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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. (Visit his website at Father Richard Bain, Parish Missions)
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. (Visit his website at Father Matthew Kowalski )
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 (visit his website at Fr Amaro’s Home Page). 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.
JANUARY 2004
Father Amaro Saumell
Father Matthew Kowalski
Father Richard Bain
CatholicView Staff
Father Amaro
Dear
Father Amaro:
What does the Church teach about the biblical verses that teach the importance of being
born again? Also, I know the Church teaches
we must confess every sin committed, but is this mentioned in bible also? Thank you. -
Andrew
Dear
Andrew:
When you were baptized, you became born again. You became a "child of God."
Jesus often uses the image of a child. There's
a reason for this. Although most people would
say, "A child is innocent," there is much more.
Why is a child innocent? When
we get to the end of the "why's" we discover that a child has no past...only a
future of promise, possibility, and growth. When we use the Sacrament of
Reconciliation, we "reconcile" ourselves to our baptismal state of purity
through the confession of all our sins.
The
Scriptures tell us that me must confess our sins. It
doesn't say, "... just some of them." Jesus is the Truth, the Way, and the
Life." So, we must apply even the
smallest truths of our lives before him to be compatible with his forgiveness. It's much
better to expose our sins and take ownership of them now than at our judgment.
God bless, Fr. Amaro
I
am Jewish and was wondering if you could explain to me how the Trinity is one G-d. Thanks
for your help. - Robert
Dear
Robert:
Well,
I'm sure you're really familiar with the Father-Creator.
So let's move on from there. Do
you speak any languages? We communicate through ink on paper, through sign language,
through symbols, through sound and signs. They are all languages. We as Catholics believe
that God speaks to us in the perfect language that humanity can understand... and that is
in human form. The language of the Father is Jesus. The
Father's Word is One with Him just as your writing to me is one with you except that the
Father's word is so clear that it is "personified." Everything that Jesus did or taught is the
Father's Word and Will. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the One God. It is by the Holy Spirit that God animates His
creation and gives us all the gifts (Is 11:1) In other words, just as your words and
action are part of you, G-d's Word and Action are personified in Him. Hope this helps.
God bless, Fr. Amaro
Father Amaro:
I am a divorced father with my 2 boys living with me and I have met a woman of the same
faith as I (Catholic) and we have had sex together and love each other more than I ever
did any woman. The question is we haven't been to confession because in a Mass the priest
said when going to confession that if you confess a sin you are not to do that sin again
willing. I want to go to confession and she also but our expression of love is not
complete without the passion. She is also divorced and will not get married until she has
her last marriage nullified in the church and will not marry me until mine is nullified
also. We go to church and believe in God but Mass just isn't complete without going to
confession and communion but not confessing all is that wrong also? Can you give me
insight please? I love that woman and my God but we are caught in discussion that we need
your help. - Kirkman
Dear Kirkman,
If this woman was in an accident and could no longer have sex, what would you do? If you
cannot discipline yourself now to that faithfulness because of "passions," how
could you ever promise fidelity under all circumstances?
Here's some more
"food for thought.." If you saw any parishioner go up to the Altar and start
saying the mass and imitating a priest, I'm sure you would see the blasphemy that it was.
And yet, people find all sorts of "reasons" why they can celebrate the
"communion" of the sacrament of Matrimony without the marriage. Isn't that the same blasphemy as the one who
celebrates a priestly function without the benefit of Holy Orders?
You need to be
challenged by your own manhood in this situation. You
may be letting that adolescent drive come before your intellect and protection of this
person whom you say you love. Love does no
harm. Real love would not put another in danger of losing salvation, would it?
If you really seek
truth rather than passions, you'll find your relationship really blessed. Besides, if one of both of you have not had an
annulment completed to prove that the marriages were both invalid, you are practicing
adultery. The commandments of God are not
prioritized. He means what he says in His
commandments... not to boss us around, but to protect us.
Your love for this woman should be just as protective of her salvation.
Yes, these are hard
words, but we don't compromise truth, for Jesus IS the Truth, the Way, and the Life. I
would rather tell you the truth than to compromise it to make you feel good. Feelings are
temporary. Conviction and Salvation are eternal.
