ask a priest april 2003

ASK A PRIEST BIOGRAPHIES

Father Richard Bain was ordained in 1980 at the age of 37 years for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. He has served as associate pastor as well as pastor. For many years he was the director of the healing ministry in the Archdiocese of San Francisco. He is presently the Catholic Chaplain at the VA Medical Center in San Francisco, California.

Fr. Matthew Kowalski is a Benedictine monk of Blue Cloud Abbey, Marvin, South Dakota. He holds degrees from Northwestern, Notre Dame and St. Meinrad Seminary. He presently works as Director of Blue Cloud Ministries and frequently serves as a substitute for Catholic pastors. He previously served on the faculty of Marmion Academy, Aurora, Illinois.

Father Peter Auer was born in Austria. He grew up in a town called Imst, which is about 45 miles west of Innsbruck, located in the heart of the Austrian Alps. In 1984 Fr Peter recalls the "Hound of Heaven finally bit me” and he followed the call of God and entered "Holy Apostles Seminary" a Catholic Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut which caters to late vocations. In June of 1993 he was ordained to the priesthood in Corpus Christi, TX. He belongs to the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity and serves as an associate pastor at St. Bernard’s Church in Tracy, California.

Father David Granadino is a Roman Catholic Priest and Pastor at St. Frances of Rome Church in Azusa, California. He is a native Californian born in East Los Angeles and graduated from St. John’s Seminary College and St. John’s Seminary Graduate School of Theology, earning a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts in 1977, a Master of Arts Degree in 1980 in Religious Studies and a Master of Divinity Degree in 1981. Father David was ordained for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1981.

Fr Amaro Saumell began his religious education at Holy Apostles College and Seminary, later attending St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California for his graduate work. A late vocation priest, he brings to the priesthood his love of life and a wealth of creativity. In July of 1992, Father Amaro was ordained to the priesthood and is the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church in Crestline, California.

Father Gerhart Habison was born in Vienna, Austria. He studied at the University of Economics in 1965, graduated from the Archdiocese Seminary in the Ninth District of Vienna in 1972 and the Institute Catholique in Paris. He was ordained in 1976 and became a member of the Ecumenical Pro Oriente Foundation which was founded in 1960 in Vienna by Cardinal Koeing. Father Gerhart came to the United states in 1998 and is currently Associate Pastor at Nativity Catholic Church in Torrance, California.

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS

OCTOBER 2003

Father Matthew Kowalski
Father Richard Bain

Father Matthew

Father Kowalski:

My question is regarding what a friend of mine and I are debating. Our religion teachers say that "good works" can alone get you into Heaven. I disagree and my friend agrees with them. Now what I have always been taught is a balance between good works and faith. Our works must be done in God's name (faith). What is the point of the Catholic Church and having faith in the Holy Eucharist if someone else only need do good and I have to do good and believe? But if you do not need to believe in God but just do good, then what is the point of Christ's death and Christ's suffering and what is the point to a "Savior" if we are already saved? What do you think? - Aaron

Aaron:

The question of faith versus works has been debated many times for centuries among Christians. The Epistle of James is a good source to read on this. You are correct that faith must be balanced with works. But the Church actually teaches that we are saved by God's grace above all else, not by our faith or our works. This means that God might choose to save anyone, even if they had never heard of Christ and so never had faith in him. Your teachers may be trying to explain this, but did not make it clear. We have faith in Christ because it is the only GUARANTEED way to salvation, the only way that God has actually told us about. Everything else is simply hope. - Father Kowalski

Father:

As a result of my own sins, I am currently sexually impotent. I know that each sexual act between a husband and his wife should be intended to complete the procreative act. However, in our case, I am unable to do this, although I very much want to do so. Is it OK for me to give pleasure to my wife even though a complete joining is not physically possible? It is important for me to know this because my wife and I are trying to properly practice our Catholic faith. - Jerry

Dear Jerry:

Our intentions count for much in deciding the rightness of an action. If your impotency were due to no fault of your own, there would be no moral problem with sexual activity in your marriage. Since you say it is the result of your sins, you simply need to address those to make matters right. If you have made a good effort to amend your life, including making a good confession and seeking possible medical remedies, then you do not intend to frustrate God's plan for sexuality. Hope this helps. Father Matthew

Father:

I am a Melkite Catholic ---why are there many Roman Catholics unaware that the Melkite Catholics are in Communion with Rome? We recently had a Roman priest forbid my Aunt to participate in our wedding because we were not of "The Church". - E

Many Roman Catholics are not well informed about the Eastern Rite Uniate Churches. It sounds like the priest was in this group. Perhaps he thought your Aunt was Eastern Orthodox, who are not in union. There are only about 2 million Eastern Rite Catholics in the US, compared with scores of millions of active Roman rite Catholics. This is one reason for the lack of understanding.

