Father Cedric:

Can you please comment on the Catholic view of books like "The Secret" and others concerned with the current fad of "The Law of   Attraction" ? – Amy

Amy:

I haven’t read the book “the Secret” but because of your questions I did some research.  I also became aware of “the law of attraction” as I happened to watch the Oprah show.  I think that there are some truths and mistruths with this. The truth has to do with speaking positively about your life. Believing for success is important.  Staying open and expecting good things really is a necessary part of prosperity.  I think these could be traced to Biblical precepts.  However, it is not “the universe” that gives these things.  That smacks of “New Age” philosophy. God is the giver of all good things.  The universe itself has no intelligence. God is the creator and power that lies behind all laws, forces and goodness. Also, there is no exact 1 to 1 correspondence to the law of attraction.   Even when you “do” all the right things, it may not happen for you.

I think people are drawn toward “the secret” and “the law of attraction” because it sounds good and seems like an easy way. Everyone wants to know the secret to success and all hope for an easy way of growing rich.  No one wants to hear about discipline, self-control and Godliness.  These are time proven, traditional ways that that the church has always taught.  They aren’t always popular, but they endure.  Regarding your question, take the best of what “the law of attraction” states, but know that there is error mixed in.  The church is large enough to respect other truths, but cautious in what it embraces.  – Father Cedric

"What does the Church think about TV Minister
Arnold Murray?"- Paula   

Father Cedric:

My husband just became a Catholic. He is beginning to read the bible. He just told me that he started watching Arnold Murray of the Shepherd Chapel Church for bible answers. What does the Church think about this television minister? – Paula

Paula:

I am glad your husband became Catholic and that he has a great interest in the Bible. One of my calls as a Catholic priest is to help people read the Bible and have a Biblical faith. I suggest the daily Mass devotional: The Word Among Us (www.wau.org) as a place to start. Read the Mass readings and spend time in prayer. Catholics believe we have the fullness of truth, but there are other denominations that have aspects of the truth too.  There are major problems with Arnold Murray, though, and I am concerned that your husband is being caught up in teachings that are not Christian at all.  But, before I go on about this particular preacher, you might also have a question about this:  "Does the Church allow Catholics to watch ministers of other denominations?" Yes. As long as you stay Catholic. People from other denominations can support and feed our faith too. I am a television minister myself and I get emails from people who are from a wide variety of denominations. I’m glad they are open to my teaching and I think we should be open to the teaching of others. (As long as we are grounded in our tradition.) I watch ministers like Billy Graham, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyers. I gain a lot from their teachings.   As for Arnold Murray, here is a link that you must read about this strange and scary man who claims to have the truth in his own interpretation of scripture.   He is off base and I would not recommend anyone to hear or see him on television.  Here is a most important link that you and your husband must read concerning Arnold Murray:  http://www.letusreason.org/Poptea4.htm  Please read this article immediately.  – Father Cedric

 
”Can you give me information about the spiritual
motherhood of aborted babies?” - Ann

Father Cedric:

I am married 12 years and infertile and found out that I was infertile 2 weeks before my 38th birthday.   Medical advice then was to go for $25000 dollars worth of free IVF treatment in our health care system before I would turn 38.  I did not accept that offer.  I could not do it in the knowledge that it would be sinful but I have struggled so much this past 2 years with my infertility.   In confession, adoption is always proposed as almost the automatic response.  However this will take 3 years or even more.    It is a long and very slow wait and there are no guarantees at the end of that wait , with a lot of assessments and checks and controls and legal procedures.   Things are moving so slowly and it has been difficult.   Napro has not been effective for me due to the nature of my infertility.  I feel that the church does not know or care about the pain of infertility and that there is precious little support out there for people like me.  I struggle with my feelings and questions about the purpose of my life, lack of a legacy, and I carry the stigma of infertility and ask myself why God is doing this to me?   have been told I am proud and even selfish and self focused in having a natural desire to have children or even in voicing my pain and to pray for humility and have been passed off as just another selfish emotional woman.  When I went to my parish priest for advice originally, I was met with ignorance on this issue as he did not even know what IVF was.   He just produced the catechism and read it word for word back to me.   Although accepting that I cannot change the church stance on IVF and have put this behind me, I have felt let down by the organized church.  I do feel that I need some kind of spiritual direction and guidance in coping with this but I do not really know where I should turn.   A friend mentioned to me about spiritual motherhood of aborted babies as a possible way to channel my love and all of these emotions.   Can you help?  - Ann

Ann:

As a priest I meet all kinds of people with various sufferings. I wonder why an unmarried teen will get pregnant when she doesn’t want to, while a woman like yourself who would love to have a baby can’t. It is one of the injustices of life. Your question implied that God causes this. My life experience tells me that it is not God’s fault. The negative experiences of life come from being human. Poverty, wars, physical suffering and the “problem of evil” itself can be traced back to the evil one himself and our own fall from grace.

