  AUGUST 2006 FATHER KEVIN BATES FATHER AMARO SAUMELL CATHOLICVIEW STAFF
“If today’s bishops
are the successors to the Apostles, how come they have no manifestation of these
charismatic gifts?” - Daniel Fr. Kevin:
Hi Daniel, and thanks very much for your interesting and searching question. The gifts of the Holy Spirit that emerge through the Charismatic Renewal that you mention are indeed special gifts of grace. It's hard to establish that these gifts in this particular form were evident at Pentecost. They were all certainly there but how they were experienced and expressed is beyond the scope of the historical process at this point. These special gifts can be expressed in many different ways, healing, discernment, prophecy and so on, and the sub-cultural patterns of the charismatic renewal are one form of these. In fact there are some Bishops in the Church who do indeed manifest these gifts as experienced in the charismatic renewal. There are other Bishops, priests, and lay ministers who manifest these gifts in different and sometimes more subtle ways. For instance, a priest I know who is working fulltime with refugees here in Australia, manifests many of these healing gifts and gifts of discernment and wisdom, without belonging to the charismatic renewal or expressing them in that particular form. Last weekend I attended some reflections by the Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, England, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor. He manifested great wisdom, discernment, prophetic gifts, and brought a healing touch with him, but again did not manifest these gifts in the form in which they are experienced at charismatic meetings. In other words, God is not limited by one particular style of manifestation of these marvelous gifts. The gift of tongues for instance could well be expressed in silent contemplation that is at the very heart of our Catholic Christian tradition, and provides the same kind of wordless prayer those speaking in tongues enables. I'm sure that Mother Teresa of Calcutta was absolutely full of the Spirit of Jesus, in her caring for India's poor, but as far as I know she never manifested these charismatic gifts in the style with which you are familiar. She had the most remarkable gift of intimacy with Jesus, prophecy and healing just the same. All good wishes to you Daniel, Father Kevin
“My alcoholic husband
refuses to get help. How do I handle this
issue?” – P.K Father Kevin: Dear P.K., Thank you for your question and I feel very much for you in the anguish you experience with your husband's drinking problem. Only you can know when the right moment will be to move on if that is what you decide to do. What we can be sure of is that God doesn't ask us to do the impossible, and that you have a right to your own health and peace. When you get to the point where there seems to be no hope of improvement in your husband's condition, then maybe the shock of your moving out might jolt him into some remedial action. It's a big risk, but one you may need to take for your own sanity's sake first of all, and for the sake of some possible improvement in him. I can hear in your words, your compassion and kindness towards him, but also your desperation. Jesus once used the image of shaking the dust from our feet once we had tried everything that we could. That image may well be apt for you at this time. Moving away from him may not be "giving up" as you put it, so much as a re-claiming of your own life and peace, and giving yourself a chance to move forward. If he continues to drink and refuses to access any of the help available to him, and if you are at the point where you think you have no more to give, then moving apart may be your best and only option. It could even be an expression of your faithfulness to him as you challenge him in this way to get some help and some healing. Be aware that God looks lovingly on you both and only asks what is possible for you to give. It's important you don't punish yourself for any hard decision you have to take. It sounds to me as though you are as generous and loving as you can possibly be. I will keep you in my heart and my prayers. - Father Kevin “Is it wrong to do physical
labor on Sundays?” – Darla Father Kevin:
Hi Darla - All I'd say to you is to relax about this issue. The purpose of the Sunday observance is to make sure that we give God good time in prayer and reflection, and slow down enough to taste God's goodness in a way that will nourish us for the rest of the week. You sound as if you are in an in-between situation, and that is often our lot. I wouldn't worry too much about this, and would encourage you to find other spaces and times when you can slow down and taste the things of God, and then when things are back on a more even keel, the Sunday quiet time can again become part of your rhythm. The law about Sunday observance is meant to embody this value of taking a Sabbath rest to give God my full attention. In our busy society, it's not always possible to do this on a Sunday. It's important we reclaim some time and space elsewhere so that we don't lose sight of this value. All good wishes to you. – Father Kevin
