When we die, our soul will go directly to God.  An initial “judgment” will occur right away. Either we are justified in Christ, or we will wither away in shame. For those justified, they will rest with God.  Those who are not justified (right with God) will be separated from God and life in shame, loneliness and regret.  It will be like this until the consummation of the world.

At the time Christ comes again, there will be a resurrection. All, saved and damned, will be resurrected.  The final judgment will then occur.  Those who are in Christ and purified will live forever.  Those who condemn themselves and prove unworthy of life will die the “second death.”  This second death must be avoided at all costs.  That is why life now (choices and decisions) is so important.

My hope is that you know Jesus as your Savior.   It is through His Cross and Resurrection and our trust in what He did for us that we are “justified.”  However we must still grow, progress, and gain virtue(the process of “being justified”).  Why not surrender your life to Him now and have that blessed assurance of salvation? Sincerely, Fr. Cedric

"My boyfriend was baptized by an Anglican priest. Is his baptism valid in the Catholic Church?" - Jessica

Father Cedric:

My boyfriend was recently baptized by an Anglican priest in his home with his family and he has asked me to marry him (I am Roman Catholic). Will this be seen as a valid baptism in the eyes of the Catholic Church? - Jessica

Dear Jessica:

Yes, the church has always upheld the validity of someone’s baptism, no matter where, or in what denomination that person was baptized. However, if he wants to become Catholic, he will need to join the R.C.I.A. process. (This is the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.) This year long process will culminate with his being received into the Church at the Easter Vigil. If he doesn’t want to join the Church you can still marry however. - Sincerely, Fr. Cedric

FATHER KEVIN BATES SM

I had a vasectomy in my first marriage.  Can I now have a Catholic
wedding in the Church?” - Terrence

Dear Father:

My wife is Catholic and I am Episcopal.  We were married civilly and now wish to be married in the Church. We have been through the annulment process because we were both previously married.   My question is this: During my previous marriage I had a vasectomy. Will this hinder our plans for a Catholic Church wedding?   Thank You. - Terrence

Hi Terrence:

There isn't much one can do about past decisions.   Because you have already had this surgery you must leave it up to God to sort out.  Ask yourself:  “Who is God for you?  What is the most life-giving thing you can do in this instance?”  Even if your past decisions were not perfect (that judgment is between you and God), should you be denied the chance for happiness now?  Is the process (the vasectomy) reversible and do you wish to have children with your new wife?  If that is not possible, what is the most life-giving path you can take together?  Is God a God of fear or a God of love, understanding and mercy?

My guess is as you explore these and similar questions, your path will become clear and your heart more peaceful. Please discuss your concerns with your parish priest.  All good wishes to you and your wife. - Father Kevin

 
”If I marry a person who divorced for reasons other than infidelity, is this adulterous?” – Sandra

Hello Father Kevin:

My daughter is divorced due to her husband's infidelity and his need to be "free."  She has prayed over and over to find someone who she can share her life with.   She is an Episcopalian.  Through friends, she has been talking with a wonderful man who has all the qualities she has been praying about.  However, he is divorced because he and his wife were having difficulties, but no adultery.  They tried counseling and he has been going to a therapist for 4 years to try to ease the guilt.  His daughter was two at the time.

My daughter is so upset because the bible says that if a person were divorced other than infidelity, she would be committing adultery.  My heart breaks for her.  I told her that the bible is open to some interpretation, and was hoping that you would be able to tell me something that would help.  I told her to talk to God.  She is such a loving mom and was a good wife. This man has a conscience, a good father, has a great relationship with his ex, but they cannot live together.  I don't know if he is Catholic or not.  Please advise. - Sandra

Dear Sandra: 

This is an annulment case and should be referred to a local priest. 

Sandra, I think you have great compassion and love, and you answered your own question here.  Does God want us to have a chance at happiness?  Of course He does.  Does God intend that we should be imprisoned in the mistakes/wounds/brokenness of our past?  Of course not.