Since you are Catholic and you want to follow Catholic teaching, I would advise you to adopt even though it is a long process. You must accept that your inability to have children is the suffering you have in life. (Many women in the Bible had this also.) Many suffer with harder things such as cancer, arthritis and paralysis and they must accept it. Acceptance, patience and waiting on God help us to grow and develop as people. I know that is not the answer you want, but it is real. I pray you will surrender, accept and go forward the best you can.

As far as “the spiritual motherhood of aborted babies”, I’m not quite sure what that refers to. I assume it means that you can be a spiritual mother even though you did not have the baby, or if a child was aborted. God has a plan for the aborted babies and will take care of them. There is no “limbo.” They are in heaven with God. As you surrender your pain and hurt to God, may you sense God’s presence with you and the help you need to cope and accept this difficulty in your life. I pray though acceptance you will move forward. – Father Cedric

FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM 

“What happens to my identity before resurrection
of my body?”  - Kevin

Father Kevin:

If I am the union of both body and soul, and death destroys my body, how does my soul exist without my body, and more importantly, what happens to my identity as a person before resurrection of the body? - Kevin

Hi Kevin:

I don't know and I reckon we have to leave some things to God.  St Paul notes that no eye has seen, nor ear heard nor human heart conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.  It's a matter of wrestling with and exploring this ultimate of mysteries, so that we become at home with the mystery of it all, without knowing just how things will be. Our starting point of course is that God is Good and that God is Love, and therefore God is ultimately to be trusted.  One thing is for sure; we can never work this mystery out just with our heads.  Rather the path into the mystery is to seek understanding while listening with our hearts and imaginations.  What we do know is that we will be in the best of hands! - Father Kevin

 
”I feel I believe in the Catholic faith, but not the Archdiocese.” - Nicole 

Father Kevin:

My husband and I are both Catholic, however, my views have changed.   I feel I believe in the faith, but not the Archdiocese.  I was a Catholic schoolteacher as well as I had a cousin who was molested by a priest.   I am more than disenchanted with the Archdiocese and how things are run. Our son starts Catholic School in the fall, but we currently don't attend church.   However, we have taught him his faith.  My husband wants to attend church and I haven't decided what I want to do.  How do we proceed? I want to do the right thing by my son, but I want to be honest about my views as well?  He will go once a week with his school and to me, that seems like enough.  I may go to those masses, as I like the children's services better.  - Nicole

Hi Nicole, and thanks for your question.   As for how you are to proceed, as you'd know, only you can answer that.  The pain and disillusionment you feel towards the Archdiocese as you put it, or the institutional Church is a common experience across many countries and cultures.  This is no way needs to mean that you have lost your faith. 

Sometimes the Church or people in the Church let us down and as you've experienced with your cousin, cause us serious damage.   This does not mean that we need to turn away from the gospel, from God's love, and from a belief in God's love, just because we have encountered the human frailty of the Church.  

What's surprising about the Church is not that it is human and frail, but that the gospel is still broken open in the midst of all the Church’s frailty and brokenness.   

So in your choice about returning to the Eucharist you could focus on the human and broken part of the Church, or you could focus on the One who gives his all to us in the Sacrament of the Breaking of the Bread.  If your focus is on him rather than on the officials who sometimes represent him badly, your choice may become somewhat freer.  All good wishes to you and your family. - Father Kevin

”Why I was refused absolution because I live
with my common law wife of 10 years?” - Joseph

 Joseph:

I was refused absolution today at confession after a 10 year absence, having committing no mortal sins, but because I was living with my common law wife for 10 yrs.   I did not get an annulment from my first marriage.  I have a legal New York divorce.  I must re-marry?   Is this the true practice of the Catholic Church? - Joseph

Hello Joseph:

And thanks for your question.   The Church's Law at this stage normally requires that you get an annulment from your first marriage in order for your second marriage to be validated with the Church.  Your local Diocesan Tribunal office could help you find out whether you do in fact need an annulment or not as there are some circumstances, which mean that you don't need an annulment. Having said all that, it is unfortunate that you were refused absolution.  I suppose the priest in question would have made the judgment that in your common law marriage you are not in a marriage recognized by the church so there is a chance that you are "living in sin". 

Another priest could well have given a different response and offered you absolution by approaching your situation with a different kind of compassion and understanding and encouraged you to work towards seeking an annulment. The priest's primary role in the confessional is a pastoral and worshipping one, not a juridical one, yet sometimes it appears that the juridical model is still operating here and there.  I think the gospel requires a more nuanced and patient approach.  Good wishes. - Father Kevin

FATHER AMARO SAUMELL

”My wife had four miscarriages.   
Why does God let this happen?” - Edward

Father Amaro:

My wife just suffered her 4th miscarriage, and she cannot understand why God is letting this happen and is rapidly losing faith. Her friends are becoming pregnant 'by accident'. One who swore she never wanted children became pregnant on birth control and did not realize it for 5 1/2 Months! (Don't ask me how) and still continued birth control pills. People have told her that God blessed her because she will be a wonderful mother. By contrast, does that mean my wife will be a bad mother? I don't believe this but she has asked me this, and I have no answer to why God allows this to happen. - Edward

Dear Edward:

Yours is a sad difficulty. But it has nothing to do with God. It has to do with our first parents and the effects they left on humanity of Original Sin and imperfection. The human body is not perfect. It gets sick. It even dies, which was the whole point of Jesus’ sacrifice and Resurrection. Imperfection is not easy to cope with. It’s why Jesus bled when those nails pierced them as he lived our imperfect humanity.