As a Melkite Catholic, you yourself can do something to help people learn more about your branch of the Church. Find some literature on your rite and pass it out. Offer to speak at local parishes or other
Catholic groups. Find out who your local Bishop is and ask him to address the issue as well. These are just some suggestions. – Father Matthew

Father Kowalski:

Jesus Christ said: “NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER BUT BY ME”, then why do we ask God through saints? I know saints are angels on earth who dedicated their lives to serve God. I respect them and love them, but why do we ask God through them? Thank you for your time. God Bless. - Fadi

Fadi:

To answer your question, it's best to ask the saints themselves. Or at least read what they said and wrote. Read from the lives of the saints and you will see they were people who gave their entire lives to Christ. We see Christ in them, and they show us examples of how to live as disciples. Christ is the way to God, there is no other way. When we ask a saint's intercession we are asking them as a friend of Christ to intercede for us with Christ Himself. - Father Matthew

Father Bain

Dear Father Bain:

I left the Catholic faith for many years while tearing through my 20's and part of my 30's. I am now almost 39 years old and have found my way back to Jesus. But I did not find it through the Catholic Faith. I received Christ as a Born-Again Christian. It took me a few more years to go back to mass. I am no saint and do not attend mass every single Sunday (but most Sundays). My question is simple, am I going to Heaven as a quasi Catholic? What about all the people who really love Jesus and try their best to follow His exact teachings, while not even slightly Catholic? Thanks guys for all your faith and devotion! – Margaret

Margaret:

We do not get into heaven on our own merits but on those of Our Savior Jesus Christ. And we go to Mass on Sunday not to get to heaven but to thank God for the gift of salvation. -
Father Bain

Father Bain:

Why does the Catholic Church allow their priests to have the term "Father" next to their names when the Bible is clear that we "call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven" Matthew 23:9 - KD

KD:

We do it for the same reason children call their male parent father. The parent is the natural father and the priest is the spiritual father. God bless. - Father Bain

Father:

I recently was told that when confessing to adultery or lust, using "having an inappropiate relationship" would be fudging. If that is the case, would I need to go to confession again and re-confess? - Thomas

Dear Thomas:

There is no need to re-confess, but you were most certainly fudging. It is important that we be very clear when confessing, in order to get the most from the sacrament. By not being explicit you cheated yourself. If it were me the next time I when to confession I would tell the priest about my fudging. - Father Bain

Father Bain:

My daughter is studying Wicca. How do I stop her? - Lori

Lori:

There is nothing wrong about studying Wicca as long as it is just that, a study. We pray that in the study one will see what a gift Christianity is. - Father Bain

Father:

What happens to the blessed hosts and wine that is left over after mass? - Kevin

Dear Kevin:

The extra consecrated wine is always consumed. The extra consecrated bread is place in the tabernacle for the sick. - Father Bain

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

Dear CatholicView Staff:

When I receive communion is it permissible to ask God to give those graces and benefits which I would receive at that time to someone else for whom I am praying? - Lee

Lee:

Yes, you can pray that they share in God's grace to you. Hope this helps. CatholicView Staff

PREVIOUS QUESTIONS

SEPTEMBER 2003

Father Amaro Saumell
Father Matthew Kowalski
Father Richard Bain

Father Amaro

Dear Father Amaro:

I take care of feral cats (cats that are wild) but currently have only one. Most of my neighbors are not sympathetic about strays and I am the only one that provides an outside place for them to sleep, get food, and water. I may be moving and I am concerned that he is mistreated, is not neutered and out in the winter. May I put him to sleep with God's permission or must he be left for whatever happens to him? Even if I stay here I don't know what to do. Thanks you. - Patricia

