JANUARY  2008

FATHER AMARO SAUMELL
FATHER CEDRIC PISEGNA, C.P.
CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

FATHER AMARO SAUMELL

St. John saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove on Jesus, so why did he later doubt Jesus was the One?” – Peter

Father Amaro:

Please reconcile for me Matthew 3:13-17 with Matthew 11:2-3. How can St John see the heavens open and the spirit of God descend upon him like a dove and then question from prison if He is the one. Thank you. - Peter

Dear Peter:

The phrase “Spirit of God descend like a dove” denotes an anointing. It didn’t specify what the anointing was for. That is why the quote that followed, “This is my beloved son in who I am well pleased.”

The repetition later of John’s inquiry was not merely for John, but for those who would carry the message. It was a challenge that would convince.  God bless, Fr. Amaro

 
”A friend’s 12 year old son is dying. Please help us to
understand God’s role in this?” Sue

Father Amaro:

My husband and I just received tragic news that a good friend of my husband's, whose son is 12 years-old, was just given a few months at best to live. We are trying to "keep the faith" through this. Please, please, help us to understand God's role in this. Thank you. - Sue

Dear Sue:

What a horrible tragedy.  Now, I’m sure some uninformed, well intentioned person will make an ignorant comment like “We have to accept the will of God...” It has never been God’s intention or will that any of us should die. Death comes because of our fallen nature, which affects our physical reality as well. This child won’t become an “angel” either. Angels are servants of God and human beings. Human beings achieve sainthood. And, since the child’s physical nature is weak, we pray for the completion of eternal life.

Faith is knowing that Jesus entered into our realm to take our nature and conquer its weakness, and through that accomplishment, presents a new completed human nature to His Father on our behalf. He is the “new and last Adam” who corrects the fall.

“By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share our humanity.” We hear the priest say that at every mass. It means that we have faith in our baptism, which is joined to Christ’s sacrifice towards an end... salvation! Our immortality comes by way of that sacrifice. God intends eternal life for all. Faith is a choice to believe and place our trust in such an accomplishment. It is not a mere feeling of comfort. We choose to express this faith even in the sight of tragedy as a choice... even in grief. Use Mother Teresa as your model. She had no “feelings of comfort” through the last 40 years of her ministry. Her faith and ministry were by choice.  God bless, Fr. Amaro

“I plan to be cremated and my cremains will be put
in a statue with the ashes of others.  How does the Church
view this?– Greta
 

Father Amaro:

I am 80 years young. I plan to be cremated. Our Catholic church has a Memorial Garden on the church grounds.

After a Memorial Mass the cremains are placed in a beautiful statue like very large container - with all of the other parishioners whose ashes have been put there. They are all mixed together.

I would like to know how the Catholic Church views the mixing of ashes of others. Many thanks for your reply! - Greta

Dear Greta:

Ossuaries are used more and more these days and are considered “sufficient” for burial. Ashes aren’t actually “mixed” by anyone. Yet, they may mix naturally over time. The point is that there be an outwards sign of the faith of the deceased in the resurrection. Earlier forms of ossuary in the Church were not done with ashes, but with the bones of the deceased. Different burial practices took shape for different reasons.

The following is what I’ve given to my own parishioners on the subject:

Questions & Answers about CREMATION for CATHOLICS
Cremation may be a confusing issue for Catholics. At one time, the church prohibited cremation but this is no longer the case. We've provided some answers to the most commonly asked questions and we hope this will be helpful in making your decision.

"Lord, for your faithful people’s life is changed, not ended."

When did it become allowable for Catholics to be cremated?
In 1963, the Catholic Church lifted its prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation. Canon 1176 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law states, "The Church earnestly recommends the pious custom of burying the bodies of the dead be observed, it does not however, forbid cremation unless it has been chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teaching."

Why was cremation prohibited?
Catholics believe that we are created in the image and likeness of God, and that all of God's creation is sacred. Just as the body should be treated with respect in life, so should it be treated in death. As Catholics we believe that "in baptism the body was marked with the seal of the Trinity and became the temple of the Holy Spirit,"and as such, "Christians respect and honor the bodies of the dead and the places they rest" (Order of Christian Funerals 19). During life our body was baptized into the Lord and His promise of eternal life.

From the earliest days of Christianity, cremation was seen as a pagan ritual perceived to be contrary to this and other Catholic teachings, and therefore prohibited by the Catholic Church. In addition, during the Enlightenment Era of history, it was used to protest the Resurrection by Atheists. Today, cremation is only prohibited if the person choosing cremation is doing so to deny Christian teachings, especially that of the resurrection of the dead and the immortality of the soul.

What is cremation?
Cremation is the process where the body is totally incinerated by intense heat and flame. All substances are consumed and vaporized except bone fragments and any noncombustible materials. The bone fragments may be further pulverized after cooling. These remains weigh anywhere from 4 to 10 pounds.

What is the proper name for these remains?
What we commonly call "ashes" are really not ash as we know it, but bone particles. The proper terminology of the remains of the body after cremation is cremated remains of the body. The Church also holds that these remains be treated with the same respect that the body was treated with prior to cremation, including the use of a "worthy vessel" or urn for the cremated remains of the body.

When should cremation take place?
The church strongly prefers that cremation takes place after the full Funeral Liturgy where the body is present. "This is the body once washed in baptism, anointed with the oil of salvation, and fed with the bread of life." The Church's belief in the sacredness of life and the resurrection of the dead encourages us to celebrate the funeral liturgies with the body present while affirming the value of human life. As Catholics we celebrate our funeral liturgies, because they recall Christ's victory over death. With His victory, comes our promise of eternal life.

If it is not possible for the body to be present at the Funeral Mass, permission has been granted by the Catholic Church which provides for the celebration of the Funeral Mass with the cremated remains of the body present in church. Since it is the 'earthly remains' and not the body of the deceased that is present, there are slight adaptations in the liturgy. In some diocese, local permission is needed for the cremated remains of the body to be present at Mass.

What Catholic rites are available for those choosing cremation?
The Order of Christian Funerals presents the Church's plan for the celebration of the death of one the faithful. These rites assume the presence of the body, but adaptations are available for those choosing cremation. The Order of Christian Funerals consists of three parts:

1) Vigil and Related Rites and Prayers
2) the Funeral Liturgy and
3) the Rite of Committal

The "Vigil and Related Rites and Prayers" gives the family and friends an opportunity to gather in the presence of the deceased and offer support and prayers to and for each other as well as the deceased, and recall their Christian life. The "Funeral Liturgy", frequently celebrated within Mass, but which may be celebrated outside of Mass, allows us to relive the Easter mystery and Christ's promise of eternal life. The "Rite of Committal" is our farewell to our beloved brother or sister in Christ. At this time we turn over the care of our loved one to the cemetery as we await the resurrection of the dead along with the communion of saints.

How should cremated remains of the body be handled?
Prior to cremation, arrangements should be made among the family of the deceased, the crematorium, the funeral director and the cemetery concerning the disposition of the cremated remains of the body.

Most crematoriums will ship the cremated remains of the body via registered mail, or some other secure service, to the person who is responsible for them.

Upon receipt, the cremated remains of the body should be treated with respect in the way they are handled, transported, cared for and in their final disposition.

Upon receipt of the cremated remains of the body, what should I do with them?  The cremated remains of the body should be buried or entombed. The scattering of the cremated remains of the body, or the keeping of them at home, or the dividing of them among various family members is not the reverent disposition the church requires. (They must be given a proper resting place by burial or crypt as a sign after death of the deceased’s belief in the Resurrection.)

Most Catholic cemeteries have grave space or crypt space or niches for the cremated remains of the body. This allows for visitation, memorialization and prayers.

At the cemetery, a final prayer "The Rite of Committal", is prayed as the cremated remains of the body are laid to rest.

Recognizing that the goal of our lives is eternal life with God, we prepare for that by prayer, reception of the sacraments and care for those around us. Preparation for death is an essential part of life for a Christian.

