“I don't see any difference between a Catholic and
an Orthodox.”  Am I a Catholic?” - Matthew

Dear Father Kevin:

I live in Africa.  I am a non-Catholic (Orthodox) but attending the Catholic Church every Sunday; and taking part in the Holy Communion after confession to the Catholic Priest whenever I have done some serious sin.  I have been doing this for the past 10 years.  As my church is not here, my orthodox priests had advised me to attend a Catholic Church instead of a Protestant in spite of not having good relations between our churches.

What am I? A Catholic?  I don't see any difference between a Catholic and an Orthodox.  I find almost everything similar to ours.  I am confused.  I have to go back to my home after 3 to 4 years to my church.  Is my confessions and taking part in the communion valid from the Catholic viewpoint?  Please advise. -Mathew.

Hi Mathew,

I'd relax a bit if I were you - your priest's advice was good advice, and while there are some doctrinal differences between our churches and different authority structures, I think we can agree that there is only one God who is revealed to us through Jesus and made present through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  If you were to do some reading it might help you understand some of the doctrinal differences, particularly in reference to the Procession of the Persons of the Trinity, and the somewhat different theology that underscores our liturgies.  Then you might like to make a clearer choice about where your heart belongs.  In any event, the core of what we believe is substantially the same, and the important thing is to have a strong loving relationship with God.  Whatever helps you best in this regard is probably where you are meant to be.  Every blessing, Father Kevin

“Does the Catholic Church require that I believe
in the individual being of Lucifer?” - Paul

Father Kevin:

Does the Catholic Church require that I believe in the individual being of Lucifer? That he exists and exerts power and influence in this world? Here is the HUGE problem I have with this:  If so, doesn't this mean that Lucifer’s rebellion against the Almighty was, to a degree, successful? He rejected the most Perfect Creator, left His Kingdom (taking other Angels with him!), and now - to this day! - Works to subvert Gods will, sow doubt and temptation over His beloved children, and bring Evil to the mortal realm? I cannot believe the Church would teach that God was unable to prevent this. Or worse, that it is allowed and somehow part of Gods Design - that He uses Lucifer as some sort of testing mechanism in this proving ground of Life. If Lucifer is indeed so powerful, is he aware of us personally? Of you? Of me? And if the Church does NOT teach that he exists, is he part of a parable? A scarecrow of sorts to engender obedience to God. I Love my Creator with a passion and always have, but on this issue, I am completely confused. - Paul 

Dear Paul:

The Church teaches about the existence of hell because it exists.  Hell exists as a place where human beings make a free will decision not to love God and follow His commandments.  We determine our own fate because we are free will beings making free will decisions about our destiny and fate.  According to scripture, Jesus will be the judge, but by our actions, we have already judged ourselves.

However, to deny this gift of Free Will would be to deny human freedom.  The church also believes in the existence of the evil Spirit of Satan.  The Church certainly teaches a real Satan and real demons....hence our ritual of exorcism.  But LUCIFER as a name is NOT BIBLICAL.   The stories about Lucifer that we all grew up with don't as far as I know have the same doctrinal standing as the belief in Satan.  Lucifer is never mentioned in our main liturgies as such, nor is the old story of Lucifer referred to in the Scriptures as far as I know.  Satan is referred to as Satan, devil and demon, but not as Lucifer.  That name is from the non-biblical writings during the Old Testament times.  It comes from the Book of Enoch, a non-canonical book dismissed by the Hebrew and Greek Old Testaments, which is the source of the name.   The teaching about Satan, Hell, and evil is not a story to keep us in line and in control of the clergy.  It is a real truth about human freedom and human free will.   Satan and his demons were ALLOWED by God's plan to be, and therefore, yes, we are tested.  Without our free will and without the tests of life, there is no real expression of love that demands our total being.  You've got me going - I'll have to do some more research on this one.   You might do the same then let us know what you find. Kind regards, Father Kevin

 


“Why isn’t God helping us?”- Courtney

Father Kevin:

My daughter was born with a genetic disorder called Netherton's syndrome, and she's been failing to thrive her entire life.  At 7 months old, she hasn't even hit 7 pounds.  I've been praying everyday for God to help my daughter and give me some peace (and thanking Him that her condition isn't any worse), but I feel like I'm being ignored.  I've done everything in my power to help my daughter, why isn't God helping us? -  Courtney