Dear Patricia,

I don't think there is a really "theological" answer to your question. However, there are some "common sense" considerations. If the cat is young, it may be able to be rescued. There are many animal rescue services around. At one parish at which I served, I rescued several kittens. There was not much we could do with "Mama". But you must also remember that feral cats can be very dangerous, carry diseases and actually be very vicious. I think it might be a good idea to speak with your local Animal Control program too to see if there is any hope for this poor animal. - God bless, Fr. Amaro

Father Amaro:

I think there's something going on in my life more than bad luck. For about the past five or six years I've really been subject to events and situations, being unduly hassled, being fooled by a publication from a man named Anton LaVey who says that Satan is NOT in fact the enemy of man but a force in nature and a power for anyone to use to enhance life. I"ve done some pretty grim sins. I"ve been through a lot in this life. I am without a job. Why does Satan get to keep on harassing even when God's followers continue to go to church, tithe, repent and refrain from sin, etc.and place things in God's hands? I'm just about at the end of my rope. I"ve worked hard at the jobs. I"m not sticking around for more of this. Please advise. - Tom

Dear Tom,

You know, there is nothing really such a thing as "bad luck." Usually we must examine the circumstances that we allow to be our surroundings. You see, Satan has no power over the baptized. He can only tempt. We are the ones with the wills that we can use to cooperate or flee from him. Since Adam and Eve, humanity has tried to look for blame. Remember Adam? "The woman gave me the fruit." Then there was Eve, "The serpent told me to do it." When bad things happen, we always want to blame. We can call it "forces of nature" or anything else we want. The fact is that there is evil in the world. But we must always examine how disposed we are to be in its presence and be influenced by it. If you want holiness, hang around holy people. And always remember that if you're at the end of your rope, Someone Who cares is holding on to the other end. All you have to do is climb above your position. It's all a matter of what you choose to do.
God bless. - Father Amaro

Dear Father:

My daughter has friends who are not Catholic. Occasionally, she will stay with them overnight on weekends and will attend Lutheran church services with their family. Is it necessary for her to go to the Catholic church on that weekend? - Deb

Dear Deb,

We have great respect for our Lutheran friends. We share the Word of God with them. However, Jesus died to give us the Sacrament of Life in the Eucharist. I have been to other religious services too. But never would I miss receiving the Eucharist. It is the holiest part of keeping the Lord's Day holy! As the one who brought your daughter to her baptism, remember the words that you vowed in bringing your child up in the faith. I think you already know the answer there if you recall those words. And remember, you said those things because of your love of your child and your God. God bless. - Father Amaro

Father Amaro:

I am have lived as a Protestant all my life and have been baptized as one. My husband and I are seriously considering becoming Catholic. My question is what if I cannot remember all of my sins as a child and in my teenage years? Will I be forgiven for sins that I do not confess even if they are mortal sins? Is it true that breaking any of the Ten Commandments would be a mortal sin? Thank you. - Jennifer

Dear Jennifer,

Many people who go through RCIA come up with this same question. Although you may not come up with answers of technical precision, I'm sure that you would be aware of the general concepts of the Ten Commandments to generalize to a large degree. You might look at the Examination of Conscience on my web site, which calls us all to a more adult reflection of these Commandments and the discernment of how well we've followed them. Feel free to print them out. When you go for your first confession, you might consider making an appointment with a priest. Then you can be guided through this wonderful first experience. But when considering whether your committed a "mortal" sin, use this criteria:

1. The act must be of a grave nature.

2. You must have had sufficient reflection to consider doing it.

3. You must have given complete consent of the will.

Using these things and looking at that Examination of Conscience will help you a great deal to be completely truthful to God in asking forgivness. God bless. - Father Amaro

Father Amaro:

I recently took up an email game and in this game the other players tend to swear a lot (take God's name in vain) and the other female players try to play up their sexuality in the game. I felt my presence in the game might help the others especially since I play a good character with morals. I asked them to tone down the swearing already but they only did a little. My character is somewhat important so if I quit the game, it will most likely come to a halt, at least until the Game Master finds a replacement. The others know I don't like the swearing so am I still giving them an occasion to sin? What do you think? Even in games we must try to be an example to non-Christians if possible, right? Should I be playing this game on-line? – Susan

