to the issue of death. The idea of death terrifies me.  Is it wrong to pray that God give me a glimpse behind the veil?  If not, what can I do to alleviate my immense fear of death? – Tiffani

 ___________________________________

Dear Tiffani:

Peace be with you. God loves you.

You have asked is it wrong to pray that God give me a glimpse behind the veil? As a child has a right to ask anything from his parents so also being children of God we have right to ask God anything.  By our faith in Jesus, we have total access to our Father in heaven. All our prayers are answered but not on our particular schedule or at the moment we want, but in His time. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 gives a beautiful explanation about the same.

What can we do to alleviate fear of death?  Our destiny is to be with our Creator Father God in heaven and death is the doorway and passage to our complete union with God Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, how can we prepare ourselves for that eventual meeting with our Creator in death?   I think we can prepare ourselves to receive this gift of eternity in 3 ways:

1)    By completing all our work: we leave and postpone lot of things saying there is still lot of time for me. One never knows at what hour when Jesus will call us home to be with Him.  So, don’t waste time, and for example, if you have to say sorry to someone, the time is now; if you have to express your love to someone the time is now.  Whatever work we have we have to complete it now. Mahatma Gandhi had once said,  “Kal kare so aaj kar, aaj kare so abhi kar” (which means what you have kept to do for tomorrow you must do it today, and what you have have kept it for today do it right away).

2)    By being at peace with others:  What will people say about you when you should die?  We need to do our best to love one another and remain in peace with others so that others will praise God for your life!

3)    Be at peace with oneself:  If we are at peace with ourselves, at the end of our earthly journey, we will be in God’s Loving Hands through out faith in Jesus.

Romans 14:8 says, “Alive or dead we belong to God”. You always belong to God and He loves you. Read Jeremiah 29:11.

God loves you.  God bless.  Wish you Jesus.  -  Fr. Lazarus


"What is the Mercy Seat?"  - Shannon

 


Father Lazarus:

I have been attending a Catholic Church for a few months, and I am curious about a few things.  I plan to attend the next class that is scheduled for new Catholics.  One of the questions that I have is  "What is the Mercy Seat"?  I know you are extremely busy, so a one sentence answer will be more than appreciated!  Thank You.  – Shannon

 ____________________________________

Dear Shannon,

Peace be with you. God loves you.

Firstly I am not too sure what you want to know about “Mercy Seat”?  Please excuse me for saying this after such a long period to your question. I will be very grateful to you if you can specify what you want to know when you say “Mercy Seat”.    Thanks.

But as you say, here is the one sentence answer to your question.  The Mercy Seat is the space between the two angel cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant.  It was believed by the Hebrew (Jewish) people that the Ark of the Covenant was God’s seat on earth.  It is from this seat that God judges the actions of human beings.

Here is the definition of the Mercy Seat from the Holman Bible Dictionary:

A slab of pure gold measuring about 45 inches by 27 inches which sat atop the ark of the covenant which was the same size. It was the base for the golden cherubim. (Exodus 25: 17-19, 25:21, 25-21) and symbolized the throne from which God ruled Israel  (Leviticus 16:2, Numbers 7:89). On the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled the blood of a sacrificial lamb on the mercy seat as a plea for forgiveness for the sins of the nation  (Leviticus 16:15). The Hebrew word means literally “to wipe out” or “cover over.” This has led modern translators to render the term “cover” (REB, NRSV note), “lid” (TEV), or “atonement cover” (NIV). “Mercy seat” is based on the earliest Greek and Latin translations. The mercy seat has been replaced as the symbol and place of God's presence and atonement. Christ's cross and resurrection showed the perfect presence and accomplished atonement once for all  (Hebrews 9:1).

St. Augustine says, “God never gives less than Himself” and it so well explained in John 3:16. We receive special grace and forgiveness of our sins through Sacrament of reconciliation.  Through our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have God’s mercy, forgiveness, healing, and justification.  For Christians, the Mercy Seat is now the judgment seat in heaven on which Jesus sits in judgment on all humankind.   I hope this helps.  God bless.  God loves you.  God loves you.  God bless.  Wish you Jesus.  - Fr. Lazarus
 


"Why do Catholics believe specific works such
as Holy Days of Obligation and Reconciliation
   must be done to reach heaven?"
  - Michelle      



Father Lazarus:

Why do Catholics believe that specific works such as Holy days of Obligation and Reconciliation must be done in order to reach heaven when it says in the Bible that believing in Jesus results in eternal life with God. Where do you get such things as mortal sin? It's not in the Bible. -  Michelle.