Jesus tells us to forgive each other at least seventy times seven.  The Bible is indeed open to much interpretation in these matters. The cultural and social context of these prohibitions and teachings need to be taken into account.   Men in these cultures wrote the Bible prescriptions, and we have learnt much since about human love and commitment, and the voices of women need to contribute to our conversations around these issues now.  Even regarding the question of infidelity - this could be sexual infidelity or personal infidelity, where a partner simply cannot honor the marriage commitment for one reason or another.  This does not mean that the person has had to sleep with someone else in order to be "unfaithful" to the marriage.  A lack of due love and affection could also be seen as "infidelity" in this case.

Your daughter and her new man sound as though they are meant for each other.  If they plan to marry and he is a Catholic, they must talk to a parish priest about arranging annulments in order to marry in the Catholic Church.  May God bless them as they discover what their love can become.  - Father Kevin

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

My Son wants to be a priest and we never had a Catholic wedding.  Will this be a problem?” – Kent

CatholicView Staff:

My wife and I are both Catholic, but we were never married in the Catholic Church. Does God see us as truly married? Have we sinned against him? We also have a son that is also baptized and is expressing an interest in the priesthood. He is 16. Will our NON-Church marriage make it difficult for him if he so chose the path of serving the church? – Kent

Dear Kent:

Congratulations on your baptized son expressing interest in the priesthood.  What a wonderful blessing for you and your wife.  As to your marriage, it is a simple matter of talking to your parish priest and arranging for a blessing on your marriage.  It can even be done at the rectory.  To do this makes you and your wife in full communion with the teaching of the Catholic Church.

See your priest as soon as you can.  Again, blessings on you and your son.  – CatholicView Staff

 Is it wrong not to celebrate the holidays, when you lose a parent? - Nancy

CatholicView Staff:

Is it wrong not to celebrate the holidays, when you lose a parent? - Nancy

Hello Nancy:

I am so sorry for the loss of your parent.  It is very hard to celebrate a joyous occasion during a time of grieving.  Grieving is a natural part of healing after losing a family member.

Please do not disregard the very thing that can lift you up with the glorious assurance that you will see your loved one again.  There is something sacred, comforting and beautiful about participation in the liturgical Holy Days of the Church, and Christmas is most important because we celebrate the advent of Jesus Christ.   It is because of the birth of Christ, His death and His resurrection, that you will be united with your parent in heaven someday in the perfection God promised to all of us as Christian believers.  I believe you will find consolation, comfort and the love of God there during this time so you must set aside your sadness and rejoice that you have a Savior on Christmas Day!  Be present for this celebration!

God understands your pain.  To participate in any other family celebrations should be at your own discretion.  I am sure everyone will understand and offer the compassion you need to heal.  May the Lord be with you during this sad time.  – CatholicView Staff 

 
”Why do Catholic women not veil themselves as per the bible?” - Jacinta

CatholicView Staff:

 Why do Catholic women not veil themselves as per the bible? - Jacinta

Dear Jacinta:

Some of the biblical verses are based on the customs of that day.  Such customs change, such as the veiling of women in a church service.  Other customs can be seen from the Old Testament, such as animal sacrifice which we do not do now since Jesus has completed His one sacrifice for us all, yet animal sacrifice is in the bible.  The washing of hands before doing things was held in such high esteem in the past as described in the New Testament, yet that is not done now before any service of worship.  Things and human customs change, but what is important, the truths that save us, do not change.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not change.  The veiling of women at church services is not part of the Gospel of Christ.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can you ask for forgiveness for a sin you plan to commit?” - Kim
 

CatholicView Staff:

If you ask forgiveness for a sin you are about to commit can you be forgiven?   I have learned that all sins can be forgiven if you ask for forgiveness, but what about suicide?    Can you ask for forgiveness before you do it?