Dear Susan,

Well, we all remember a few years ago when it was popular to say WWJD (What would Jesus do?). A game should be a joyful experience of mere fun. If there is an element of the game that is not fun, you might consider if it is really a fruitful experience. It might be time for you to look for other people to play these games with. It sounds as if they are showing little regard for the respect that you expect. If the joy they are experiencing is one that brings out something other than the dignity that God has given us as His creation, it might be time to move on to something more dignified. God Bless. - Father Amaro

News! I now have my own domain name. It's much easier to remember. Click here for www.fatheramaro.com. Come and visit my web site and sign my guestbook

FATHER MATTHEW KOWALSKI

Father Kowalski:

Please describe God's picture of marriage. I am single and I need hope. I am 42 and up until the past year have lived a sinful life. Now I realize that each time I was looking for love, I was being used for sex. My view of men is very cynical. My only hope is a Catholic marriage. Thank you. - Karen

Dear Karen,

The Church has a strong and well-developed theology of marriage that is related to the idea of Christ the Bridegroom, as mentioned several times in the New Testament. The relationship of husband and wife is a symbol of Christ and His Church. Genesis 3, Matthew 19 and St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians are some good sources. I also recommend the many good
sources for Church teachings on the Internet such as EWTN etc. Marriage is directed toward both the raising of children and mutual support of the partners.

As you testify from personal experience, people who misuse sex in a search for love end up hurt and disillusioned. I suggest you seek out healthy, non-sexual relationships with men to help your attitude. Also, you don't need to feel that your "only hope" is marriage. God can give someone the grace to live as a chaste, productive single person, if they simply ask for this grace in prayer. - Fr. Matthew

THE FOLLOWING QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BY BOTH FATHER KOWALSKI AND
FATHER BAIN

Father:

Is it always wrong for unmarried man and woman to live together? I live with my fiance. Because of money problems we cannot afford separate housing. We do not have sex and are not tempted to. However we share a bed, because we only have a one bedroom apartment. We are afraid to tell our parish priest about this. What do you think? - Jack

Dear Jack,

I can only take you at your word, but the situation you describe is hard to believe. If you and your fiance are in love enough to be thinking of marriage, I cannot see how you can share a bed and not be tempted. While it might be possible, you would seem to be placing yourself into certain temptation. I do recommend that you speak to your parish priest about this, as your situation needs a closer look. If an engaged couple is not willing or able to live apart until the wedding, they may be required to receive the sacrament of penance on the day of the wedding ceremony. - Fr. Matthew Kowalski

Jack:

I see a couple of problems. One, even if you are not having sex, your living together can only give others the impression that you are, and therefore it may be a source of scandal. Two, you may have some relational problems. It cannot be normal for two healthy persons of the opposite sex who love each other to sleep together and not be tempted to have sex. - Father Bain

Father:

I am a strong Catholic and I've been in Montgomery Alabama, the last two weeks, supporting judge Roy Moore and the keeping of the Ten Commandments. Since this subject has been on my mind, I decided to read the Ten Commandments for myself. I read my Douay bible and my 1950 Catholic school book (Benziger bro.), as well as a booklet by Rev. Joseph J. Baier,S.T.D. The booklet and the school book have only nine commandments. The second commandment is missing altogether with the third taking its place, and the tenth is divided in half. It seems to me a little dangerous to change GOD'S Ten Commandments, but then again, maybe I'm missing something here? Please explain. Thanks. - Russ

Dear Russ,

You have found a bit of scripture trivia that many people do not know about. There are two versions of the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament: one given in Exodus 20 and the other in Deuteronomy 5. The content of the two versions is basically the same. Catholics usually use the version from Deuteronomy, while some Protestant denominations use the Exodus version. The first five books of the Old Testament contain hundreds of specific commandments that make up the Mosaic Law, and the Ten Commandments is simply a capsule summary of the most important laws. In the gospels, Jesus tells us that all the law can be summarized in ”two” commandments: love God and love your neighbor. Whichever version a person uses, they can rest assured that nobody has changed "God's Ten Commandments" as you fear. The Frequently Asked Questions section of the EWTN web site has more information on the two versions. - Fr. Matthew

Father:

Greetings! I am an Arabic Catholic living in the States. I have been living in the States for over 5 years now and I work as an engineer for one of the computer companies here. My question is about dating. I want to ask if the Bible states clearly that dating is allowed and approve it as the right way of finding your life partner. I don't think dating should be allowed by parents. I also do not believe that dating is the right way of finding a life partner because your body is a part of Jesus, so it has to be kept pure and when people date, sex occurs even if it was not planned. My wife is an American and we used to have a hard time when she told me about the men she dated and had been with. What does the Bible say? Thank you. - Ayman