Dear Courtney:

What suffering you are going through with your dear daughter.  I don't have an answer to your question, other than to say that God is unconditional love, and that sometimes our growing in that spirit of love is best refined through our experiences of suffering and grief.  The way Jesus shares our sufferings on the Cross is our clue there - He also asked why God had abandoned him and was at one with our sufferings, and still surrendered himself into God's hands in the depth of His pain.  God's purposes are not always the same as ours, and are often a great mystery to us.  We often feel that God is not answering us, when in fact we are growing to a deep integrity and love through our suffering, and in that growth lies God's response to us.    I will keep you and your daughter in my heart and my prayers, and hope that you come to peacefulness and that your daughter's condition becomes more manageable and her presence with you becomes more a joy than a suffering.  Every blessing, Father Kevin

FATHER AMARO SAUMELL




QUESTIONS 1 AND 2
(ANSWERED TOGETHER)

“Why does God allow innocent people to suffer so tragically and
what role does God play in these situations?” - Rob - Mark

Father Amaro:

Why did God give the gift of brain cancer to my neighbor's 5-year-old son? (The boy died 2 weeks ago). There was no element of free will involved, he had loving parents, and the cancer was not brought on by any external man-made circumstances involving random chance or free will. I'd be interested to hear your answer. - Rob

Father:

I was on a web site that says we are to "Thank God for September 11th" "Thank God for the Tsunami" and "Thank God for AIDS". Their reasoning behind this is that since God ordained and decreed these acts and God is sovereign, so He should be thanked for all of His righteous judgments, whether you like them or not. They say it is God's will that babies and people who receive blood transfusion get AIDS. My question is how are we to take these terrible disasters? Should we praise God for human suffering? What role does the Lord play in these situations and what is our part? Thank you for you time. - Mark

Dear Rob and Mark,

Your questions are so similar that I’m going to answer them together.

It is sad when a child, or anyone for that matter,  contracts such a devastating disease or experiences tragedy. And let’s get this straight from the beginning– God doesn’t ordain illness and destruction. Period.

I  think we must take great care of  loaded questions that others may have fed with faulty ideas in misinterpretation of Scripture.  I don’t know who told you that cancer or AIDS or any of the other disasters were a “gift” or that it came from God.  None is the case.  Disease, destruction, and death are a result of being imperfect and existing in an imperfect world. They are also not of “God’s righteous judgments.”  God’s “judgment” will come to us when we stand before His judgment seat!

Disease and tragedy are not something that God “gives” us.”  They are results of our voluntary or involuntary imperfection.  Ever since Adam and Eve, when something is difficult to understand, we always seem to blame it on God.  But see, that’s what makes us different as Catholics.  We understand that we inherit the effects of Original Sin, even though the guilt of it is lifted in Baptism.  We know that God’s nature is life giving and not life-taking.  That is why even though our old nature can take us in death, God saves us from that fallen nature through conversion into eternal life found in the nature of the new and last Adam, Jesus Christ, true God and true man.

We must be very cautious of the uniformed comments of others during disaster, no matter how well intentioned it is.  God does not take babies to make little angels of them.  In fact, we don’t become angels.  Angels are a different kind of being. We become saints.  The angels serve God and the saints.

Remember, Jesus took on the flesh of our imperfect existence precisely to overcome its most destructive element, which is death.  That is why even with the deepest tragedies, we embrace the hope for which He died, eternal life with God.   He saves us from all that he experienced by giving us a share in his nature.  His nature is stronger than death.  Even though we still have to experience the inconvenience of these old natured bodies and death, we know that Jesus in fact has paved the way to something better.

In addition, be very careful of confusing the “free will” that participates in our future of eternal life with God or damnation with inherited imperfection.  Disease has nothing to do with will. It has to do with bodily imperfection, something of which we will all deal eventually.

You ask “How do we take these terrible disasters?”  We take them with the same pain and sorrow as Mary did when she saw her innocent Son beaten and crucified by the same humanity He came to save.  But just as Jesus rose above His emotions in the Garden of Gethsemane from “take this cup” to Your will be done,” we also know that no matter what existence in this will may do to us, God’s will is greater and we shall be in his presence forever.  That... yes... that is His will. The human suffering come from elsewhere.