“Why
has "Amen" been dropped from the "Our Father" in the Mass?” Father Amaro: Amen - means to me that I believe. Why has "Amen" been dropped from the "Our Father" in the Mass, or is not said at the ending of the prayer; "For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." And I believe because of this, when I hear the Our Father prayed on our local Catholic Radio, the Amen is omitted. It is also not said by members of our group when we meet to pray the rosary for peace. I sincerely appreciate hearing an explanation. Thank you so much. Marlene
Dear Marlene, Who said that “Amen” means “I believe.” Think about it. How many times does Jesus say, “Amen, Amen...” I think you mean “It is so.” Sometimes “Amen” is translated “Truly.” In any event, the “Amen” is never part of any prayer. It is an affirmation of the actual prayer, signifying that it is complete and that the conviction is present in the one who prays it. – Father Amaro
“My
husband doesn’t want children. Should I
leave him?” - Mary Father Amaro: When my husband and I were dating (3 years)
he told me he'd like to have children. We've been married for two years and now he has
told me that he never really wanted to have children. He said that he would have one or
two children for me if I wanted them, but I'm hesitant about starting a family half-way
across the country from my parents and family with a man who, in his heart, doesn't want
children. Is it sinful to be thinking about leaving my husband for this reason? Thanks for
your help. - Mary
Dear Mary, How sad this is. Why? Because when you
filled out your forms and were interviewed by the priest when you got married, you went
through what was called a “Prenuptial Investigation.” In that questioning,
you husband was asked about his willingness to have children. So, one of two things
is happening. Either he lied during the interview, or he does not have the integrity
to fulfill the second half of the marriage, the two parts being the “unitive”
and “procreative” elements of the sacrament. If the former is true, it may
mean that you do not have a valid sacrament, for fraudulent claims were made. In any
event, since you are a practicing Catholic (which means that you use no
“artificial” form of birth control), you might find yourself with children
anyway. If your husband only wanted you for himself, he is acting on his adolescent male
tendencies. If he wanted you to both be life giving together, the masturbatory
elements of adolescence are absent and there may be an adult marriage. It
might be a good idea to see a professional about this. You don’t want to “jump
the gun” either way. God bless, Fr.
Amaro
“Do
I need to get a Church Annulment?” - Kathleen Father Amaro: My ex-husband and I were married by a
Justice of the Peace and later joined an Episcopal Church. He would not attend a Catholic
church and I thought I was compromising. I have no plans on marrying again and I have
returned to the Catholic Church 18 years ago. Do I need to get a Church Annulment? -
Kathleen
Dear Kathleen, A lot of this depends on if you ever
formally and notoriously rejected your Catholic faith. I f you did, the marriage may be
considered valid as two non-Catholics, and you might need a full annulment. If you
didn’t, the marriage is not valid because of a “Defect of Form.”
The “Form” by which a Catholic must be married for validity would
be before a minister of the Church... a priest, deacon, or in missionary territories,
possibly a Catechist. There is a simple documented procedure to clarify the
circumstances as invalid. God bless, Fr.
Amaro “I find myself in a
crisis of faith and morality every time I go to work.
Should I keep this job?” - Tim Father: My name is Tim. I am a strong advocate of
peace. However, I find myself in a crisis of faith and morality every time I go to work.
Due to economic circumstances, I am forced to work as a clerk in a store and perform
duties daily which are contrary to my persistent non-violent stance. It’s the store’s theme that is the
source of the problem. The store where I work sells only "swords" and images of
"dragons." That is the theme of the store and many people, mostly gothic,
renaissance enthusiasts and occultists, come to shop there. I am a great clerk. Perhaps the best clerk
they’ve ever had. At least people tell me this. But I find myself in a constant state
of consternation and angst. I suggested that they change the theme of the store to
"feathers" and "doves," but they just laughed at me. That really hurt
considering how hard I work. My last job was as a truck driver for Bad
Frog Beer. The hours were great, the travel was enjoyable and the free beverages were
splendid. But because I ultimately discerned that my true calling was behind the counter
of a retail store, I resigned. How can a peaceful and talented person, like
me, exist in a world so obviously proliferated by the ethos and pathos of the United
States Military Industrial Complex? Don’t get me wrong. I’m no outside agitator.