 ____________________________________

Dear Michelle,

Peace be with you. God loves you.

Perhaps you do not understand our Catholic faith. Catholics believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and through that faith, we are immediately justified and have total access to God our Father through Jesus, the one mediator between God and humankind.  The Catholic Church does not teach that one has to accomplish a list of actions to get to heaven.  Faith in Jesus as Lord is the key to heaven and eternal life with God.

What makes Catholics different from other Christians of the Protestant tradition is that through our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we must show that faith in all our actions and that we will judged accordingly.  In the New Testament, in the Letter of James, Chapter 2, Verses 14-26, the Apostle James writes:  “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?” The answer is no.  Faith and works go hand in hand.  I know if a Christian has a true faith in Jesus by the fruits of his life and his works.  But once again, I want to make clear.  I do not have a list of accomplishments to complete to get to heaven.  My faith is my access key to heaven.  But my faith must be active and must be full of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Mortal sin is a biblical concept and a biblical term.  In the First Letter of John, Chapter 5, Verses 16-17, John the Apostle writes:  “If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is NOT DEADLY (mortal), he should pray to God and He will give him life.  This is only for those whose sin is NOT DEADLY.  There is a thing as DEADLY SIN, about which I do not say that you should pray.  All wrong doing is sin, but there is sin that is NOT DEADLY.”  I don’t know how clear that can be.  Deadly sin is MORTAL sin.  Deadly and mortal are the SAME WORD.  Mortal, or deadly, sin is so evil that it destroys one’s relationship with God and with the body of believers in Jesus called the Church.

May I suggest a book that can really help you understand the Catholic faith: YOUCAT (Ignatius Press, San Francisco, California, USA). What I am writing to you is from the same book. Points Number 315 and 316 speaks about what is sin and how can we distinguish serious sins (mortal sins) from less serious (venial) sins?

A sin is a word, deed or intention by which man deliberately and voluntarily offends against true order of things, as God’s loving providence has arranged them.

To sin means more than to violate rules about which men have agreed upon. Sin turns freely and deliberately against God’s love and ignores Him.  Sin is ultimately “Love of oneself even to contempt of God” (St. Augustine), and in the extreme case the sinful creature says, “I want to be like God” (see Genesis 3:5). Just as sin burdens me with guilt, wounds me and by its consequences ruins me, so too it poisons and damages the world in which I live. It becomes possible to recognize sin and its seriousness by drawing near to God.

Serious sin destroys the divine power of love in a person’s heart, without which there can be no eternal beatitude. Hence it is also called mortal sin. Serious sin breaks with God, whereas venial sin only strains the relationship with Him.

A serious sin cuts a person off from God. One requirement for such a sin is that it be opposed to an important value, for instance, directed against life or God (for example, murder, blasphemy, adultery, and so on) and that it be committed with full knowledge and full consent. Venial sins are opposed to secondary values (honor, truth, property, and so on) or are committed without full knowledge of their seriousness or without full consent of the will. Such sins disrupt the relationship with God but do not sever it.

With regard to your question on what is needed to be done to reach eternal life? There are very many references in the scripture and every time it is mentioned it is in a certain context and we need to understand it properly. (Story about the rich young man Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18: 18-30), John 3:15-16, 6:40, 6:54, 12:25, 17:2-3, Romans 2: 7, 6:22-23. Kindly go through these passages.  God loves you.  God bless.  Wish you Jesus. – Fr. Lazarus

                     



PRIEST STAFF

“If I made a promise to God if He would help me, I
would give something up, what happens if I break
it?”? - Gay
  



Father:

If you pray to God for something, asking for his help and then make a promise if he helps you, with your need, you will in turn give up something as a sacrifice. What happens if you break that promise. - Gay

__________________________________

Gay:

First, God doesn't need your promises.  He only wants one thing:  your faithfulness. 

God wants the only thing He doesn't have, something that only you can give:  your faithfulness and love for Him.  And once you give your faithfulness and love to Him, then you will have everything you will need and you will have the strength to overcome all obstacles. 

Second, if you are a person of your word, you would keep your promises.  For a Christian, one never needs to make promises of some kind of sacrifice as if one can BRIBE God to fulfill your particular prayer petition.  What can you give God that He doesn't already possess?  There is only one thing He "doesn't" have:  your free-will faithfulness and love for Him.  That you give Him everyday without question or limit. 