Courage is a decision.  It is not an emotion.  No one “feels” like being courageous or patient.  But it’s through these decisive actions that we inspire others to the same strength and ultimately to their salvation.  That is where the virtue in suffering is found.  The word “suffer” does not mean specifically to experience pain. (Remember “Suffer the little children unto me...) To suffer means to experience, savor, and understand.  We often apply the term only to difficult things.

Really think and pray about these things.  It is precisely because of this chaotic and painful realm of existence of Adam’s that Jesus came. - God bless, Father Amaro

 “How would Jesus treat the gay community?” - Dan

Father Amaro:

I want to know how I should respond to people who say that being Gay is in the genes from birth. I believe that God designed us all so if people are born gay did He want it that way? I am against gay unions and especially against gay adoption. When I talk to people for those issues I sound like I hate gay people but I don't. Where would Jesus stand on these issues and how would he treat the gay community? - Dan

Dear Dan,

Not one of us gets through this life without some imperfection. Some live in the perversion of witness... bearing it falsely through gossip.  It is the “norm” that a percentage of society is kleptomaniacs, which mean that they steal.  It is the “norm” that many are unbelievers.  Why is it so difficult to understand that  the “norm” of homosexuality in society, whether it finds it source in behavioral development or in a gene, makes any difference at all. The bottom line is that the “norm” of human nature that is acted upon often results in sin. Sin is the “norm” of a fallen human nature. We never encourage the impaired to give into their challenges.

So, does that mean we accept congenital heart disease, birth defects, and genetic imperfection as “normal” in life? Of course! Yes, we accept that it happens.  We have great compassion for those who have to deal with such things.   But we don’t stop there.  We strive to move beyond the “norm” of imperfection into God’s perfect design, which has been frustrated through our imperfection.  We encourage all those with defects and malfunctions to live a life closer to what God intends.  As they succeed, we use their inspirational courage to challenge ourselves into loving as God loves. - God bless, Father Amaro

“Why can't we say that all Persons of the Holy Trinity are equal,
co-existent and eternal?” - Tom

Father Amaro:

The Nicene Creed, to which I subscribe, states that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. Please, why is it necessary that any Person of the Holy Trinity proceed from any other Person of the Holy Trinity? To ask the same question another way, why can't we just say that all Persons of the Holy Trinity are equal, co-existent and eternal? Thank you. – Tom

Dear Tom,

Let me answer this way:  You are totally unified in yourself as author of your question.  You have spoken very clearly in your letter through the letters on my screen. The cognition of the letter has been made manifest to me.

God is unified in Himself. He as Father has spoken so eloquently, not in ink on a page or sounds through the air, but in the personified Presence of His Son and His Word, which is understood through the personification of His Holy Spirit to help us understand.   The Father’s will proceeds to us through His Word and Son. The personified power of understanding proceeds from the Son that the message will be made clear. It makes perfect logic. Think about it. Maybe if God were speaking to another species that understood things differently, He’d change His technique. - God bless, Father Amaro

 



CATHOLICVIEW STAFF




“How do you forgive someone who has cheated on you?- Matthew 

CatholicView Staff:

I truly do not know of anyone better to ask this question to.  How do your forgive someone who has cheated on you in a relationship?  I love this person very much, but am tortured by the thoughts of the actions taken.

Dear Matthew:

CatholicView is so sorry you feel betrayed by your loved one.  Regrettably, we cannot change the past except to forgive the person who hurt you if they are truly willing to make amends. 

If you can feel confident this lady is sincere in wanting to salvage your relationship with honesty and fidelity, you must put this behind you and move forward. 

See your pastor at your church and discuss your dilemma.  Try to put this unfortunate happening behind you through honest communication with your love.   May God strengthen and give you courage to forgive and look ahead to the future. - CatholicView Staff

 



“My boyfriend and I have intimately kissed.  Is this a sin?” Chelsa

CatholicView Staff:

 I have been going out with someone who became a Catholic almost a month ago.  He's 24 and takes his Catholicism very seriously.  We have kissed intimately several times but we've never got physical with each other. I am 23 years old.    Am I committing a sin?   - Chelsa

Dear Chelsa:

The Church teaches that we must avoid the occasion of sin.  If you are involved in heavy and prolonged petting this could lead to full sexual activity and that would be a sin. 