Kim:

Asking forgiveness from God implies a past action.  Forgiveness is always for something already done.  To ask forgiveness for a future sin would be deceiving oneself into thinking that a bad and terrible action would be right under other circumstances.   Asking forgiveness for a future action, knowing and planning that future action, would be a complete deception of one’s self in regards to your responsibilities as a son and daughter of God.  Don’t fool God…..He cannot be fooled.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is it a sin to deer hunt?” - Elaine

CatholicView Staff:

Is it a sin to deer hunt? - Elaine

Dear Elaine:

Hunting games (animals) for food is not sinful.  Hunting animals for the sport of it is abhorrent. – CatholicView Staff

”The principal of our Catholic School was divorced and is remarried civilly.  Should I report it?”  - Mary

CatholicView Staff:

I know someone who is a divorced Catholic who has just been hired to be the principal of a Catholic school. He has remarried, in a civil ceremony, and did not raise his children as Catholics. His divorce and remarriage took place in another town. I think it will be a sacrilege for him to be a Eucharistic minister, at school Masses. I also think it is inappropriate for him to supervise the religious education of faithful Catholics, when he chose to raise his children, in another denomination.
He is a retired superintendent of a public school, so I don't think he needs the income. I think that he has mislead the Catholic school board, but if I inform the diocese or school board, would that be unethical of me? I don't want to do anything that is morally wrong or questionable. I don't want to harm anyone.  - Mary

Mary:

If you are really concerned about this man’s actions in the church, please write to your pastor and write to your local diocese’s department of education.  Let them deal with it.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can I have some medallions minted and blessed in my father’s honor?” - Craig

CatholicView Staff:

My father passed away suddenly 5 months ago. As a tribute to him I have had some custom medallions minted in his honor. I plan on giving these to my mother, brothers and all Dad's grandchildren. My father was raised Roman Catholic and I was wondering if I could get these coins blessed by a priest before I give them away. Thank you. - Craig

Craig:

What a wonderful idea to have medallions struck in honor of your father.  These medallions, as long as they are not anti-Catholic or anti-Christian, can certainly be blessed by a priest or deacon and be sent to whomever you like. – CatholicView Staff

”How do we know Jesus is God?” - Dominique

CatholicView Staff:

How do we know Jesus is God? I've currently been living with my Muslim "husband" by civil law and have raised many questions on the validity of Catholicism. He says, there is this famous Muslim scholar who has memorized every Catholic, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist book, and said not once did Jesus actually claim he is God. Jesus quotes himself saying "I am the Son of God." Jesus then said to the other apostles that they were also the Son of God. This scholar says that we Catholics misinterpreted the meaning of "Son of God" and claim that he is God, especially because not once did Jesus say he is the ONLY Son of God and IS God. I looked through the New Testament, and Jesus has never quoted himself saying he IS the Son of God, or Is God. The authors may have said he is the only Son of God, but not once did Jesus say he is. So what proof do we have that Jesus is God. (besides that the authors of the Bible interpreted that Jesus is God)? - Dominique

Dear Dominique:

Please look up the following books in the bible:  Read John 10:30 that tells us the following  “I and the Father are one.” If you believe that Jesus is our Savior you must believe what He says to us.  John 1:1:  In the beginning was the Word....and the Word was God.” is another.   Check also John 10:33: "We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.", and John 8:58: "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "Before Abraham was born, I am!"  Either Jesus was God the Son, or He was a liar and therefore we could not believe in His deity.

Do you believe in the Trinity?  God, the Father, God, the Son, and God the Holy Spirit?

Check also the following: John 1:14 that says “the Word became flesh.” This clearly indicates that Jesus was God in the flesh,  Acts 20:28 tells us, “…Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.” Pointing to Jesus Christ as God.  See also Titus 2:13 “while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  2Peter 1:1 ^“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, ‘To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours’., Hebrews 1:8 But about the Son he says,  "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.”, Matthew 14:33  ^“Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.", John 9:38 “Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.”, 2Corinthians 5:21 “Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.” You will find many references if you make a search.

Read your bible for yourself. To believe WITH FAITH is TO KNOW.  Be careful not to lose it.  Remember, we will stand before the Lord someday by ourselves.  No man will stand with us so be sure you know what our Lord, Jesus Christ is all about.   Pray and ask God to open your eyes!  Let no man lead you astray.  Peace be with you always.  – CatholicView Staff

”How can I find out the major differences between religions?” - Matt
 

CatholicView Staff:

I am trying to find out what some of the major differences between our religions are, I read a new international version Bible, but I do not claim any post Lutheran Christianity. I only claim to believe most of what my bible tells me and some of what common sense tells me. I do, however, believe in God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost and that they are all one and three at the same time. In my bible I am told that in order get into heaven I only have believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the son of God and my savior. That sounds too easy coming from the same God who made Moses and his people walk around in the desert for 40 years. I want to end up with him but I am not sure where to start. Is Catholicism the only path? - Matt

Matt:

Jesus Christ is the ONLY Way!  Catholicism is one way to know Christ as Lord and Savior.  For me, that is the way I chose to walk to heaven. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is ‘standing in the alcove’ considered attending Mass?” - Tom

CatholicView Staff:

When I was growing up, I was taught that to be "attending" Mass, standing in the alcove was not "inside" the church, and a catholic had to be present "INSIDE" from the reading of the Gospel until after the completion o the Communion prayer to be present for Mass. Is that still the rule?  - Tom

Tom:

Participating in the Mass in person is what is asked.  Sometimes, the church may be full and we have to be outside the established inside church building.  If one is just listening to the Mass in the “alcove” of the church when there is room inside the church building to sit and participate, then I would challenge you to go inside and experience the Mass instead of being separated from the body of Christ. – CatholicView Staff

 
”What do the letters Dcn. mean when written before a Catholic’s name?” -  Virginia
 

CatholicView Staff:

What do the letters Dcn. mean written before a persons name of the Catholic faith? I had someone help me that signed his name Dcn. then his name, and I want to send a thank-you note to him but I do not want to disrespect him in any way so is that right---or is it DCN? - Virginia

Virginia:

It probably is an abbreviation for DEACON (DCN).  The man helping you was an ordained deacon in the Catholic Church.  In addressing your thank you note, begin the salutation like this:   Dear Deacon ___________,  - CatholicView Staff

 
”Are we obligated to give my grandmother a feeding tube?” - Brigid

CatholicView Staff:

My grandmother is 95 and has had dementia for many years. She is still eating and drinking, but not speaking. Now she has bad bedsores and her blood pressure has gone down. She eats and drinks little. Are we obligated to give her a feeding tube when she stops eating?  - Brigid

Brigid:

Death must come naturally and cannot be forced.  A feeding tube is not considered “extraordinary means” of preserving life.  The feeding tube must be maintained.  –CatholicView Staff

”My 5 year old uses her left hand to make the sign of the cross.  Is this wrong?” - Kristina

CatholicView Staff:

Hello, my 5 year old daughter attends a Catholic school and is in kindergarten. Her teacher, Sister Karen, explained to me that my daughter is using the "wrong" hand when making the sign of the cross. My daughter is left-handed. I honestly have never heard of this. Is this so? Is it terribly wrong for my daughter to use her left-hand when making the sign of the cross? I just really had no idea and was quite surprised! I am right-handed so I guess it really never occurred to me. Thank you Father. -  Kristina   

Dear Kristina:

I must admit that I never thought of it either.  Using your right hand or left hand in making the sign of the cross doesn’t matter.  It is what the symbol of making the sign of the cross means: that we belong to God, and Christ died for us on the cross and by that one sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we have salvation.  I understand what Sister Karen is saying, though.  There was always a subtle kind of prejudice against left-handed people in the past.   The word “sinister” comes from the Latin word meaning left-handed, unlucky, or cursed.  But we know better now, don’t we?  Encourage your daughter to make the sign of the cross that is comfortable and appropriate for her.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”My wife cannot have normal physical relations”  What advice can you offer?” - George

CatholicView staff:

My wife is unable to engage in sexual intercourse which causes significant pain due to the onset of menopause and a previous hysterectomy. We have been engaging in manual sexual contact only. Is this permissible given my wife's current health condition? If not, what advice can you offer? - George

Dear George:

I am sorry to hear that your wife and you are having intimacy problems which affect your happiness together.  The teaching Church doesn’t usually judge what is good or bad in regards to sexual intimacy within the sacrament of marriage (remember, any sexual activity outside of marriage is immoral and sinful).  I do suggest that you make an appointment with your medical doctor to discuss this problem you are facing.   This seems to be a physical condition that must be examined by a doctor.   Not to do so would ensure that you will continue to be unhappy with your marital relationship that God called you to live. –CatholicView Staff

 
”Why did a priest say ‘ In the Name of Jesus and Mary?” - Charles

CatholicView Staff:

I recently heard a priest pray "In the Name of Jesus and Mary", and was slightly perplexed. As I understand it, the construction "In the name of" means to do something under the authority of the person named. While Our Mother is the Queen of Heaven, indeed Mary Most Powerful, as I also understand it, Her authority is derivative, a participation in the authority of her Son. Can we be properly said to pray under Her authority or in Her Name? Is this an excess of Marian piety or a viable reflection of the Church's understanding of Our Lady's role as Mother of the Church? - Charles

Charles:

You are correct in your theological conclusion that Mary’s “authority” is derivative and participatory in Jesus’ authority.  We all have the authority of Jesus Christ in prayer, by the words we speak in His Name, and by the actions we do for His greater glory.  This term, “in the name of Jesus and Mary” is a devotional motto of sorts that shows that we do things in the name of Jesus and that we honor the Blessed Virgin for her role as mother of our Lord and Savior.   I remember when I went to Catholic grammar school in the 1960s a similar motto that we put on all of our school work: “All for Jesus through Mary.”  Same idea, a devotional motto that states that we should be doing things in the name of God and that we should always be aware of God’s presence with us as did Mary when she was here on earth following her Son Jesus in His travels.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can a priest be friends with a woman?“ - Janice

CatholicView Staff:

Can a priest be friend with a woman?  Can he go to lunch with her and just talk or is that wrong? - Janice

Janice:

As a priest,   I must always be honest with myself and with God.   I must be aware that others are always watching my actions and will either be uplifted by those actions or scandalized by those actions.   Appearance is important because there are people who are weak in faith who will judge and lose faith.   There is nothing wrong with a priest having lunch or just talking with anyone, male or female.    But a priest must not allow any friendship to exclude others, or allow any relationship to be a source of scandal.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Are funeral protests acceptable?” - Jeff

CatholicView Staff:

I am particularly conflicted about the funeral protests that have been in the news lately. They seem unethical. I hear reports from both sides as to why they are, or are not protected by law but I want to know if they are considered acceptable according to the Bible? - Jeff

Dear Jeff:

The Old Testament and the New Testament state that there are two GREAT commandments (and the “whole Law” is based on these two commandments):  love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and body….and love your neighbor as yourself.  Even though the bible does not specifically state that protesting at a funeral is sinful or immoral, the command to love our neighbor would naturally mean that no one should disrupt a funeral service for grieving family members no matter what the cause is.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Would it be wrong to formally join a Methodist Church?” - Rose
 

CatholicView Staff:

I've been raised R.C., married a (non-practicing Jewish) man in the Catholic Church, and have baptized our child, there. We've since moved, and my son and I have found a warm, welcoming, beautiful group of people at a Methodist church, where he had preschool. We benefit from participation in its non-denominational children's ministry, and it's ministry support group for parents of special needs kids. Would it be wrong to formally join this church?

Dear Rose:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.  If you join the Methodist Church, you will be giving up the sacraments of the Catholic Church and you will no longer be part of the Catholic Community.

From your letter, it seems that your son has special needs and you are receiving support from the Methodist Church you are currently attending and it is understandable that you are finding comfort there.  But are you willing to give up your Church?

I would suggest you pray hard about this decision.   Why not go to the church you previously attended and talk to the priest there?  You will be able to sit down and talk in person and get the counsel and direction that you are seeking.

May the Lord guide you and give you insight.  – CatholicView Staff 

 
 “What are the Church teachings concerning psychics and mediums?– Kathi

CatholicView Staff:

Father, what are the Church teachings concerning psychics and mediums? Thank you! – Kathi

Kathi:

The Catholic Church strictly forbids going to psychics or mediums for revelations.  According to the Catechism of the Church, "All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to ‘unveil’ the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm readings, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone" (No.2116).

If one indulges is this form of divination, it opens up the doors to the demonic forces that can endanger your Christian faith.  Beware of such practices.  The bible clearly speaks of such in Leviticus 20: 6-8  “I will also turn against those who commit spiritual prostitution by putting their trust in mediums or in those who consult the spirits of the dead. I will cut them off from the community.  So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the Lord your God.  Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the Lord who makes you holy.”