But I am tired of all of this us against them stuff. Doesn't the church condemn all war?
Then, how can I remain a Catholic in good standing while selling swords and dragons? I have a good friend who is a priest, but he
is unable to help me with this issue. When I bring it up, he seems disinterested. I think
he's too fixated by his theological and philosophical training to do anything but
force-feed others with pre-formulated ecclesial teaching. Any insights and help would be
appreciated. Am I wrong to continue my work? - Thank you for your time. - Tim
Dear Tim, This is a very curious situation. You
seem to have strong convictions. And yet, with all the different types of employment out
there, you accepted a job that actually compromises your own integrity... the only thing
that makes you “You!” And then you say that you are the best at selling
what has actually compromised those same convictions. There is something indeed
wrong with this picture. Tim, a “calling” is not... and I repeat... not an
“occupation.” A “calling” is a “vocation or ministry,
flowing from one’s baptismal call.” Please don’t diminish the
profound reverence for a “calling” with something such as this. It also seems like the “peaceful and
talented person” esteems his own authority to war with words and with his own
hostility raises himself above the United States military, his friend the priest,
philosophy, and theology or pre-formulated ecclesial teaching. (How do you think this
pre-formulation came about? Perhaps it was through study and expertise and
experience.) What is next? I think there is a lot more going on here.
Maybe this letter is more telling that you perhaps wanted it to be. If you are over 18 years of age as you say,
it might be a good idea to start searching elsewhere than a clerk status to discover how
you can serve others and bring peace to them... not the peace that is merely the absence
of war or aggression that the world gives, but that of Christ. This starts with
relationships. Ask yourself, “What are my actual relationships with
others.” “Do I have any profound relationships with others or do I
stand in judgment of others.” “Is there a reason why I work other than to
support myself?” “Am I merely a noise by being critical? Or,
am I in an activity that brings the virtues of what I believe to others?” I would also be uncomfortable selling things that have to do with New Age cults. I’d rather work waiting on tables than to even be seen around that stuff. Maybe you should listen to your conscience which is obviously telling you something through your discomfort.” Hope this helps. God bless, Fr. Amaro
“Is filing for
bankruptcy an option from a Christian viewpoint?” – Rick CatholicView Staff:
Dear Rick: The whole concept of “bankruptcy” is an Old Testament invention. According to the Old Law, members of the Hebrew community (the Israelites) could receive debt forgiveness every seven years. So, this concept of “bankruptcy” is totally a biblical concept from way back. Your advice is RIGHT ON TARGET. You did not mislead her in any way. Your advice is sound. Deuteronomy 31:10 (Whole Chapter) "And Moses commanded them, At the end of every seven years, at the set time of the year of release [of debtors from their debts], at the Feast of Booths." Here, this particular verse spells out that every seven years, debts could be forgiven and a person could start a new financial slate. There is a condition here: just because bankruptcy is an option to be practiced now-a-days with great deliberation, it doesn’t give license to be financial irresponsible hoping that every seven years a person can count on bankruptcy to bail them out. Such an attitude is paramount to stealing, a serious and mortal sin in this context. – CatholicView Staff
“I divorced my alcoholic husband
who later died in an auto accident. Do I need
an annulment? – Suzanne
Dear Suzanne: I am sorry to hear that your ex-husband died in such tragic circumstances. Since your ex-husband died, you are now free to enter the sacrament of marriage in the church with another single man (or someone who is free to marry in the church). As to your status in the church, by going to confession and explaining your situation, you will be reconciled to the church right then and there. You will be free to receive the sacraments and participate in the life of your parish fully. CatholicView Staff “Is being a
“status seeker” important in Christianity as well as with people?” -Scott