Please Check out
the "Marriage" section of my website. It may help. http://www.fatheramaro.com/
God bless Fr. Amaro
Father:
I am in the process of becoming Catholic but I grew up as Southern Baptist. Once I told my
parents that I was going to convert to Catholicism, they freaked out. I am 33 years old. I
have searched for along time for spiritual fulfillment. I have since found it with the
Catholic Church. I have no support from my family. It is very lonely. I am attempting to
answer their questions such as did Mary have other children? Why do we pray to Mary? I
told my mother that we do not pray to Mary but rather have her intercede for us. Well, her
response was "Mary is dead." "Why don't you just pray to Jesus?"
Please give me answers so I can teach them beliefs of the Catholic Church. Thank you, Lori
Dear Lori,
[John 11:25] Jesus told her, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in
me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never
die. Do you believe this?" This scripture verse is even in the King James
Version of the Bible. No one who dies in Christ is "dead." Ask your mom if she
believes that her deceased relatives are with God or not.
You must remember that society is very strange. It teaches all sorts of bigotries.
Southern Baptists do not have a market on bigotry. We as Catholics were taught a few
too...especially some of us older ones. However, there is a conditioning that takes place
with taught bigotries and they are hard to shake. Look at C.S. Lewis! He was more Catholic
than most Catholics. But it doesn't seem like he ever took the plunge. Be patient with
your mother.
Remember also that
the word "pray" does not mean "worship." Shakespeare used the term all
the time, "I pray thee this...or that..." The word means to "request." If a person who dies in Christ can "never
die" and we're all one body, why can't we ask for petitions of pray from that person
too?
The problem is that
many people believe that the Scriptures were written in English, with English meanings,
and with little numbers before each verse. For example, Jesus used the word
"memory." For the Jew, memory
didn't mean the contemporary English meaning of looking to the past. It means "to
make a reality present." Jesus was a
Jew. He used the word with Jewish intent.
That is precisely why the two men on the road to Emmaus didn't recognize him until the
bread was broken. (Amazingly people don't
catch that!) This goes for the use of all
words in scriptures. How many times do we say
"glory" and know what the word means? It
means "the spreading of a reputation." And
don't you "praise" others when they do a good job? Does that mean you "worship" them? I
think you see my point. Please read the page
on my website called "Recovering Catholics." I think you'll find it very
helpful. http://www.fatheramaro.com/
God bless Fr. Amaro
Father Kowalski
Dear Father Matthew:
What
is the church's view on marijuana. Is it a sin? I smoke marijuana occasionally and I
want to know if what I am doing is against the Catholic Church? Many thanks.
Thanks for your time. - Justin
Dear Justin:
The Church teaching on marijuana is the same as for any other intoxicating substance.
It is morally wrong to consume enough of something that it will impair our use of
reason. Alcohol in small quantities is fairly harmless, but other drugs are generally more
potent and therefore more questionable. Marijuana is also illegal in most places, so
use of it places the person at risk legally as well as creating possible scandal.
Father Matthew
Father:
I struggle to know what to say in confession. Pride has a terrible strangle hold on
me. Do I have to specifically state the sin, ie. The lie told, or can I just say I
don't always tell the truth? Can you recommend a resource to help me better
understand sin, and what to confess? Help me.
- Mary Joe
Dear Mary Joe:
A person confessing his/her sins only needs to communicate to the priest what the sin was,
and whether it was an isolated incident or a continuing behavior. Unneccessary
details are best left out. The priest should ask if he needs more information. There are
so many good books on sin and penance I don't know where to begin. There are Catholic
resources
on the Internet, such as EWTN's web site, where you can find more information. -
Father Matthew
Father Kowalski:
We are a Catholic family. We have 3 children, 6,3 and 17 months. We practice
NFP. SO...here's our question. We find, as is the Lord's plan, that we most
desire each other when I am in my most fertile phase. We are currently trying to
avoid pregnancy. We also know that it is silly to just avoid each other physically
for several days out of the month. And we
understand that it is ok (we are married after all) to be physical with each other in ways
other than intercourse. However, we also understand that anything that would lead to
the "spilling of seed" would not be ok. So...what IS and ISN'T chaste
behavior for a married NFP couple? Thank you Father. - Mary
Dear Mary:
It sounds like you already know the moral demands of living chastity. What you are
saying is that sometimes they are not easy to follow. All I can add is that everyone
has times when they are "in the mood" to be doing something fun while they are
not able to do it! How many people wish they were on vacation while they are at school or
work? One of the keys to peace in life is
learning how to delay our gratification, and yes, sometimes this is not easy. I'm sorry
this isn't much of an answer but I think you already know the answer to your question.