God will always answer prayers according to His Will and Plan, the big picture of God's plan for humankind's salvation.  Your prayer was answered according to your desire.  You should be giving thanks to God.  And stop making promises that God doesn't need and that it seems you cannot keep.  God doesn't need your promises and bribes.  He wants your faithfulness and love that can only be given freely by your own will.  And He wants your faithfulness so that you can be what God wants you to be:  His Presence in a broken world. 

Your prayers were answered because it was important in the big picture of salvation (the answer to your prayer was for a much bigger purpose).  He answered it not because of your unnecessary promise of making a sacrifice:  He answered it because of His bigger Plan which is much larger than you and me.  To your question:  what happens if you break your promise?  God already answered your prayer.  He will not take it back because the answer was important in the "big picture."  But if you are a person of integrity, you would keep all your promises no matter to whom you made them.    - Father Francisco


“I was raped and became pregnant but kept the child. 
The church people and family shunned me.  What
                           should I do?” - Allison                                           
 
 


CatholicView Staff:

I was raped in Dec.. '09 and I became pregnant as a result of the assault. I chose to keep the child, something my family didn't agree with for they believed if I was truly raped, I would have aborted the child, but I couldn't because he was still a part of me and a blessing just like my other child.  Anyway, after being shunned by my family, church, community I have raised my son alone and turned away from the church until now.  I have been out of work and he saw me praying alone and said, "I like what you are doing, can you teach me?"  Does the church want us even though they think my child is a son of someone evil?  Should I just go to a different church?  I do so love my son, I call him my gift from God. - Allison

 ___________________________________

Allison:

I am saddened to hear of your suffering, first from rape, and then from your family shunning you because you rightly kept your child alive!  I want to thank you and honor you for your faith in life and ultimately in God.  You gave your son life and God will work wonders through your son!   

You stated something that is not true:  You said that the Church might think that your child is a son of someone evil.  Your son has life because of His Creator Who is God Himself.  Your son is a son of God Himself and God is not evil.  He is the ultimate good and the ultimate love.  Yes, your son was conceived through a brutal act, but your son has life because God created him for His plan and purpose.  Your son's real and true Father is God.  Always remember that.  As you said, "I call him my gift from God."  You spoke the truth.  The church never passes judgment on a child conceived in such tragic circumstances, and I don't understand why you feel that the church has rejected you and your son.  The church does not reject you and your son.  Maybe the people who know you in your parish may not have been unable to reach out to you as you wanted due to their own sense of what to say and do.  If you were part of my parish, you would be more than welcome.

As to the shunning you perceive from those around you, sometimes people find it so difficult to deal with victims of any kind of brutal act.  People don't know how to act and what to do for a victim of such a horrific crime.  And there are times when the victim has great expectations from the very people that care and love them, and those expectations can blind the victim to the clumsy acts of care and concern of those who don't know how to help or what to say.  You have done much to heal on your own, but the wounds of this criminal act and betrayal leave lifetime scars. 

These scars influence your own fears and actions.  But now, it is time to get back to church and use as your testimony of faith in God the events of your life that gave you your "gift from God," your son.  Your son's life is one big testimony to faith:  faith in God, faith in life, faith in your son's destiny, and faith in the midst of horror.  Your testimony of faith will heal others, will challenge others, will shame others to change, and will ultimately serve God's Plan and Purpose for the salvation of all humankind. 

Time to teach your son the ways of God and to introduce him to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Time to get back to the spiritual disciplines of the Church and get back on track.  I am so grateful for your testimony of total faith in God despite the pain and suffering you have been through.  I wish you were in my parish because I would ask if you would like to be part of our counseling of young people who have suffered great pain as you have.  So, get back to church.  Speak to your parish priest about what I have written to you.  Bring this answer to him as a starter of a conversation about healing your relationship with the Church. 

Thank you for writing!  You are a special and blest person.  And your son is destined to make this world a better place!  Thank you, Jesus, for healing this mother and for the gift of her son. 

Also, don't expect things from other people that they cannot or are ready to give at this exact moment.  You just keep going forward, not looking back.  Your future is bright and filled with the light of Christ!
  - Father Francisco


“Is it more important to live by pure mercy or
pure justice in times of war? – Elizabeth
  

         
 

CatholicView Staff:

Is it more important to live by pure mercy or pure justice?  If God says to leave justice and wrath in His hands, then why, even in protecting freedom and goodness, must we go to war?  Is there a divine purpose for war and justice? - Elizabeth

 _____________________________________

Elizabeth:

It is important to live in balance!  Live in mercy and justice.  But I have to correct your definitions of justice and mercy.  God's justice is NOT human justice.  Human justice is based in a kind of revenge mentality, and vengeful satisfaction of seeing the other in the pain that they may have caused you. 