Be careful to restrain yourselves.  Perseverance of purity is the key to being a good Christian.  Know that if you abstain from impure acts, the Lord will bless you.  And above all, do not lead your newly baptized boyfriend into sin.  May the Lord guide and strengthen you.  – CatholicView Staff

“My father-in-law collects SS but he now lives in India.  Is this stealing?”

CatholicView Staff:

This is an ethics question and I sincerely appreciate you answering it.  My father in law receives social security from the USA while he resides in California.  He returned to India and failed to inform social security as mandated.  His money goes directly into an account. This is stealing.  I am  not attempting to play the "judge"  on my fellow man.  Shall I leave it alone or turn him in to social security.  Please advise and may God bless you!  Marsha

Dear Marsha

I am confused about the Social Security laws that govern who may receive Social Security benefits.  If your father-in-law worked in this country and was a legally documented immigrant or citizen, then he is entitled to benefits for the rest of his life no matter where he lives. I ask you to check it out because once your father-in-law receives benefits for retirement, then he is entitled to them.  There are many American citizens I know who live in Mexico for their retirement years and receive their benefits legally.  If there is a problem that you know of, then I would talk to your father-in-law about this subject and let him make his own ethical decisions.  I don't know the complexity of the social security laws.   I am not a lawyer nor a governmental agent.  If you have doubts, you must speak to your father-in-law and clear it up.  The rest is up to him. – CatholicView Staff

 


“Will my deceased Father know me in heaven?”  - Christine

CatholicView Staff:

My father passed away on March 26th 2006.  I have strong faith.  At his passing he was giving the anointing of the sick.  My father was so relieved to be granted this in the hospital.  My mom says it means you don’t go to purgatory and straight into heaven.  Although he is in heaven I’m incredibly sad.  I don’t know what happens now, will I ever see my father again?  When it is my turn to be judged, and go to heaven will my dad greet me?  Will he even know me?  Does all your earthly family and friends change in heaven?  I’m trying to stay strong and keep my faith and leave it in the Lords hands.  I just want to see my dad again someday.   Do we see loved ones in heaven?  Did our deceased family members greet my dad when he passed?  I know it’s a lot to ask but I’m lost right now and need guidance.  I pray for my father all the time, I also ask him to pray for me?   Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time. - Christine

Dear Christine:

CatholicView is sorry to learn that your father passed away.  Although you are feeling grief and sorrow now because of your loss, your father is free from pain and suffering.  As Christians, it is our belief that our loved ones will be re-united with us someday and we will recognize them. 

Keep in mind what Jesus said to the good thief on the cross at His crucifixion: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me today in paradise.” (Luke23:42-43). If your father believed in Christ Jesus, he is now in the loving embrace of our Lord Jesus forever. Be at peace. –CatholicView Staff

 


“I bought a spell kit on line.  How do I get back to God’s Graces?”
– Lydia

CatholicView Staff:

I am very active in my church and recently someone I knew was having a very hard time, every thing was going wrong for them.  I bought a spell kit on line and now I feel bad because I let myself have faith in that nonsense. How do I get back to God's Graces? What can I do now?

Dear Lydia:

The wonderful thing for us as Christian Catholics is how the Lord loves and forgives us. God will always forgive if we ask for it and promise never to commit that particular act again.   Psalms 141:4 tells us  “Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers...” so this is clearly something we as Christians must not participate in.