Father Matthew
Father Matthew:
I am married have 3 children and have had 4 miscarriages in the last past 4 years, and 1
in previous years. I am very scared to become pregnant again. We have tried the Catholic preventatives, but I am
irregular and never know when I can become pregnant. What is there for me to do? Thank you so much. - Kelly
Kelly:
I am not an expert on NFP methods but I believe the latest techniques are accurate even if
your cycles are irregular. Try a web search on Natural Family Planning or Couple to Couple
League. You do have what sound like serious medical issues so I suggest you discuss it
with your local pastor in more depth. There are some legitimate medical uses for
some birth control pills, such as reducing menstrual bleeding when it is a threat to
health. The moral principle of double effect means that
medical treatment for serious health reasons could be legitimate even if it has a
side effect of preventing pregnancy. (I cannot judge your individual case just on your
email.) -
Father Matthew
Father Matthew:
My fiance and I have had a long conversation yesterday about believers who have denied and
rejected Jesus. Here is the question: If someone who once was a fervent believer in
Jesus and had accepted Him in his heart slowly rejects Him because something terrible
happened in his life like losing his family. If that person closes his heart to Him,
denying His very existence or denying that He is just and good and starts living a bad
life and dies having rejected Jesus, what happens to that person? In a simplified
way, would that person go to Heaven or Hell? Could you please give us your advice on
this? Thank you so much! Delphine
Delphine:
"In
a simplified way" is a good choice of words, because only God can judge a person's
soul! God who sees and knows all, can tell if someone has really turned against Him,
or is just striking a pose in anger. Anger
can overpower our wisdom and make us less responsible in the short term. But if
someone has really, permanently turned against God at the moment of death, then there will
be no place for that person in paradise.
Fr. Matthew
CATHOLICVIEW
STAFF
CatholicView:
My husband is very ill. He converted 23 years
ago, but has little experience or understanding of Catholic funeral practice. He wants to be cremated and since scattering of
ashes isn’t permitted, buried. He
contacted a funeral home today and then talked to me.
He inquired about fees for cremation and funeral home chapel services. Please tell me if this is okay or if we need to
take the remains to church for Mass and then to graveside with a priest to bless the
grave. He won’t object at all, he just
wants to save us money on his last expenses. Thanks
for any enlightenment you can share. -
Constance
Constance:
Yes, it is OK to have the ashes brought
to the church for Mass. Talk to your parish
priest so that you can make arrangements and set your mind at ease during this time of
sorrow. –
CatholicView Staff
CatholicView:
In the gospels, Jesus gave the first Eucharist during and/or after the Passover meal.
Why, then, must one fast before receiving Holy Communion if the Apostles didn't? - Renee
Dear Renee:
There is a biblical New Testament passage by Saint Paul in I Corinthians that admonished
the early Christians for using the Eucharist to EAT and DRINK to their hearts content
without realizing what the Eucharist means. He gave RULES and told them to stop
their indulgent Eucharists. Instead, he told them to eat at home first. Well,
as our Church grew, the Church had to ask people to STOP eating and drinking BEFORE coming
to Church so that they could understand that the Eucharist was something SO SPECIAL that
it should be treated with the greatest respect. And so we fast before
communion. Jesus' words were prophetic and important for us: "when the
bridegroom is with them, they do not fast. But when the bridegroom is taken away,
they will fast."