Dear Scott: Status means nothing to God. He judges the heart. So, basically, status is a useless waste of energy. All that God the Father requires is faith in His Son Jesus (thereby following His teachings) and faithfulness. Status will not open the gates of heaven, only Jesus will. So, in a sense, the only status that is important and most valuable to keep is this: I am God’s son/daughter. If you want a soul partner, status will not open the doors of true and fulfilling love that feeds the soul. Status will only bring superficial people to your doorstep that care about such things. Your soul partner, made by God just for you, will make her presence known to you when you are honest, open, and not hiding behind titles and social status. If you seek status, then you are going to blind yourself to the wonders of God’s creation just because it might be below your perceived status. So, stop seeking WHAT is NOT of the Kingdom of God. Seek only the Kingdom of God and you will live happy and fulfilled. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: 2. "My
cat is very old. What is the Church's position CatholicView Staff: I have a 19 year old cat, whose nighttime behavior is causing me sleep deprivation. She's on several medications and has had a very loving home. I feel a strong obligation to care for her as one of God's creatures. What is the Church's position on euthanizing animals? - Ann Dear Diane and Ann: This answer is for both Diane and Ann. I am sorry your beloved pets are ill. No, it is not wrong to put them down. God gave us the power and authority over creation (but not over other individual human beings). If your pets are severely ill and in pain, then let them go to God’s presence. These innocent animals do not need to suffer in such a way. Psalms 8:6-8 tells us “You (God) put us in charge of everything You made, giving us authority over all things-- the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.” Be at peace. You are doing the right thing. I hope this helps. – CatholicView Staff
Jennifer: Sadly, your friend who is Catholic made a terrible and incorrect decision. You are correct in saying that a Catholic should be baptized in the Catholic Church. There is NO rule that says that we have to wait until someone is ready for Confirmation to make a choice of “religion.” But we pray that his son will one day accept the Catholic Church through his own choice. If this is the case, then he will participate in the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). It is then that he will make his first communion and confirmation. – CatholicView Staff
“How can I accept my grandson”s
child being christened in a non-Catholic Church?” - Adelaide CatholicView Staff:
Dear Adelaide: You have done all you can to bring up your children in the Catholic Faith. For that, God will bless you always. Your son is 31 years old and is independent and an adult responsible for his own actions and decisions for his family. You can talk to him about his decision about baptizing his child in the Catholic Church but if he doesn’t want to, what can you do? You must trust in the Lord and leave everything in His Hands. Your grandchild is in God’s Protective Embrace. You have not failed in your duties as Catholic parents! You have done a great job as seen in your other children. So, just trust in God. He will take care of everything. If the grandchild is “christened” in another Christian church, then please, love your son and grandchild and attend, enjoy the celebration, and pray that the grandchild will one day be a Catholic. Be patient and trust. Let God handle this situation. Your job: be loving grandparents! – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Dear John: The Bible is very clear about marriage: “A man leaves his father and mother, becomes one with his wife, and the two shall become one.” It is quite clear that your first and most important priority is to your wife and children. You no longer are “attached and committed” to your parents. As a loving son, the commandment says, “honor your father and mother.” You honor and obey them when you are attached and committed to them as dependent minors/children and then, through the Sacrament of Marriage, you are attached and committed to your wife and children. You have other brothers and sisters living close to your parents who are thankfully healthy and independent. They will take care of them. Your duty is to honor your parents (but not be enslaved to them or be forced to move to be with them.) Your duty is to be a loving and supportive (emotionally, spiritually, materially) husband. Your parents are fine for now. In the distant future, you and your brothers and sisters may have to sit down and work out plans to take care of your infirmed and aging parents, but that is WAY into the future. Your wife and children are first and foremost. That is where your attention should lie. – CatholicView Staff
“Can I take