Seek confession.    Learn from this mistake and prayerfully move onward in your faith, knowing that a loving God has forgiven you. – CatholicView Staff    

 


“If the parent of a young Catholic child is now Protestant,
what can Godparents do?” - Janine
 

CatholicView Staff:

If a child is baptized catholic as a infant and then later the parent leaves the catholic church and joins another Protestant religion and decides to bring the child up in that religion.  Are the godparents breaking their promise to God that they promised when the child was being baptized as an infant Catholic?  Someone I know is very concerned about this. - Janine

Dear Janine:

Sponsors of baptism (the church does not use the term godparents since that is a cultural word used by some to denote that the parents are choosing someone to act a stand-in parents in case of emergency) can only do so much in regards to supporting their “godchild’s” growth and maturity in the Catholic faith.  The parents have the sole responsibility of raising their child in the faith.  The sponsors of baptism are representatives of the church, the body of believers.  Sponsors present the child for baptism in the name of the church.  Sponsors then represent us all.  So, if the parents of the child want to separate from the church and bring their children along with them, what can a baptismal sponsor do?  Not much.  They can however pray for the faith of that baptized child and ask the Spirit of God to take care of them.  – CatholicView Staff

 



“If my Anglican husband agrees, can my 5 year old child and I become Catholics?” - Cate
 

CatholicView Staff:

I am considering converting to the Catholic Church. I am an Anglican, as is my husband and 5 year old daughter. My daughter however attends a Roman Catholic school. If I convert what does this mean in terms of my marriage? My husband is not interested in converting at this time. If I convert I would also like my daughter to convert, would this be possible? Obviously I would want my husband to agree to this. Thanks you for your help. God Bless you. - Cate

Dear Cate:

It is wonderful thing that you want to be a part of our Church and raise your daughter in the faith.    If your husband does not object, I see no reason the Church would object.  Perhaps in time your husband will want to become a member of the Church and take part in the Sacraments too.   Go and see the priest in your area and discuss this matter.  He will be able to instruct and give you the information you need.  May God bless you, your child, and your husband.  – CatholicView Staff

 


“How can I keep my child safe from harsh realities?” – Ashley

CatholicView Staff:

How can I keep my child safe from the harsh realities of the world? – Ashley

Dear Ashley:

Unfortunately parents cannot keep their children safe from harsh realities.  This is part of life.  But you can be an example by living your own life the way God wants and teaching your child these truths.

Talk to your child.  Guide and give that child a strong, religious foundation and family values that can be called forth during hard realities.  Pray and teach your child how to pray.  Listen always.    Be there during times of crisis if at all possible.

This world is imperfect and filled with obstacles.  Share with them that things don’t always turn out the way we want or expect.  Through the guidance you give, that child will be strong and able to face life with all its difficulties.  May the Lord bestow on you His almighty blessing.  CatholicView Staff

“Who is responsible for the loss of Paradise.   Adam or Eve?” -  William

CatholicView Staff:

Adam and Eve and the responsibility of the loss of paradise.  I am discussing with my squad mates: my point of discussion is that Eve was solely responsible for the loss of paradise as she ate the metaphorical apple. My discussion counter-part says that the responsibility is on both; that a)she ate the apple, b) Adam did not rebuke her, as he was the head of household(failure 1); he and ate the apple too(failure 2). - William

Dear William:

Your discussion counterpart was correct in saying that both Adam and Eve were held equally responsible for eating the forbidden fruit as we can see in the third chapter of Genesis.  The chapter you are referring to concerning Adam and Eve is in Genesis 3:16-19 reads,  “To the woman He said,  "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children.    Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you."   To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,'   "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.  It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.  By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."  Adam and Eve each made a choice. -  CatholicView Staff

 


“I am Protestant.  Can I take communion in the Catholic Church?” - Melissa

CatholicView Staff:

Why is it when I go to church with my boyfriend his family will not let me take communion, isn't communion supposed to be for everyone? It seems to me there is a bit of setting apart. It’s just like saying you’re not the right kind of Christian because you’re Baptist, so you can't do communion. Communion is for all Christians of the world not just Catholic ones right? - Melissa

Dear Melissa:

You are correct in saying that communion is for all Christians who believe.  However, if one is not in full accord with the tenets and beliefs of the Catholic Church one should refrain from accepting communion there. – CatholicView Staff

 


“Can my daughter be forgiven by God if she doesn’t speak to a priest?” -  Bridget

CatholicView Staff:

My daughter at the age of 16 had an abortion (her father and I had no idea she was pregnant).  She is now 19.  I know she is very sorry for what she has done.    We are active Catholics and I pray for her forgiveness everyday it seems.   I know in her heart she has asked for forgiveness, but has not been to speak with a priest.   Can God forgive her if she never speaks to a priest? - Bridget

Bridget:

Yes, God forgives whenever we ask.  But that asking of forgiveness of God demands that we also do something to heal the broken relationship with the church, the body of believers in Jesus Christ.  Confession is the method in which we heal our relationship with the church and therefore healing ourselves in the process.  The sin of abortion automatically excommunicates a person from the church.   Confession lifts the excommunication and enables the person to be a full active member of the church through our participation in the sacramental life of the church. – CatholicView Staff

“ I flip flop between Catholicism and Protestantism a few times a year. 
Which is right?” - Mark

CatholicView Staff:

Thank you spending your time with all of us who need help.  I cannot seem to find a home when it comes to religion.  I went through RCIA and was baptized 2 years ago.   There are times when I am very into the Catholic faith, but then I read some internet websites or watch some television shows and they refute most Catholic teaches by using the Bible and historical records and information.  I do not know who is right; all I want is to find peace.  I flip flop between Catholicism and Fundamental Protestantism a few times a year.  I do not know who is right or who is wrong.   Thank you for your time. – Mark

Dear Mark:

When in doubt, the most powerful tool you have is prayer.  CatholicView suggests that you spend time praying and asking the Lord to show you the direction He wants you to go.

Please go and talk to your priest and listen to what he has to say about this.  You will know truth when you hear it.  Strengthen your relationship with God and your Savior, Jesus Christ, and you will understand where you belong, for the Holy Spirit will lead you there.

God gave you a mind and free will to think.  Grow strong in the Lord as you move forward in faith.  – CatholicView Staff

“I have an old rosary and it reads ‘Terra catacum DIRT m’. 
What does this mean?” - Stephen

CatholicView Staff:

My great grandfather gave me a rosary. It was made in Roma Italy. The crucifix itself has a screw on the bottom. When you unscrew it there is a compartment inside of the crucifix. There is what looks to be dirt and an old slip of paper. I can only made out half of the saying due to the dirt. What I can make out is "Terra catacum DIRT m" I think it is dirt from some catacomb but I don’t know. Can you help me find the importance of this? Thank you - Stephen

Dear Stephen:

The rosary container has some dirt from the catacombs (the little certificate attests that the rosary has the dirt taken from the catacombs) outside of the walls of old Rome.  The catacombs were the place where Christian martyrs were buried.  Therefore, this souvenir of the Roman catacombs is a special reminder that we have received our faith through the blood of martyrs who did not waver in their faith.   – CatholicView Staff

 


“I heard that Catholics have to be Republican.  Is this true?” - Tova

CatholicView Staff:

I would like to know whether someone like me could be Catholic.  I became a Catholic two years ago and quickly found out that voting was a major issue.  My parish priest believed that pro-life democrats could be good Catholics as long as they had Catholic beliefs.  Then I heard the opposite view.   I would like you to give me the answer.  I haven't really been participating in the Church at all since I heard that Catholics had to be Republican.  If it were true that Catholics have to vote Republican, I would rather find out now so I can move on and stop wishing I could be a part of the Church.  Thanks for your answer.  Tova

Dear Tova:

Catholics do not belong to any political USA party as a block of voters.  One votes according to their conscience formed by our faith in Jesus Christ.  To say more would be playing a political game.  Christians are above that.  – CatholicView Staff

 
“Is it possible for an epileptic to be canonized?” - Beth

Dear CatholicView Staff,

Most of my life I have admired saints. I love to read about them and have read about their canonization. I have found that the Vatican looks for epilepsy to discount a canonization. Because I am an epileptic, I have come to question the reality of my faith... whether my fervor is true or based on a neurological disorder. Also, I could never really join the ranks of saints...as far as the church is concerned. I know that this should not matter but it does to me. Has there ever been an epileptic saint or is it possible for an epileptic to be canonized?  - God Bless, Beth.