CatholicView Staff
CatholicView:
I have Celiac Sprue, an allergy to wheat barley malt and oats. It is not an allergy
which causes you to break out in spots but one which causes malabsorption problems and
leads to immunological problems and neurological problems. If after stopping wheat
intake for a period of time the symptoms do not disappear the disease must be treated as a
cancer. This disease separates you from the rest of the human race. It is as
if I came from another planet and could not digest human food. I cannot eat a
hamburger at McDonald's, enjoy a beer, eat a cupcake, or eat bread of any kind. I
must have white wine rice, corn, or potato products only. No matter how I feel about
partaking in the Eucharist I cannot. It is also impossible to find a seat in the
church that I attend. But even if it were possible to find a seat they are made of
metal and are bolted to the floor with no kneeler connected. Lastly, there have been
many priests accused of child molestation and rape which have caused me to turn away from
the Church in vile disgust. On a more personal note I have worked with a man who
dresses like a priest wears a bishops cross and who says he is on a mission from God (and
he isn't a blues brother). This man has been convicted of molesting and raping his
own grandchildren. I resented him strongly and felt that he personified the problems
with the Catholic Church, but what is more, he was in my face for nearly a year. I
therefore feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually
separated from the Catholic community. The only thing, the only element of my being
that still unites me to Catholicism is my intellect. My intellect tells me that
there is no individual in history more important than Jesus Christ. That everyone
else before and after Him are just footnotes in human history compared to Him. If I
remove Jesus Christ from my life there is no one left to follow, there is no one left to
imitate, there are no more heroes. So what is one do? Even if He were not God,
I would still ask Him for help in times of crisis.
Dear Gary:
CatholicView has read the letter you sent in. The latter part of your letter
says it all: "The only thing, the only element of my being that still
unites me to Catholicism is my intellect. My intellect tells me that there is no
individual in history more important than Jesus Christ. That everyone else before
and after him are just footnotes in human history compared to him. If I remove Jesus
Christ from my life there is no one left to follow, there is no one left to imitate, there
are no more heroes. So what is one do? Even if He were not God, I would still
ask him for help in times of crisis."
Keep your faith in Jesus. Without Him we
have nothing. As humans we are all subject to sin but we must look beyond our
humanity to the One Who will never let us down. He is, as you so eloquently said,
our eternal hero.
If you can physically tolerate the wine, it is all you need to participate in the communion of our Lord. God knows the heart and understands your limitations. Know that He is with you even as our leaders may fail you. Let the love of Christ Jesus be with you through the trials you face with your health. Continue to trust that He will always be with you. May the peace of God surround you forever. - CatholicView Staff
AN ANSWER FOR GARY (Below)
By Father Amaro
Dear
Gary,
I
am a priest. I need salvation too. I go to confession. I have the need
often. If people are worshipping me when I stand before them, they are missing the point
of the celebration. At the same time, I am living proof that God forgives and nudges
us on. The mere fact that God allows me to be a priest demonstrates that He is
merciful and patient. Will you imitate Him if I should fall?
Prayer
cards were passed out at my ordination that read... "O Almighty God, help Amaro by
Your grace, that he who receives the office of priesthood may serve You worthily and
devoutly in all purity and with good conscience.... And, if he cannot live in as great
innocence as he ought, grant him the grace to mourn his sins, so that, in a spirit of
humility and good will, he may serve You in the future with greater ferver. Amen.
Would
you pray this prayer for me and all priests?
Your
brother in Christ,
Fr.