See also 2 Chronicles 33:6 that states “Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord’s sight, arousing his anger.”

There are numerous passages in the bible that will find echo the important fact that it is wrong to put your faith in such practices.  Stay away and put your faith solely in our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Depend on our heavenly Father Who knows all things to give you the answers that you need.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”Do Ouiji boards actually contact the dead?” - Michelita 
 

CatholicView Staff:

A lot of people are talking about Ouiji boards and it really scares me. Do these boards actually contact the dead?  Were they really made by the devil? - Michelita

Dear Michelita:    

A believing Christian must never use them.  Make no mistake about Ouija Boards.  Those who do use them show a total lack of trust in God by turning to the occult through the use of the Ouija board for answers.  As Christians we must understand that the Ouija board comes from the sources of evil.  When a person tries to receive answers to life through means not associated with our faith in Jesus Christ, we open ourselves to the intervention of evil.  This is why divination is sinful. We are, in truth calling upon the demons of Satan to supply answers to our problems, and are deliberately choosing the forces of hell which will harm our friendship with God.  

Jesus tells us not to worry about our future but to place ourselves in His care.  Using a Ouija board opens us up to a world of spirits we cannot see and whose origin we don't know about.   There are only two places spirits come from and that is either from heaven or hell.  We know God speaks to the heart through the Holy Spirit.   Even though one considers it a harmless game, it can open the door to demonic invasion and the malicious influences of evil spirits and should  be avoided at all costs.

Contacting spirits through methods other than prayer to God removes us from His protection.  Without God, we are left completely unprepared for what can happen to us because of dabbling in the occult.  

Scriptural passages that specifically condemn or denigrate divination and related occultic activities include 1 Samuel 15: 23-2, Kings 17:17, 2 Chronicles. 33:6, Isaiah 8:19-20,  Jeremiah.14:14, 27:9-10; 29:8-9, Ezekiel. 12:24; and Galatians 5:19-21. Deuteronomy 18:10,  Jeremiah 29:8, and Leviticus 19:26-31; 20:6-27).

Our loving Father in heaven warns us of these dangers for our protection and well being, both spiritual and physical. Let us pray that those who, unaware of the dangers, are involved with divination will soon realize that this "mere game" can be the gravest risk and the greatest gamble of their lives. – CatholicView Staff

 
”I would like a mass said for my aborted babies?  Is this possible?” - Anonymous by request
 

CatholicView Staff:

I was baptized Catholic in infancy but never catechized and never attended mass, or any church regularly growing up. Through God's amazing grace, I was brought by a friend to a Catholic Mass one Easter and decided to inquire about the faith. I wanted to find out what my baptism meant all those years ago (I was 39 at this time). I inquired, started going to faith sharing and catechesis and I fell in love with the faith. I completed the RCIA program and received the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil 2006. I had many hideous sins to confess at my first reconciliation. Among the sins I confessed were two abortions I had in my 20s before coming to know Christ. These abortions were done willingly out of my own selfish motives. As my faith and prayer life grow I become more and more horrified at what I did. I am concerned about the souls of those lives I willingly destroyed. With All Souls Day coming up this is on my mind even more. I am also cowardly and deeply ashamed. I would like to have mass said for these innocent souls whose lives I destroyed but logistically how is this done? Since they had no names, am I required to give my name? Because I am so fearful and ashamed, I would rather not have my name published. If you think this letter would be helpful to others, would you post it signed anonymous?

Hello:

I praise God that He has brought you to His love and forgiveness!  Rest assured that your past is now nailed to the cross of Christ and you can go forward learning from your past mistakes and living for the Lord today, hopeful of a future with Him in heaven forever!  I congratulate you in your journey to Christ our Lord and Savior.  You are forgiven, praise God!  In regards to your inner desire to praise God for His unconditional love and forgiveness in regards to your sin of abortion, you can still have a Mass offered for the souls of your two unborn children.  All you have to do is go to your parish office, ask to have a Mass said for your SPECIAL INTENTION.  No need to explain anything to anybody about what your special intention is.  Just have the Masses said and plan to attend those Masses.  This prayer of repentance and gratitude for God's healing forgiveness will be known to you and God through this Mass.  Your unborn children are with the Lord and have become your prayerful support in this life as they gaze on the throne of God our Father.  Be at peace! - CatholicView Staff

”I don't know how to reconcile my homosexuality.  Can you help me to understand?” Jim
 

CatholicView Staff:

I am 62 years old. I know that God created me in His image and likeness. I know that God loves me. I know that I am homosexual. I don't know how to reconcile this.