Obviously, you have a great love for your wife and respect for the fragility of the human body as you see her go through such suffering. It’s not something imagined. It is very real. But remember, someone may have smoked for 50 years and live a long life, while someone who has never smoked a day and his or her life may die of lung cancer. Human weakness is not really selective in which way maladies can appear. That is why you see others who do not seem deserving of children or appreciative of them getting pregnant while you’re having a difficult time. But again, this has nothing to do with God. It has to do with human frailty.

It’s hard to reason about this at this point of your life. It is a valid pain and a valid confusion. It doesn’t seem fair... and it isn’t fair! Fairness has not been part of the world since Satan entered into the picture. You can justly direct your frustration toward him.

In the meantime, as long as it is believed to be safe by her medical counsel, keep trying. One way or another, some child will find its way into your loving family. It doesn’t mean much to you right at the moment, but the love you seem to have for your wife and the desire to have children is what strengthens my resolve to be a better priest. I should put just as much effort and love into my vocation as you are doing with yours. You challenge me and I thank you for it. And, I will pray that God leads you to a child that needs you. God bless, Father Amaro

”I want to get a divorce and become a priest. 
Is this possible?” - Bryce

Father Amaro:

I am married but I want to get a divorce.  I am lost.  I want to become a priest. Is there a way for me to do so?  I want to devote my life to God and the study of his works. - Bryce

 Dear Bryce:

I am going to presume that you were married as a witness to your baptism in the Catholic Church. If you did so, you called forth many people, as well as the official witness, the priest, to hear you proclaim your vows. Marriage does take work, just as a vocation to the priesthood. One doesn’t say, “I want to get married.” One waits for the person to whom he or she is suited and enters into a vocation of marriage by making a priestly offering in those vows. One doesn’t merely say, “I want to be a priest.” A calling does not come merely from emotion or inspiration. One might believe that he has a vocation, but the Holy Spirit alone can confirm that call through the apostolic authority of the Bishop.

A divorce is a civil law, which as nothing to do with the Catholic Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. If a couple ends up in this very sad state, they are still sacramentally married. An annulment is not a “Catholic divorce.” It requires the Church to act and proclaim that what was witnessed by the priest and congregation was entered invalidly and from the beginning was null and void.

Before getting a divorce, all efforts must be made to heal the marriage. I might suggest a program called Retrovaille.  They have a web site that you might find helpful. For if your marriage is valid, you have the responsibility before God to heal the situation within all means of the priesthood of your baptism. Their website is: http://www.retrouvaille.org/

If the marriage was truly never valid, it would leave you free to pursue priesthood. But again, it’s not simply a case of “I want.” As I have shared before, I have been through a marriage, divorce, and annulment myself. It’s no secret. But to this day, I examine all the things that didn’t make a marriage as I help others avoid the same mistakes. My journey to the priesthood was long, arduous, financially expensive, and painful as I had to learn to embrace my areas of immaturity and selfishness in the “I want” areas of my life. You will also have to go through a barrage of psychological evaluations. The first seminary I went to even required psychiatric evaluations as well. So, there is a possibility, if there is a true calling.

Of course, this also depends on if you have dependent children. There can be no individuals dependent upon you. You must be totally free of financial obligation, which would also include child support or alimony.

First and foremost, you should be able to show that you did everything humanly possible to save your marriage.  Marriage is just as much of a Sacrament as Holy Orders.  Serving God is worth the effort of truth.  Make sure you're under the guidance of a spiritual director.  Hope this helps.  God bless, Father Amaro

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF

”I am divorced but now plan to marry in the church. 
What kind of dress is appropriate? - Angelina

CatholicView Staff:

I was previously married (not by church) and divorced my first husband whom I have a child with and then remarried (civil only) and plan on getting married in a church. What color of dress should I wear or can I wear? -  Angelina

Angelina:

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage in the Church!  The color of wedding dress is really a cultural issue and not a religious one.  There is no canon law or sacramental directive concerning the color of wedding dresses.  My suggestion to you is always be appropriate and always be aware of your “surroundings,” which means that if your cultural background says that a subdued dress is more acceptable, then chose a simple wedding gown.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Does my fiancé have grounds for an Church annulment?”
– Melissa

CatholicView Staff:

I am dating a man who is divorced.  He and the ex-wife both lived in New York but the wedding took place in Italy.  They were married in Italy, in a Catholic Church. Living in New York and after ONE year of marriage, the ex-wife admitted to being a lesbian and wanted a divorce. The divorce was granted.  We talk about marriage and would like to get married in a Catholic Church.  He goes to Church every Sunday and receives communion and is active in his parish. We both live in New York.  My question is: Because the ex-wife is a lesbian, does that give my boyfriend (or anyone) grounds for an annulment?  Also, how long does the process of an annulment take?  The ex wife has since found a partner & has had 2 children with her.  Thank you.  - Melissa

Dear Melissa:

CatholicView advises that your husband should apply for an annulment in a case where the spouse has married someone who did not disclose her sexual orientation.  A declaration of nullity means that, according to Church law, a given marriage was not valid (and therefore not binding) at the time a couple took their marriage vows. 