Amaro
Father Richard Bain
Dear
Father Bain:
If children are born into a marriage and then that marriage is annulled what happens to
those children? Are these children no longer legitimate? How does the church
explain this? - Jocelyn
Jocelyn:
The children are
still legitimate because a church annulment, unlike a civil one, does not change that fact
that there was a marriage. Father Bain
Dear Father Bain:
My wife has a kidney disease and high blood pressure. She will need a transplant in time. She has been told not to get pregnant by her doctor. What can I do to keep this from happening? Thanks, Father
Jeffrey:
You should refrain from having marital relationship until it is safe for her to get pregnant. If this is not possible for whatever reason, (lack of will power, occasional moments of overpowering lust, danger to the marriage itself etc.) then have your wife ask her doctor what she should do not to get pregnant. - Father Bain
Dear
Father:
My aunt is freaked out lately because a few days ago she saw a angel while she was in her
bathroom. The angel appeared, opened its arms, and then disappeared. She is
really worried about this and I was wondering if this can be interpreted into
something or if it meant nothing. Can you help? Thank you, your friend Marco
Marco
Things like that are not usually real. If her vision were real it might simply mean that she has an angel protecting her. - Father Richard Bain
Father
Bain:
I am 21 years old and feel terribly guilty because I would like to start exploring other
faiths. I have spent my whole life praying, but have never had the relationship with God
that my Protestant friends have, in fact, I don't even know any Catholics who read their
bible or can really answer my questions about why we believe what we do. And I just can't
go along with the belief that homosexuality is wrong. Both my cousin and one of
my best friends are gay, and they both know that they were born that way and wish to marry
their partners. Should I search for a new faith, or go on as a Catholic and just not agree
with everything that the church preaches? Please reply- I can't even get my parish priests
to call me back, and I am in severe turmoil. – Erica
Erica:
I would not leave the Catholic Church (nor should you) just because I
found one of her teachings to be difficult to understand or accept. I am a Catholic
because of the power of the sacraments in the Church. They bring God's love to me in a way
that nothing else can or does. - Father Richard Bain
PREVIOUS QUESTIONS
NOVEMBER 2003
Father Amaro Saumell
Father Matthew Kowalski
Father Richard Bain
Father Amaro
Father
Amaro:
I
fell in love with a man that has HIV. Is it a sin to marry him? What should I do? - Cecila
Dear
Cecila
Falling
in love is not a sin. It's a wonderful thing to celebrate. However, falling in love
is only part of the responsibility of marriage. Marriage is a witness to your baptism as
it mirrors the relationship between Jesus and His Bride, the Church. It is unitive in that
the two become one flesh. It is procreative in that it leaves itself open for new life
through the natural means. Both
"artificial," that is, man made contraception and in vitro fertilization are
contrary to the conjugal act and betray marriage itself because of their manipulative and
man made interference with God's design.
Surely, the unitive and procreative aspects are both possible.
However, in living according to the procreative will of God, you are leaving yourself open
to bearing children with HIV. You are also endangering your own life for condoms are not
only immoral, but not 100% effective. I would question my own love for someone if I had
such disregard for the danger in which I would be putting the one I "love" in
this way. Something doesn't sound right. I think you should spend a lot of time to
look for God's will and calling and not depend on mere feelings when considering this
action.
God bless, Fr. Amaro
Father:
I have a recurring problem with "Internet
addiction" and have even gone into some sexually oriented chat rooms. I have gotten rid of my home computer altogether
but still have the temptation when I'm at work or visiting a friend. It's scary because once I get started it's like I
become another person & can't stop - and I'm scared I'll wind up losing my faith. Please, any suggestions would really be
appreciated (not to mention prayers!!) Thanks! - Christine
Dear
Christine,
This problem has some spiritual depth to it because
temptation can lead to sin. But if you would
come into my
office, I think I would advise you to seek professional psychological assistance. Such problems usually have some emotional basis
and dependency. Computers and the Internet are here to stay. We face temptations all the time and have to learn
to live with such things. A good counselor
can help you to understand "why" chats with strangers are so important and
"why" they replace normal face-to-face, person-to-person reality. I'm sure you would find the experience of a good
counselor very rewarding. Always remember, the person who thinks he or she doesn't need
counseling is usually the one who needs it most.
God bless, Fr. Amaro
Father:
I have a dear friend who went to a reconnective healing
session and the gentleman worked with a psychic, read tarot cards, did some massage and
claimed to be a healer of some sorts. This alarmed me and I want to know if this is a sin and what your view on psychics is. I think it is scary
stuff!!!! Please write me back and let me know your view. Thank you and God bless you.
Carla
Dear
Carla,
This is a simple one: "I am the Lord your God.
You shall have nor false gods before me. If one really has trust in a loving God, why
would one seek answers somewhere else?