Dear Ayman,

I agree with you that allowing teenagers to date is probably not a wise decision. If they want to socialize with the opposite sex, events like supervised parties, youth group trips and school events are much better for them. Scriptures say nothing about the modern custom of "dating" because modern society is rather different from most historical cultures in that regard. The high divorce rate in America proves that dating is not a particularly effective way of finding the right life partner. - Fr. Matthew

Dear Father,

I was taught in school that the proper minister for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was a priest and not a deacon, for included in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was the forgiveness of sins and therefore it must be administered by a priest. If this is the case, then why are lay people allowed to Baptize in special circumstances, since this Sacrament also includes the forgiveness of all sins? Thank you for your time. - John

Dear John,

The Sacrament of Annointing is performed by a priest as representative of the Church. The annointing itself does not forgive sin, but the priest may often hear the sick person's confession too. Confession may only be heard by a priest or bishop. In Baptism, the person's own desire to enter into the Body of Christ is what makes the sacrament effective. This one-time entrance into the Christian family is a spiritual birth that starts the person's life anew. Baptism may even be performed by a non-Christian in emergencies, since the minister is not an essential part of it. John the Baptist was not a Christian when he baptized Jesus in the Jordan. I hope this clarifies it a little. - Fr. Matthew

FATHER RICHARD BAIN

Dear Father Bain:

At Mass the Celebrant comments on the Epistle or Gospel and never on any other topics. Is it required that the sermon be restricted this way? Thank you for your time. – Norm

Norm:

Yes. The exceptions would be in ordinary time the homilist may preach on the Mass. – Father Bain

Dear Father:

This subject has been the topic of some debate in my house. Do the parents of multiple children such as twins have to have multiple Godparents or just one set for both? This subject has been the topic of some debate in my house. Thanks. - Heather

Dear Heather:

One set for both twins is permitted. But it is traditional for each child in the family to have their own Godparents. - Father Bain

Father:

Is it ok for my mother to use a hypnosis called the “The Mad Russian”? to stop smoking? Could you please tell me where in the Bible or other Catholic teaching there is info about this being wrong. Thank you. God Bless. Tara

Dear Tara:

I have used hypnosis myself. I went to a former priest psychologist whom I knew from high school. I would never go to just anyone and certainly not to someone called the "Mad Russian". - Father Bain

Dear Father:

Is it possible to marry with the intention of having children but to postpone having them until financially viable using NFP? God bless. - Jennifer

Jennifer:

Yes it is possible to postpone having children using NFP. - Father Bain

Father:

I was in church on Sunday and the priest blessed all of us. At the time I had my new rosary in my hand. I would like to know if my rosary was blessed too or must I take it to a priest to have it blessed? Please give me an answer. - Joseph

Joseph:

You will still need to take your beads to a deacon or a priest after Mass to have them blessed. - Father Bain

THE FOLLOWING QUESTION WAS ANSWERED BY BOTH FATHER KOWALSKI AND
FATHER BAIN

Jack:

AUGUST 2003

Father Matthew Kowalski

Father Richard Bain

Father Matthew Kowalski

Father:

Could you please explain to me the Immaculate Conception? I was lead to believe it was the conception of Jesus. Just recently I was told that it was the conception of the Virgin Mary. Are they both correct? Thanks for your help. - Thomas

Dear Thomas:

The teaching of the Immaculate Conception is commonly misunderstood as referring to the virgin birth of Jesus. It actually refers to the belief that Mary His mother was conceived without Original Sin. Although Jesus is also believed to be free from original sin, this is related to His divine nature, and so the Immaculate Conception refers only to Mary. This teaching was formally defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, but was generally believed in the Church from its earliest days. Although Mary was free from original sin, she still is subject to the universal redemption won for all humanity by Christ. Theologians have speculated that Mary's freedom from sin was caused by the grace of Christ acting through time, even before He came into the world. - Father Kowalski

Dear Father:

In another question currently printed on this website, a priest answers a question about evil spirits by stating that a person "opens themselves up to the world of evil spirits...this is usually accompanied by a non-practice of a sacramental life.." What does this mean for non-Catholics? It surely cannot mean that they are more susceptible to evil because they do not receive sacraments? Thanks for your help in this matter. - Jill