In today's society, for some, choosing cremation is part of that preparation for death. The Church continues to prefer and encourage the faithful to bury or entomb the bodies of their departed loved ones. However, if cremation is chosen for worthy motives, the Church wishes to support the faithful in honoring the life and memory of the departed. Hope this helps!- God bless, Father Amaro

References:
Christian Burial Guidelines,
by the National Catholic Cemetery Conference
Copyright 2001

Cremation — New Options for Catholics,
by Fran Helner, Catholic Update, St. Anthony Messenger Press,
Copyright 1997

Honoring the Dead, Catholics and Cremation Today,
by H. Richard Rutherford, C.S.C., The Liturgical Press,
Copyright 2001

Order of Christian Funerals,
prepared by International Commission on English in the Liturgy,
Liturgical Training Publications, Copyright 1997

Order of Christian Funerals, Appendix Cremation,
1999 Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions,
the Worship Offices of Michigan and Ohio in consultation with Rev. Richard Rutherford

Reflections on the Body, Cremation and Catholic Funeral Rites,
Committee on the Liturgy, National Conference of Catholic Bishops,
Copyright 1997
 
Published at http://www.cathcemchgo.org/cremation.htm
Copied with permission.

”Are there some resources that we can access that balance church law with a person's personal relationship with God?” - Marsha

Father Amaro:

My daughter is a 5th grader in our local Catholic grade school. In a recent discussion her teacher told the class that divorce is a sin and if you remarry it is adultery. I know of five children in her class who have parents who are divorced. What can we teach our children about divorce and how can we help them understand their pain and that of their parents. These couples and their children went through and continue to go through pain and separation. Yet these are their parents and they love them. To be told that their parents are sinners is basically what the kids took away from the discussion. Is that what our Catholic faith is about - making our children feel shame and embarrassment? Are there some resources that we can access that balance church law with a person's personal relationship with God? I think we need to be careful to only teach our children about all the laws and punishment (fear based) and help them begin to develop their own process of discernment. How do we reconcile church laws with a loving God? Instead of presenting a punishing God, how do we encourage our children to enter into the great dance with a loving God? Any advice or resources would be greatly appreciated. – Marsha

Dear Marsha,

Surely the teacher could have been a little more tactful.  On the other hand, what did the parents expect the teachers to teach in a Catholic School? Something other than the faith? I’ll have to say that I do have mixed emotions on this one. Surely, it is difficult on children to hear that their parents sin. On the other hand, the parents did sin and it would have come out eventually and have to be explained.

One of the big problems in society today is that we have and continually enable dysfunctions. Empowerment comes from education and factual reality. Of course, this should be age appropriate, but by who’s standards? We should tell a child which fork is wrong to use. But for some reason, when it comes to their salvation, we are supposed to hide the sin of the parents by avoiding information that has to do with the salvation of their children?

It could be that the teacher needs to emphasize that all sins are of personal choice, but that Jesus has given us remedy for sins through the ministry of the Church. We have a whole generation of Catholics who think that they have no obligation to be married as a witness to their baptism in the Church for it to be valid. We’ve got divorced persons not receiving Holy Communion when they are not living with someone else or have not been married outside of the Church. There is a great deal of ignorance going on because people are worried about feelings rather than salvation.

I use a special approach. I actually tell people that I’ve been divorced and have been through an annulment. I share with them that if God can bring me to the point of providing the Body and Blood of Jesus to his people as a priest, he can heal any situation through the ministries of the Church. I was criticized once for doing this by a superior about 15 years ago. Recently, I was speaking to my bishop about that very thing. I recalled the situation and told him how understanding people are when things are not hidden from them and how they support my ministry. I compared it to the present scandal in the Church, which was hidden for so many years and how it has angered so many people because we were so secretive about the truth.

So why is it that we want to hide other sins too? Maybe if we taught the real truths of our faith and put “embarrassment” aside so that we could deal with healing, we’d find a stronger church. There is no easy answer. And, I’m sure that this won’t be satisfying for you either. But when it comes to the salvation of souls and the risk of embarrassment, which would you choose to do before Christ. - God bless, Fr. Amaro

 
“I face my first confession. Do I have to confess my adultery and that women and men were involved?” - J

Father Amaro:

I was raised Catholic, but never baptized. I have now returned to the Church and am in RCIA. I am worried about my first confession. I have committed adultery, with men and women! I am wondering if I confess to adultery, or do I need to inform that men were involved as well? - J.

Dear J.:

What a boring confession! Of course I say that from a priest’s point of view. Don’t you think we’ve heard it all?   The “confession” part is your concern.   What the priest is listening for is the sincerity behind it. (Actually, for my part, hearing confessions challenges me and my own sincerity of my confessions.) The sins are very rarely shocking. Do you think that you’re the first in the world who has ever committed these sins? There are basically ten sins for ten commandments. We all have very creative ways of committing them. By the time you get to the Sacrament, the sin is of little importance. The repentance is what IS important. Focus more on the freedom you will experience afterwards.

In any event, since you were never baptized, there is no need of a first confession. That particular sacrament comes when you fall AFTER you’ve been baptized. This should be clarified with your R.C.I.A instructor if he or she told you otherwise.

Look at it this way: When you are baptized, you become a “child of God.” A child has no past. Imagine that! You will have no past... until you create one. It is at that time you will confess the sins SINCE your baptism.

I hope this gives you some comfort. Rejoice in your conversion. - God bless, Fr. Amaro

FATHER CEDRIC PISEGNA, C.P.

“If salvation is received at baptism, why did God
send His Son to die on a cross?” –Tom

Father Cedric:

The Catholic Church teaches that salvation is received at baptism. If this were true, why did God send His Son to died on a cross for us? - Tom

Tom:

Thanks for your question. You mentioned that you are not Catholic.  If you are Christian, you know the Biblical command of Jesus to be baptized.  Tradition has always upheld its importance. It is not baptism, that saves, per se.  Rather it is what baptism represents and immerses us into, that saves.  What we are plunged into is precisely the death/resurrection of Jesus Christ.   When someone, whether an infant or adult is immersed in the water, they die with Christ.  When they come forth, they rise with Christ.  A faith decision activates this grace celebrated at baptism.

Is baptism a guarantee of salvation? Certainly not. The late Pope John Paul II talked about “baptized pagans.” One must believe in Jesus and surrender in faith to him. Along with the faith commitment is a lifestyle of integrity and good works. This faith stance ratifies and releases the grace given in baptism. I hope you understand the rich tradition of baptism given in the Bible, the early church, throughout the ages and the present day church. This mysterious rite immerses us into the person of Jesus Christ. It makes us a member of the family of God and washes away our sins through the cross. – Father Cedric

 “Is it a sin to talk behind the backs of others when you are
angry with them? - Cecile

Dear Father:

May I ask?   Is it sinful and a matter for confession to talk behind the backs of others when you feel hurt or angry at them? - Cecile

Cecile,

Gossip, slander and swearing are all sins that grieve the Holy Spirit. I understand that when you are angry you want to vent and talk about it. Talking about the situation is one thing, but slandering another and bringing them down in the estimation of your confidant is another. I tell people that gossip about another is one of our ways of trying to get the other person to like us. We want them to think we are confiding in them because they are special. We hope they will like us even more. In my life, I respect the people who do not gossip, especially when they have the opportunity to. The Scriptures tell us about how our mouths can be our downfall in many places. I pray you will turn your speaking over to God and work through your anger in appropriate ways. – Father Cedric

 
“In Matthew 11:2-11, what does the “least in the Kingdom of
Heaven” mean?”  - Bob  

Father Cedric:

In Matthew's Gospel on the 3rd Sunday of Advent Mt 11:2-11, at the end of the gospel Jesus says, "Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater then he."  What is the "least in the Kingdom of Heaven" and what is the significance of this? – Bob

Bob:

You ask an interesting question, one that has been debated through the ages.  Will there be “social strata” of some type in heaven? Does what we do now determine the place we will have?

