AUGUST 2008
 

FATHER KEVIN BATES, SM

”My ex-wife and her family think I cheated but I did not. 
Will they know the truth in heaven? - Joshua
 

Father Kevin:

My wife of 14 years has divorced me. Her family has rejected me in the process. All of this is because they think I cheated on her. I never cheated on her. These are the people I love and will want to see in heaven. They are just mistaken. Will they know the truth when we meet there? - Joshua

Hi Joshua:

They surely will know the truth in heaven for there is only truth there.  Please God,  that they discover the truth long before then. - Father Kevin

 
 “Will we be judged only on the sins after our
last confession?”   - Richard

Father Kevin:

When I (we) validly receive the sacrament of penance, receive absolution from the priest, complete the penance, etc. and gain a plenary indulgence, can God one day judge us when we die or at the resurrection of all the bodies on forgiven sins confessed in confession?   Will we be only judged on the new sins committed after that confession that have not been confessed and released from penance?  Also, what does it mean to have our names inscribed in the book of Life? – Richard

Hi Richard. 

First of all it's important to treat God as our best friend.  Now if we do that we won't be worrying about such things.  If you know and trust God you will know that you are forgiven, and that the God who is love can't help but forgive us.  If a sin is forgiven it is forgiven - no more to say!  As for sins that have not been confessed, if in your heart you are sorry, God knows that and there is no need to fear.  As for the Book of Life question, it is a metaphor in the Scriptures that simply indicates that we are included in the story of salvation somehow.   All good wishes. - Father Kevin

 
“Why are other faiths not as valid as Catholicism? - Ben

Father Kevin:

Why are other faiths that may suit my life more, not as valid as Catholicism? – Ben

Dear Ben,

It's a long story Ben.  The Catholic Church believes that in her life and tradition we have the fullness of the faith that Jesus came to reveal to us. This claim is based on our continuous history from the time of Jesus until now, and also on the teaching Tradition of the Church which has over the ages listened for the sounds of the Holy Spirit and refined the ways in which the truth of the Gospel is expressed in her teaching.  Just as I am personally laid open to conversion constantly, part of the genius of the church that it too is constantly laid open to conversion and renewal.  This keeps the Church in touch with the deeper truth of the Gospel, as it needs to be expressed in each age.  The balance between the Word of Scripture, the living Tradition of the community and the wonderful gift of the Sacraments provide a complete balance for the believer. – Father Kevin  

Now other Churches do the same in their own way and they all express something of the truth of the Gospel and of course the various traditions suit different people better.  There is nothing to stop you being part of one of these Churches if you so choose.  However, if you are Catholic and have the sense of the Catholic Church being your home, then you will taste as much of the gospel as possible from within our own beautiful Tradition.  For many people of course, they are more at home in other Churches and God looks after them just as well!  All good wishes. - Father Kevin

FATHER CEDRIC PISEGNA, C.P.

”I am an atheist, but I am a good person.   If God
exists, would I go to hell when I die?” - Jennifer

Father Cedric:

I'm an atheist, I used to believe in God, but through much deep thought I just don't believe anymore. This does make me sad. I wish I had faith. My question is, if God does exist, would I still go to hell when I die, even though I'm a good person who tries to exercise restraint against wrong and who tries to make good moral decisions, and who is generally loving, caring, humble and tolerant? – Jennifer

Dear Jennifer:

Thank you for contacting us and asking your very important question. Your statement shows me that you are still questioning, searching and hoping that God is real. I assure you God is true. Please keep searching for him. I pray that you will have encounters and revelation and touches from God himself. That’s how my life was changed. I went through a period of doubts when I was a teenager. I wasn’t sure if God was real. I even believed in reincarnation for a while. It sounded good and seemed like something that was true. I was a good person too…aren’t we all?

I simply chose to believe. I wanted to believe. I did believe. Faith opened a door to more for me. I began to have encounters with God in real tangible ways. These experiences totally changed my life. I’d love to send you a book I offer on TV for free: “Live Passionately!” This book talks about faith, my experiences and how to come to know God. Email me through my website: www.frcedric.org

It is important that you are found by God now. I discovered, that yes, there is a heaven and a hell and our choices now determine where we will live forever. Forever is a LONG time. While morals and being good matter, they do not determine your eternal destiny. Surrendering your life to God in faith and receiving the new life God gives does. You must come to faith. I know you want to and I want to help you. Jennifer, at your heart you are a spiritual person and I pray that you will discover this central part of who you are. I also pray for anyone reading this article who may be “agnostic” or “atheists.” I want you to know that God is true and loves you very much. The purpose of your life is to discover Him and fall in love with God. Please don’t miss your destiny!  Sincerely, Fr. Cedric

 
”Isn’t wanting to go to heaven being selfish?” - Scott

Father Cedric:

When people are asked questions like "why avoid temptation", "why be chaste", "why do unto others as you'd have done to you", the answer usually is "because I want to go to heaven".   Now personally, I think I also want to go to heaven.   But isn't that selfishness?  And, isn't selfishness a sin?  Ultimately, is it a sin to want that for myself? – Scott

Scott,

I’m glad you want to go to heaven as I do too! There is nothing selfish in that desire; it is a noble desire that God places in each of our hearts. We have a built in “homing device” that God has placed there that instinctively orients us to our true home, which is heaven. Selfishness is a sin, and I think it is the primordial sin. Selflessness is the journey of a Christian. I pray that as you progress and grow you will draw closer to God’s will and realize that you were made for heaven. - Father Cedric

 
”Is the sin of pride more offensive than the sin of purity?”
  - Connie

Father Cedric:

Could you please define and use examples as to what the sin of pride is?  St Therese states that the sin of pride is much more offensive to God than sins against purity.  I don't understand definitions that are too biblical, scholarly.  I need an easy explanation!  Thank you! – Connie

Connie:

Pride has traditionally been described as one of the seven “deadly” sins. Pride is so rampant in today’s society. It consists of selfishness, arrogance, stubbornness, rebellion, people that are opinionated, controlling, judgmental and narcissistic. Many are stuck on themselves and don’t really care about others. These are all symptoms of pride. Pride leads to divorce, addiction, stealing, murders, and all kinds of sin.

A healthy pride means that you do your work and live your life with excellence. You have pride in what you do and want it to be done right. An unhealthy pride means you think more highly of yourself that you ought to. Humility, on the other hand, means that you are open to being molded, changed and willing to grow.

An example of pride has to do with the Twelve Step Program. (AA or other addictions) Prideful people will never admit they have a problem. It is almost impossible to get a person like that into recovery. Or a prideful person thinks they can get better on his or her own. They are almost always bound to fail. Pride truly goes before a fall. People think they are “above the law.” Speeding may kill others, but I won’t. Others may get addicted, but I won’t. Pride blinds. Humility gives new sight. Humility doesn’t mean you think less of yourself, rather, that you are open to growth and change. True humility has a healthy self-respect.

Pride is the root of all sin because of the hardness and stubbornness within. A controlling, opinionated person wants to live life on his or her own terms. Such a person is setting themselves up for disaster. We were made for God and a prideful person is too independent for God. They are addicted to self and deep within they make themselves their idol. It was pride that made the angel Lucifer fall from grace. He continues to want adoration and gets it from those who are going astray.

I hope these reflections have helped you to understand pride more easily. The middle letter in both pride and sin is: “I”. But God’s grace is more powerful than our selfishness. Fr. Cedric

“Should I report a teacher who molested me forty years
ago? - Dee

Dear Father Cedric,

When I was a little girl, 10 years old, my 5th grade teacher molested me. It only happened once. He didn't physically hurt me - but it confused and embarrassed me. I didn't tell my parents about it.  I spent the next 40 years thinking since he didn't physically hurt me that he didn't really hurt me. It's only been in the past couple years that I began processing what happened and have realized how what he did affected me then and still affects me now.  When I first began the healing process, the first thing God did was walk me through forgiveness.  I was able to completely forgive this man and have prayed for him (though I don't even know if he's still alive).  When I then sought counseling, the first thing the counselor told me is that I live in a state where there is no statute of limitation to prosecute this type of crime and that I could file charges against this man.  I wasn't interested in filing charges though, because I felt I had already forgiven him and that wasn't something I needed to do to heal or for closure.  I felt at peace with this decision.  Months ago, while discussing the situation with a friend, she mentioned that she felt like I should file charges because if this man is still alive he could still be a threat to other children. I had never really thought of it from that perspective. Now my peace is gone and I'm not sure what the right thing to do is.