back the promise I made to God?” - J Dear CatholicView: Dear J: Don’t make promises. You said it correctly when you wrote: I have no trust in myself. That’s right! Trust only in God. He knows what you are struggling with and He is with you. Do not despair of God’s love and forgiveness. He is always ready to give. And in return, we give Him our hearts and lives. Do the same. Give Him your heart, life, and all that you struggle with and let Him guide you in any kind of behavioral modifications you must do. You are forgiven in Jesus Name and your making and breaking of promises are part of the gift of forgiveness. By the way, here is something to think about: what can you promise God that He doesn’t already have? Please, there is no need for promises. If you are going to do something, do it because you want to show your love to God. – CatholicView Staff
“I believe the Rapture is near and I feel horribly scared. Can you help me?” – Glenn
Dear Glenn: The Bible tells us that there will always be wars and conflicts between nations. This is the result of the sin of pride and greed that drives some governments to conflict with other nations. But that doesn't mean that the end of the world is near or that the "rapture" is close at hand. But you are feeling and understanding that God is calling you to have a relationship with Him, a saving relationship that will take away your fears about the future. The Lord Jesus wants you to trust Him and place your life in His Hands. You have been trying to live your life without God for more than 10 years. Now, the Lord wants you to come to Him and leave your worries, anxieties, and fears in Him. You can't control your fears all by yourself. You need others and you need to have God touch you so that your fears can be more easily controlled. You need an understanding of God's Word in the scriptures and in the teachings of the Church. So, let's start with a simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Be part of my life. I am overwhelmed with feelings that I do not understand. My fears seem to take over my happiness. Lord, come into my heart. Walk with me. Be with me. Hold me in your loving Arms. Protect me from evil. Fill my restless soul with peace. Lord Jesus, live in my soul. You are my Lord and Savior”. Amen. Go and talk to your
parish priest. He will be happy to help you sort these feelings out.
CatholicView Staff:
Cindy: CatholicView Staff: Dear Joslyn: You should make a decision on one rite or the other for your children to mature in faith. The Maronite-Rite and the Roman-Rite are united by the recognition of the Pope (the Bishop of Rome) as universal pastor of the Catholic Church. If you know that your children will be brought up in the Maronite Rite, then there is no need to have them confirmed in the Latin Rite. They will be confirmed in the Maronite Rite and God is with you all! – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: I am Catholic and believe in what I was taught. My friend is Orthodox Catholic and says that the things I learned is different than what he has learned. He says I will burn in hell since his religion is right. I'm not sure if I should change to Orthodox Catholic or still believe in what I was taught. - Kim Dear Kim: You are not going to hell. You are a believer in Jesus Christ! As for the Catholic Church, the present Roman Catholic Church is the historical and apostolic church founded by Jesus and His apostles. The so-called “orthodox Catholic” movement is not at all related to the Greek Orthodox Church (also an apostolic church). It is a serious break with the Roman Catholic Church of people who think that the Roman Church has strayed from its Catholic roots and from our apostolic traditions. The “orthodox Catholic” break-off group is set up by man’s willing it, not by God. So, be at peace within the Roman Catholic Church. – CatholicView Staff “Should God
forgive unforgivable sin?” – Sharon CatholicView Staff:
Dear Sharon: The Christian Faith is a faith of second, third, fourth, and henceforth into infinity, chances. The only unforgivable sin in the Christian Bible is the sin against the Holy Spirit. This sin is the absolute rejection of God’s forgiveness and love. I cannot judge the actions of anybody. I do know that God will hold them accountable. I will leave that in God’s Hands. I am not going to second-guess God. Just because someone can use God to shun responsibility for their actions doesn’t mean that God isn’t going to do something about it. All I can do is live my life as God would have me do. – CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Michelle: Yes, you are Catholic. Your adult children make their own decisions and choices of which you are not responsible for. You are not held responsible for what your adult children do. Be at peace. Your daughter has found something in that church to help her grow spiritually. And when she has outgrown that church, I pray that she will return to the Catholic Church and be active in the Church. Until then, pray for her and ask the Lord to help her grow in her relationship with Jesus our Lord. Love her with all your heart as a beloved daughter. You are great mother! - CatholicView Staff