At its very least, Jesus was saying that as great as John the Baptist was, anyone in heaven is greater than he. Those worthy of heaven will be virtuous, behold God’s face, and live forever. Heavenly people will never die and enjoy pleasures forever more. 

However, there may be more to what Jesus said than the above. There is ample evidence in the Scriptures about “rewards” in addition to eternal life. These rewards are based on our deeds here. We are saved by grace through faith, but our deeds go with us. They matter greatly. (Rev. 20:12) For example, in the parable of the pounds the nobleman gives a certain number of pounds to each of the three. In Luke 19:17 the one who earned ten pounds was put over ten cities, while the one who earned five pounds was put over five cities. Both of these had the favor of the royal person, but received something in proportion to what they earned.

A good book that confirms this theology is:   "A Life God Rewards: by Bruce Wilkerson.  I found that book fascinating and eye opening.  Again, we are saved by the gift of God, but rewarded according to our deeds.  There is ample evidence in the Scriptures affirming this, including the verse you quoted.  I'd like to say that what makes us "great" in heaven won't just be our achievements, but our degree of holiness.  Certainly, the life we lead now, the person we become and the deeds we do are of infinite importance in eternity.   - Father Cedric

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

”My unborn child died in the womb.  Will we be reunited
with him in heaven when we die?” Johanna

CatholicView Staff:

My unborn baby died in the womb yesterday. We are heartbroken, but we know that he is in Heaven.   However, we are wondering what exactly becomes of a baby who was too young to live outside the womb. Will he stay tiny, will he be a healthy newborn, and will he grow into a child?  Also, will we be reunited with him in Heaven when we die?  - Johanna

Dear Johanna:

We are so sorry to hear that your unborn son has died.  It is very difficult  for a parent to lose a child;   but it is a strong testament to your faith that you realize he is now in heaven, being held in the arms of our heavenly Father.  Yes, he will know you as his parents and you will know him.  Know that he is happy, in perfect health, and waits to see you someday.

As to size and age, we find no reference to this in the bible.  Nonetheless, you will be together.   Trust our God to make all things right someday.  Rest assured you are in our prayers.  

May the Lord give you comfort during this sad time. – CatholicView Staff

”My Catholic girlfriend gets embarrassed in my company.  Is this necessary?” - Joshua

CatholicView Staff:

My girlfriend is a devoted Catholic and she feels embarrassed and ashamed that she finds me physically attractive. Of course the relationship is in no way about that but it still bothers her. Is it necessary that she feel so ashamed of herself? - Joshua

Dear Joshua:

It is refreshing to know that modesty is still alive and well.  You do not state her age or hers but this may be a factor that causes her to feel shy with you. 

Your girlfriend sounds like an astute person who is perhaps being cautious in her efforts to remain chaste until marriage.  This is to be commended.   But it is not necessary for her to feel ashamed or embarrassed.  Perhaps you could talk to her and try to determine why she is uncomfortable when she is around you.   - CatholicView Staff

 
”Should I continue my relationship with my boyfriend
if we don't share the same beliefs?” Shannon

CatholicView Staff

My boyfriend is a devoted Christian and I am a devoted Catholic. We are able to talk about God openly but when it comes to religion we are set in our ways.  Should we continue our relationship when we don't share the same beliefs? - Shannon:

Dear Shannon:

Thank you for your question.  CatholicView believes if there are issues BEFORE a marriage takes place, they do not go away once you are married.  They become magnified.

In this case, and before a commitment is made, you must sit down and explore all things carefully concerning your differences.   For instance, will you be able to attend your Catholic Church without problems?   If you have children, would your husband allow them to be baptized in the Catholic Church?  These matters need to be resolved to mutual satisfaction.  Be careful to sort all religious issues out before planning a marriage between you. 

CatholicView strongly advises that you sit down with your parish priest and try to sort things out.  When all decisions are made to mutual satisfaction, then you both can make an informed decision for your future.  Why marry in haste just to repent in leisure?  – CatholicView Staff

 
”I am Jewish.  When I attend mass with my Catholic wife
and child what shall I do when it is time to kneel?” – Steve”

CatholicView staff:

My wife and daughter are Catholic, I am Jewish. I accompany them to church at times. I am unsure as to what to do when it is time to kneel. Can you help me with this?   Thanks.   - Steve

Steve:

Thank you for your question.  It is admirable that you support your wife and daughter by attending mass as a family.  At the same time, you must be true to your own beliefs.  Kneeling during any liturgy service is usually a sign of submission to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.   If this is an action that you cannot do in your conscience, then please sit during this part of the liturgy.  But I am concerned for you.  Every action during the liturgy is a sign of some relationship to Jesus. 

If you do not feel comfortable with any action, then please don’t do it.   Sitting is acceptable for you. - CatholicView Staff

 
”If there was a cure for a fatal illness and you did not
take it, is this considered suicide?” - Nicholas

CatholicView staff:

Hello, I have been curious about this for a while now and I thought asking a priest would be the best bet. If you were stricken with a fatal illness, and there was a cure but you didn't want it, is that considered suicide? Thanks! - Nicholas

Nicholas:

Thank you for your question.  I do not know of a “fatal illness” that has a cure…otherwise it would not be a fatal illness. 

To answer your question: Letting “nature”, in regards to a fatal illness, take its course IS NOT CONSIDERED SUICIDE by the Church. - CatholicView Staff

 
”I was married civilly.  Can I receive the sacraments? - Ed

CatholicView Staff:

I know the Church doesn't recognize civil marriages between Catholics.   Does it mean they cannot receive the sacraments until married in the Church? - Ed

Dear Ed:

Yes, you are correct.  Catholics who marry civilly cannot receive the sacraments until the church, through the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, has sanctioned the marriage.

Why not speak with your priest and arrange to have your marriage sanctioned by the Church?  It is a simple matter to take care of and you will be able to participate fully in all sacraments.  – CatholicView Staff 

 
”If I confess my sins to God directly, will I be forgiven
and allowed into Heaven? – John

CatholicView Staff:

I have a problem confessing my sins to a priest. If I confess them to God directly, will I be forgiven and allowed into Heaven? – John

John:

The Sacrament of Penance (confession) is a way to confirm the forgiveness of God and to be held accountable for my actions as a follower of Christ.  Since confession is part of this Sacrament of Penance, why not use it for its graces and for strengthening your relationship with God and His Church?   But confessing your sins directly to God reconciles you to God.  Your place in heaven is assured by your faith and life in Jesus Christ.  But confessing your sins reconciles you to God AND Church.  Why not have the holistic experience of forgiveness offered in the Sacrament of Penance?  - CatholicView Staff

”If I think the unpardonable sin, will I go to hell?”
– Krissey

 
CatholicView Staff:

Is it possible to think the unpardonable sin, and if you can and it wasn't deliberate, would you still go to hell? - Krissey

Dear Krissey:

Thank you for writing.   Please understand that God is bigger than any thought that you might have.  Whatever that thought was, and you say it was not deliberate; it has already been forgiven if you have asked for forgiveness.