Your parish priest, in speaking to your husband and ascertaining that he is eligible for an annulment, will submit papers to the tribunal court.  At this time he will ask for documents such as a baptismal certificate, a copy of the marriage license, a church certificate, and a copy of the divorce decree.  When all needed information is read by the tribunal, a judge or panel of judges will give their decision. They will decide whether or not the marriage was indeed invalid from the start before issuing their verdict. 

There is no guarantee of time that the nullity of this case will be completed.  The time frame for a declaration of nullity depends on many factors. For instance, witnesses may delay sending in their testimony for several weeks. Or a personal interview with one of the parties to the marriage may be required.  However, the general norm is that it takes at least one year depending on all documents necessary for the final annulment papers.  The legal fees are around $500.00 (give or take) with a deposit at the onset. – CatholicView Staff 

 
”My wife is a divorced Protestant.  Can she become
Catholic?” - Gar

CatholicView Staff:

I am Catholic but my wife is not.  She is divorced and we have been married for just over twelve years.  We were not married in a Catholic Church.  Can she become a Catholic and go to church along with our two children?   Our first child was born out of wedlock. What needs to be done so we can attend church together?  She is a little apprehensive of the Catholic Church because she has been told how difficult it is to become a Catholic.  Thank you very much. - Gar

Gar:

I would welcome her to come to church with you and speak to your local parish priest to determine whether her first marriage will need to be annulled.  Yes, she can be accepted into the Catholic Church and your marriage convalidated (blessed) in the church.  She would attend and participate in the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) if she wants to be a Catholic.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is it a mortal sin for my wife to satisfy me manually?”
- Jamie

CatholicView Staff:

This is a tough question which I just can't ask a priest face to face and I apologize for the very frank and honest question. My wife and I have 5 wonderful children. She is in her fifties and no longer able to have children. We still try to have sex but I have some difficulty keeping an erection and have no pleasurable sensations when trying the standard method (could be due to the five children and changes in her body). Is it a mortal sin for my wife to satisfy me manually? - Jamie

Jamie:

I praise God for your love and for your openness to life.  Your five children will make this world a better place because of your commitment to your marriage and your family.  As for your own intimacy needs, that is between you and your spouse.  Please talk to your wife about the issues you have brought to my attention.  Within the sacred bonds of marriage, sexual intimacy and expression are not as limited as people think.   If it is acceptable to you and acceptable to your wife, you can explore other ways of expressing your marital love outside of, as you say, standard methods without incurring any sin.  But it has to be a mutual understanding and acceptance.  I give thanks to God for you and your marriage.  May your love for one another grow and mature as it brings joy to your children and your children’s children. – CatholicView Staff

 
”How shall I fulfill my prayer obligation?” - Jeff

CatholicView Staff:

I was just enrolled into the Scapular of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel and I want to participate accurately. Is saying the Rosary everyday fulfilling one obligation or should I be praying the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary. - Jeff

Dear Jeff:  

I am happy to know that you are doing something special to grow in understanding God’s will and plan for your life.  Your prayer life will mature by your commitment to the prayers of the scapular.   Saying the rosary and/or praying the little office are fulfilling your formal prayer commitment as a wearer of the scapular.   You can do both the rosary and office or just do one.   Either will fulfill your formal prayer commitment.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”My ex-husband has passed away.  Am I allowed
to take communion now?” - Paula

 
CatholicView Staff:

I have been divorced since 1996. My ex-husband has passed away.  Am I now allowed to receive Communion at Mass?   Paula

Dear Paula:

Yes, you are able to receive Holy Communion.  If you were only divorced, you were still able to receive communion in 1996.  The sin and problem is not divorce alone.   When a person divorces and remarries, that is a canonical (church law/biblical law) problem.   I want to make something very clear to all our readers.   Divorce ALONE does not keep you away from the sacraments.  Divorce and remarriage does. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Did God punish the Jews for not accepting Him” - Robert

CatholicView Staff:

Did God punish the Jews for not accepting him by destroying their temple?  Robert

Robert:

The teaching church does not see the destruction of the Temple as “punishment” for the Hebrew people at that time.  Instead, the church sees the destruction of the Temple in two ways:  (1) Fulfilling Jesus’ prediction that the Temple would be destroyed (see Matthew 24:1); and (2) the mission and function of the Temple was complete and the Temple was no longer needed since Jesus fulfilled all sacrifices through his sacrificial act on the cross.  The thought of punishment is not there since Jesus’ one sacrificial act on the cross took the punishment of us all that Good Friday.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”My first marriage was not in the Church. Can I marry
in the church with my next marriage?  - Natalie