God's justice is simple:  justice for God is making things right.  That is quite the paradigm shift from the vengeful (negative) to making things right (positive).  God's justice is true healing of what is broken.  Mercy is also based on God's justice.  Mercy is not a license to sin or God's way of saying that everything is fine.  Mercy is forgiveness, the ability to live in the present, so that things can be made right. 

So, to your question if there is a "divine purpose" for war and justice:  God works with what He has, and God has us sinful, vengeful, spiritually immature people, and God forgives, and has mercy so that we can learn from our mistakes and sin, and through that learning and introspection, things will be made right.  War and human justice is a humankind thing, not necessarily from God or part of His grand purpose. 

But God will work with us, and work with our weaknesses, to make all creation in right relationship with Him.  For humans, war and vengeful justice may seem necessary.  For God, it is just a sign of how much we need to grow and mature to be what God wants us to be.  And God will use our human sin and immaturity for His greater purpose and plan. 

None of us can frustrate the plans of God.  God has a Plan "A", and a Plan "B," and on and on to infinity.  So, live in mercy and justice.  For to do so, we live "purely" in God.  In Romans 5:1, Saint Paul writes:  "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in hope of the glory of God."  Notice once again, God's justice through faith makes right our relationship with God and His creation. 

In time and through spiritual growth, one day we humans will act just like God when it comes to "justice"; we will make things right and heal all that is broken instead of imposing a vengeful sentence with no thought of making right a broken relationship between all humankind.
 -  Father Francisco 



“My wife betrayed me constantly by seeing her ex-boyfriend. 
We have a son.  Should I fight for her?” - RR


Father:

My wife has betrayed me a number of times.  We have a son, but she still choose to play around with her ex boyfriend, and now that she is back working, another man has arrived.  She kept on coming back to me, saying that she will fix things but after a couple of days I will find out that she has been meeting and has not stopped her relationship with this man.  I don't know what to do anymore.   I so love her despite the betrayals, but I can't stop hurting inside.   Should I still fight for her or should I just let her go and not let her come back anymore?  I have been praying to God to give me the answer.  I hope God can talk to me through you.  Thanks. - R.R

________________________________ 

RR:

I am so sorry to hear of your wife's regular betrayal of you and your son.  Every time she steps outside of marriage to fulfill her own desires, she hurts her relationship with you and your son.  Your son is also being betrayed by her unfaithfulness.  It seems on the surface that your wife has a major problem with faithfulness.  Maybe she has an addiction to sex, or an addiction to the danger of being found unfaithful by you and your son. 

If so, she must find help for herself to overcome these destructive and addictive behaviors.  Fighting for your marriage is a good thing to do!  But to do so, you may be fighting your wife's destructive behaviors that are going to be beyond your ability to control. 

If your wife can agree to go to marriage counseling and also agree to work with a counselor on her own for her own issues, then go fight for your marriage.  If your wife refuses to find help for her own behaviors, your marriage may be doomed.  Try counseling and see what happens. 

If she refuses to change her behaviors, she may have mental and emotional issues that may demand a medical intervention with a psychiatrist.  And if she refuses medical help, then you might be forced to make a decision to end your marriage.  You may have a case for an ecclesiastical decree of nullity (annulment) if your wife had these emotional issues of unfaithfulness from the beginning of your marriage.  -  Father Francisco


What is the Church's position on dietary restrictions
in the Old Law?”  - Misty


Father:

 

What is the Church's position on dietary restrictions in the Old Law? Are they merely symbolic, or instituted for health reasons? Both? If the second is true, is it not preferable, if not incumbent on or even required of us by God, to continue to observe these restrictions for better health? - Misty

______________________________________ 

Misty:

The Old Testament dietary restrictions and laws were made for the people of the Old Covenant, the Hebrew people.  The Old Covenant was made with the Hebrew people, and part of that covenant between God and His people were these dietary laws.  When Jesus came, He fulfilled all the prescriptions of the Old Law and set up a New Covenant that is based on faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  The shedding of Jesus' blood on the cross and His resurrection from the dead was the fulfillment of the Old Law. 

We are now in a New Covenant, a covenant that cannot be broken by us because it was made between God the Father and Jesus His Son, and we share in that covenant by our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  The Old Law and its dietary prescriptions have been abrogated and are no longer in force.  We are not required to observe any Old Law dietary laws because as Christians we are NOT under any prescriptions of the Old Law.   