You see, Krissey, God knows everything you do or think because He can read your heart.   Pray and ask God to forgive you, and please go to confession if you haven’t already done so.   Continue to love and serve our Lord by your Christian actions.   Do not worry anymore.  Go forth in peace.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”My Protestant ex-wife married me in Church but
wants to remarry in a Catholic Chapel.  What should I do?”
- John
 

CatholicView Staff:

My question is two-fold. I was married to a baptized non-Catholic in a Catholic Church in 1996. In 2002 we were divorced and she now wishes to remarry. We have not pursued an annulment and we have one child from the marriage. Her future wedding is to occur in a chapel that is operated by the Archdiocese and allows non-Catholic weddings (which this would be). However, I do not think the parish that operates the chapel is aware that she was married in the Catholic Church in the past. Would it be wise for me to pursue an annulment so that I may be allowed to remarry in the future? Should I say anything to the parish about her planned wedding there and her past marriage in the Catholic Church? Thank you. - John:

Dear John:

Thank you for writing.  Yes, you should pursue your own annulment so that you can marry in the church sometime in the future.  As for your ex-wife who is not Catholic and is entering a marriage with another non-Catholic, it does not matter to the Church since she is not held to the conditions for a Catholic marriage (because she is not Catholic.)  You could talk to the priest at the parish where the wedding will take place.  But what good would that accomplish?  Now, let’s get working on the annulment of your first marriage. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Should I give up praying my wife will return or
am I bothering God?” - Richard

CatholicView Staff:

My wife walked out on me and our sons over one year ago.   I have been praying for her to come back home. I recently had a relative write me and tell me that I am not listening to God and He has answered my prayers and that He wants me to give up hope for her return. I was told that because I pray day and night for my wife that I have put her ahead of the Lord and He will not help me because of this. Does this mean that I should give up all hope forever and stop bothering God with my prayers? - Richard

Dear Richard:

Thank you for your letter. 

God has asked us to bring everything to Him in prayer.  You can never “bother” God with a request such as yours.  It was He Who instituted marriage vows and it is admirable that you would want to save and protect yours if you can.  No one can ever say what God is thinking because none of us can know His reasoning.  So your relative is wrong on this score.  None of us can know how God will intervene.

You do not say why your wife left or your part in her leaving.  What we do not understand is how a mother could leave her children.  Since we do not have complete facts, it is hard to understand why your marriage came to such an end..

One cannot make another person come back to a marriage unless they truly want to save that union.

Do not let others tell you God does not listen.  He listens to ALL prayers.  The one thing to remember is if something is right for us, He will bless it, but if something is wrong for us He will say “No”. 

Please go and talk to your parish priest and tell him your circumstances. Tell him why you think your wife left her family.  He will be able to help and offer comfort.  We will pray for you. - CatholicView Staff

 
”Is our communion just symbolism or the body and
blood of Christ?” - Sarah
 

CatholicView Staff:

My husband says that Catholics believe that when they are taking communion that the host and wine have actually been changed in to the flesh and blood of Christ. I say that it is just symbolism. Who is right? - Sarah

Sarah:

Your husband is entirely correct.  Catholics, Orthodox, and some Anglican congregations all share the belief that the bread and wine in Holy Communion become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  This is NOT a symbol but the real thing.  Please read in the New Testament Saint John’s account of what communion really is in JOHN 6:50-58.  – CatholicView Staff

“Is making outfits from wedding dresses
for the Infant of Prague statue a tradition?” - Janice

CatholicView Staff:

I just received, from my Godmother, an Infant of Prague statue.   Her mother-in-law gave it to her many years ago.  The vestments were made from her mother-in-law's wedding dress and from the mother of the brides dress from that day.  My question is, when and how did this tradition of making the outfits from wedding dresses begin? Does it continue today? - Janice

Janice:

That is an unusual tradition that your family has.  I have never heard that the vestments of the Infant of Prague (the baby Jesus) were made from wedding dresses.  So, I must conclude that this is your particular family tradition of bringing Jesus into their marriage and asking Him to bless it and protect the marriage and the family that will spring from it.  By the way, the image of the Infant of Prague (the baby Jesus) is not wearing a dress.  The baby Jesus is wearing baby clothes.  –CatholicView Staff

”Is it true that each week, all masses should
always contain the same mass music?” - Steven

Greetings, CatholicView Staff:

I am a cantor in a group of song leaders that recently ran into a small issue with the leader of our music ministry. In performing the mass music, there was a particular response piece that was specified in the list of mass music. This piece of music is "musically" not the best, but there was a substitute response that had been used by our parish many times before that had the same words as the other piece. We were later told that liturgically, all of the masses held for a particular week, should always contain exactly the same mass music, both lyrically the same and musically the same.

While we intend no objection to this particular directive from the head of the music ministry, it seems odd that, since the words of the response are exactly the same, there would be any complaint liturgically to the substitution.   Can you enlighten me? I appreciate your response!  Thanks, Steven G. Spencer

Steven:

Each Mass is different, has different readings, different themes and directions for that particular day.   I can find no liturgical directive to support their conclusion that the congregation participation “should always contain exactly the same mass music both lyrically the same and musically the same.”  Each daily Mass is different, therefore the music should reflect that.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is it possible Adam and Eve are simply allegorical?” - Alan

CatholicView Staff

Greetings father, thank you for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to help me.  I’m an evolutionary biologist. Evolution happens- period. I deal with it everyday, I’ve seen the evidence, and I know its real.

This being said, is it possible Adam and Eve are simply allegorical? Could the biblical creation story simply be describing our sinful nature, as well as giving an explanation for how we are here primitive minds can understand?  Secondly, what about the genealogy of Jesus which is given? How does this play into it if Adam and Eve were figurative?

To be honest, the idea of everyone being born with sin due to a rib woman listening to a talking snake and eating a magical fruit doesn’t sit well with me to begin with, so...  Meh, thanks again for your time.  Merry Christmas!   Alan.

Alan:

Yes, the Adam and Eve story is allegorical.  The story points out the TRUTH that God made everything; that man and woman introduced sin into the world through own their free will;  that their decision to act against God’s Will (disobedience) ruined everything, including our relationship with God.  Through the complete obedience of Jesus to His Father’s Will even to the point of giving His life on the cross healed the division between God and humankind.  The genealogy of Jesus nonetheless always points out another TRUTH, that Jesus is a descendant of King David and the promises that God made to King David regarding that the Messiah would sit on David’s throne, a promise that has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. –CatholicView Staff

”My boyfriend was a POW in Iraq and died there.
Should I worry about his salvation?” - April

CatholicView Staff:

I am worried about someone very close to me that recently passed away.  He was my boyfriend and from what I am told by his brothers, he was soon to be my fiancé.  Andy was a member of the armed forces and was injured overseas a year and a half ago, and consequently died because of the damage he sustained in Iraq. Yesterday when his brother (Luke) went to church for Christmas, the priest asked about Andy and Luke said he had passed away.  Then the priest said "so his sins finally took the better of him" and that he'll pray for his and Luke's souls to go to purgatory and not hell.  This priest is apparently VERY anti-war. I'm just scared for Andy and Luke, and their other brother too. They've all done what their jobs required them to do...it's not like anyone likes or really agrees with it...and I don't know what other sins they have, but I know they're good people. They've been through hell and back over there, which is enough for anyone. Andy was a POW for months and I won't even say what they did to him, isn't that payment enough for anything bad he's done in this life? It probably doesn't work that way, and I'm just worried.  I don't know how you can help me ease my fears, but I was hoping you could tell me anything I don't know when it comes to sinning.  I don't know if Andy asked for forgiveness before he passed away. I think he was really full of anger about his life...his whole life was so hard on him.  But I know he was a good person, and his brothers are too.   And it's God who does the judging, not a priest that doesn't even know them.  God's the one that reads and understands our hearts, and that's what matters, doesn't it?  It's enough that Andy's gone.  We're all having a really hard time dealing with that.  And I can't stop worrying about if he's okay and whether or not his brothers will be okay too.  I don't know what to do, or what I CAN do.  Do you have any advice or direction for me?   Thank you, April

Dear April:

I do not know what your parish priest meant by his comment.  I find that his comment to be inappropriate at the very least.  Our salvation is dependent on the love and mercy of God (and my faith in Jesus as Lord) and nothing else.   Only God can judge anyone.  Our military members are asked to do almost impossible things by our government.  The battle between good and evil not only happens in the spiritual realm but also in our physical world.  Our troops are part of this battle, caught in the middle, as it is said.  I am very sorry to hear of Andy’s passing to eternal life.  I am reminded of Jesus’ Gospel teaching that says: (John 15:13) “A man can have no greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.”  This gospel verse applies to Andy and all the military personnel who put their lives on the line for those who have no one to defend them.  I wish there were no wars, no military, but that is not the case.  We need the military to defend innocent people from those who seek to destroy.  The reality is that there is sin in the world that is perpetuated by evil hearts.  So, as long as there is sin, there will be wars.  Even the Book of Revelation states that there will be that final battle in which God the Father through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit will reconcile all things in Himself. 