God bless, Fr. Amaro
Father:
I recently discovered that our pastor, who is a
retired naval chaplain, owns a home valued at $185,000. He is a diocesan priest and thus never took a vow of poverty. Our parish is a very
humble one and I am having a hard time understanding this. How can I find out about
diocesan regulations to be at peace about this? Thank you for your help. - Rose
Dear
Rose:
You probably don't know that a
diocesan priest is completely responsible for his own retirement. Diocesan priests
actually pay self-employment tax on top of the regular taxes. They put money into Social Security. They are responsible for
investing anything they can for their future so that they can live after they retire and
pay for their medical insurance etc..
You probably don't think that
priests have parents and often inherit property of monies from them. I also had a little
condo from before I went into the seminary. When a close friend died recently, he left me
a little home that needed some repair. I quickly sold my little condo and did a great deal
of updating to my new little house so that it will be ready to live in when I retire. A
priest friend gave me $100 worth of stock a few years ago to help me learn about investing
so I'd have more than Social Security to live on with the small pension that I will be
receiving. After all, I'll be paying taxes on the house too!
Diocesan priests
have no wives or children to share with for help in their elderly years. It is important
for them to secure their own future in this way. The whole concept of retiring alone is
very frightening these days. While Order Priests do take a vow of poverty, they retire in
their own communities and have someone to care for them and watch over them in their
elderly years.
Be careful not to let yourself be swayed by romantic stereotypes that may have developed along the way. Life is life. Priests need shelter and food just like anyone else when they retire. – Father Amaro
Father
Amaro:
I was wondering what the priests' opinion is regarding
making appointments for confession vs. going to the scheduled time on Saturday? Is it seen
as an inconvenience for them? I am asking because over the past two years I have returned
to active use of the sacrament, and as I have grown in my understanding of it and have
made more of an effort to use the sacrament to its fullest and examine my conscience well,
I find that when I go to the scheduled confession time, I feel pressured to hurry through
the confession since people are waiting. I would like to try making an appointment with
the priest who usually hears my confession, but he always seems so busy. I don't want to
be a bother to him. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks! Jennifer
Dear
Jennifer,
Always remember that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is
not a counseling session. Often people make that mistake. The actual sacrament consists of
the confession of sin, act of sorrow and repentance, penance, and absolution. It is not
designated for story telling, counseling, or spiritual direction. An appointment for
individual confession is much more appropriate for that type of ministry.
We priests take a vow of celibacy
so that we may be available to those we are assigned to minister. If your priest is too
busy because of administrative tasks (or golf games), you might find a priest that makes
time to actually be a priest. But, if you're looking for spiritual direction or
counseling, look for a priest who has the proper
credentials and dedication for such a ministry. Not all priests have that special
training. Hope this helps.
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 Kowalski
Father Kowalski:
I'm not sure if this has been asked. I'm Catholic and have deep faith in Jesus
Christ as our Lord and Saviour. My question is this though. Why do Christians
not follow many of the traditions and beliefs of the Jewish people? Christ himself
was Jewish and it's the same God. I was going to ask a Rabbi this question.
I'm much more comfortable asking a priest however. I'm not really questioning my
faith so much. It does not seem to make sense though that as Christians we would not
follow some of the beliefs as the Jewish people do. Thank you very much for your
time. I know it's a dumb question but I'd like to know. Thank you, Father.
Lenny
Dear
Lenny:
Your question is certainly not dumb, in fact if more Catholics were serious about their
faith, more would be asking it. The laws of
the Jews are a way of doing good and avoiding sin. Christians
believe that by our baptism into Jesus Christ we have been saved from sin by Christ's own
redemption. Therefore the Law of the Gospel fulfills all the commands of the Old
Testament. Therefore we are freed from literal observance of the Mosaic Law.
The laws of the Jews are still useful as a moral guide, so we do follow most of them. For
more in-depth information, see the official Church Catechism #1965-1974. - Fr. Matthew
Father:
Our Priest is the Exorcist for our Diocese and many parishioners are stunned that the
Church believes in and allows exorcisms. Could you explain the Church's beliefs on
exorcism? Thank you. - CBaltz
Dear Cbaltz:
It is a sad commentary on our times that "many parishioners are stunned" to
learn of exorcisms. Jesus himself performed
exorcisms in the Gospel, and the Church has simply continued this practice of His.