This was made quite clear by Saint Paul in all his New Testament letters as well as this very important vision of Cornelius and Saint Peter from ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, all of Chapter 10.  In this vision of Peter, God showed ALL the animals of the world and declared them clean.  Here is one part of this vision from Acts 10:14:  But Peter said, "Certainly not, sir.  For never have I eaten anything profane and unclean".  The voice spoke to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you are not to call profane."  This happened three times.  This is quite clear:  for the Church, the Old Law has been abrogated by the one sacrifice  of Jesus Christ on the cross (see Acts 15). 

We are under the New Law, to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself.  The New Law and the New Covenant is affirmed by our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.  No longer under the Old Law, we are free from its prescriptions and are now living in faith.  These dietary laws are not for Christians.  But that doesn't mean that we don't learn about healthy ways of dieting from the Old Testament.  If you choose to live by the Old Testament dietary laws for health reasons, that is your choice but it is not necessary for salvation or having total access to God.  The Old Law has been fulfilled in Jesus. 

We are in the New Covenant of faith, forgiveness, mercy, and freedom from the prescriptions of the Old Law (see Romans 5).  - Father Francisco


“I can´t attend Mass (not even weekdays), due
to panic attacks.  Any advice?” - Tanja


CatholicView Priest Staff:

I can´t attend Mass (not even weekdays), due to panic attacks.  I see a psychiatrist + take medication against schizophrenia, the attacks are not just in church.  My priest brings me the Eucharist regularly.  I fear never being able to attend Mass.  Any advice on that? - Tanja

_______________________________ 

Tanja:

Your medical condition is a large cross that you carry.  Continue to talk to Jesus and ask Him to send the Holy Spirit upon you for healing and strength.   

You are very blest to have a priest to bring you communion regularly.  I am so happy to hear that!  You may never attend Mass in the near future but Jesus comes to you in Holy Communion.  You are loved and you are blest!  Never forget that! 

My suggestion to you is simply give thanks to God that you are able to receive communion regularly and ask Him to give you healing and strength so that one day you will be able to attend Mass.  In the meantime, read your bible, pray often and share with God your struggles, read spiritual books, and continue to receive communion!  You are doing very well in your spiritual growth!  -  Father Francisco


“My ex-wife divorced me and wants to attend
 my son’s confirmation with her boyfriend.
What do I do?” - Samuel


CatholicView Priest Staff:
 

My ex wife divorced me after I confronted her about the affair she was having, I was willing to work with wife, but she chose her affair partner over the family.  Now, my focus on my health and my children.  The issue I have is my eldest child is now in the second grade and will be confirmed. From what I hear, she plans on attending this sacrament with her affair partner, I understand she cared nothing about our marriage vows, family until, commandments etc. I am having a issue with her being there with her affair partner, she is just way out there in the affair addiction and sees nothing wrong with being with him....what do I do? thank you in advance.

p.s. I am healing very well, I have done extensive work on myself, times, bible reading, etc. My focus is on Christ, my church, my children's health, using all this trauma for the rebuilding my life for me and my children, she has been in the affair addiction for about a year.  Now she has been taking about marriage to her affair partner but has not done anything yet... - Samuel

 ____________________________________

Samuel:

I am giving thanks to God that you are healing from the betrayal and the breaking of your marriage and family.  But as you say, you have progressed and I hope that you give thanks to God for His healing Spirit.  You are civilly divorced and your ex-wife has gone forward in her own life.  There is nothing you can do about it.  She is on her own and she will face God one day to be accountable for her actions.  Give her to God and you must continue forward with your children.  They must see your faith in action, a faith that lives in the present and not in the past.  With that in mind, if your ex-wife wants to attend HER son's sacramental Mass with her "affair friend," then she is free to do that.  And you must be a Christian in ALL things, including this painful and disgusting display of betrayal.  Remember the gospel verse of turning the other cheek.  Well, it's time to do that.  This sacrament is about your son, not you, nor your ex-wife, nor her "affair addiction."  This is about your son.  Not you or your feelings of betrayal.  Keep your focus on your son and his beautiful relationship with Jesus, his saving Lord, and the Church.  Everything else is irrelevant.  - Father Francisco


“If a Catholic publishes personally written prayers
or writings, do they need to ask for an Imprimatur?”
 - Ana


Father Francisco:  

Dear Father, I am wondering about the Canon requiring an Imprimatur for spiritual writings. If a Catholic publishes personally written prayers or writings they felt inspired with during prayer on their blog, do they need to ask for an Imprimatur? Thank you very much! - Ana

__________________________________ 

Ana:

I am excited about hearing that you have a "blog" of inspirational prayers!  Thank you so much for your special work on behalf of God and the Church! 