Certainly, I don't want any other children to suffer the shame and embarrassment that I grew up with. But I don't know anything about that man's life in the last 40 years. Possibly he's reformed and lived a good life in that time. I have no desire to ruin his life or hurt his family. But then again, maybe he has hurt other kids. I just don't know.  I can tell you I really don't want to report him. BUT, I want to do what God would expect me to do, whatever that is. Can you please give me some insight?

The other thing is that this happened at a Catholic school and I live in an archdiocese that was hit hard by the clerical sexual abuse crisis. If the decision is to report this crime, do you think I should first report it to the archdiocese as a courtesy? Or do you think that it would really matter since a priest wasn't involved? I just want to do what's right for all concerned and I'm having trouble figuring out just what the right thing is! Any advice you could give me would be appreciated.  Thank you for your help! - Dee

Dee:

I think it is wonderful that you have forgiven the man who molested you some forty years ago.  God has worked in your life and helped you to move forward.  That took a lot of courage.  Now you are wondering whether you should press charges in order to protect others.  I think if you were to take this to court, you would be churning up the past and you may experience many confusing and sorrowful feelings.  It is now 40 years removed and you have put it behind you.  But, in order to protect others, you may want to report this man's name to the diocese in which he taught, just in case he is still out there teaching.  They may ask you to fill out a report.  I think that would be the proper thing to do.   Hopefully this will ease your mind again and you can have peace. - Fr. Cedric

FATHER AMARO SAUMELL

“My Muslim husband has stopped me from attending
mass.  How can I keep my faith alive?” - Mary

Father Amaro:

My Muslim husband has suddenly stopped me from attending mass and going to church, contrary to our initial agreement. I practice online adoration everyday but I need to know how I can observe holy days of obligation. Today is the assumption and it hurts that I cannot attend mass. Because he now insists that I pray the salat five times daily, I incorporate my catholic prayers by spreading the five decades of the rosary throughout the day, so at every salat I say one decade plus other ejaculatory prayers. He's none the wiser since he sees only the outward gestures and doesn't hear the outward prayers. How can keep my faith alive? We have a wonderful relationship otherwise. Many thanks. - Mary

Dear Mary:

You have your faith. Unless you are a prisoner in your home, you are free to practice your faith. If you are a prisoner in your home, you need to contact law enforcement.  On the other hand, if you have a car and can drive, you must live out your faith as you told your husband you would do when you got married. I’m assuming that you were married as a Catholic in the Church. If not, your marriage is not valid in the first place. It is for this very reason that a dispensation is needed for getting married in the Church with a non-believer. You would have no right to force your religion on him. The reverse is also true. True faith must be practiced in freedom. If he agreed at the very beginning that you should be free to practice your faith and had no intention of living up to that promise, the marriage can be annulled by the Church. Jesus made it very clear that those who deny him he will deny before his heavenly father. Again, if you are living in slavery to this man, it is time to talk to law enforcement. - God bless, Father Amaro

 
”My daughter lives with her boyfriend. Should I help
them buy a home before marriage? - John

Hello Father:

My 27 year old daughter is planning on being married next June but she has been living with her fiancé, against the advice of my wife and I.

They have lost the lease on their apartment and have been staying with us (in separate rooms). They are currently looking for another place to rent or they might even try to buy a home. If I lent them money or gave them their marriage gift early so they could use the money for a down payment on their home, would that be a sin? I would be aiding them in living together before they were married. Thank you. - John

Dear John:

I think by your asking this question, you already know the answer. To enable a sinful act on the part of another, you “cause one of these little ones to stumble.” If they are adult enough to make decisions towards sin, they are adult enough to support themselves and find their own money to sin with, don’t you think? No, I think you need to tell them that you cannot participate in good conscience with their actions. Allow them to understand that all you have must be used for the glory of God and that participating with their plans does not accomplish such. You have no obligation to supply a down payment for a home, whether they are married or not. Remember the “prodigal son?” IN insisting on his inheritance, he was proclaiming his father dead to him. Any child that expects from their parents as if it is owed to them is doing the same. You need to have a real heart to heart with your daughter. Unfortunately your money seems to have more value to her than your teaching. You need to really pray about this. More parent do their children harm, especially in our country, by enabling than any other kind of neglect.  - God bless, Father Amaro

 
”I am struggling how to view the Old Testament regulations
on shellfish, etc. Is this still important to God?

Father Amaro:

I am a Catholic struggling with how to approach the Bible. Does the Church view the entire Bible as the word of God? If so, why is it OK to dispense with all the regulations regarding shellfish, animal offerings etc. as in the Old Testament? Just because it isn't important to us doesn't mean it isn't important to God- right?

Dear Matt:

Jesus is God. Jesus fulfilled the law of the Old Covenant or Old Testament within himself as the new and last Adam. Now we have a new covenant that is fulfilled in him when we follow his teaching. It is his New Testament and is fulfilled in the practice of the faith through the authority in the Church, which he established for such a purpose. It is his words, “Whatever you declare bound on earth shall be bound in heaven...” which defines which laws are binding. Remember, the Bible, New and Old Testaments come from the people’s experience with God, not the other way around. The Church compiled the New Testament over 300 years after Christ. The authority was already in the Apostles and their successors (the bishops). Read about St. Peter’s vision in the Book of Acts where all things were proclaimed clean. It has everything to do with your concern. - God bless, Father Amaro

 
”I was raped. Am I at fault? - Ash

Father Amaro:

I was raped and when I talked to my priest I was told that the Catholic Church does not believe in premarital sex. Now I feel like I have committed a sin. What does the Catholic Church believe on the subject of rape? - Ash

Dear Ash,

For sexual intercourse to be validly celebrated, it must have the willful consent of both parties. Obviously, since you did not invite or participate with this act, you really did not have sex. Someone invaded your body against your will. That is not sex. That is a crime of aggression, anger, force, or power...or...all of the above using sexual means against you.. Please, for your very freedom in possible marriage in the future, get a good counselor who is familiar with rape to journey through this with you. You don’t want to project this experience on an eventual spouse. Sexual expression is a beautiful thing as ordained by God. You deserve to have that freedom from this experience when the time comes.  Hope this helps.  God bless, Fr. Amaro

”I was Catholic and am now Protestant. Can I take
the Eucharist at my Catholic son’s wedding?” – Debbie

Father Amaro:

I was Catholic but stopped attending. My husband's mistress attended there as well and I just couldn't continue seeing her at Mass while I was trying to save my marriage. I recently joined a Protestant church whose members have been very supportive of me. While I no longer go the Catholic Church, I continue to believe in the transfiguration of the Eucharist. My son who is Catholic will be marrying in the Church very soon, and I would like to take the Eucharist. Would it be a sin to do so? - Debbie

Dear Debbie,

When you stopped participating in the very celebration of the Eucharist that Christ instituted, you proclaimed this woman the winner. It sounds as if you were looking for comfort more than faith by finding someone who made you feel good. This woman not only conquered your husband, but she also conquered you. You were not the one “needing support.” You were already before the Lord your God in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. It was your husband that needed the support to leave this sin behind. All you did was to enable him to participate it more freely... and before the Blessed Sacrament with no material to challenge his conscience. Which do you think is the greater sin? Didn’t you leave the Blessed Sacrament and the Church that Jesus as Lord established for your comfort? Your husband was tempted away from his wife, and you were tempted away from your Lord so that you could “get support.” Either way, you both were looking for mortal comfort.

Having said that, know that you can go to confession. And, if you have not taken on another man in your life, you may still receive the Blessed Sacrament at your son’s wedding. Only you’ll be receiving it validly. It might be a very good sign for your husband. –  God bless, Father Amaro

 
“Is it a sin to use pirated software after baptism wiped away
the sin of downloading it?” - Puds

Father:

I'm a new Catholic. I was baptized in March. Prior to being baptized I had downloaded pirated software from the Internet. I essentially got $900 worth of software for free. I know that was a sin. I also know that baptism wiped out the sin. But now I still don't know if it’s ok to use the software? Is it a sin every time I use it? -Puds

Dear Puds,

You already know, don’t you?  You are using stolen material.  You need to pay for the license to use it. Listen, I’m pretty much of a computer geek.  There’s lots of free shareware out there that does a lot of what your stolen programs do.  Download these programs or look into paying for the licenses of those you have.  Also, use the Sacrament of Reconciliation to restore yourself to the state of your baptism.  You’ll be glad you did.  - God bless, Father Amaro

CATHOLICVIEW STAFF
 
“I found a gift card in a parking lot.  What
should I do?” - Glenn
 

CatholicView Staff:

I found a gift card in a parking lot that I found out later had over a $300 balance. There is no way to find out the original owner but I feel guilty if I use it. What if this person really needed this money bad, I don't. What should I do with this "dirty" money?  - Glenn

Dear Glenn:

Thank you for writing to CatholicView.  Sadly, temptation is a strong and living persuader and we must avoid it at all costs.  You said you found out later that the gift card had a balance of over $300.00.   Did you go to the store shown on the gift card and get this information?  At that time did you leave your name and phone number where you could be reached for its return at the store?  Did you stress that if someone came forward to claim it that person would have to identify it to prove ownership?

To do nothing is stealing.  The gift card does not belong to you unless no one comes forth to claim it after a reasonable period of time.

You indicated in your letter that you do not need the money.   If no one has claimed this gift card, then your conscience is clear and you can feel free to use the card or donate it to a needy person.  May the Lord lead you to make the right decision. – CatholicView Staff

 
”My husband makes me feel bad about wanting to be
Catholic.  Would it be a sin if I go ahead without him?”
- Rachael
 

CatholicView Staff:

Hello and thank you in advance for your time.  I feel a deep love, faith and gratitude for the Catholic Church. I occasionally pray the rosary and know most of the prayers but I'm not Catholic. I want to be but my husband doesn't want anything to do with any kind of religion. He says he grew up in church and now he doesn't have to go and he makes me feel bad if I go. Would it be bad (sin) to go without him, can I become a Catholic if he doesn't want anything to do with religion and can you pray with me that God softens his heart? - Rachael

Dear Racheal:

Congratulations on your desire to become Catholic.  And yes, you can become Catholic without your husband or his consent.  Remember we each have to be answerable to God at the final judgment individually, without husbands or family.  None can intervene or help us.  So now is the time to follow your heart and become a member of the Church. 

Go and speak with a priest at your local parish.  He will recommend that you attend RCIA classes (The Rite of Christian Initiation).  This will be a series of coming together with people like yourself to prepare you for baptism in the Church.  You will become a full member of the Catholic Church, taking part in all sacraments:  Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. - CatholicView Staff

We will pray for your husband, so that he can see and understand, through you, the peace and joy the Lord has given in your life.  We will pray that he will want this grace and faith for himself.    Move forward and be an example for the Lord.  We welcome you to our Church! – CatholicView Staff

 
”I attended Todd Bentley’s evangelical movement and it made
me ill.  What is your opinion?” - Barbara

CatholicView Staff:

I went to a friend's evangelical church a few times. When the services were over I felt as if someone had given me drugs - the energy was so powerful and high. There were people speaking in tongues and others laying hands and stuff. It was very overwhelming, and a bit frightening. These people follow a man named Todd Bentley. I've read about Todd Bentley, since, and from my experiences with what happened in that church - well suffice it to say since I went my anxiety has been up and I've been ill, and it's taken over a month to slowly get (almost) back to myself again, since I quit going. I'm just wondering if there isn't something subversively malicious in the interacting energy connected to that entire thing (Todd Bentley's evangelical movement). I saw some strange, scary things. What is your opinion? Barbara

Barbara:

I am sorry you had such a terrible experience.  You must stay away from preachers who manipulate people to do their bidding and not the Lord's.  Jesus is not present in the noise and confusion...Jesus is present in the quiet and silence of our hearts, in the whisper of the wind.  The illness he has caused you and others have come from the conflict of his soul and from Satan.  Those who people who attend such “so called” churches are drawn into a spiritual trap of manipulation and subjection to the preacher.  This is what is known as a personality cult.

Please stay away from false preachers who subject others to their ravings.   Let your calming faith reclaim the peace God wants you to have. – CatholicView Staff 

 “My 21 year old son thinks heaven sounds silly. 
What should I do?” - Anne

CatholicView Staff:

My 21 yr old son who has been raised Catholic has recently told me he no longer believes in the supernatural and that heaven sounds silly and he has no desire to go there. He believes that when you die that's it. He came to this conclusion after taking college classes that teach Christianity as just another religion with similarities to ancient pagan religions. Nothing I say helps. I was thinking about renting "The Exorcist" movie and making him watch it to possibly scare him into belief of the supernatural. Should I do this or do you have another Name: - Anne

Dear Anne:

Last month, another writer wrote to CatholicView and said that He did not want to go to heaven as your son expressed.  Please read the answer Father Cedric wrote in reply:

"You are very philosophical. I invite you to keep questioning and being curious, searching is the root of wisdom. You are not alone in your wonderings. I’ve heard from a number of people who question what heaven will be like and they are not sure they want to go either.

Fortunately God has given me some glimpses of glory. I invite you to purchase my book “Death the Final Surrender.” I was given two “near death” experiences. In these experiences I detail in precise fashion what will happen to us when we die. God showed me that we were made for “glory.” Glory is pleasure, electricity and joy. Trust me, you will enjoy this! The flipside of glory is shame and disgrace. There will either be one or the other. There is no in-between. The choices we make now will determine eternity. You will just have to trust that heaven and God are what your heart was made for. More than that, if you develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ now, God will give you the foretaste: his Holy Spirit. Even now, you can begin to experience the glories to come, along with intimacy that will thrill your soul.

We all love pleasure. Some enjoy golfing, fishing, eating, gambling, shopping, traveling, sex, music. What do you enjoy? Imagine that compounded by a million! Saints have said that the music in heaven is so beautiful that when they heard the best music on earth it sounded like a tin box. In terms of relationships, only those worthy of heaven will be there. We will be purified and easy to get along with. The service you talk about will only give us more joy.

Heaven is something you will not want to miss. Jesus said that those outside “weep and gnash their teeth” because they missed it. I pray for you and all reading this that God will impress upon your heart the Glory and the pleasure of eternal life with God. I pray you will also understand the alternative. May you understand the seriousness of the moment now. Our choices and lifestyle determine eternity. My prayer for all is that you will develop your relationship with God such that you will know the foretaste of heaven now: The Holy Spirit. I invite you to go to my website and learn more through my videos and clicking on “eternal life.” www.frcedric.org "

Anne, I hope this helps.  God bless you.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”Am I going against my faith making portions with
herbs? - Meghan
 

CatholicView Staff:

 I know that witchcraft is wrong.  But I believe that God gave us the opportunity to use the things around us to the best of our ability.   I don't practice witchcraft, and I worship only the One TRUE God.  I have mixed herbs "portions" but do it in the name of God, asking for His help. So my question is this am I going against my faith or finding a new way for me to communicate with my God?  I go to Mass every Sunday, but I know I do not pray to God enough, and I feel I have become closer to him through this.  – Meghan

Dear Meghan:

You state you mix “herbs” and make portions in the name of the Lord but you do not clarify why you are making these portions.  If they for your health this is not sinful.  To use herbs to communicate with God or anything else instead of praying directly to God for help is wrong and is really a form of witchcraft.  We do not get closer to God through herbs.  We grow closer to Him and communicate with Him through obedience and prayer.

I would suggest you go and talk to your parish priest.  You are not giving enough information to make a clear judgment on your actions.  – CatholicView Staff

”I live in a state of guilt.  Is there hope for me?”
- Theresa

 

CatholicView Staff:

I live in a more or less constant state of guilt over sins of my youth which I also have tried to justify and lie to myself about over the years.   I stay away from the reception of communion and the sacrament of penance now because I have no way of unraveling this mess in my conscience and seemingly haven't been able to take care of it in the confessional either (more and more aspects of it, understanding, questions keep coming forward in my mind - it never ends!). I am also a widow and have been told by a priest that my marriage of 20 years was invalid. What must I do since I have no peace? I shed many tears over the unfortunate situation of the way I have lived my life. I sincerely would like to practice my faith but feel condemned by God - I blew my chances in life. I also feel like a hypocrite trying to be reconciled because I feel that communion is meant only for those who have been faithful to God.  Is there any hope for me?  Thank you.  – Theresa

Dear Theresa:

It is time to let go of the past and move forward in your faith.   You have prayed to God, have sought the sacrament of penance, and now you must recognize that God has already forgiven you for all past sins in your life.  When a person asks God for forgiveness, know that He forgives.  1 John 1:9 states “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. 

Take that forgiveness God offers you.  Learn from it but do not let it deter you any further.  Mentally take all old forgiven sins and put them at the cross of Jesus and leave them there.  It is now time for you to forgive yourself and move forward.  You are not a hypocrite.  And no one is without sin.  Stop doubting God.   Please use the following link to CatholicView’s article “Taking Back Your Past”.  Use this link:  http://catholicvu.com/newpage195htm.htm.   Go in peace and continue to serve the Lord in obedience and joy. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can you comment about the issue of IUI?” - Bill

CatholicView Staff:

What is the best way to think about an issue that the US Conference of Bishops have neither approved or disapproved? The issue is intrauterine insemination (IUI)? -Bill

Bill:

Artificial insemination is considered immoral by the teaching Church, and it doesn’t matter what kind of insemination it is.  Artificial and man-made interventions in regards to the control of the human reproduction system are not acceptable Christian behavior according to Christian ethicists.  I must also point out something that is very important for everyone to hear whether they want to hear it or not.  Having a child is not a human right.   No one has a “right” to a child, or a “right” to bear children.   A child is always considered a gift from God Himself to that particular family and society.   Since that is the basic moral teaching here in this instance, man-made interventions in regards to the reproduction of human life will always be regarded as immoral and against the natural way set by God Himself.  -CatholicView Staff

 
”My Catholic son’s baby was born out of wedlock
and the mother is Baptist.  Can the child
be baptized Catholic?” - Kathy

CatholicView Staff:

My son, a baptized and confirmed Catholic, but not presently practicing wants me to arrange to have his son baptized in the church. He is not married, but in a serious relationship, and the mother is Baptist and ambivalent about the baptism. I am a practicing Catholic and really hope to have a Priest baptize the baby. –Kathy

Dear Kathy:

I understand your loving care and concern for your grandson and his spiritual welfare!  You are a wonderful mother and I thank you for your spiritual guidance to your own son.  The sacrament of Baptism implies that a full consent is asked of the person to be baptized, consent to be part of the church and accept all its teachings.  The sacrament of Baptism sets up a specific and sacred relationship with the Father in heaven through Jesus Christ.  Baptism imparts upon the baptized the title of son of God and heir of the Kingdom of heaven, member of the Catholic Church.  The Church takes this sacrament quite seriously as you do!   Your parish priest is going to ask you whether there is any guarantee that your grandson is going to grow and mature in a Catholic household.  It seems that the mother of the child is not open to the Catholic faith and this will cause some impediment to your grandson’s baptism.  If the mother cannot promise that the child will be brought up in the Catholic Church, and if the mother is not open to our faith in Jesus Christ, then there is no guarantee that your grandson is going to be an active member of the Church.  These are concerns that your parish priest will bring up to you and your son.  And as you say, your son is not a practicing Catholic.  If your grandson’s parents do not have an active relationship with the Catholic Church, then why baptism?   Why would your son ask for baptism if he is not willing to be an active Catholic?   Your grandson can be baptized in the Catholic Church, but for the grace of baptism to grow in your grandson’s soul and heart, he must have his parents’ guidance and example of living.  I am afraid that your grandson may not have that without your help and intervention (which may or may not be welcome by the mother and your son).   Your parish priest will be able to explain to you  the requirements for baptism in your diocese. – CatholicView Staff

 
”When we got married our judgment was clouded and I
feel it was a big mistake.  What should I do? - Jolene

CatholicView Staff:

When I was married a little over a year ago, I knew I wasn't following God's will, even on that day. Because we struggled with fornication and my husband struggled with a serious pornography addiction, I feel our judgment was clouded. God gave us a child right after we were married, but I still feel I made a big mistake. What can I do? - Jolene

Jolene:

I am sorry that you are struggling in your marriage.  These kinds of inner and outer struggles certainly put negative obstacles in the way of your happiness and joy.  Even though your marriage seems to have started with some impediments to a sacramental marriage, that doesn’t mean that this marriage was not part of God’s design for your and your child.  If you believe that your marriage is not life-giving to you and your child, and if you have discerned with the help of God’s Spirit that you should not be together, and after consulting those whom you trust and consulting those who can be fair (such as a priest or counselor), then separation might be the only option.  The annulment process of the Church seeks to answer this question:  if the scripture says that what God has brought together, let no one separate, did God join this marriage?  The annulment process can only begin after you have acquired the final decree of divorce.  Once you have done that, you can ask the Church, through your local parish priest or deacon, to make a judgment on the sacramental validity of your marriage.  If a sacramental annulment of your marriage is granted, then you will be free to marry in the Church.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”I am 19 and have done some shocking things,  Can I
pursue the Catholic faith? - Alyse

Catholicview Staff:

Well, I am 19 and in my short life I have not been religious at all and have probably done some shocking things in the eyes of God, but lately I have been thinking and taking interest in pursuing the Catholic faith to help me through a rough time, and life in general.  Can I still do this even though I know I have a lot to answer for? - Alyse

Alyse:

Our Catholic faith and Christianity in general is a faith of “second chances.”  Forgiveness by God, forgiveness by ourselves as extended to others, and even forgiveness of self is a cornerstone of our relationship with God.  Even though you are nineteen years of age, you have experienced some painful things.  But these experiences set you up to encounter the love that Jesus Christ has for you.  Please, continue on your spiritual journey.   Find out how to join your local parish’s Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) to explore the Catholic faith.  I find that my faith in Jesus Christ as expressed in the Catholic Church gives me inner strength and meaning in life.  May God bless you as you search for His unconditional love for you!  - CatholicView Staff

 
”Is it a mortal or venial sin to admire a woman?
- Benjamin

CatholicView Staff:

Is it a sin for a man to check out a woman (not lusting, but just admiring her beauty) in low-cut clothing? if so, is it mortal or venial? – Benjamin

Benjamin:

I am always reminded of that gospel verse, the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 27-29:  “You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery.  But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Strong and challenging words for us.   We are being challenged not look on other human beings as objects of lust or objects of anything that I have in my mind, but to look upon every human being as an image of God.  We have all been created in the image and likeness of God (see Genesis 1:26).  Jesus wants us all to look upon and respect that each human being is a reflection and image of God Himself.  We move from having people subjected to my own wants and needs to seeing fellow human beings as equal cooperators in building the Kingdom of heaven.  As human beings, we admire beauty in all its forms.  There are some people that are just beautiful to look at and even such observations can arouse sexual inclinations.  But as long as we keep these lustful thoughts to ourselves, then there is no sin involved.  But once we “act out” these lustful temptations, then sin rears its ugly head and destroys the good around me and within me.   – CatholicView Staff

 
”What do Catholics believe they must do to be saved?”
– Joan

 CatholicView Staff:

Many Protestants believe that as long as they believe Jesus is Christ and are "born again", they are saved no matter how they live their life, however, Catholics believe that they must work for salvation (am I correct?), and must do more than just 'believe'....What do Catholics believe they must do to be saved? - Joan

In 1 John 5:13 it says: "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life,"(1 John 5:13).'"
However, in Phil1:6 it says "I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6)

I'm want to go to heaven, but am confused on how salvation is attained (is it by believing Jesus is Christ, or does it take more? What must we believe?), it says in the Bible several times that all we must do is believe that Jesus has saved us (well, that is my interpretation, so far), but then I watch EWTN and there are Nuns praying vigorously for salvation (I'm quite sure they have already surrendered to Jesus, but continue to recite prayers to attain salvation)  I am hoping for guidance and am hope you can help.  Thank You! - Joan

Dear Joan:

You have asked a question that was asked in the early Church:  is salvation accomplished by belief alone or by something else?   Well, the word “belief” needs to be defined.  The devil believes in God but he is damned forever in hell.  So, belief simply does not guarantee salvation.  Belief with my whole heart and soul does.  So, how do we define belief?  The letter of James does this very well (see James, Chapter 2, Verses 14-26):   “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?  Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm=2 0and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?   So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.  Indeed someone might say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.”  Faith and works complement each other!  One cannot say they believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior then do the most terrible sins in the world.  Those actions show that their “belief” is empty and false.  A person who truly believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior AUTOMATICALLY does good works because their faith informs every action that they do.  So, in a sense, we do not work for salvation because we have it as a free gift from Jesus Christ as soon as we place all our faith in him.  But as a sign of my true belief, my works will speak for themselves.  My actions show what is in my heart.  Yes, Christians sin and do painful and destructive things when they are not in synchronization with Jesus Christ.  It is when we fall out of synchronization with Jesus that we need to ask for forgiveness, repent, and get back on the road to salvation.  My belief and faith in Jesus Christ ASSURES and GUARANTEES my salvation and my place in heaven.  But it must be an active faith, not a dead faith.   Because you ask the question if you are going to heaven, I know you will be there with God forever in that heavenly bliss.  There are those that don’t ask the question of whether they are saved because they are blinded by their own lusts and wants to see God around them.  Those are the ones whose place in hell is reserved.  As long as you seek to strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ, your place in heaven is waiting for you.  Faith and works are one and the same.  As for the religious women (nuns) that pray for the world (and their own place in heaven), they do so because they are being called by God to intercede for all who need prayer.  They pray constantly because their faith informs their works, the work of praying for those that do not have enough time to pray for themselves.  They also pray that they always remain faithful to the Lord.  How beautiful is that?  I praise God for those that pray for others as well as themselves. – CatholicView Staff

 
”If a person does not take prescribed medicine is
this considered suicide?” - Aussie

CatholicView Staff:

If you have medical issue and you do not treat it with meds is that considered suicide? I have diabetics and stopped my insulin. I do not know what to do.  - Aussie

Dear Aussie:

You ask a question that many people with chronic illnesses ask so you are not alone in your struggle against the symptoms and effects of your particular disease of diabetes.  I know that taking medications and doing a daily routine of medical actions can be tedious and frustrating.  Such actions can take away the joy of living, and the meaning of life for the person with chronic disease.  But I must tell you the complete truth and the truth is contained in the commandment: "You shall not kill."  Diabetes can be controlled and can be contained by diet, exercise, and medications.  Diabetes is not the fatal disease it once was.  To stop safeguarding your health is considered akin to a slow and deliberate act of killing yourself.  I call you, in the name of the Creator, to live!  Live life to the full!  Stop focusing on the negative effects of illness and start focusing on the blessings and the gift of life.  You may need to talk with someone you trust to help you navigate through the confusion and frustration you feel about your battle with diabetes.  I suggest that you do.  And please, talk with your medical doctor concerning other ways to control the effects of diabetes that is less frustrating to you.  And talk to God from the depths of your heart and express that emotion that has taken over your inner self.  You know what to do:  live!   That is the only moral option.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”I am not Catholic and want to light a votive candle
in the Church.  Is this okay?” – Paula

CatholicView Staff:

Even though I am not Catholic (I am a Christian), I sometimes attend a weekly mass. My question is if I want to say a special prayer, when is it OK to light one of the votive candles in a church? Anytime? - Paula

Dear Paula:

Thank you for coming and praying with us as a Christian community!  Yes, you can light a votive candle as a sign of your prayer before the Lord Jesus.  The votive candle is a symbol of the light of God’s love and the expression of my inner self before the Lord.  You can light a candle at home as a sign of your prayer but always remember safety when lighting candles at your home.   Of course, you do not need to light a candle for your prayer to be heard.   Just present your prayer before the Lord and let Him take care of the details.   Lighting a votive candle gives me the satisfaction of doing something physical in regards to my prayer, a public gesture of my faith in the God who will give me anything I need for my personal salvation.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is it a mortal sin to watch a movie with brief nudity?”
– Mary Jo

CatholicView Staff

Is it a mortal sin to deliberately watch a movie that contains some brief nudity? In truth the movie could hardly be considered pornographic. However, I was reading the catechism and was wondering because it states that immodest pictures are a sin against chastity. – Mary Jo

Mary Jo:

The great distinction between art and pornography has always been a source of discussion among Christians everywhere.  I really was amused by judge’s comment during a discussion on pornography during a USA Supreme Court session in which he observed that even though he could not legally define pornography, he knows pornography when he sees it.  In regards to your question, if human nudity is part of an artistic expression of the work observed, no sin is involved (see the statute of David in Florence sculptured by Michelangelo).  Nudity for the sake of evoking human lust and passion is sinful and immoral.  The movie you have described in your question shows how nudity can be expression of cinematic art and therefore no sin is involved.  Partaking and enjoying pornography is always considered mortal sin because it offends the dignity of a human being who has been made in the image and likeness of God. – CatholicView Staff

 
”I committed adultery and had a child. Although
divorced now, I want to go back to my husband.   - Julie
 

CatholicView Staff:

I committed adultery and had a child outside my marriage. We divorced 2 years ago. I feel God is trying to bring us back together. How can I ask to be forgiven? I still love my husband. - Julie

Julie:

Once you have asked God for forgiveness and you have repented from your sin, you are free from the past!  If God is bringing you back to your husband, then forgiveness from your husband and yourself (you must forgive yourself too for your own actions) will be the healing bond that will make your marital love grow and mature.  You ask, “How can I ask to be forgiven?”  The answer is simple:  just ask!  May God bless you, heal your and give you peace.   And if it is in God’s Will that your marriage should be healed, then I rejoice with you!   May you find true love!  With God’s help, I know with confidence you will!  - CatholicView Staff

 
”Are we angels?” - Brian

CatholicView Staff:

I believe our souls came to be when the universe was created.  We leave heaven, come to earth and return to heaven. "Human" is an earthly being.  What are these spirits known as in heaven? Are we too angels? - Brian

Dear Brian:

You ask a question that the Church cannot answer.  It seems that we were ALL in God’s mind from the beginning of creation.   But we were not individual spirits, fully realized like we are now.   We are not angels.   Never will be.  Angels are a separate unique spiritual being.  We are human souls, and therefore we are radically different from the angels that service God and ourselves.  Your question, “What are these spirits known as in heaven?” can be answered very simply:  before we were conceived, we were thoughts in God’s infinite and eternal mind waiting to be fully realized and created when the time was right in God’s Plan.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Are my injuries God’s way of telling me I am
on the wrong path? – Liam

CatholicView Staff:

I am unsure how to read signs God sends me in regard to my life’s path. I like to be active and a year back I started kickboxing classes and I dislocated my knee cap, four months ago I tried rock climbing and dislocated my shoulder, then last week I fractured a bone in my hand during a boxing lesson. I am not a violent person.

My belief is if God puts a metaphorical mountain in front of me I should climb it and keep trying or are these injuries God’s way of telling me I am on the wrong path? - Liam

Liam:

You have had a bad streak of luck in regards to your athletic abilities.  Usually, God sends His direction by what’s in your heart and mind for your fulfillment and the building of the Kingdom of God here on earth.   As for your athletic abilities, you may need to watch your limits and maintain your health and quality of life.  God wants you to take care of yourself and not take undue and dangerous risks that would take away your quality of life.  Your injuries show that you should maintain and safeguard your life that God gave you for the betterment of the world. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Has the document “Dictatus Papae” been repudiated?” 
- Curtis

CatholicView Staff:

"Dictatus Papae" authored by Greg VII.  What is the Church's opinion on this document today? Has it been repudiated? If not, why? - Curtis

Curtis:

It was said that Pope Gregory VII penned this list of the explanations and descriptions of papal authority in the year 1075 A.D.    This work, called DICTATUS PAPAE (the Dictates of the Pope), was never published as an official working document, constitution, or encyclical of the Church.   Therefore, it does not have the force of a teaching (magisterium) of the Church or an official position of the Roman Catholic Church.  The Church has not repudiated this work because it was never an official document of the Church.  But many of the items described below do describe some aspects of pastoral authority that comes from being the Bishop of Rome and successor of Saint Peter.  For those who do not know what these dictates attributed to Gregory VII are, I have roughly copied them in English.   The dictates were written in Latin during the 11^th century.   This document shows the political situation of Europe after the Dark Ages and the apparent vacuum of unified civil authority at that time.  Once again, this list was never an official and recognized teaching document of the Church.   

 The Dictates of the Pope (1075 A.D.)

1. That the Roman church was founded by God alone.

2. That the Roman pontiff alone can with right be called universal.

3. That he alone can depose or reinstate bishops.

4. That, in a council his legate, even if a lower grade, is above all bishops, and can pass sentence of deposition against them.

5. That the pope may depose the absent.

6. That, among other things, we ought not to remain in the same house with those excommunicated by him.

7. That for h him alone is it lawful, according to the needs of the time, to make new laws, to assemble together new congregations, to make an abbey of a canonry; and, on the other hand, to divide a rich bishopric and unite the poor ones.

8. That he alone may use the imperial insignia.

9. That of the pope alone all princes shall kiss the feet.

10. That his name alone shall be spoken in the churches.

11. That this is the only name in the world.

12. That it may be permitted to him to depose emperors.

13. That he may be permitted to transfer bishops if need be.

14. That he has power to ordain a clerk of any church he may wish.

15. That he who is ordained by him may preside over another church, but may not hold a subordinate position; and that such a one may not receive a higher grade from any bishop.

16. That no synod shall be called a general one without his order.

17. That no chapter and no book shall be considered canonical without his authority.

18. That a sentence passed by him may be retracted by no one; and that he himself, alone of all, may retract it.

19. That he himself may be judged by no one.

20. That no one shall dare to condemn one who appeals to the apostolic chair.

21. That to the latter should be referred the more important cases of every church.

22. That the Roman church has never erred; nor will it err to all eternity, the Scripture bearing witness.

23. That the Roman pontiff, if he have been canonically ordained, is undoubtedly made a saint by the merits of St. Peter; St. Ennodius, bishop of Pavia, bearing witness, and many holy fathers agreeing with him. As is contained in the decrees of St. Symmachus the pope.

24. That, by his command and consent, it may be lawful for subordinates to bring accusations.

25. That he may depose and reinstate bishops without assembling a synod.

26. That he who is not at peace with the Roman church shall not be considered catholic.

27. That he may absolve subjects from their fealty to wicked men.

Hope this helps. – CatholicView Staff

 
"My friend was married in the Church by a deacon.  
Is the marriage blessed?” - Ronald

CatholicView Staff:

I have a friend that was married in a Catholic Church not by a priest but a deacon.  How can that be?   Is this marriage blessed? – Ronald

Dear Ronald:

A deacon is an ordained minister like a priest.  The sacrament of Holy Orders is this:  the ordination of a deacon, priest, and bishop. Each three holy orders have their place and responsibility in the leadership of the Church.  A deacon can confer the sacraments of Baptism, give Holy Communion, preside at marriages, funerals, and Eucharistic devotions such as Benediction, read the gospel at Mass and preach the homily (sermon).  A deacon is a cleric, ordained and given faculties (license to minister) by the bishop.  The marriage of your friend, presided by a deacon, is sacramentally valid and blessed by God and Church.    Please read the First Letter of Timothy, Chapter 3, Verses 8-11 (New Testament), for an explanation of what a deacon is. – CatholicView Staff

 
”What is God’s plan designed to accomplish?”  
- Jonathan

CatholicView Staff:

Does God have a plan? If so, what is it designed to accomplish? Presumably it is a good plan, but the fact that it involves bagpipes, Henry Kissinger, and diarrhea leaves me less than confident. - Jonathan

Jonathan:

God does have a plan and it involves you and presumes your participation in the building of the Kingdom of God.  That is the goal of God’s plan, that all creation be united in the love of Jesus Christ.  How that is done is through your faith and through your work in the world.  And what is really wonderful about God’s infinite mind and plan, if anyone, in their free will, does not want to participate in God’s plan for the salvation of the world, then God always has a Plan “B”.   No one can frustrate or ruin God’s ultimate plan but there will be those who seek to destroy the intended harmony intended by God’s plan.  God will work around them.  That’s why I know that all things will work out for the best. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is taxation immoral?” - Jessica

CatholicView Staff:

Is taxation immoral? Governments all over the world force people to pay taxes on their incomes and assets using threats of jail and other punishment.  Is this not theft, and doesn't it go against the golden rule of "do to others what you would have them do to you", and the seventh commandment?  They then use this money to support whatever they choose - some good - welfare, health care, roads - and some bad - abortion subsidies, war.  As a taxpayer, I have no choice what the government decides to spend the money on. I have also noticed that countries with high taxes generally have lower fertility rates. In other words, taxation has not just a monetary cost, but also a human cost.

What I really want to know is what is the best way to deal with this? I need to earn money to support myself, and in future, a family. But, I don't want to contribute to some of the things that tax money is spent on. I also think it's wrong that money I have earned should be taken away from me.  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Jessica

Jessica:

Taxation by governments is not considered immoral though some of the uses of the money collected may be considered immoral.   Jesus simply answered your question in this way (see Luke 20:20-26):  “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and  to God what belongs=2 0to God.”   Also Saint Paul writes (Romans 13:5-7):  “This is why you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, devoting themselves to this very thing.   Pay to all their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, toil to whom toil is due, respect to whom respect is due.”  Taxes are an obligation of citizenship and belonging to a civic community.  Not to pay taxes and not fulfilling your civic responsibilities is considered sinful.   You ask, “What I really want to know is what is the best way to deal with this?”  As Saint Paul says, pay your taxes.  Of course, you can use the political process and your activist spirit to change the tax laws for the betterment of all.  But pay your taxes! – CatholicView Staff

”How does a mentally retarded person become Catholic?” 
- Ken

CatholicView staff:

What is the process for a mentally retarded person to become a Catholic or receive Holy Communion. I can't imagine him
going through RCIA. - Ken

Dear Ken:

Some dioceses have a specific program for special children and adults to help them receive the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Penance, and Confirmation.  The best way to find out whether your diocese has a program like that is to call the Religious Education department and ask what they provide for special children and adults.  I know that in my parish, we have a special group of catechists that specially teach and guide our special people to their sacraments and they are included in the big celebrations in the parish.  If for some reason our catechists and parents recommend a more private and personal reception of the sacraments for their special person, that can be arranged by them and the parish priest. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is Jesus sinless?” - Patrick

CatholicView Staff:

Is Jesus sinless (i.e. without sin)?- Patrick

Patrick:

Yes, we as Christians believe that Jesus was conceived and born without sin and lived without sin.  I would like to remind you that sin is not simply seen as a breaking of commandment.  Sin is seen as a deliberate and free will breaking of a relationship with God through some negative human action that has negative (life-negating) consequences.  Such actions break my relationship with God and others.  Since Christians see Jesus as God (the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity), He was always in complete union with His Father, as He said in the Gospel of John, “The Father and I are one.    Therefore since He was always in complete union and being with the Father, He could not sin and remained sinless in His earthly life. – CatholicView Staff

 
 “Is there any other type of Catholicism other than
Roman Catholic?”  Patrick 

CatholicView Staff:

Is there any other type of Catholicism other than Roman Catholic?  If so, what is the difference? - Patrick

Patrick:

The Catholic Church is diverse, meaning that there are many rites (communities) with its own Divine Liturgy, leadership, customs, traditions, and canon law.  For example, the Roman Church (the Roman Rite) is only one of many (albeit the most populous) such rites in the Catholic Church.  Each rite came into being because each culture, nation, and people had its own impact on their Christian faith.  Many times, the different rites were founded by one of the Apostles themselves.  An example of this would be that Peter founded the Roman Church (rite) and that Saint Andrew founded the Byzantine Catholic Rite and Orthodox Churches.   What unites the Catholic Church is the acknowledgment that the Bishop of Rome (presently Pope Benedict XVI), the successor of Saint Peter, is the universal pastor of the Church.  In the Catholic Church, there are the various Eastern Rites and various Western Rites, all united by the Bishop of Rome (the Pope).  There is no difference in teaching and doctrines.  The difference is the expression of leadership, ritual, and customs.  Each rite is autonomous, answerable only to the universal pastor, the Pope, and when applicable, to an Ecumenical Council. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can a non-Catholic woman be a godmother?”
- Tracy

 CatholicView Staff:

Can a non-Catholic woman be a godmother? I am not fully sure either way.  Thank You - God Bless.  Tracy

Tracy:

The sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation must be active and participating Catholics, according to sacramental law.  A non-Catholic person cannot be a sponsor for Baptism and Confirmation.  Now, what has been happening in pastoral situations is that some priests, for reasons of satisfying some parishioners who want to have non-Catholic sponsors, have come up with a “ritual fiction,” calling these non-Catholic sponsors “Christian witnesses.”   The family is satisfied that their chosen “godparent” is recognized by them as someone special.  But in reality, these non-Catholic sponsors are not recorded in the baptismal record.  Only the Catholic parties are. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Does the Catholic Church recognize cremation or must
we be buried in the ground?” - Barbara

CatholicView Staff:

I am puzzled about burials and cremation. Does the Catholic Church recognize cremation or must we be buried in the ground? - Barbara

Barbara:

The Church accepts cremation but asks that the remains (cremains) be buried.  Burial, as versus scattering of ashes, is requested of all Christians as a way of publicly expressing our faith in the resurrection of the dead.  We place the remains in ONE place.  I do say that I want to be found on the last day when Jesus comes and raises our mortal bodies to be like His own in glory, so I want to be buried.  But, no matter what happens with our remains, the Lord will find us and raise us up!  Alleluia! – CatholicView Staff

 
”What is the difference between the Catholic Church
and the Baptist Church?”  Arianna

CatholicView Staff:

Is it wrong to be a Catholic but have gone to a Baptist church even once?  What is the difference between the two?   Please respond. God bless.  Arianna

Arianna:

There is nothing wrong in visiting another Christian denomination or another religious function outside of the Catholic faith.   But I must remind everyone who is Catholic that our spiritual home is our local parish church.  I can visit other peoples’ homes, but I always come home.   I can visit other churches, but I always have my spiritual home around the altar of the Lord Jesus!  In answer to your question about what is the difference between the Baptist denomination and the Catholic Church, there is much that is different.  The first basic difference is the nature of humankind.  We as Catholics see human beings as by nature GOOD and made GOOD (see Genesis 1:27-31).  The Protestant and Baptist theology sees humankind as evil and sinful by nature.  This difference creates a different view on the ability of human beings of doing good things and the nature of justification and salvation.  Of course, the Catholic theological stance on the nature of humankind is correct and true while the Baptist theological teaching on the nature of man is wrong and in great error (and way off the mark).  I could go on, but I ask that you discover these differences yourself by studying the scripture and books about Christianity. – CatholicView Staff

 
”How can their be such a thing as "God's Plan"
if He gave us Free Will?” - John

CatholicView Staff:

If God grants human beings free will to live as they please, how can their be such a thing as "God's Plan"? If I can live as I choose and change the world as I see fit, wouldn't that give me the power to change the future, thus changing God's Plan? - John

John:

God’s plan is bigger than any of us.   He sees into eternity, something that we cannot do.  All I know is that I was created to be part of His plan, but I have to want to be part of God’s plan.   Free will means the ability to truly love.  Without free will, there can be no love.  God’s plan is inclusive:  He wants all of creation to be united in the love of Jesus Christ, His Son.  My part is to make this happen in this time at this place.  If I do not chose to do that, God always has a plan “B.”   No one can frustrate God’s plan no matter what anyone does.  One day, all things will be reconciled in Christ.  On that day, there will be no more tears, suffering, pain, only joy and peace that comes from our eternal relationship with our loving Creator. – CatholicView Staff 

 
”Please tell me the difference between an
Administrator and a Pastor?” - Greta

CatholicView Staff:

Our parish priest has just retired. We now have a priest who is called "ADMINISTRATOR" instead of Pastor. Please tell me the difference between an Administrator and a Pastor. -Greta

Greta:

This is a canonical term (canon law).   An installed pastor of a parish has specific canonical rights as the spiritual authority of a particular parish.  Usually pastors are priests that have and enjoy certain canonical authority, and are usually assigned to a parish for a long time.  In my diocese, a pastor is assigned for six year terms, renewable once (for a total of twelve years).  But in other dioceses, pastors are permanently assigned.  “Administrators” are not canonically recognized pastors and are usually temporary assignments until a pastor is named.   Administrators do not enjoy the canonical protections and rights a pastor has.   Administrators of parishes can be removed from the parish with no recourse.   Pastors, on the other hand, cannot be removed from their parishes without canonical due process.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Are there prayers I can say that will help bring me
closer to God?” - Rick

CatholicView Staff:

My hope is to join the Church someday. I’ve begun attending Church somewhat regularly.  I feel at a disadvantage because I’m new and my hearing is not so good so I miss a lot.  I recite the rosary as best I can daily.  I strongly desire to strengthen my faith.  Are there prayers I can say that will help bring me closer to God and the church? - Rick

Dear Rick:

Please talk to your local priest or deacon about this matter!   I am so happy to hear that you wish to be a Catholic!   May the Lord bless you in your spiritual journey.   You will be asked to join the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA) so that you can be a full member of the Catholic Church.  Please take a copy of this question and answer and share it with your parish priest.  I am sure that something can be done to help you hear and understand the teachings you will receive through the R.C.I.A. process!  I am so excited for you! –  CatholicView Staff

 
”Does a Catholic wedding have to be held
in a church or chapel?” - Marta
 

CatholicView Staff:

My fiancée and I are planning on getting married; as we have a small family we would all like to travel to a tropical country and get married there.    In order for it to be a Catholic wedding does it have to be held in a church or chapel and does the wedding have to be preformed by a Catholic priest? Thank you. - Marta

Marta:

A Catholic sacramental marriage must be presided by an ordained deacon or priest according to the norms of the diocese that you will be married.  If you travel to a tropical country, find out what church is responsible for the sacramental life there and seek to speak to the priest/deacon in charge of the parish that you will marry.  Each diocese has its own norms in regards to where a Catholic marriage can be solemnized.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”How do you know if something happens by coincidence,
or is an answer from God? - Kristen

CatholicView Staff:

How do you know if something happens by coincidence, or if it is an answer to a prayer from God? My husband's division at work recently closed leaving him unemployed. We have three kids. I am a nurse and have been working a lot more to make up for his loss. I prayed that God would help alleviate my family's stress. Strangely a new job opportunity for me fell into my lap. It is almost double my salary. However, the position is more administrative, and I love caring for the sick in my current position. I left an administrative position years ago to help the elderly and poor people get well. How do I know if this opportunity is an answer to my prayer from God.. or just coincidence? I really don't think I will feel as good as I do in my current position. I also don't want to be an ingrate if it is from God. Ahh I'm confused. Thank you so much for your help. - Kristen

Dear Kristen:

God always knows what we need and He answers prayers even though we may not ask.   Coincidence has always been seen as a sign of God's intervention.  Some say that there is no such thing as coincidence since we are all connected in the Spirit of God.  So, how do you discern if something is God's will for you?   That is done in prayer and silence.  Thinking.  Evaluating what you know to be something needed for you and those around you.  Asking the Spirit of God to speak to your heart in the silence of prayer.  I suggest then to sit in a quiet place.  Say this simple prayer:  "Holy Spirit, come to me.  Open my eyes to your will and plan for me.  Inspire my heart to make the best decision for my family and me.  I thank you for your guidance and I praise you for your love.   Amen."  Then be silent.  Don't talk.  Let your mind wonder.   The answer to your question will come as your mind quiets down from the clutter of life.  Some things to consider:  is this new job opportunity help in the welfare of my family?  Is this an opportunity to progress and mature?  If the answer is yes after your time with the Lord, then take this opportunity.  If the answer is no, then this job opportunity is not for you.  Your job opportunity sounds like a great answer to prayer to ME, but you are the one who must discern if this is a blessing from God for you and your family.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is suicide considered an unforgivable sin?” - Rick 

CatholicView Staff:

Is suicide considered an unforgivable sin?  if so, would the people who jumped to their deaths on 9/11 damned? - Rick

Rick:

Suicide is not considered “the unforgivable sin.”  Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is the unforgivable sin. (Matthew 12:31) 

People who commit suicide have complicated reasons for taking their own life.  Just because someone committed suicide doesn’t mean that they are in sin.  For suicide to be a mortal sin, it must be a deliberate, freely planned and fully-conscience act.  I have found that most people who commit suicide are far from being free and deliberate in this act.  Usually, they are desperate, lost and confused.  In regards to your specific question about those who jumped to their death on that terrible day of September 11^th in New York, they jumped not because they hated life, they jumped because they loved life and were desperate to try anything that would save their life.  If something was burning behind me and the only way out was a window, I would jump as well.  These people who jumped were murdered by evil people.  They are in heaven.  – CatholicView Staff   

 
”My girl friend wants to use birth control when
we are married.  What should I do?” - John

CatholicView Staff:

My girlfriend and I are both Catholic but I’m more strict than she is and she recently received condoms and says that when we are married she is going to use birth control and condoms and I know she'll leave me if I don't let her what should I do? – John

John:

Sadly, unless this issue is resolved according to your conscience and faith, this relationship may be doomed to failure.  I hate to give you this bad news, but if she does not want children and she does not want to work with you on this issue, this is not the person for you.  True love, on her part as well as yours, always takes into account the other’s conscience.   There is no love when there is no respect for conscience. - CatholicView Staff

 
”Do I need to get an annulment to marry in the
Catholic Church?” - Joshua

CatholicView Staff:

I am a non-Catholic and was married to a non-Catholic at a courthouse. We were married for five years and then figured out we were not meant to be together (one big reason was I wanted children) and got a divorce. I am now engaged to a Catholic woman, do I need to get an annulment for us to be married in the Catholic Church? - Joshua

Joshua:

The answer is yes.  The Catholic Church recognizes your marriage as sacramentally valid unless proven otherwise through the annulment process.  Please talk to your parish priest about this.  He will be able to help you get the annulment process going.  Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!  I am so happy to hear that you found the one God made just for you! – CatholicView Staff

 
”My Catholic wife and I married civilly because of military
ship duty.  Can we get married in the Catholic Church? - Don 

CatholicView Staff:

I married my Catholic wife in Virginia recently.  We took the classes to be married in a Catholic Church in California, but due to an impending ship date for the military we had to be married by a justice of the peace sooner to provide proof of marriage for benefits.  We have had deep remorse for rushing the event and would very much like to correct the matter and marry in a Catholic ceremony.  Any advice would be deeply appreciated.  God Bless, Don

Don:

Some things are understandable, and I understand the need to be married quickly for the purpose of military benefits and safeguarding one’s future as a military family.   Sometimes, people must get married civilly and married later in the Church.   Please, do not feel so guilty.  Instead, when time allows, please plan on having your civil marriage convalidated (blessed and solemnized) in the Church as soon as possible.  May the Lord bless you in all that you do and plan for the future.   And may the Lord bless your marriage with an everlasting love that conquers all. – CatholicView Staff

 
”What is the Church’s opinion of “Space Burial”
of cremated ashes?” - Jeromie

CatholicView Staff:

I am currently doing a project on the introduction of space burial as a means of post-life memorial. The process involves sending a small portion (about 1-7 grams) of a persons cremated remains into space (specifically Earth's orbit, but also has involved going into lunar orbit). What is the church's opinion of the burial procedure? - Jeromie

Jeromie:

What an interesting project!  The whole idea about burying a person’s remains is to show our faith in the resurrection from the dead.    The Church will always ask its members to have their remains to be buried, or kept in one place and not scattered.   We always show our faith in Jesus by what we do.  And how we treat human remains also shows our belief in the Lord.  Now a small portion of remains (cremains) sent into space would not exactly be something we would recommend, but at the same time, the remains are not scattered and they are in one place, waiting for Jesus to raise the dead!  So, a simple guideline:  no scattering of human remains.  Always place human remains in one place with great dignity. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can you ask Jesus to forgive a mortal sin
without going to confession” – Sarah

CatholicView Staff:

I have recently committed a mortal sin, at least I think it was a mortal sin. I committed the sin knowing in the back of my mind that it was wrong, but convinced myself that God allows for us to act on our humanly desires. So my question is: Can you ask Jesus to forgive a mortal sin without going to confession (simply through prayer), or are mortal sins only forgiven through the sacrament of reconciliation?
Thanks so much! - Sarah

Dear Sarah:

All sin is forgiven by true repentance and asking God for forgiveness.  Yet, the nature of mortal sin demands that such sin is confessed in the sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation).  Since mortal sin totally and completely destroys your relationship with God and His Church, you must ask God to forgive your sins and He forgives by looking at your repentant heart with unconditional love.  Your relationship with the Church must be healed and resolved through the sacrament of Penance since by committing mortal sin, you have cut yourself off from the sacramental life of the Church.  So, please, go to confession and be holistically healed and be welcomed back into the Church.  – CatholicView Staff

 
”Can a divorced Catholic woman allowed to
become a nun?” - Nicole

CatholicView Staff:

Can a divorced Catholic woman allowed to be come a nun?”  Thank you! – Nicole

Nicole:

A divorced person can enter religious life if that divorced person fulfills the following requirements:  (1)  an ecclesiastical decree of nullity is acquired; (2) that the children of the marriage are completely independent from their parent, meaning that they are at least over 18 years of age and living on their own; (3) the passing of requirements demanded by the religious congregation or order.  I pray that the Lord Jesus through the Holy Spirit guide you in all your decisions about your destiny in religious life. – CatholicView Staff

 
”Is engaging in heavy petting a sin?” - April

 

CatholicView Staff:

I know premarital sex is a grave sin.  But what about doing torrid kissing and touching of private parts and oral sex, is it also a sin?  I feel bad when I do it with my boyfriend because I am afraid that we're doing a sinful thing.  We are both Catholic but not the same upbringing, he is much liberal when it comes to it.  He said it is not wrong since we are not having sex and we love each other.  I already tried telling him that we should not do it until we get married but he feels that I’m making a wrong decision.  How do I handle this? - April

April:

You are correct about this matter concerning purity.  The mortal sin against purity includes everything that arouses sexual temptation and sin.  You must place limits on both of your desire to show physic al intimacy.  Please share this answer with your boyfriend.  Even Jesus in the Gospel says that thinking about sex is adultery.   Here is the biblical verse for your guidance:  Matthew 5:27-30, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in her heart.” This verse is talking about thoughts!  Physical expression outside the sacred and sacramental bonds of marriage is considered even more sinful than thoughts!  If you continue to read this verse, Jesus get very graphic about what should be done to keep your purity of body and soul.  By placing limits (as they say now-a-days, protecting your personal space) on physical expressions, you are ensuring that your relationship doesn’t descend into simply a series of sexual encounters that do not feed the soul but merely feeds one’s own narcissism, a destructive human power that kills love itself.  – CatholicView Staff

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