You are so correct in saying that God reads the heart.   You are also right that judgment belongs to God and God alone.  Andy is at peace for he lived his life in the greatest love of all:  to lay down his life for his friends. – CatholicView Staff

” I lie to my mom about what I eat because she calls me
fat.  Is this wrong?” - Melinda

CatholicView Staff:

I lie to my mom about what I eat because she calls me fat and overweight when I tell her I ate something. I am not overweight. I lie to her about this almost daily because she asks what I eat everyday. I want to know if what I am doing is wrong?  - Melinda

Dear Melinda:

Instead of lying about your eating habits, perhaps you could ask her to sit down and listen to what you have to say.  You are over 18 years old, so you are basically a grown-up. 

Write down what you want to say to her.  Express your concerns and the fact that you are not overweight.   If you cannot feel comfortable talking to her, give her what you have written down.   Let her see that she is causing emotional damage to you.

Your mother loves you, and maybe she thinks she is helping you to stay healthy.  Talk to her.   Through love, you will get through this problem.   May the Lord guide you through this matter.  – CatholicView Staff

”I used the Lord’s Name in vain unintentionally. 
Is it a mortal sin?” - Margaret

CatholicView Staff:

 I need your assistance with defining what is using the Lord's name in vain. I recently made a remark about something being God awful and later thought that this was breaking the 2nd commandment.  It wasn't intentional and, in fact, it's a phrase I never say; I don't know where it came from! Could you please give me some guidance on this and if it's a mortal sin?  Thank you very much.  Margaret

Dear Margaret:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.   Most of us say things without meaning offense to God so we must be very careful what we say in order to avoid taking the Lord’s name in vain. 

The bible clearly states that we must not take our Lord’s name in vain.  See Exodus 20:3 that says, “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.”

In your case, you said something without thinking, and God knows you did not mean this offense for He knows your heart.  And He understands.   In the future, be careful what you say.  Pray and ask for God’s forgiveness and seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  God already knows you did not mean this and you are already forgiven.    God only waits for you to recognize that by making amends through confession to Him and the Church.  Be at peace.  – CatholicView Staff  

” Can abortion can be forgiven?” - Lewis

CatholicView Staff:

Can abortion can be forgiven? By the one who done it and by the one who suggested it? – Lewis

Dear Lewis:

All sins can be forgiven if we ask God for His forgiveness.  See CatholicView’s article on this topic entitled  “Taking Back Your Past” at this link:     http://catholicvu.com/newpage195htm.htm   

If one is truly repentant, God knows this, so you both must ask the Lord to forgive you, and importantly reconciling yourself to the Church with the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Please see your priest and speak frankly and openly about this matter.   He will help you to handle your guilt feelings and provide names of support groups such as Rachel’s vineyard http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/. - CatholicView Staff

”I have trouble confessing certain sins.  What
should I do?” - Paul
 

CatholicView  Staff:

I have been having trouble confessing some of my more serious sins in the confessional box.   Instead I just bottle it and list only the venial ones I know everyone commits. I feel very ashamed of myself - admitting those sins even to myself is difficult.  I realize the seriousness of my sin and I am truly sorry and I have repented honestly through prayer.   Am I forgiven?  Thank you very much. - Paul

Dear Paul:

If you are uncomfortable with confessing certain sins at your own parish, go to another parish where you are not known and make use of the confessional.   By doing this, you are reconciled to the entire Church and you can feel free to participate in the Sacraments with a clean heart.

Of course you are forgiven in the eyes of God if you have prayed honestly and asked but there is something you MUST do and that is to be reconciled with the Church for you have offended the Church and all parishioners when you sin.   Why not make use of this Sacrament and feel the cleansing you will receive?

Do not be afraid.  The priests have heard it all before so do not be ashamed.  They are there to help you.  Go now and take care of this and be at peace. - CatholicView Staff

”Is it possible to confess privately over the
medium of phone/email?” - Paul

CatholicView Staff:

Is it possible to confess privately over the medium of phone/email? – Paul

Dear Paul:

No, you cannot confess your sins privately over the phone or through email unless there are extreme circumstances to prevent you from going physically to the Sacrament of Penance. 

Under these cases, if a person is unable to get to confession because of physical problems it might be allowed.  But it is not allowed for a healthy person to avoid going physically to this sacrament.   The Sacrament of Penance has to be experienced personally.  One has to be responsible for their actions, and must not hide under the anonymity that the phone or email provides.  The whole point of this sacrament is to speak with a human being, look into human eyes, and realize how your sin sounds and offends others, and to be sorry for your actions.  Sometimes it is a hard thing to do.  To speak out loud and own up to your actions is hard, but that is the purpose of confession.  Remember this sacrament truly prepares you in a small way for the moment when you will stand up in front of God and have Him, in His perfection, look into your eyes and see all the sins you have committed.  – CatholicView Staff

”Can we overlook pre-cana classes because my fiancé is
serving in the Marines?” - Sunny

CatholicView Staff:

As a Catholic I have recently decided to accept a proposal given to me by my boyfriend of two years.   We are currently expecting our first child together. She is due January 21. When I found out I was pregnant he decided to join the Marines. He has been in boot camp since October and will arrive home the weekend before our daughter is due. Since he has been in the Marines, we have kept in touch by writing letters to one another daily. We have solved many problems that we had before by talking about them. Finding out that we were having a baby has made both of us grow up very fast. I am eighteen and he is twenty. He has asked me to marry him. I told him since we already had a baby out of wedlock, committing a huge sin; I wanted our marriage to be done right.   I wanted us to not have sex again until we were married and I wanted to get married in the Catholic Church. He had no problem with the idea and thought it was wonderful! Needless to say, we are in love and want to do the right thing for our daughter. Now that I have given you our brief background, here is my problem/question.  Since he is in the Marines, we will not be together very much in the next year due to him traveling and training. It is important to the both of us to have the blessing of our parents for our marriage. My family has made it clear that we will not have their blessing unless we have the blessing of a Priest.   As a Catholic, I do know that pre-cana classes are requested for all new couples looking to get married.   Is there anyway that the classes could be overlooked and we could still receive the blessing of a Priest for our marriage?  Like I said, we will not be together for the better part of the year and there is no way we could attend pre-cana classes together. We want to get married and be together, but we want it done right. How is this looked at in the Church and what should we do?

Sunny:

I am happy to know that you want to have your marriage in the Church.  There is a way to prepare yourselves for the Sacrament of Marriage without both of you being in the same place.  I would ask that your Marine get in touch with his Catholic chaplain.  The priest there will be able to do the preparations for the Sacrament of Marriage.  Please talk to your parish priest about this now.  You do know that you are not only marrying your fiancé, but you are literally marrying the military with all its expectations.  Think twice and think of the consequences of marrying into the military.  You will have to share your husband with the mission of the Marines and of the needs of our country.  May the Lord guide you in all your decisions. – CatholicView Staff

”I had an abortion and feel the devil has stolen my soul. 
What shall I do?” - Sheryl

CatholicView Staff:

I attended confession and prayed to God on my own about my abortion. My heart has not healed. I feel the devil has stolen my soul. I now have starting dreaming about hell. Father what else can I do to ease my pain and start to feel love and peace again. Like I said I went to confession, pray on my own and say the rosary daily.   I feel I am going crazy. - Sheryl

Dear Sheryl:

Thank you for your question. 

It is natural in the aftermath of abortion to feel the weight of this sin.  Abortion is a very serious matter and even though you have availed yourself of the Sacrament of Penance and have prayed to God for His forgiveness about your actions, there is still a tremendous guilt that you feel. 