The word, Imprimatur, means "let it be published."  Since the end of the Second Vatican Council (1964), there has been a relaxation of the canonical rule that all spiritual and theological books be subject to a Nihil Obstat (an approval from a theological expert that the book is free from moral and theological error, though the "censor" may not agree with the opinion of the writer), and then be presented to the local diocesan bishop for approval to be published, hence the Imprimatur

Your blog of spiritual prayers and writings does not need a
Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur to be published in the Internet.  If you decide to have your writings published in book form, then you may ask your local diocesan bishop for an Imprimatur if you so wish.  Usually, books with an Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat are usually published for use in theological studies in universities and seminaries.  If you wish to publish a book just for the inspiration of anybody who reads such books, there is no need for an Imprimatur.  - Father Francisco

 



CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

"My son wants to have his baby baptized in
a Protestant Church.  Does the Church
recognize this baptism?"  - Dennis

CatholicView Staff:

My son is Catholic and his wife is not. They just gave birth to a baby boy. My son said he heard that as long as it's a baptism of water in a Christian Church, that makes it okay for the baptism being recognized by the Catholic church.  I thought being baptized Catholic was and is the only way to rid yourself of "original sin" and to receive the sacraments.   All Christian baptisms aren't alike.......are they??  - Dennis

 _____________________________________

Dennis:

When you say that your grand child would be baptized in a Christian Church, please note that the Catholic Church is a Christian Church as well.  

As to your question, Catholics believe in "one Baptism for the remission of sins".   It's really not necessary to be baptized twice if a baptized non-Catholic Christian wants to be accepted into full communion with the Catholic Church.  As long as a baptism is performed "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," as Christ commanded, the Catholic Church regards that baptism as valid, and "takes away original sin." 

However, you are correct in saying that the non-Catholic baptism of your grandchild is outside of the Catholic Church and therefore it means that he is not a member of the Catholic Church and is therefore not able to receive the other sacraments in the Catholic Church.  Through this non-Catholic baptism, your grandchild is a member of another Christian denomination and not a member of the Catholic Church.  If your grandchild should want to be a full member of the Catholic Church, your grandchild will have to be formally accepted into the Catholic Church through the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA).  Your son will want to take that into consideration when making his decision to have the baby baptized outside the Catholic Church.  Here's hoping this helps you.  May the Lord be with you always.  - CatholicView Staff
 


"Why won't God grant me happiness?  Why?" - Theresa


Question:

Why won't God grant me happiness? I pray literally 50 times a day. Prayers of thanks and gratitude. I beg for my path but I get nothing. I'm left struggling when those who hurt me so terribly rejoice. WHY?!!! - Theresa

______________________________________ 

Theresa:

As Christians, sometimes God allows difficulties and problems to make us strong.  It seems that the closer we get to God and Jesus Christ, the more we face trials and tribulations.  Remember Mother Theresa who went through that for half a century of her life. No one but her confessor knew her anguish. She taught the love of Jesus to all. She hid how she was suffering internally. Now the Lord is rewarding her.  So don't give up.  God understands your pain.

Christ never promised richness or love for His followers. He told his followers that there will be many who will persecute them, but they must continue to carry His cross. The early Christians suffered and many were killed for their beliefs, but they didn't see it as an absence of God, they saw it as an opportunity for them to grow strong.

Find a quiet place and sit in prayer as you wait for the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and comfort you. God loves you, He's there when you need Him, so continue to pray and meditate on the goodness He has already given to you.  He hears every prayer you pray.  Rest assured on this. 

Also remember always that you are uniquely special in God's eyes.  Know that you are loved.

I strongly suggest that you make an appointment to see your parish priest.  He will talk to you and suggest what you can do to find the peace and solace that God wants you to have.  We will pray for you.  CatholicView Staff



"How can I cleanse my home of black magic
and evil spirits? - Alexandria

 

CatholicView Staff:

How do you spiritually cleanse your house to get rid of black magic and evil spirits?   - Alexandria

 _______________________________

Alexandra:

I have received many questions asking what to do to rid a house of black magic and evil spirits.  Although CatholicView does not address this issue here, I would like you to say this short prayer in your home:

"Dear God, I ask that You send Your mighty angels to protect me and my family in my home.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that You bind these evil spirits and cleanse all satanic activity from this house.  I also ask that You touch this house with the Precious blood of Jesus Christ to restrict Satan's spirits from this dwelling.  I ask this in the mighty name of Your Son, Jesus Christ."  - Amen