I can accept that I am homosexual, but I cannot accept that God created something bad.  I cannot accept that the Church does not allow me an outlet for what is a natural state for me.  I did not choose this.  Masturbation would be an acceptable outlet, and relieve the stress/tension, but the Church does not allow it.  Help me understand this, please.  - Jim

Dear Jim:

God did not create something bad in you.  God created you in His image and likeness.  You are more than your sexual orientation.  Please, do not define yourself solely with just one part of your personality.  You are more than that.  You are a son of God!   Rejoice in that.  Since you and God know what you struggle with, all you have to do is make peace with God and leave everything in God’s Hands.  Accept and love yourself as God accepts and loves you.  Stop judging yourself and live in peace.  We have said this before and we repeat again, sexual intimacy (even masturbation) outside of marriage is considered sinful.  Sexual intimacy has TWO ends (goals):  procreative (children) and unitive (bringing together of two into one).   – CatholicView Staff 

 
”I am going through RCIA.  Is it appropriate to genuflect, recite prayers, and say the rosary?”  - Jenny

CatholicView Staff:

I am going through RCIA right now and I was just curious when it is appropriate for me to take part in things such as genuflecting, and reciting prayers in church and praying the rosary and so on. I know that I can't take communion until I've been confirmed, but I do always go up for a blessing. - Jenny

Dear Jenny:

Please, continue what you are doing!  You must be comfortable with all the devotional expressions of our faith.  As “they” say:  when in Rome, do as the Romans do!  - CatholicView Staff

 
” My job encourages education on birth control.  Is it wrong for me to
ignore my duties by avoiding this issue?” - Heidi

CatholicView Staff:

I work in public health and I love my job.   I work for a program which assists pregnant women and children and it is very rewarding.   As with most social programs which financially support lower income families and single moms, we are encouraged to educate on "birth control". The counseling guidelines I must follow with this issue do not involve natural family planning.  I am supposed to refer clients to family planning for a pill or shot or whatever.  I have been in my job for over a year and have usually avoided the issue.  My co-workers know my beliefs but they feel as if I am being dishonest and not doing my job.  When clients ask me about birth control, I have usually said something like "I do not personally support any artificial birth control so I am not the person to ask.  You can talk to your physician."  I feel so trapped. I love my job and feel that helping moms feed their children is a important job but this issue breaks my heart.  I believe in a honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.  Is it wrong for me to ignore this issue because I cannot protest it?  Is it wrong for me to work for an organization which is 95% wonderful and provides help for so many needy people because they support birth control?  - Heidi

Heidi

I am so happy to hear that you are doing such good work in support of those who have great needs!  May the Lord bless you for what you do!  Please continue what you are doing.  I appreciate your moral situation in which you must present as part of your "counseling" pregnant women an explanation of various kinds of birth control.   Artificial methods of birth control are not accepted as part of our Christian moral living.  Notice I said "artificial" since birth control as such is morally neutral which is why the teaching Church accepts "natural" methods of birth control as morally acceptable.  Natural methods of planning one’s family always include both the man and the woman and makes family planning a mutual responsibility.   Natural methods also use the God created cycles of human life in planning families.   Artificial birth control means that responsibility becomes the burden of one party, usually the woman.  The teaching Church has a problem with unfairly burdening one party of a marriage with that kind of responsibility.  Artificial means disrupts the natural cycles of life which has its own destructive consequences.  Family planning has to be fairly shared, using God's ways not humankind's ways.  Your comment to your clients, "I do not support any artificial birth control so I am not the person to ask" is an honest and true comment and is acceptable to say as a believer in Jesus Christ!  Continue to work with the organization because as you say, 95% of your work there is wonderful and provides help.  You are a strong person not to compromise your beliefs and principles.  May the Holy Spirit give you the strength to be a witness of Christ in all you do! – CatholicView Staff

”When we go to Heaven will man and woman still have intimate
love?” - Clinton
 

CatholicView Staff:

When we go to heaven, will man and woman be able to still have sex and love each other, or will God take away the love between a man and a woman, and make us only servants ?  I have heard that when we go to heaven we will only be able to worship God and serve Him, and do nothing else.  This kinda worries me, because it sounds as if we are going to be slaves of God.  -Clinton

Dear Clinton:

Thank you for writing to us.  The answer is quite simple and based on the words of Jesus in the Gospel according to Luke.  There will be no sexual relations in heaven since sexual relations are physical in nature and have as its end the procreation of children and the union of two physical bodies in human love.  Since there is no marriage in heaven, and since there is no procreation of children in heaven, there is no sex in heaven.  Where does this conclusion come from?  Here is the gospel verse from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 20:35:  The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are they given in marriage.  They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are children of God because they are the ones who will rise.   But to make the conclusion that you will not see your spouse in heaven is a mistake.  Instead, life as we know it will be so completely changed that what we know now as life will be totally put into the perspective of God's eternal plan.  We will all be united (in a deep intimate way that we cannot understand right now) in spirit, soul, and mind with our Creator!  Your family members and all your loved ones will be so completely united in God and with each other that our souls will be overflowing with love.  We will be complete!  We will not be servants of God, or slaves of God but individuals with open access to God and to each other.    Saint Paul writes in his letter to the Romans (Romans 8:15):  For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but a spirit of adoption through which we cry, Abba, Father!   The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Also see Galatians 4:6 that also repeats this message).  God will not take away the love between man and woman, but enhance it to include the entire universe and all created beings.  Saint Paul's words in the First Letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 15, Verse 28 will come true in heaven:  When everything is subjected to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One who subjected everything to Him, so that God may be all in all.   That's something to look forward to!  Praise God in Jesus Christ!   We will love forever! - CatholicView Staff

”I am afraid to tell my priest about my adulterous affair. 
Can I talk to any priest?” - Tim

CatholicView Staff:

I have sinned in the eyes of GOD. I have had an affair and have not talk to my local priest yet about this sin. I am very scared and afraid to talk to him. My wife does not know and must never know for it would be very crushing to her and our marriage. I want to be forgiven and have prayed for forgiveness and I know I must speak to my priest about this. Can I talk to any priest or do I have to speak to my parish priest? - Tim

Tim:

Please talk and confess your sin to ANY priest.  It does not have to be your parish priest.  Go to that nice priest on the other side of town and make amends and be at peace with God.  As Jesus said to the adulterous woman, “Go and sin no more.” – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is a deacon allowed to wear a Benediction neck crucifix when
he assists at mass?” - Brent

CatholicView Staff:

Our deacon (transitional deacon) is just about to come into full association with the Benedictine Order; we want to give him a gift.  What we had in mind was a Benedictine neck crucifix about three inches high.  I know that a pectoral is not allowed.  This one is small and worn above the heart.  Is he allowed to wear this when he is assisting at the mass? - Brent
 

Dear Brent:

Alas, jewelry is not worn on a monk’s person except a ring signifying his commitment to God and Church.  The Benedictine cross would make an excellent gift for any believer, but for a Benedictine monk, it would be redundant since he probably has several already!  Instead, on the day of his ordination, think of something other than a religious article.  A gift certificate would be nice.  Remember, for a Benedictine, any money or gift cards he would receive would be shared with the brothers.   - CatholicView Staff

 
”Why are all Catholic priests male?” - Steve

CatholicView Staff:

Why are all Catholic priests male? I've read the bible, and asked my priest, but cannot get a complete answer to this question.

Dear Steve:

Thank you for your question.  God has chosen to reveal Himself to us as Father, and we have to respect that. In addition, Jesus, who is both God and man, is male. This is part of the reason why the priesthood is reserved to males. -  CatholicView Staff
 

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