What you need is a support group who will be able to help you re-enter the world with courage.  Here is one that comes to mind:  http://www.rachelsvineyard.org/   Go to this site and see if you can find some peace of mind you so desperately need?  As the founder of Rachel’s Vineyard states:  "You are not alone.  A new chapter of your life awaits you.  Take courage, God is calling you towards peace, love, hope, and freedom."

Also, there is an article the publisher of CatholicView has written on forgiveness called “Taking Back Your Past” after committing sin.  Please go to read it.  http://catholicvu.com/newpage195htm.htm   .

May you find the peace that the Lord in His Infinite mercy wants to give to you.    – CatholicView Staff  

”If my stop my medication and die, is this considered
suicide?” - Donna

CatholicView Staff:

I was born with a breathing condition. If I stop taking my medication and I die, is that considered suicide or any other sin?

Dear Donna:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.

I am so sorry you are having breathing problems.  So many suffer with this dehabilitating health issue and have to depend on medication in order to find relief.  Sadly, what most people take for granted is not a reality for you without medication.

When God gave us our lives, He entrusted this precious gift into our safekeeping.  This means that we cannot ignore any means to sustain it.   And doctors were also given the gift of life plus a talent for healing and aiding those who need medical help.  This is God’s way for us to take care of the trust and responsibility called life that God has placed in each of us.

You MUST STAY on your medication.  Not to do so means that you would be willing to give up that sacred obligation God has blessed you with.  To purposefully deny yourself medication would be wrong, for without it you will surely die because of that decision. 

I suggest you go and sit down with your parish priest and discuss your concerns.  Tell him everything about this issue.   Do not be afraid to do so.  Always remember that the Lord knows exactly what you are going through, but He will give you the strength to keep moving past it.   Remember, when all this will come to an end someday, you will stand in perfect health before the Lord and He will welcome the courage that you faced against all odds.  God be with you. - CatholicView Staff

”Can you advise if the Bible gives any keys how
to find a suitable partner?” - Bob
 

Dear CatholicView Team:

I have lost almost half of my hairs and I still did not find my second half. In fact, I have never had a real girlfriend...I have done all kind of dating; however, there was no relationship of any kind. I have tried everything possible in order to find the suitable match for myself: everything from casual dating, Internet dating and even I visited a dating agency for advice.
I know that a good place to find a good wife is to look between people who engage in Catholic activities. In has been almost two years now since I started attending masses several times a day. I have been attending Sunday masses in 4 different catholic churches, sometimes 3 times in one Sunday, yet I did not find the right person.
I read some citations from the Bible that "God have seen that a man should not be alone that is why he created a women...” I think Bible also says somewhere that "a man shall leave his parents and become one with his wife", another verse I read somewhere says that "if a man cannot control himself he should marry"...
Well, I am approaching my middle age, I am successful in my carrier, and I think I have created possible environment to create a family, yet I can't find a suitable partner.
It seems that 99% of women I am interested in are either married, engaged, or already “busy”. The remaining 1% of women have 100 other man waiting in line… Maybe I am exaggerating a little but a lot of this is definitely truth. It seems that I am out competed in this race for finding a good Christian wife, yet I still believe that God has a suitable wife for me... However, I am not sure how long I have to wait. Many of people I know are joking about me being single…
I wonder if you can advise if the Bible gives any keys how to find a suitable partner.
The other question I have is about "COUNTDOWN TO 6000". I have read somewhere that during that time there will be a lot more women than men and "seven women will ask one man to marry them". Could you please advise if this is a part of the Bible too? I am skeptical to any kind of publications that don't come from reliable sources.   Thank you, Bob   

Dear Bob:

It is wonderful that you are so strong in your faith.  Please know God is pleased with all your efforts.

Ask yourself whether your expectations in finding a mate are too high such as in looks, career, or money rather than an attractive, clean and decent person who believes as you do?   Secondly, ask yourself if there is anything in your demeanor that needs work?  If your answer is no, you should perhaps try the following paragraph: 

Why not make yourself visible in church by becoming a Minister of the Eucharist or volunteering to help in the Parish office.  Maybe you could become a lector in Church?  These are things that will surely make you known and people will perhaps approach YOU as a person of religious knowledge and intelligence.

CatholicView will say a prayer that you find someone special to love.  Hope the above helps you. - CatholicView  Staff

”How sinful is pornography?” - Ivan

CatholicView Staff:

How sinful is pornography? Can the people looking at it and do the pornstars go to hell?- Ivan

Dear Ivan:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.

We, as Catholics, are taught to “avoid all occasions of sin”.  This means we stay away from all things, such as pornography, that could cause or lead us into sin. 

As far as the pornstars are concerned, we do not pronounce judgment on anyone.  We leave the judgment to the Lord.  We just follow what God and our Savior Jesus Christ taught us. 

All things will come into scrutiny at the end and God will judge us at that time.  Until then, we obey what we were taught and that is to avoid all sin such as viewing pornography.  Hope this helps. – CatholicView Staff

”I live in a small town and want to receive communion. 
Can I administer it myself?”  - Alex

CatholicView Staff:

I live in a small town, and I am not even sure if there is a Catholic Church here, yet an English speaking church.   There isn’t one close by.   How can I receive the Sacrament of Communion?   Can I administer it myself? - Alex

Dear Alex:

I am so sorry that you are unable to receive communion.  Unless you can get to a Catholic Church and secure communion that has been already consecrated by a resident or visiting priest, you will NOT be able to “do it yourself”. 

Please contact the diocese in your town or a nearby town and ask where you may receive communion.  If you cannot find the name of a Catholic Diocese, call a Catholic Hospital, if there is one, and ask there.   Surely there are priests who administer communion to the sick.  Hope this helps a bit.  – CatholicView Staff

”How do we know the names of the Wise Men?” - Arlene
 

CatholicView Staff:

PLEASE tell me were to find the three wise men in scripture and how do we know their names?  - Arlene

Arlene:

The Bible itself gives us no names for the Three Wise Men, but pious custom has given us the names of Caspar (Gaspar), Melchior, and Balthasar as their names.  There is really no account of this fact.  We also do not know for sure the number of Wise Men who came to see Jesus.  This is surmised because of the three costly gifts given to the baby Jesus. (Please read the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 2)

Their gifts are symbolic and were very expensive.  Gold was the gift given to royalty and represents the fact of Jesus' Kingship in the line of David.  Frankincense represents Jesus' Divinity, because incense is used in the worship of God.   Lastly, myrrh represents the death of Jesus; Myrrh during those times was used for the anointing of the bodies of the dead.

These kings appear to be men of learning, perhaps philosophers or scientists.  Because they saw an unusual new star in the sky, they knew it foretold of a very special and unique King.  They followed the path to where the star pointed until they found Mary and Joseph with Jesus in a stable. 

The gifts of gold, frankincense (a beautifully smelling resin), and myrrh derived from a plant with a sweet smell) tells us of Jesus' Kinghood and His pursuant death and His resurrection.  - CatholicView Staff

”Should I forward chain letters or emails about God
or Jesus?” - Angie

CatholicView Staff:

Is it a sin or denying my faith if I don't pass along chain emails about God or Jesus? I have been told I lack true faith for not passing these along. I don't believe that I will be forever blessed or damned if I do, or do not forward these to 10 people in my address book. I don't believe God will see me as denying Him by not forwarding a chain email. Am I wrong to feel I don't need to forward every religious email that is sent to me to be blessed and saved from damnation? - Angie

Chain e-mails and Spam are very annoying.  I do not pass them on and delete them from my e-mail list.  My salvation DOES NOT DEPEND on whether I send these kind of bothersome e-mails to others.   My salvation depends solely on my faith in Jesus Christ.  Please be at peace.   No need to forward these kind of e-mails.   Your place in heaven is assured because of your trust and faith in Jesus. - CatholicView Staff

” How do you convert to Catholicism?” - Alex
 

CatholicView Staff:

How do you convert to Catholicism? - Alex

Dear Alex:

Welcome to the Catholic Church.  To convert, call a local Catholic Church and make arrangements to enter their RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program for those who want to become members of the Catholic Church.  This is a process where adults and older children who are interested in the Catholic faith may develop their relationship with God as they spend time with a Catholic community in prayer and dialogue; where they learn about the teachings of the Catholic faith and may become members of the Catholic Community.  Parish RCIA Teams are the companions who share this faith journey.  You may also go to your local parish church and get all the information you need including meeting times.   Hope this helps.  – CatholicView Staff

 

”My Protestant husband always asks me for biblical
references about Mary.  How should I respond?” - Julie

CatholicView Staff:

My husband is a Christian, however, he does not believe in "organized religion" per se. I believe he knows and understands that Catholics do not "worship" our Blessed Lady, however, he is always asking me to give him biblical reference to her Immaculate Conception. He quotes Paul in saying that "no one is without sin and everyone has fallen short". How can I respond to anything contrary to Scripture? Thank you and God bless!!  -  Julie

Julie:

Ah, your boyfriend is very wrong in saying that there was no one without sin.  Jesus was born without sin, and so was His mother, Mary.  In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1, Verse 27: “Rejoice, so highly favored!  The Lord is with you!”  And then again, in Luke 1:42, Elizabeth said to Mary, “Of all women you are the most blessed and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”   The implication here is that Mary had NO SIN and was highly favored by God.  How can a sinner, a born sinner, be highly favored and blessed above all woman?  If we define sin as something that separates us from God and harms or breaks our relationship with God, then what the Church is saying is that Mary was born in full union with God (without sin) and that she was going to be prepared as the pure and holy temple of the Savior.   - CatholicView Staff

”My roommate has treated me badly.  How do I rid myself of
this hate I feel?” - Jamie

CatholicView Staff:

My previous roommate/ best friend has been treating me like garbage for months now. Our friendship has ended and there is no possible way to repair or make peace with her. However, I have SO much hate built up against her, it is making me miserable. How do I get rid of this hate? – Jamie

Jamie:

You can get rid of the hate by “handing” it all to Jesus Christ Who tells us to forgive our enemies.  Pray for your friend that she may see the hurt she has put you through.  Each time you think of this person, say a short prayer to God and watch your hate grow smaller and smaller.

In Matthew 5:43-46 Jesus tells us: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike]. For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?”

Psalm 25:2 says “O my God, I trust, lean on, rely on, and am confident in You. Let me not be put to shame or [my hope in You] be disappointed; let not my enemies triumph over me.

Do not allow this hate to steal your joy.  Let it go and move forward, knowing that the prayer you said for her has power of God behind it. – CatholicView Staff

”I made a pack with the devil at 14 years old.   How can
I correct this?” - Bill

CatholicView Staff:

When I was 14 I believe I may have inadvertently made a pack with the devil, and since (almost 20 years later) I've had nothing but bad experiences in my life. My question is: Is this possible, and if so how do I correct this? I am spiritual and have faith in God but I feel like maybe He doesn't hear me because of this!! - Bill

Dear Bill:

When you were 14 years old, you were a child and acted like a child.  Don't you know that God realizes this?  We are told in 1Corinthians 13:11: When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. "

Do not let this past mistake take over your life.  Do not let this intrude in your adult life.  Do not let Satan keep you in bondage.  Don't allow it!   You have the Creator on your side Who has Everlasting Power. 

You must pray to God, ask Him to forgive you if you did anything wrong.  Be confident that God knows your heart.  Go and talk to a priest and receive the Sacrament of Confession.  Accept the grace of Almighty God, knowing that Jesus Christ paid for all your sins over 2,000 years ago.  All He wants from you in return is that you believe and live your life in obedience to Him.

Now, go in peace and continue in His service. - CatholicView Staff

”Should I put others at risk by attending mass?” - Tom

CatholicView Staff:

I am 76 years old, mentally alert, more than moderately handicapped, poor balance and if a fall, which is more than a possibility, I cannot get up myself. I was born, raised and educated as a Catholic, but went missing for more years than I like to remember. I have been attending Mass for the past year after a long period of missing.  I really enjoy attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion),but have come to wonder if I am really doing myself and those around me a favor by exposing myself to more injury. I have fallen in my home about 5 times and broken some bones. When I fall, I fall like a statue because of limited articulation of wrist/arm joints and protect myself.   If I trip and fall in church or worse outside, I'm in real trouble.   I can find no concrete guidance online.   Mostly it's "do your best, go to Mass if you can.  One pastor told me to "come when I could" I need someone in Catholic authority to say. "Look your putting yourself, your family and others at risk.  Say your prayers, maintain a spiritual union with Jesus and his Father, receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist when your parish priest will visit."   Can/Will the Bishop officially excuse a handicapped person from attending Sunday/Holy Day Masses or is it an impossible request?   Even the Catholics Church precepts don't deal with this problem in a forthright way.   If you are in a nursing home or bedridden, there's no problem, but the seriously walking wounded have no guidance. - Tom

Tom:

You have given yourself the best counsel in your health situation:  “Look, you are putting yourself, your family, and others at risk.  Say your prayers, maintain a spiritual union with Jesus and His Father, receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist when your parish priest visits.”  You alone know your physical limitations and how far you can go.  Be at peace.  And if you can go to church, then do so.  The Lord understands the love you have for Him in your heart, and the presence of the Lord is always with you whether you are at home, on the road, or in a church.  Stay home and take care of yourself.   - CatholicView Staff

 

”If God's will is what it is--set in stone so to speak,
how does prayer fit into that?” - Sunny

CatholicView Staff:

If God's will is what it is--set in stone so to speak, how does prayer fit into that? If we ask something that's already according to His will, that prayer is considered answered? Other than having a dialogue with God, what's the point? Does prayer have any chance of bending God's will?  - Sunny

Sunny:

I believe we can "influence" the will of God through prayer.  God asks us to bring everything to Him in prayer.

Genesis 18:23-32 tells us that God listens to us if we have faith.   Showing that faith through prayer can change things.    In Genesis Abraham, in a prayerful attitude asks God not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah and he changes God’s Mind several times.  Today we ask through prayer.

“The Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.  I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard.   If not, I want to know.”  The other men turned and headed toward Sodom, but the Lord remained with Abraham.   Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?  Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes?  Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”  And the Lord replied, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, I will spare the entire city for their sake.” Then Abraham spoke again. “Since I have begun, let me speak further to my Lord, even though I am but dust and ashes.  Suppose there are only forty-five righteous people rather than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And the Lord said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five righteous people there.”  Then Abraham pressed his request further. “Suppose there are only forty?”  And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it for the sake of the forty.”  “Please don’t be angry, my Lord,” Abraham pleaded. “Let me speak—suppose only thirty righteous people are found?”  And the Lord replied, “I will not destroy it if I find thirty.” Then Abraham said, “Since I have dared to speak to the Lord, let me continue—suppose there are only twenty?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty.”   Finally, Abraham said, “Lord, please don’t be angry with me if I speak one more time. Suppose only ten are found there?” And the Lord replied, “Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.”

Matthew 21:22 reads: “And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”  And so, we are always free to alter the course of events through prayer.

^”You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God”. James 4:2

Prayer is a powerful tool.  Use it. – CatholicView Staff

”Is communion the real body and blood of Jesus?” - Cece
 

CatholicView Staff:

I have questioned if the Holy Eucharist is the real body and blood of Jesus when I was younger and I still took communion. Is this a venial or mortal sin to not believe and participate in communion anyway? Sincerely, Cece Polasek P.S I truly believe it now!!!!

 Dear CeCe:

Doubts are not sinful, but an intellectual challenge to pursue the truth.  Be at peace.  There was no sin in your doubting. - CatholicView Staff

 

”My bride is often mean and violent to me.  
What should I do?” - Ron
 

CatholicView Staff:

My wife of 8 months is often mean and violent to me. Should I constantly forgive her, or seek an annulment?