See your parish priest and ask him to come and bless each room in your house.  In the meantime, continue to pray and read your bible.  God be with you and give you peace.  - CatholicView Staff
 


"Is it a sin to consciously distance myself from the
family I was born into?" - Ellena


CatholicView Staff:

Is it sinful to consciously distance myself from the family I was born into?  My 3 siblings and parents are living secular, selfish lives and other than returning a phone call to be polite, I just want to forget making contact with them.  These family ties are not good for me or my own family. – Ellena

 ________________________________

Ellena:

It is sad that you cannot find a way to show kindness and caring to family members and receive it.  To consciously separate yourself from your parents is never right because they gave you life, loved you and raised you to be the person you are today.

As long as you limit the visits, especially to your parents, but show love. your actions are not sinful.   Try to be kind and loving but without involvement in their lives.  None of us can change another's life style but we can be an example of what God wants all of us to be.  Let them see you in this light.

As to the reality of allowing  them into your family for short visits, this has to be your decision.  If you do, show love but firmness, protecting your own children from their lifestyle if this is necessary.  Think about this, knowing that God sees all things, and He will bless you greatly for your efforts.   - CatholicView Staff 
 


"I am dating a Mormon.  Is this a good idea
to continue dating if we both won't leave our
religions?" - Paola


CatholicView Staff:
 

I'm dating a Mormon.   Is it a good idea to continue dating even if we both won't leave our religions, but we love each other so much?- Paola

_______________________________________
 

Paola:

There are many issues that you will have to decide on should you become married to your fiancé.  What seems like a beautiful relationship can and may change should you marry.   Many times a marriage can seem almost perfect, and in your case, this situation may appear to be perfect since it allows you and your boyfriend go your separate ways on the Sabbath.  And you might think it is harmless to attend each other's place of worship.

However if you marry, the main problem here is whether or not you can agree to raise your children in the Catholic faith or possibly even continue in yours.  This is where things may become heated once you have signed that marriage agreement.

Mormon baptism is not recognized in the Catholic Church because that baptism is invalid and it is not based on the Trinity.

Please think carefully about this union.  Such things as the raising of a family in either religion can cause a problem to the other party.  Be sure you understand what you are getting into.  Talk to your priest about this.  Bring your fiancé with you if he can be persuaded to do so.  Talking to a priest may solidify you own thinking about this possible marriage.  Pray about this.  Think very, very carefully.   May the Lord guide you to make the right decision.  -  CatholicView Staff

 


"I was born with Cerebral Palsy and I need
a miracle.  Please help me?" - Sofija

 


CatholicView Staff:

My father is a strong non-believer, he regrets being a Lithuanian, not a wealthy man.   Mother too, she wants money so much.   I was born with cerebral palsy.  Want get rid of it.  I have done a positive tumor in my head, useless.  I need a miracle.  Please help me.  Grateful. - Sofija
____________________________________

Sofija:

I am so sorry to hear that you are suffering with Cerebral Palsy.   Cerebral Palsy is a general term for a group of permanent movement disorders that cause physical disability.  I am assuming that you are under a doctor's care? 

Here is a prayer for you:

"O Divine Physician, You are my source and strength of all things.  When I grow weary and afraid, let me surrender my suffering into your loving hands.  And Heavenly Father, look upon me with everlasting mercy and eternal love.  Let your healing Hand rest upon my infirmities and let your life giving power flow through my being, through every cell in my body, to the depths of my soul.  If it is your will, restore me to wholeness.  If this is not Your will, help me to understand that even now, You have a plan for me.  Let me know that You have not forgotten nor turned Your back on me.  You are there with me always. 

And Lord, touch the heart of my father, open his eyes to Your everlasting love and mercy.  Let my mother see, in the long run, that money cannot save her soul, nor can she take money with her when she leaves this life." 

I ask all this in the name of my Savior Jesus Christ. Amen."

I am going to pray for you, Sofija, asking our Heavenly Father to intervene and strengthen you, and if it is His Will, take away your suffering. - CatholicView Staff
 


"My 5 year old daughter is Autistic.  Do I
commit a mortal sin if I get impatient and
yell at her?" -Rosa      

 


CatholicView:

I am raising an autistic 5 year old daughter. She doesn't talk, isn't toilet trained, doesn't sleep well and has frequent meltdowns. Sometimes I will get very angry and impatient with her where I will yell at her but I don't mean to.  Am I committing a mortal sin when I get angry and impatient with her and I don't mean to?  - Rosa

 __________________________________
 

Rosa:

If you shout or yell at your child because you are tired and feel remorse for doing this,  please remember that our God Who sees all knows you are human and He knows your heart.  This is not a mortal sin since you did not want to frighten your daughter or be mean.  This was not your intention and God knows this. 