Dear Beth:

I have never heard that the neurological disorder of epilepsy is an impediment to “canonization.”  The Vatican Commission on Saints look into every aspect of a person before the commission recommends that this person can be held as a hero.  If a person has overcome the obstacles that life has given them and through faith has victory, they are a saint to me, a Christian hero that speaks the message of Christ in their lives.  You are destined to be a saint because of your faith in Jesus!  You have a place in heaven (see John 14:1-4).  And whether the Church publicly announces to the world that you or someone who has epilepsy is a “saint,” that is not the point.  The point is:  you will be a saint, living in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ forever.  Alleluia! – CatholicView Staff 

 


“Why doesn’t the Church practice Jewish traditions?” - Christine  

CatholicView Staff:

I was wondering why the Church doesn't practice Jewish traditions? I think its weird that Jesus was a Jew and we don't do what Jesus did. - Christine

Christine:

We belong to a new covenant that came with the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Since the Council of Jerusalem (see Acts 15), we no longer are tied to Jewish traditions, laws, and customs.  We are a new people, with our own traditions and celebrations, such as Easter, Christmas, and other special days.  In Christ, the old covenant from Abraham and Moses have been fulfilled and completed.  We now live in a new covenant, free from the law but centered on our faith in the Risen Lord who said simply (yet hard to live):  Love God with your whole being and love your neighbor as yourself.     I understand that you are aware that our Christian faith is built on our Jewish/Hebrew heritage.  Jesus was Jewish yet because of His single act of life-giving sacrifice, He changed everything.  As Christians, we look forward to His return, and we look back to see how God has been involved in human history, grateful, filled with awe, yet knowing that the new covenant is what guides us now. – CatholicView Staff

"Do Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays of Easter or not?” - David

CatholicView Staff:

I heard someone the other day say that Catholics are not required to abstain from meat on the Fridays of the Easter season. I have yet to hear this from anyone else. Are Catholics expected to abstain from meat (or do the equivalent penance) on the Fridays of Easter or not?  Thanks. - David

David:

Abstaining from meat on Fridays is only required during the Fridays of Lent and on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.  In the USA, Catholics are no longer required to abstain from meat during any other time outside the season of Lent.  Therefore, abstaining from meat is not required during the Fridays of Easter.  But that doesn’t stop anyone from doing their own personal spiritual discipline such as abstaining or fasting anytime they feel called by God to do so. – CatholicView Staff

 


“What guidelines can you give for staying pure?” - Katie

CatholicView Staff:

I am not Catholic, but my Father is and I went to Catholic school for 5 years (8-12). During that time, I learned about purity and the Church's view on sex and marriage. It all seemed pretty black and white to me. I never dated in high school.

Currently, I'm in a relationship with a wonderful, respectful, loving (and God loving) man. It is my first boyfriend, and I am his first girlfriend (I am in my early 20's, as is he). We started off with clear boundaries, and both agreed that sex is saved for marriage.

However, we have been dating for 4 months and we do love each other, fully, not in a "feeling" sort of way, but deeper than that (truly, I feel so cliché saying that though).

I did read a previous question about pre marital sex being a mortal sin, and I fully understand what that answer outlines. However, the lines are beginning to blur and become gray with regard to other intimate activities. I want to save my purity entirely for marriage. I really do. But, at the same time, I want to share myself with him (and he with me). I understand how pre-marital sex is selfish and generally the life giving aspect is not wanted. We both abstain from touching (etc), but we are both beginning to question why. I know that it's not right, and that everything should be saved for marriage, but I need a little reinforcement as to why, because it's getting more and more difficult to have such limits on our relationship.

I really, really appreciate your counsel in this situation. I realize that I'm not Catholic, but really my morals and values (and much of who I am) is reflected in my everyday life, so it really means a lot to me to know what your opinion is on the situation, and what the Church teaches.  Thanks again!  - Katie     

Dear Katie:

You are to be commended for wanting to save sexual intimacy until after you are married.  The Church teaches that sexual intimacy is for married couples. You are correct in drawing an invisible line in your courtship that tells you to “Stop” before you become involved in heavy petting, which leads inevitably to mortal sin. Couples who refrain from sexual contact before marriage have a much greater chance of a long-lasting and happy marriage.

Couples invariably think that they want to enter into a sexual relationship.  They are acting upon feelings without commitment.  It is selfish and implies no future.  And the very act of sexual intercourse is a forever bond between two people who have not entered into a matrimonial state.      

Saving sex for marriage is encouraged in the Bible. Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 ”Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

If unmarried couples enter into a sexual state and they decide to end the relationship, one of the parties will feel used and tossed aside.  And they can never recover their precious gift of purity.   And to some, they do not anticipate that they may become a mom or a dad and should this happen, one or the other may not feel ready for this role.