CatholicView Staff:

I am a Catholic but did not marry in the church with my 1st husband. We divorced because he did not want more children. Can I marry in the church with my next marriage?  - Natalie

Natalie:

Yes, you can be married in the church in the future because the church did not consider your first marriage a sacramental marriage.  The parish priest will be required to send a LACK OF FORM statement to the marriage tribunal of your diocese.   It is a simple form in which you will be asked to show that your first marriage was not convalidated (blessed) in the church.   How do you do that?  A copy of your marriage license, final decree of divorce, and two witnesses that can affirm that your marriage did not take place in the church.  The Lack of Form application takes very little time (in our diocese, about 5 days) to process by the diocesan marriage tribunal.  - CatholicView Staff

 
”I am not Catholic yet but I feel a call to the
priesthood.  How do I do this?” - Joshua

CatholicView Staff:

I’m afraid I may sound completely ignorant but here goes: I was raised in Non- Denominational family and used to go to church often as a little kid but as I got older I stopped caring about Religion and I’m ashamed to say God. But for the past three years I have had a thirst to find spiritual truth. I remember being little and going to a Catholic church with my friend and being completely drawn into it. My question is I have feel called to the Priesthood for two years now even though I am not a convert to Catholicism (which I plan to do soon) but the more I pray about it the more it seems what God is leading and telling me to do. I will pray about it and right when I get done praying I will turn the TV on and there will be a documentary about a Priest or something like God is speaking to me through the TV. How would I go about entering the Priesthood? I am 19 years old.  Joshua

Joshua: 

I am happy to see that you are embarking on a spiritual journey that will bring you hope, peace, joy, and fulfillment.  This spiritual journey will bring you to know intimately our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Before you can even begin to discern a vocation to ordained ministry (deacon, priest, bishop), you must first begin your spiritual discovery of Jesus Christ in every aspect of your life.  After being accepted into the Catholic Church through the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA), then you can be more active in your parish church and be ready to discern whether God is calling you to be a priest.  When that time comes, your parish priest will be able to direct you to the Vocation Director of your local diocese who will tell you how to enter the seminary. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Will God send someone to hell if they commit suicide?”
- Phil

CatholicView Staff:

Will God send someone to hell if they commit suicide?   - Phil

Dear Phil:

In the past, the church had thought that suicide was the decision of a free act of the will and that people who killed themselves were acting with their full mental capacity.  With the strides made in medical knowledge, the church now knows that most people who commit suicide do so after a long and torturous mental, physical, and emotional pain that cannot be appreciated by most people.  This pain clouds the decision making process of a human being and disables the mind from making a free act of the will.  To be able to overcome the built in instinct for survival is a sign that the person is in mental distress that does not allow for free will to function.  Sin happens ONLY by a free act of the will.  Depending on the particular situation, the church does not see suicide as an automatic ticket to hell.   Notice that I said in my answer to you that “most” people who commit suicide do so outside of their complete free will and therefore are not culpable of sin.

There are those who commit suicide fully aware of what they are doing, fully aware of their options, making fully aware plans (pre-meditated action), and fully aware of their situation.   These “fully aware” suicide victims will have to answer to God for their actions.  In this case, I would suggest that they seek the help of a priest immediately!  – CatholicView Staff

 
”I was sexually assaulted.  Have I been living in sin? - Jamie

CatholicView Staff:

I was sexually assaulted, and technically it was sex outside of marriage, have I been living in mortal sin? – Jamie

Jamie:

Free Will is necessary for any sin to be committed.  When a person is sexually assaulted, free will is taken out of the equation of personal human action.  The one who assaulted has committed a grave and mortal sin and will be held accountable to God and hopefully to civil law.  The victim has committed no sin and is not culpable of sin in this kind of situation.  Anyone who has been sexually assaulted needs to be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally healed.  That is why I would recommend to you to speak to a counselor or a spiritual guide to help you overcome all the hurt, pain, nightmares, and fear what comes with being a victim of crime.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can a priest anoint himself?” - Margaret

CatholicView Staff:

Can a priest anoint himself and I was taught if he were anointed it could only be his hand top not the palm, because that was anointed at Ordination. Thank you and God Bless.  - Margaret

Dear Margaret:

A priest cannot anoint himself and cannot give any of the sacraments to himself except for Holy Communion.  When I was very sick and hospitalized, I received the sacrament of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick from another priest.  I could not administer these sacraments to myself.  Why?  Because I as a priest and member of the church must be “ministered to” by members of the church.  That is the way Jesus established His Church.  Jesus did not wash His Own feet at the Last Supper nor did He baptize Himself in the River Jordan.  He was baptized (ministered to) by John the Baptist.  He washed the feet of His apostles but did not wash His Own because He was serving his people.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”My grandmother died this year.  Does she exist
now or not?” - Bill

CatholicView staff:

The Catholic faith has different views of (after) death. One, when you die you “sleep” or “rest in peace” until the resurrection, the end of time. YET, we pray to Saints, pray to Popes who hope to become saints via miracles, yet how can we if they are all resting in peace. Are they (the Saints to be) treated differently than my mother (who died on March 7th, 2008), yet she was a faithful Catholic. Does she exist now or not?  - Bill