I am so sorry to hear that your daughter is autistic.  And yes, it is easy to become frustrated sometimes when it seems your precious daughter has to go through so much turmoil.  It is easy to be filled with anger that you little child is caught in that web, and yet knowing you have done all you can to make her better. 

I would strongly suggest that you take a break now and then and perhaps get your husband or family member to take over and give you an hour or two to sit outside your home quietly, go to a movie or see a friend.  I am sure you have been a good, loving mother, catering to your precious daughter without fail.  But please remember though, this child is completely dependent on you for her life. 

Talk to your doctor about this.  You did not say whether she understands what you say, can read a young child's book, or even watch a children's program on TV.  But she can feel your displeasure with her. 
 

For her sake, take that break once in a while.  Be YOU for a half an hour or so.  You will come back refreshed and ready to take care of her needs.  Keep in mind as I am sure you do, your child is precious, so try you best not to yell, even though you are tired.  Always try to show your loving side to her.  I will pray for you.  - CatholicView Staff
 


"I work in Land Management.  I often collect Memorial
items that accumulate as trash at various locations
for those who die in accidents.  Is there a prayer I can
recite as I perform these tasks?"  - Daniel

 

CatholicView Staff:

I work for a land management agency and too often am required to collect personal items that accumulate as trash left at locations established as memorials for loved ones who die in accidents in public areas. Many employees refuse to touch items as they do not want "bad karma" or "bad ju-ju" associated with disturbing spirits. Unfortunately I can not simply leave these items there when they become an eyesore and attract other trash.  I'd like to be respectful when I am required to collect these items to discard them in the trash. Is there a prayer I can recite when I perform these tasks?  Thanks for the help.  - Daniel

 ___________________________________

Daniel:

May you be blessed for your sensitivity about the dead souls who died in accidents in public areas where you work clearing the memorial items left behind from friends and family.  Yes, you can say a prayer in your heart even as you clear the debris of the dead.  Here is a small prayer you might want to pray:

'Heavenly Father, these earthly things left behind are reminders of our own brief stay here.  Help me to always remember this as I make my way to You.  Send your Holy Spirit to comfort the families and please bring their deceased ones into your heavenly presence, in Jesus Name I pray"  -  Amen 

Keep doing this honorable duty.  May God bless you always.  - CatholicView Staff

 


“Although my family kept me from pursuing the
Catholic faith, I find peace there.  How can I join?”
 - Alison


CatholicView Staff:

I have always been interested in the Catholic faith. I've visited more cathedrals than I can count. It always feels like home when I'm in such a sanctuary. My family's beliefs have kept me away from pursuing joining.   Please help me to understand what things I should consider and how to start a journey to peace. - Alison

 _______________________________________

Alison:

May the Lord bless you in your quest for peace within the Catholic Church.  The Catholic Church welcomes you to join with us.  I know it is difficult to do something that your family would not agree to, especially about the Catholic faith.  The Catholic Church is an apostolic church, meaning that it was founded by an apostle of Jesus Christ, in particular, the Roman Catholic Church was founded by Jesus Christ through Saint Peter.  The reason that I am Catholic is that I wanted to be in a Church community that has apostolic roots and founded by Jesus Christ, not by some human person.  Maybe that's why you are so attracted to cathedrals and old architecture because you are moved by the 2000 year history of the Catholic Church.  Time to check it all out.  I would suggest that you start reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a way to familiarize yourself with the Catholic way of thinking about Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  If you seek an even closer relationship with the Catholic Church, then here are some suggestions:  

The way to become Catholic is to contact the Parish Office of your chosen church and speak with them about becoming a member.   Make an appointment with the parish priest who will ask various questions such as why do you want to become Catholic.  He will then want you to become familiar with the Church and ask you to sign up for instructions about us.   This is called RCIA, which stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, this is a process through which non-baptized men and women enter the Catholic Church.  You will get information about prayer, the Gospel, and rites at Mass.

Participants in the RCIA are known as catechumens. They undergo a process of conversion as they study the Gospel, profess faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church, and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and the Holy Eucharist.

Use this link to find out more about the Catholic Church:  http://www.wikihow.com/Become-Catholic

Alison, we want to welcome you aboard!  May God bless you always.  - CatholicView Staff

 


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