Dear Ron:

Please see your parish priest immediately.  You have not given CatholicView enough information to make an annulment judgment.  Your wife’s behavior does not coincide with the fact that she is basically still a newlywed.  Something is wrong.  Please seek help.  - CatholicView Staff

 

If a Catholic marries a non-Catholic in Church, is this
considered a sacrament?”  - Lisa

CatholicView:

If a Catholic marries a non-Catholic in the Catholic Church is that marriage still considered a sacrament? - Lisa

Lisa:

Thank you for asking.  Yes, you married as a Catholic according to the church laws governing the sacrament of marriage.  – CatholicView Staff

”As a Roman Catholic can I take communion at a
Ukrainian Church?”  - Elizabeth
 

CatholicView Staff

I am a Roman Catholic. Can I receive Communion when I am a guest at a Ukrainian Catholic Church? When I looked it up online, I learned that the Ukrainian Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic Church in "full communion" with Rome, but I'm not really sure what that means. Thank you for your time! - Elizabeth

Dear Elizabeth:

The Catholic Church encompasses all churches that are in communion (accepting the authority and teaching of the Catholic Church) with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) as universal pastor.  The Roman church is one of many churches in the Catholic communion.  The Ukrainian Church is in communion (we are together) with the Bishop of Rome and we are encouraged to participate in the Divine Liturgy (the Mass) of that particular church and receive communion. – CatholicView Staff

”I  attend the Catholic Church and have been taking
communion for many years without going to RCIA. 
What shall I do?” - Will  
 

CatholicView Staff:

I was baptized in the Baptist church when I was younger. I never really like it and started going to Catholic Church with a friend when I was about 16. I have been attending Mass ever since and taking communion. I have never been to RCIA or actually joined the church but I have been going since I was 16 and now I am 40. My question is what should I do about this.

Will:

Let’s make it official!  Please, join the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA) process and learn even more about our faith! – CatholicView Staff

”Can I have my wedding convalidated in the church?”
- Kat
 

CatholicView Staff:

I am thinking about having a destination wedding, and it will probably be a civil ceremony. When I come back home, can I have a Catholic wedding in a church?- Kat

Hello Kat:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.  Yes, you can have your civil marriage convalidated in the church.  Why not make your “destination wedding” in the church?  - CatholicView Staff

”How do I teach my children about God?” - Lara

CatholicView Staff:

I am relatively new to the Faith, and I have 2 small children. Since my belief in God and my Catholic faith are relatively new and immature, how can I best give my children the best start in their own faith?  Atheist parents raised me, so I am very unfamiliar with how parents teach their children about God.

Dear Lara:

Your local Catholic bookstore carries many religious books and bibles written for young children.  You will find prayers for children in book form also.

Why not let your children enroll in Catholic Catechism?  This is a wonderful way to get your children to know more about their faith.   Hope this helps a bit.  – CatholicView Staff

”My girlfriend had an abortion without telling me.  Is my
baby in Limbo?” - David

CatholicView Staff:

It has come to my attention that a previous girlfriend had an abortion without my even knowing she was pregnant. The baby could not have been baptized. A friend, a devotee of the Latin Mass, told me the baby is in Limbo forever and cannot enter the presence of God. This troubles me and causes me great sorrow. Is this true? Can I pray for my baby to be released from Limbo? - David

David:

I am sorry to hear that your previous girlfriend may have had an abortion.  The unborn child does not enter “limbo.”  This was recently explained by the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith in saying that “limbo” does not exist.  The unborn child is with God and is before the throne of God giving praise to the Father.

Pope Approves Report On Teaching Limbo

Pope Benedict XVI has reversed centuries of traditional Roman Catholic teaching on limbo, approving a Vatican report released Friday that says there were “serious” grounds to hope that children who die without being baptized can go to heaven.

Theologians said the move was highly significant _ both for what it says about Benedict’s willingness to buck a long-standing tenet of Catholic belief and for what it means theologically about the Church’s views on heaven, hell and original sin _ the sin that the faithful believe all children are born with.

More Reading:

Vatican commission: Limbo reflects ‘restrictive view of salvation’

But there is greater theological awareness today that God is merciful and “wants all human beings to be saved,” it said. Grace has priority over sin, and the exclusion of innocent babies from heaven does not seem to reflect Christ’s special love for “the little ones,” it said.

“Our conclusion is that the many factors that we have considered … give serious theological and liturgical grounds for hope that unbaptized infants who die will be saved and enjoy the beatific vision,” the document said.

“We emphasize that these are reasons for prayerful hope, rather than grounds for sure knowledge,” it added.

Important to Note:

Limbo has never been defined as church dogma and is not mentioned in the current Catechism of the Catholic Church, which states simply that unbaptized infants are entrusted to God’s mercy. – CatholicView Staff

”Is it wrong to participate in a pornographic film?”
– Alex
 

CatholicView Staff:

Is it wrong to participate in a pornographic film if you are a college student and could use the money? - Alex

Dear Alex:

I think you know the answer to this one already. 

Are you living for the glory of God or for yourself?   Why not work at an honest, clean job that does not offend the Lord Who has blessed you with good health and the pursuit of a good education?   Jesus Christ taught us that we are to be chaste in mind, body and all things.  This means we are called to live our lives in a way that MUST NOT take away Christian dignity.   When we live in accordance with God’s will we give glory to Him and actually build up His Kingdom of God by being faithful to His teachings and being an example to others.  If the Lord came today would you be proud of your actions? Make no mistake, what you contemplate is a sin. – CatholicView Staff

”What happens at Mass if the priest runs out of
communion wafers?” - Anthony
 

CatholicView Staff:

This may seem a silly question, but it is something I have always wondered about! What happens at Mass if the priest runs out of communion wafers?   - Anthony

Anthony:

Thank you for your question.  If a priest sees that a long line is waiting for communion, and he realizes he will not have enough communion, he will send one of the Ministers of the Eucharist to the altar to get more consecrated communion wafers.   But they must be previously consecrated.   If it is a small matter of a few remaining people to be served and he has several wafers left, he will break the remaining wafers into pieces in order to accommodate those in line.  The smaller size (portion) does not affect or diminish, in any way, the consecrated bread. – CatholicView Staff

 
”My boyfriend and I are both divorced.  Should he feel
he is sinning by dating again?”  - Jolene 

CatholicView Staff:

I am 50 and dating a man of similar age. Both of our marriages ended in divorce because of infidelity. He is feeling guilty about dating because he feels he it is a sin. I feel that God would want him to be happy in a healthy, loving relationship. What is the churches opinion?- Jolene

Dear Jolene:

I think you will find your answer in Matthew 19:9 which states: "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, by reason of FORNICATION, and marries another, DOES NOT commit adultery;"

Why not bring this issue to your parish priest who can sit with your fiancé and discuss this?  May God bless you both.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”My son’s Catholic girlfriend says the only Father their
child needs is God.  Is this true?”-  Kimberly  

CatholicView Staff:

My son and his Catholic girlfriend have conceived a child out of wedlock.   Now his girlfriend has told him that he will have nothing to do with the child unless he becomes Catholic. She says that the ONLY Father the child needs is God and that is what the church has taught her.  Is this true? - Kimberly

Dear Kimberly:

To force someone to become Catholic does not make him a Catholic nor does it make him a Christian.    One chooses to become Catholic because that person accepts the teachings of the Catholic Church.  NO ONE can force another into his or her faith.  One has to come willingly.   We become a Christian because we recognize that Jesus is Lord of our lives.

Almighty God is our HEAVENLY FATHER.  Our earthly father is not to be misconstrued or lessened. God gave us earthly parents for a reason.  A child needs the support and the love of both the father and the mother to grow and understand what it means to be a family.  This is why God instituted the union of marriage as a sacred joining for the procreation of new life.  The bible teaches that a child must honor BOTH the father and the mother, therefore the Catholic girlfriend must, as a Christian, allow your son to share in the parenthood, unless he is incapable of setting the proper example for that child.

What the Catholic parent can offer right now, with the willing approval of the father, is to raise the child in the Catholic faith.  But it MUST be joint approval. – CatholicView Staff

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