Bill:

I must tell you that there are not different views of what happens after death.  The Catholic Church teaches that when we die, we immediately go to heaven or to hell.  Purgatory is a purifying process before we enter heaven (hence, according to the definition of the Council of Trent, purgatory is not a place – locus – like heaven or hell).  When we say things like “rest in peace,” and “sleep,” some people refer to the body itself.   The soul that is the energy and the individual personality of the person lives on forever.  We are not our bodies.  We are our souls.   The body “rests” until the second coming of Christ when He will raise our mortal bodies (uniting body and soul into a new glorious incorruptible body) to be like His Own in glory.  Meanwhile, your mother and all deceased people who believe in and love God are living in the presence of the One who is love and life.   They see God face to face and are thinking of you and praying for you until you join them in that heavenly place, our true home.  – Catholicview Staff

 
”Would the Government actually say if there
was life on Mars?” - Scott

CatholicView Staff:

With religion and science clashing, would the Government actually say if there was life on Mars?? Because if there was life, that would mean the bible is false. - Scott

Scott:

If “life” was discovered on Mars or any other planet or place, that would not negate the Word of God in the Bible.   The Bible does not answer nor refer to extraterrestrial life.  The Bible was written for the people of this planet for a people who have had life experiences on this earth.  The Bible is an account of the spiritual journey and understanding of God’s plan and will for humankind.  The Bible does not concern itself with life, no matter how small or big, outside of our earthly experiences.  The Word of God in the Bible is always true.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”If an action is against the law, would this be a mortal
sin as well?” Sarah

Catholicview Staff:

I know that it is illegal to drink alcohol under the age of 21 in the United States. Does that mean that it is a mortal sin to drink alcohol under the age of 21? If that is true, does that also mean that most actions, which are against the law, could be considered mortal sins? - Sarah

Dear Sarah:

Mortal sin is described in I John 5:16 as a deadly sin that completely destroys one’s relationship to God and His Church.  If drinking under the age of 21 is an act of total defiance against God, then it is a mortal sin.  But for most people under 21, drinking alcohol, even though against civil law, is not considered mortal sin because they are not making a decision to hate God.  There are adults who are over 21 and drink alcohol to the detriment of their family, friends, and career that commit mortal sin because their actions not only break their relationship with God but also break their relationship with the people around them.   When breaking civil law, the level of sin (mortal, venial) depends on the person and their motivation.  Some civil laws are unjust laws and therefore no sin is committed in breaking those kind of unjust laws.   The criteria for mortal sin (deadly destructive sin) is: (1) free act of the will; (2) must be a serious and grave matter; (3) that there is pre-meditation (pre-planning) in the committing of the sin.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Are priests allowed to adopt children?” - Mandy

CatholicView Staff:

I recently heard of a Catholic priest who legally adopted children. I didn't know that this was possible. I know priests are not permitted to marry. Is there a policy permitting them to adopt children to raise alone, without a mother present?-  Mandy

Dear Mandy:  

Although a very few priests have adopted children, the life of a priest is filled with the responsibility inherent to their calling.  A small number have chosen to adopt but this is rare as a priest has a schedule which is limiting because of the demands of his work.  He has to celibrate the sacraments, prepare for Sunday homilies, visit the sick and dying, counseling, weddings, baptisms, various meetings, participating in events of the church, and more.   Most of all, keep in mind that the priest is the spiritual father of his church flock.  This is one reason for celibacy of the priesthood.  For more information, you may go to the following link: 

http://www.lifeteen.com/default.aspx?PageID=FJQADETAIL&
__DocumentId=694

Hope this helps you.  - CatholicView Staff 

”May I substitute a weekday mass for my Sabbath mass?” - Mai

CatholicView Staff:

Since missing Sabbath mass is a sin, may I substitute a weekday mass for my Sabbath mass? - Mai

Dear Mai:

The law of the Church that commands us to attend Mass every Sunday can be obeyed by attending a "vigil Mass" the evening before, because we are permitted, if we choose to do so, to calculate "Sunday" (the Sabbath) as the Hebrews did, from sundown to sundown, rather than from midnight to midnight. Incidentally, even if we fulfill our Sunday obligation by a Saturday evening Mass, we are still obliged to abstain from unnecessary servile work and commerce on Sunday which is the Sabbath Day that we honor.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”What is the protocol for getting religious items
blessed?” - John

Catholicview Staff:

Father, I'm confused about how to get religious items blessed. I was watching the Pope at the Vatican one day on EWTN and the announcer said to hold up your religious items and the Pope would bless them. That started me thinking... If the Pope can bless my rosary or miraculous medal on TV, does that mean that when the priest blesses us at the end of mass that any religious item I have with me is also blessed? I feel awkward asking the priest as we exit the church to stop and bless my sacramentals. From what I've seen on the Internet many others are confused about using religious items that have not been blessed or even how to get them blessed. There seems to be a question of whether you can gain indulgences when you use a rosary that has not been blessed. I've been wearing a Our Lady of MT. Carmel scapular for years and now I read that it carries no privileges with the Blessed Mother because I didn't receive it through an induction ceremony. I finally ordered a blessed green scapular because it didn't involve any procedures other than being blessed by a priest. I'm going to need all the help I can get to enter heaven and I sure want the Blessed Mother to run defense for me! Thank you for such a wonderful service. My business requires me to read constantly, but I always make time to read "Ask a Priest." God bless you and please pray for me, Father.   - John

John:

You are too concerned about ritual.  The Lord knows your heart and knows the motivations of the heart.  Religious items are automatically blessed once they are used for a specific devotional purpose.  For example, if I buy a rosary at a religious goods store, or even at a retail store, and once I begin using it for prayer, the rosary is blessed because I used it for the glory of God and my spiritual needs.   It has been blessed by God because it was used for His glory.  You can ask a deacon or priest to bless your religious item formally, but I must tell you that once you use that religious item for a holy purpose, God blesses it because that sacramental takes on God's mission.  The scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (the brown scapular) was blessed when you put it on in honor of the Blessed Virgin and for the glory of God.   It carries all the privileges of the promises of the Blessed Virgin whether you were formally invested with the scapular or not.  God is not a God of specific ritual but a God of the heart and soul.  He judges us by our faith and where our heart is not by what rituals we follow.  By the way, when the Pope asks that you hold up your religious items to be blessed at his weekly Wednesday audiences, the Pope has the INTENTION of blessing all religious items there (an item cannot be formally blessed through television or radio.  Such formal blessing of items must happen in person.)   The blessing at the end of Mass is not meant for the blessing of religious items but the blessing of people.  So, your religious items are not formally blessed at the end of Mass unless the priest or deacon says that the celebrant's INTENTION is to formally bless these religious objects for a specific sacred purpose.   A blessing of a religious item/object is a recognition that the item/object has taken on a sacred purpose.   Even a non-ordained Catholic/Christian can formally bless an object or item.    We see that happen when we bless the food at table, when parents bless their children, and when we pray that God bless our cars for a safe journey when we get on the freeway.  Now, to another comment that you made that made me nervous:  you wrote, "I'm going to need all the help I can get to enter heaven..."  No item, no blessed religious object, no ritual, no blessing will get you into heaven.   Your faith relationship with Jesus will get you to heaven.  The Blessed Virgin is an intercessor of prayer before our Lord and Mediator, Jesus Christ, but she is not the Messiah and she is not the one who saves.  Jesus alone saves, and Jesus alone is your judge.  Your entrance into heaven depends on whom you know, and if you know, love and serve the Lord, heaven is yours forever.  For the Church, and me all the help I need to get to heaven has ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO ME in Jesus Christ with the power of the Holy Spirit.  All I have to do is respond to the love of God in all that I do.   Religious objects and devotional sacramentals help me focus on the Lord and on His love and forgiveness.  That is the sacred mission of these devotional items.   These objects are to be respected for what they symbolize.  But, remember, I don't need them to get to heaven.  I need faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.   That faith is the KEY that opens the gates of heaven for me. – CatholicView Staff

   
”What is the Catholic Church's stance on Revelations?
– James

CatholicView Staff:

Hi there, I'm a 23 year old man from Ireland. It seems that there is so much apocalyptic talk and theories on the net, many of them from evangelical Protestant Christian groups. I keep reading about how they are preparing for "Rapture" in the very near future.  These groups keep saying the end is nigh, and pointing at Israel and the war in the Middle East as a sign of revelations being fulfilled. I've been told that the Catholic Church considers Revelations a story that has in the most part already occurred with the fall of the Roman Empire etc, and that Revelations is symbolic of a journey everyone must make in their lives in their quest for Salvation through the Lord. What worries me is that many members of the US Government are Fundamentalist Christians who subscribe to these apocalyptic beliefs, and are the same people who represent Middle East Policy. Sometimes it seems that they are trying to somehow engineer the conditions of Revelations themselves. I know this might sound a little weird but I am troubled that maybe they are right and the end is coming soon, I have a beautiful girl I am to marry and I really want to start a life with her and have children of my own one day, Yet I feel it's all for nothing if the worlds on it's way out. I will admit.   My career, mental health and relationship as well as plans for the future are in jeopardy because of these fears.   I am in need of guidance and help as I find myself becoming hopelessly depressed; I pray you will help me.   In the least could you please tell me what the Catholic Church's stance on Revelations is?    Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my questions. - James

Dear James:

You are correct in saying that the official interpretation of the Book of Revelation is that these visions of John were meant for the people of the time it was written in 95 AD.  The early church was going through so much persecution and pain that it felt that the end of the world was near.  All the symbols of the Book of Revelation have to do with the Roman Empire and the evil policies of the Emperor that saw many Christians becoming martyrs.  Even Saint Paul in his letters thought that the end of the world was near in his time.  But everyone has forgotten the words of Jesus that said that the end of the world is known ONLY to His Father in heaven, not even to Jesus Himself (see Matthew 24:36, Matthew 25:13, Mark 13:32-36).  There are NO DATES given for the end of times in ANY scripture.  So, don't even try looking for it.   Even though there are many "talking heads" out there claiming that Christian fundamentalists are trying to make the end of the world come through the foreign policies of the present USA administration, it is much less complicated and very transparent.  The decisions by governments are usually based on the lust for power and greed.  It is greed and power that set governmental policies around the world, and the power plays between governments are the cause for wars and deadly conflicts.  It has nothing to do with any Christian fundamentalist conspiracy to bring the end of the world.  That is up to God, not to human machinations.  With that in mind, my opinion is that the end of the world is no where near our time.  There is much more that the human race must accomplish before the Kingdom of God is established and a new heavens and a new earth is recreated as God wants it for all of us (Revelation 21).  Humankind must still spiritually evolve and mature to the point that we are ready to accept Jesus as King of the Universe in all things.   Your fears about the end of time are unfounded.  I must also tell you that I am not concerned about the end of time.  Neither is the Church.  The teaching Church knows that the end will come when the Father ALONE decides it will happen.   So, there is NOTHING we can do about it nor anything we can do to bring it about.   But God has given us the gift of life for the purpose of building and establishing the foundation for this coming Kingdom of God.  You must live your life to the full.   Fear is from sin and Satan.  Fear keeps good people from doing good things.   When Jesus is at your side, fear is no longer the driving force for our actions.   Love is. (I John 4:19 -- John writes this in his First Letter:   "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love."  In other words, if fear is ruling your life, you are not yet in contact with the love of God.... and that's a challenge to all of us who have had to deal with fear in our lives).   So, marry that beautiful girl.  Raise a family.  Teach your children not to fear doing good and building the Kingdom of God and preparing the way of the Lord.   And back to my comment:  I am not concerned about the end of the world and neither is the Church.  Why?  Because for me, the end of the world comes when I die.   When I die, that is when time ends for me and that is when my world is done.   I will stand before the Lord Jesus as my judge and He will purify me to take my place with the saints in heaven.   Who cares about the end of the world?   I am concerned that I am ready to meet the Lord right now.  So is the Church whose mission it is to help prepare souls for their destiny with Jesus Christ.  And when I do die and my world ends, the Lord will be there with His open arms and say, " Well done, my good and faithful servant...come share your master's joy." (Matthew 25:14-30)  But that can only happen if I live fearlessly.  So, stop obsessing on the end of the world.  Instead, focus on the Lord, using your life to glorify His Love for the world.  Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.  May the Lord bless your love and give you wisdom to guide and love your children.  You are building the future Kingdom of God through your children!  I am excited for you!  - CatholicView Staff

”I use porn to achieve self gratification.  Is my
salvation in jeopardy?” – Sara

 CatholicView Staff:

I am married and pregnant and have been masterbating to porn! Books say that a pregnant woman's sex drive increases due to the extra blood flow to the genitals. My husband is very helpful in this area but I am still tempted to masterbate. I know its a sin and want so badly to stop, but can't and I feel horrible. Is my salvation in jeopardy?- Sara

Sara:

Masturbation in itself does not condemn anyone to hell.  God knows your heart and soul intimately and understands your situation.   But you need to look very carefully at your use of pornography.  Some think that pornography is a victimless sin.  But that is far from the truth.  Every time anyone uses pornography to stimulate and satisfy lustful inclinations, the person is using another human being, thereby degrading and destroying the human dignity given to each person by God.  If the pornography had pictures of your son or family member, would you look at it and allow your sexual lust to be satisfied?  I hope not.  Every time a person uses pornography, it continues the cycle of people who degrade themselves for your pleasure.   As long as there is a market for pornography, then there will be people who will be enslaved by the lust of others.  Instead of being free to be the person that God created them to be, they are allowing themselves to be enslaved to lust by the one who purchases the pornography.   Using and having pornography through magazines, film, or the Internet, is considered a serious and grave sin because it involves other human beings made in the image of God.  It also enslaves the user and creates a sexual appetite that cannot be morally fulfilled.   Concerning your questions about masturbation, please read this article that I wrote on this subject!  
masturbation May2007     - Catholicview Staff

 
”Is it wrong to sell an idea to cigarette companies?”
- Ken 

CatholicView Staff:

Is it wrong to sell an idea to cigarette companies?   I feel bad for people with cancer and many in my family have had it, but also many people who smoke today know the risks?    I plan on using the funds to do good for others, so is it wrong?   Please any advice... - Ken

Ken:

Don’t you think the good you claim you will give others is cancelled out when you are offering an attractive ad to those who are weak?  And what will you profit from this ad idea?   Certainly you know if only one precious soul succumbs and perhaps die because of your cigarette ad, it is still one soul too many.  Think very carefully and search your heart about this issue.   I think you know the answer already.  Trust God to give you an idea that will help others without hindrances. – CatholicView Staff

MORE ANSWERS   FOR JUNE 2008 WILL BE ADDED SOON

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