“My Godchild has left the Church and going to Singapore to preach
a new denomination. What shall I
do?” - Ann CatholicView Staff: Dear Ann: I am so sorry that these disturbing things are happening to you. Please realize that you have done all you can for her such as teaching her the ways of the Lord, and showing by example the path Jesus wants her to travel. She is an adult now and must make her own way. There is nothing you can do for her except pray that the foundation you have given to her through love is strong enough to make her think about her choices. Pray for your Godchild. Put her into the loving arms of God and let Him give her the wisdom she needs. Be at peace knowing you have given this problem to the Lord. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Shirlee: I am sorry to hear that your marriage did not work out. I know that the pain you have suffered cannot be described with mere words. I pray that the Lord will continue His healing power in you. As for your question, if you as a non-Catholic desire to be married in the Catholic Church in the future, a church annulment is necessary. If you plan to marry someone who is not Catholic, your decision to have the church annul your first marriage is really up to you. May the Lord help you find your soulmate. – CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Dear Brian: I am
so happy to hear of your conversion story to the Catholic faith, the historical faith that
Jesus Christ founded on the apostles. Jesus was Jewish, and He was sent primarily to
the Hebrew nation. But the Hebrew nation at that time rejected Jesus' claims that He
was the Son of God (thereby saying He was divine) and that He was the long-awaited
Messiah. The Church sprung from those who followed Jesus and the teachings of the
apostles and soon non-Jews began to join the Christian movement and before we knew it, we
were a Church. Your interest in the Jewish faith is exciting and will provide you
with much understanding of where we as a Church came from. You will see in your
studies about Judaism how Jesus came to be known as the Messiah and how the pieces of the
historical puzzle fit together. In all your studies and curiosity of Judaism, keep
in mind that Jesus is Lord and that He died and rose from the dead, and that His one
singular act of total surrender to His Father's Will reconciled humankind with its
Creator. So, go ahead and satisfy your desire to know more about our faith and the
faith of our spiritual ancestors. Here is a little note to remember: the
Jewish faith of 2006 is much different in style and practice than in Jesus' time. In
Jesus' time (4BC - 30AD), the Jewish faith was centered around Jerusalem and the Temple
where animal sacrifices were offered according to the Old Covenant. Today, the
Jewish faith is synagogue centered and there is no Temple offering animal sacrifices
anymore. So, your studies should show you how Judaism has evolved into the faith it
is today. – CatholicView Staff
Dear Bruce: Virginity
implies that the person (male and female) has not had sexual relations with another
person. Masturbation does not take away virginity since such actions do not fulfill
the definition of losing virginity as you put it, “completely experienced”. Completely experienced means and implies that a
sexual union is only fully experience with another, not only with oneself (hence,
incomplete). Virginity means that you have
not entered into physical and sexual acts with another. – CatholicView Staff
“How far can my
beliefs diverge from the Catholic faith/” - Jessica CatholicView Staff:
Jessica: As you
describe yourself, you are not a practicing Catholic.
You are very truthful in your description of your spiritual identity. As you know, you are not Catholic at this time. I pray that you will return to a true
understanding of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior within the Catholic Church. The issues you mentioned are not “minor
details.” These are major identifiers of
who is Catholic and who is not. There is no
such “thing” as a “Catholic with provisos.” – CatholicView Staff
CatholicView Staff: Dear Alan: I don't understand why
you did not receive absolution when you confessed this sin. You did not commit sin
if it was done as part of a military order and you followed the rules of engagement.
The commandment, “You shall not kill” is actually a reference to murder.
To take human life in an action of self-defense is not a sin. The commandment refers
to pre-mediated murder or taking of a human life because of some personal
decision based on sin. Military action that results in human death is always
self-defense unless it can be proven that it was not self-defense but a murderous
act. Be at peace. Jesus cared for soldiers in His time. In the
gospels, Jesus cured a centurion's servant boy from a life-threatening illness.