During an exorcism, the Church asks in the name of Jesus Christ for protection against the
Evil One, known as the devil or Satan. This spiritual being really exists. Baptism
itself contains a simple exorcism. Solemn exorcisms, like the one in the famous
movie, are very, very rare. See the official Church Catechism #1673. - Father
Matthew
Father Matthew:
I have been a Catholic for 53 years and don't get much out of going to Mass. I
started studying with Jehovah"s Witnesses a few years ago and feel more fulfilled,
have learned more and feel as though I have a better relationship with God than in all my
years as a Catholic. Why doesn't the Catholic religion live exclusively by the
Bible? Do you believe it to be God's word? - Sandy
Sandy:
The Catholic Church does indeed believe the Bible to be God's word, and free from any
doctrinal error. But the Bible must be
interpreted correctly by an authority higher than the individual person. Otherwise there
would be no Church unity. This is why
Catholics also rely on tradition as preserved by the teaching authority of the Church,
which comes from Jesus. It is my understanding that Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe
that Jesus was God. You would do well to ask
them about this in your studies. – Father Matthew
Father:
Can you please tell me where in the Bible does it talk about Homosexuality being wrong and
sinful? Please list your findings for me please. - Alison
Alison:
Homosexuality is condemned by Old Testament Teachings in Deuteronomy and Genesis 19. While Christians are not subject to the Old
Testament laws, this moral particular disapproval was not changed by Jesus and so applies
to Christians as well. The New Testament passage that most directly mentions
homosexuality is Romans 1.24-27. It is also understood to be
condemned in 1 Corinthians 6.10 and 1 Timothy 1.10. – Father Matthew
Father Kowalski:
My wife is having an affair in Iraq. I have never been one for having an
affair and this is the second marriage in which I have had to deal with this problem.
I guess my question is why does God hate me so much? Thanks. - Eric
Eric:
In old testament times, the prophet Hosea also had an unfaithful wife. In fact she was acting like a prostitute! This did
not make Hosea assume that God hated him, and you should not leap to such a conclusion
either. Perhaps your marriage can be repaired
by counseling. If that fails, it could be possible that the marriage could be annulled.
I do understand your suffering on this very sad case. - Fr. Matthew
Father Bain
Father
Bain:
Where in the Bible does it state the Catholicism is the only true religion or the first
true religion? Thanks! - Janice
Dear Janice:
The answer is nowhere! – Father Bain
Father:
What is the origin and significance of forty Hours? Am I correct in thinking it
commenorates the 40 hours Christ spent in the tomb? If so, why is it not celebrated
during the Easter Season? - Kathy
Kathy:
The
reason is that every week Forty Hours should be celebrated in a different
parish in the diocese. Father Bain
Father Bain:
I was at Mass and realized that I had not followed the Eucharistic fast before receiving
communion. I wasn't sure if going ahead and receiving was a mortal sin or just a
venial sin, and couldn't ask a priest because it was in the middle of Mass. I went
ahead and received. Was that a mortal sin? - Thomas
Thomas:
It is not a sin. Also it is difficult to receive Holy Communion less than one hour
after eating. Communion is usually about forty minutes after Mass has started, and
for most of us it takes at least twenty minutes to clean up after breakfast and drive to
church. - Father Bain
Father Bain:
I have committed adultery twice in my life. I am ashamed of myself and truly sorry for my
actions. What will happen when I go to confession? – Dee
Dear Dee:
You will feel like a big weight has been lifted
from your chest. You will feel a deeper sense of God's love and forgiveness. You
will receive the grace to help you not sin this way again.
Hope this helps- Father Bain
Father:
I have been married 2 years and am on birth control pills. I know what the Catholic
Church's view is, but I want to know if I continue to use the pill, should I not go to
communion? find another religious affiliation? any suggestion? I personally feel as though
I am not doing anything wrong. My husband and I have a very good marriage and plan to have
children within the next 1 - 2 years. - Amy
Dear Amy:
Have you tried natural family planning? If followed correctly it is as effective as the pill for birth control yet without any of the side effects of the drug you are taking. Also it would solve your moral problem. It is a win, win, win, win. - Father Bain