Dear Jill:

I cannot speak precisely for this other priest, but in general what he says is correct. The grace given to us by the sacraments protects us from the power of sin in the world, and those who live without the sacraments therefore do not have this protection. This is why even though the Church does believe that non-Catholics can be saved, formal membership in the Church and use of the sacraments is considered the normal path to salvation. "Cradle Catholics" often take the Sacraments for granted, and do not appreciate the spiritual benefits that grace is winning for them. Sometimes a short visit to a non-Christian environment (e.g. a visit to a secular university or foreign country) can open one's eyes to the difference made by sacramental grace. Hope this helps. - Father Kowalski

Dear Father:

I'm Catholic, but have not been practicing for quite a while. My questions are what steps do I need to take to be able to take communion and experience all aspects of the faith. Also am I being unreasonable to want to teach my children my faith when my husband is very against it? Please help. – Lauri

Dear Lauri:

Your first step should be to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at your nearest Catholic Church. Tell the priest about your situation and ask him for recommendations. Often a good confession is all that is needed to resume practicing the faith, unless there are complicating factors such as an invalid marriage or past abortion. I also recommend finding a good book about the faith to renew your understanding.

Every Catholic parent has a moral obligation to teach his or her children about their faith. Your desire is natural and reasonable. However, if your spouse is strongly opposed to the Catholic faith this will likely cause difficulties for you and your children. Perhaps a local priest or marriage counselor can help in working out a mutual understanding. St. Paul warned the early Church of the suffering that can come from a believer's marriage to a non-believer. (1 Corinthians 7.12) The situation you describe will probably not be settled without some effort and sacrifice. – Father Kowalski

Father Richard Bain

Dear Father:

Does the Church today no longer have a distinction between "low" Mass and "high" Mass? Thank you. – Pookie

Pookie:

You are correct. There is no longer a distinction between "low" Mass and "high" Mass. – Father Bain

Dear Father:

How do I trust in God? Thank you for your time. – Danette

Dear Danette:

In answer to your question, pray more! It is through prayer that we learn to trust. - Father Bain

Father:

According to the Catholic Church, is the science/study of numerology wrong? Mathematics and numbers seems to be the mechanical framework from which God created the universe. Why would it be wrong to believe that this framework would not in influence the way we are or will become? Can you help? - Kathryn

Kathryn:

Numerology is the study of the occult significance of numbers. That is why it is wrong. - Father Bain

Hello Father:

I am a Seventh Day Adventist and I attend church on Saturday. My question is why do most Christians keep Sunday as the Sabbath instead of the Saturday? I have always been told that the Catholic Church changed it. If this is true who changed it and by what authority? I am not one to believe blindly what I am told so I thought I would ask. I would like to know when it happened and who changed it. – Erin

Dear Erin:

We Christians worship on Sunday rather than Saturday because that is the day Our Lord rose form the dead. The change happened very early in the Church. The first working day of the week was Sunday then, not Monday. Also there were no church buildings. Yet the Christians would get up very early on Sunday morning and go to the Bishops house to thank God by remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus. - Father Bain

Dear Father:

Recently I have been finding no value in my syndicated life, going to university, making the grade, making the money, I have a strange desire to do something much more and I have no idea if it is simply self-righteousness but I want to help others. I also have a desire to live in solitude if nothing seems promising. What should I do at this juncture in my life? Please help. – James

Dear James:

If I were you I would make a retreat at a religious house or better yet a monastery. While there I would speak to one of the priests about the deep desires of my heart. - Father Bain

Father:

I'm not Catholic anymore but I was. On a debate board I post on someone stated that the Catholic Church did not start allowing Female Acolytes until 1994. I don't understand this. I served as an Altar Girl at St John's Church in Peabody Mass. in around 1983. I'm not hallucinating. I was an Altar girl. I can't find anything online to back up my memories. Everything I read says 1994. Thanks. – Jennifer

Jennifer:

Your pastor was ahead of the times. But he was not the only one. By the late 80's and early 90's there were many Catholic parishes in the United States inviting girls to serve Mass. It is not unusual for a practice to become popular before the Church approves it. Years before the Church approved the practice, Catholics were receiving Communion in the hands. - Father Bain

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