Jesus didn't tell the Roman centurion that he was sinning because he was following
military orders. He was willing to go to the centurion's house and even used the
centurion's response ("I am not worthy that you should come to my house, but speak
the word, and he will be healed.") as
an example of true faith. The Lord knows your heart. Trust in Him and trust in
His mercy. You are already forgiven. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Terri: I would encourage your fiancé to prepare himself to receive the sacrament of confirmation! Please, talk to him about that and talk to your parish priest/deacon about it. The sacrament of confirmation is not required to contract the sacrament of marriage in the church. But I would not be spiritually responsible if I did not take this time to encourage your fiancé to become a full member of the Church through the sacrament of confirmation. – CatholicView Staff
Mary: No, the Knights of Columbus is quite open about their activities even though they retain some aspects of a fraternity with its own initiation rites to become a member of the Knights of Columbus. Also, the Knights proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, work for the Lord within their parishes, and help each other grow and mature in Christ. This is a Christian fraternity and I encourage all men who would like to be part of a fraternity to belong to it. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff:
Theresa: I am saddened by your situation. May the Lord free you from your illness and give you healing! That is my prayer for you right now. As for your question, a prayer of blessing over a medal or object means that this object is set aside for sacred use. Since you cannot make it to a priest or deacon to formally bless your medal for sacred use, you can bless the medal yourself simply asking God to bless it as you set it aside for His greater glory and ask the Lord to bless, protect, and heal those who wear it. Then the medal is set aside for God. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Dear Allen: The Lord understands everything and understood your desire to have Him in your heart even as a child without fully understanding the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Count this as a blessing because it was this memory that beckons you to come to the Lord again. Accept the Lord’s invitation to come close to Him. Your received your first communion that day as a child. Instead of concerning yourself about a “first communion” experience or celebration, be joyful that the Lord entered your heart that day and receive Him in communion as soon as you can as an adult. Therefore, you will rejoice in the Lord always! – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Dear Jennifer: It is not the church’s tradition or teaching that godparents “should be the best candidate to take care of your child should something happen to you.” Sponsors of baptism (which has been culturally called godparents) are simply witnesses of the church body of the baptism of your child. I know that cultural practices say that godparents are supposed to be substitute parents in case that the real parents should die or disappear. That was not the intention from the beginning. Sponsors would present a candidate for baptism and give the priest or bishop a recommendation that this person is a worthy candidate to be a full active member of the church. Therefore, a sponsor has to be Catholic for a sponsor to give a recommendation and present someone for baptism. I understand your concerns that your choice of “godparents” make better sense than having lukewarm Catholics who you don’t particularly trust. But the church doesn’t see it that way since sponsors must be Catholic to recommend to the church that someone be baptized as a Catholic. – CatholicView Staff
Charlene: The church recognizes the validity of all marriages between non-Catholics and other non-Catholics. The church does not recognize the validity of marriages between Catholics and other Catholics, or a Catholic and non-Catholic that is done without the presence of a priest or deacon within the sacrament of marriage solemnly blessed and consecrated. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff: Marla: Unless a person is ordained, the proper title is Mister (Mr.). For an ordained deacon, the proper title is Reverend Mister (Rev. Mr.). The proper title for a priest is The Reverend or Reverend Father (or depending on the rank, Reverend Monsignor, etc..). Your seminarian friend uses the title of Mister. If he has taken vows for a religious order or congregation, then his title is Brother. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff:
Dear Michelle: What an excellent idea for those who cannot use a regular rosary! Yes, such a rosary pillow could be blessed and used for the greater glory of God. – CatholicView Staff CatholicView Staff:
Karl: It is said, “A family that prays together stays together.” Praying together as a family at the dinner table would be great! But there is no particular obligation to pray together as a family. The idea of family prayer is a wonderful way to unify the family. But once again, this is not an obligation in which “sin” is attached to it. I don’t understand why you and your wife cannot pray together. You are both believers in Jesus Christ. You both acknowledge his Lordship in your lives and your home. It doesn’t matter if you are Episcopalian and she is Catholic. Pray with each other and bless each other. Such positive spiritual energy can only bring positive results in your family. If you are concerned about saying a certain set of formal prayers, please, don’t let that stop you. Pray from the heart and not from a book. That is what is meant to pray together as a family, to allow each member of the family to address God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ in his or her own way. - CatholicView Staff (JULY 2006 Continue here)
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