St. Paul tell us " No Christian can say, "my body." Our bodies belong to Jesus. If you cannot restrain your passions and are ready for commitment, look ahead to marriage and all that it offers.  - CatholicView Staff

“I had three abortions.  Can I be absolved?” - Carol

CatholicView Staff:

I regrettably had three consecutive abortions some 30 years ago.  Is there any way I can be absolved and return to the Sacraments?  I have also been married to non-Catholic man for 34 years. - Carol

Dear Carol:

I am so sorry to learn of your three abortions.  Abortion is one of the most emotional and serious experiences a person can experience.  The guilt associated with this action can be long lasting and traumatic.

Know that God is a loving and forgiving Father.  Jesus Christ has already paid the price for your sin when He died on the cross.  You just need to claim the gift He offers to you by following His teachings and most of all believing in Him.  But the healing process must begin with you seeking forgiveness.  Pray and ask God to strengthen and give you courage to ask for it. 

Go and talk to your priest about this.  Do not be afraid.    Take that first step and cleanse your mind and start afresh in your faith.  Once you begin this healing, you will become strong in the Lord.  There is no sin that cannot be forgiven, if you promise God that you will never commit that sin again.  Remember, God will give you the grace to move forward in faith and obedience to Him. – CatholicView Staff

 


"Why does the Holy Light, according to the Eastern (Orthodox)
calendar, appear only at Easter?” Omar

Dear CatholicView Staff:

I have a question that has been bothering me greatly for a few days now. I live in Jordan, which has a 4% minority of Christians, most of which are Greek Orthodox, with Catholicism as the next major Christian Minority. Due to the difference in the liturgical calendars, the two churches here have agreed to celebrate Christmas according to the western calendar, and Easter according to the Eastern calendar, which means we celebrated Easter this year on April 23. The thing is, as a Catholic, I am sometimes confronted with the question of- "Why does the Holy Light, which appears every year at Easter according to the Eastern (Orthodox) calendar, only appear then. If Catholicism is such a true faith, then why does God approve of the Orthodox Eastern timing?”

I try to defend Catholicism by saying that since the majority of Christians here are Orthodox it seems much more realistic for such a Holy Event to happen in relation with their timing. But then people say –“that’s not the case here… When non-Orthodox clergy entered the tomb on the specific date, the Holy Light did not appear as usual. The Light only appears by the invocation of an Orthodox Archbishop”.

Although I fully believe in Ecumenism, and that there should be no rivalry between these two sister churches, it is still an issue that bothers me. Would the Holy light indeed appear if, for example a Cardinal went into the tomb and prayed….
I do hope that you help me on this issue. - Omar

Dear Omar:

The “Holy Light” is lit by human hands during the Easter Vigil Mass/Divine Liturgy held at the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.  What happens is that the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jerusalem enters the tomb there and comes out with the Easter Candle lit from within the tomb.  The “Holy Light” then is just the Easter Candle presented to the people and the people light their candles from that candle.  The Greek Orthodox people there feel that this is a special blessing for them to be there at the tomb on Easter early morning.  Some even believe that the light comes from a mystical source from within the tomb.  Actually, the Greek Patriarch lit the candle.  So, it doesn’t mean a thing whether the Greek Orthodox Church or the Roman Catholic Church is the true church and favored by God.  God the Father favors His people who believe in His Son, the Lord Jesus risen from the dead. – CatholicView Staff

 


“Can a family request more than one funeral mass?” - Burket

CatholicView Staff:

I have a Protestant friend who is always asking why does the Catholic Church do this or do that.  He is particularly hard headed on the issue of why he cannot partake of our communion.  I have explained it to him many times.
Now, today he has a new question.  A friend of his died and they had a funeral Mass in his home state of California.  Next week he will be buried at the cemetery at West Point.  The widow requested another Funeral Mass for her deceased husband at the Catholic Chapel at West Point.  According to the widow the chaplain told her you can only have one funeral Mass.  I had never thought about this before. Is this correct, and if so, why?  I suspect it has something to do with you can only have most sacraments one time.  Also, in closing may God bless you for taking your time to do this good work. - Burket

Dear Burket: