Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Pauline, on April 3, 2017 at 1:43 pm said:

I have been teaching Sunday School for the past 8 years. I took a short break end of last year till last month as I was attending a course on weekends. Now I am back offering my services initially I was requested to prepare a new girl for First Holy Communion. It turned out that she has a 12 year old brother who has autism. I am now requested to do classes with him(which includes eventually preparing him to receive First Holy Communion.
1. Firstly I am not trained to teach Special Needs children.
2. I’ve just only got into teaching kindergarten professionally, I am trained in IT and worked as an IT professional.

My parish priest had the impression (from the Sunday School Coordinator) that I had agreed to take on the brother. When we had a meeting with the parents(I was there to discuss about the sister) and Fr. was talking to them and telling them I have experience in teaching Sunday School and Catechist of the Good Shepard method training.

Talked to my coordinator twice to tell him that I do not have the skills and don’t know how to teach the boy in terms of faith. I do not have the confidence and knowledge of what to teach. He insist that I can do it pray and trust god, there is no one else I am the most suitable person and many more things.

I really do not feel I am able to do it but feel very guilty if I don’t do it and also disappointing my parish priest and the family. What should I do? Should I still go ahead to help the boy?

Thank You

FATHER JOE: One of my first ministries, back when I was a teenage seminarian, was to teach the catechism to intellectually disabled children at a facility in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. I had no formal training. I was fresh out of high school. First, I did not panic. Secondly, I sought advice and guidance from people who already did such work. Third, I assessed the various needs for each of the children (they were not the same). Fourth, I sought to form a friendly relationship with them. I used images and employed a great deal of repetition. I tried to make the learning fun, even turning the study into a game with cards. As a kid I loved comics— and I used a comic book about Jesus with one young girl. Her language skills were poor but she loved pictures. Some liked to draw and color. The bishop was generous and told us that the children could receive the Eucharist if they could identify Holy Communion as Jesus. That is where I placed the emphasis. I would show a picture of the host and then an image of our Lord. I did the best I could. That is all the pastor is asking of you. Parishes that have special education teachers are surely blessed; but most church communities must do without. You have decided to be a catechist. That means that you are called to teach children— not just the kids judged smart or quick, but also those viewed as slow or who process information differently. These children have as much a right to the faith and to your services as any other. If you were a parent, would you neglect a special child for those deemed “normal”? Push yourself and show everyone that inclusion matters. Every child is precious and irreplaceable. Every child has something to share. Give of yourself so that the “special” child may make a gift of himself for you to know. Peace.
sweetserenity4me, on April 2, 2017 at 9:30 pm said:

Father, your response to me about the situation with my husband and children was so helpful. You have reminded me that there is real purpose in my suffering and for that, I thank you immensely. I couldn’t see that in all my current pain, I could only see the pain. I will continue to honor my vows and I will offer my suffering to Jesus on the Cross for the conversion of my children back to the Church and to their faith, for the healing of my husband’s spending addiction and for the ultimate healing of our family. I pray and trust that God will help me to again forgive my husband. Your response gave me hope where I saw none. Thank you, thank you for being a good and faithful servant and for all you do through this forum and in your vocation. May God bless you abundantly!

FATHER JOE: May God also bless you. Know that you are not alone. I am praying for you.
Bobby Ray, on April 2, 2017 at 2:50 am said:

Father Joe, can you explain to me what specifically is sinful about pornography and homosexuality? With the first part of the question, I realize there are two different acts we could be talking about: that of acting in a sex film and that of viewing a sex film. With the second part of the question, I realize there is a difference between the desire and the action as well. I know that in the Bible, only the homosexual act is talked of. I do not understand, by the way, why out of the 613 commandments Paul decided to focus on homosexuality (and some others), but on the other hand, rejected others (e.g., the bris). Did Paul focus on homosexuality because some of the early Christians he wrote letters to were homosexuals and he wanted to prescribe marriage in lieu of that? Thank you sincerely, Bobby Ray

FATHER JOE:

First, they constitute a violation of Scripture or divine positive law.

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 his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.”

Pornography constitutes adultery in the heart and is a type of virtual prostitution. Second, pornography signifies a natural violation of human dignity. Instead of valuing another as a person or as a loving subject, the target of lust is objectified as a thing, literally reduced to meat.

Colossians 3:5-6 – “Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.

God urges us to embrace purity. Disobeying God is the very definition of sin.

Now, let us look at the second part of your question.

Judaism viewed sexual misconduct with great concern and severity. Sexual misconduct could result in stoning to death. Paul would reject such censures but he would urge those who had practiced various immoralities to change their lives. He actually argues for a preference toward celibacy but then relates that it is better to marry than to burn. He would no doubt argue for perfect continence. As the Church teaches, the disorientation is not sinful but the acts and lifestyle are wrong or immoral. The challenge today is how we as Christians can maintain this view and still both tolerate divergent views and welcome with love our brothers and sisters with same-sex attraction. Just as with pornography, the Church rejects homosexual acts for both Scriptural and natural-law reasons. Many Bible passages could be cited, and the Old Testament is particularly stinging. It may suffice to quote the apostle you mention.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers nor boy prostitutes nor sodomites nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Sexual sin is always serious because we are our bodies. Paul sees us as living temples of the Spirit. Sexual misbehavior corrupts the person at his or her core. Note that he associates it with the sin of false worship or idolatry. Remember that Paul is speaking to Gentiles in the Greek world. They worshipped false deities or idols. They were also known to be more tolerant of homosexuality. The Judeo-Christian dispensation would put an end to this.
janefrances, on April 1, 2017 at 2:31 pm said:

Dear Fr Joe,
At the presentation what did Simeon mean when her told our Lady, …’that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’
Thanks. God bless you father.

FATHER JOE: First, many had hoped in silence that the Messiah might come and liberate them. Jews kept this hope silent in that those who occupied their land might not respond well to such a promise of restoration. Her Son would have many come forward and proclaim him as the Messiah and Christ. Second, Mary is viewed by the Church as our greatest intercessory saint. While all prayer is ultimately directed to almighty God, we offer intentions, pray the Hail Mary and make many other orations to her as our spiritual Mother. This prophecy is fulfilled in the role that Mary plays in the Catholic faith.
sweetserenity4me, on April 1, 2017 at 4:45 am said:

Father, I don’t know what to do. It came to light about a year ago that my husband of almost 40 years stole money from an extended family member. Two of my adult children thought I was also involved, even though I was not. They are very angry. We lost our home and the equity in our home. He is currently paying restitution. Through prayer God helped me to be able to forgive my husband, even though my siblings and children couldn’t understand how. I did get a legal separation to protect myself financially, however we still live in the same apartment. It has been a very difficult year. Well, it has now come to light that he also stole money from these two children as well, back during that same time. They absolutely think I was involved since how my husband did it looks like I was involved. I’m so gut-wrenching sick over this. They both have said some horrible, nasty things to me and accused me. They’ve now written both of us out of their lives. I’m very angry at my husband for tearing our family apart and stealing from our children as well as the family member. I don’t respect him at all. My children think I am choosing him over them by staying with him. We were married in the Church and I have always tried to be faithful to my vows. But now I’ve lost two of my children, their spouses (civil marriages) and 5 grandchildren between them. I can’t stop crying. I want to leave, but then I think of my vows. I believe he has an addiction to spending. He is very sorry for what he’s done, but at this point, no one is listening. Do I continue to honor my vows and stay with him? Is this part of the “or for worse” parts of marriage? It doesn’t feel like it can get much worse. If I stay, I risk never having these two children and their families in my life again. My heart is hurting so badly and I need to hear some sound Catholic advise please……..Mary

FATHER JOE:

Communicate honestly and clearly where you stand with everything that has happened. Given that you were unaware of your husband’s deception and larceny, express both your innocence and the pain that you feel as a wife and mother. Share your poignant words to me with them: “I believe [my husband] has an addiction to spending. He is very sorry for what he’s done, but at this point, no one is listening. We were married in the Church and I have always tried to be faithful to my vows. But now I’ve lost two of my children, their spouses and 5 grandchildren between them. I can’t stop crying. I want to leave, but then I think of my vows.”

You cannot control their response. They are rightfully very angry and disappointed. The violation of trust is a wound that takes time and is very hard to heal. Even if they turn away from you, let them know that you will always love them. While your husband has sacrificed any earned respect, you are right about the vows. They were made “for better or for worse.” The worse is now upon you. The loss of home, family and security strips everything to the bare bones. Running away from him and the situation would not make matters any better. We are currently in the season of Lent. Our Lord was betrayed by Judas for the cost of silver. He was marked by a kiss and falsely charged. Jesus endured his passion and death to redeem us. Jesus never stopped loving or forgiving us. We are urged to take up our crosses and to follow him. I am sorry that there is no easy answer. I will keep you and the family in prayer.
Teresa, on March 31, 2017 at 3:06 pm said:

Does the church believe in husbands disciplining their wives? Corporal punishment like domestic discipline?

FATHER JOE:

I answered this question for you last month. I wrote…

“Spouses are adults and should treat each other with an abiding respect. Corporal punishment is not an element of the husband’s marital headship. They are partners in life and in the pursuit of holiness. There is an equality of grace that must be respected. Past practices in various cultures (even Christian ones) did not always respect the woman’s rights and gifts. Spouses should dialogue and, if need be, correct each other. But while an argument can be made for a gentle spanking of a child, such is inappropriate toward an adult spouse. There is a mutuality between the head and the heart. The husband should have a protective and nurturing love for his wife. Similarly, the wife and mother constitutes in her person the very source of the home they share. They belong to each other. This question is really about the wrong of spousal abuse.”
Jaden, on March 31, 2017 at 12:09 am said:

Is chi bad

FATHER JOE: Catholicism does not believe in the “chi” body force or energy. It would signify false religion.
Leticia, on March 29, 2017 at 5:35 am said:

Hi Father. I have been married for 13 years. I love my husband very much, but I feel he has given up. He seems as if work is more important and hardly spends time with the family. He doesn’t want to attend mass or doesn’t want anything to do with church. He says he loves me but his actions don’t show it. I would like your advice.

FATHER JOE: Has he explained why he sees no value in Mass? It sounds like something has happened that has turned him off to it. You mention it as in association with a lack of expression in love to you. Dialogue with him about the situation is the first course, but answers might no be forthcoming. Would he be resistant to counseling? Marriages should be happy and nurturing. Unfortunately, something can happen to change that. Continue to love him and to be faithful… even if you have to carry a cross in the relationship. The obligations of marriage always mean sacrifice and sometimes weigh heavier upon one spouse than another. I knew one woman who loved her husband even though he showed little feeling and few gestures of tenderness and intimacy. She gave 100% and he maybe gave 10%. He worked and provided for the family… but he was cold. He refused to change but she never gave up on him. Returning to your situation, I will keep you (and your husband) in prayer.
Jesus Saenz, on March 28, 2017 at 11:51 pm said:

My wife and I pray daily, but we also pray heavily for our sons safety. Last night we did not pray n he got arrested. He is out on bail but refuses to accept God in his heart. I feel I have let him down for not praying for him, that that’s the reason he was arrested. I feel empty. He is 22 n its his 2nd arrest for Marijuana. We want him to accept God in his heart, but he refuses n says He is not real.

FATHER JOE: Do not blame yourselves. I suspect he would have been arrested anyway. God hears our prayers but when it comes to others, they must be disposed or open to God’s grace and help. Keep praying for his conversion. Let him know that you will always love him. God’s providence is mysterious. We cannot know what the future holds. Hopefully, the day will come when your son will turn to the Lord and amend his life. Right now, he may not believe in God but let him see and know the “reality” of your love for him.
John, on March 27, 2017 at 11:36 pm said:

This is the confession of a lentin backslider.
Was Peter’s thrice denial, mortal sin
in nature? Did he sin again after meeting the risen Lord? I have defiled myself by actions
that I had attempted to put away. I feel defiled
by inaction, as there is always more that could have been done to help the downtrodden.

FATHER JOE: Peter’s denial of Christ was serious, but he was healed by the risen Christ on the beach when asked three times, DO YOU LOVE ME? Sin is ultimately a failure to love as we should. I cannot speak to the gravity without specificity, but it is true that we can sin by the things we do and by “the things we fail to do.” In any case, in light of Peter, remember that our Lord is merciful. We are all weak and sinful. Jesus heals us all the same.
Megan, on March 27, 2017 at 8:38 am said:

Hello Father. I’m a 19 year old girl and I’m currently on vacation with my uncle, with who I am very close with. He is a Catholic priest. He has been very sneaky lately and I’ve noticed him lying to me many times. When he was in the bathroom I went on his phone and found out he is having an affair with a woman I met once. I don’t know what to do. Should I talk to him about it? I’m going with him on a pilgrimage to Fatima in May with many other people, the woman is going as well. He met this woman last May. Should I do something about it now? Or should I wait? I’m so scared, I can’t even look at him anymore. I want to save his priesthood.

FATHER JOE: Are you on a family vacation? Because of heightened propriety, priests are intensely vulnerable to scandal. Given your age, family or not, there should be a chaperone and/or others on vacation with you. You say that the two of you are close but then note that he is “sneaky” and “lies” to you. Is this negative judgment based upon the phone call you overheard? Priests are normal men who have pledged a celibate love and service. This does not mean that they write off friendships with half of the human race. We do not want priests in ministry who hate women. Might you be presumptuous of a few words of friendship or innocent love spoken over the phone? If they were having an affair, it seems unlikely to me that they would select a pilgrimage to Fatima as an opportunity for an illicit encounter. Given how you are affected, it is probably necessary for you to sit down with him to clear the air. Apologize first for invading his privacy. Next, share what is troubling you. You may find that you have misinterpreted the situation. If there is a problem, then it will wake him up and he can take steps to distance himself from the woman. Hopefully he will do what is right. Keep confidentiality and forgive him for being a flawed human being, as we are all weak and sinners. Ultimately, you cannot break or fix his priesthood. Only he can do that… by God’s grace.
JC, on March 25, 2017 at 11:42 pm said:

Good afternoon father,
Just wanted to know if arriving to mass just before the first reading and later going to communion is a sin, thanks a lot, God Bless.

FATHER JOE: I would have suggested a personal act of contrition, having missed the penitential rite, but there was probably no sin.
Not sure, on March 24, 2017 at 6:21 pm said:

I have had this discussion with several ladies at work and we all seem to have different answers.

I am in the process of getting a convalidation. My husband and I were married in Las Vegas seven years ago. I told my co-workers that I do not receive Holy Communion because I am living in sin.

One (Catholic) co-worker had a civil marriage (nothing in church) over twenty-five ago and receives Holy Communion.

Another co-worker lives with her Jewish boyfriend and also receives Holy Communion.

Which one of us is wrong?

FATHER JOE: Some people receive the sacrament even though they are not morally disposed to do so. Priests are often criticized for administering the sacrament in these cases; however, the priest can do nothing externally that would violate the seal of confession, professional secrecy or the internal forum. While there is currently some debate about the discipline, nothing of Catholic doctrine has changed. The marriages of Catholics should be witnessed by a priest or deacon. Catholics who are only civilly married or cohabitating and sharing sexual intimacy are not invited to come forward for Holy Communion. Marriage outside the Church is a serious sin. Fornication is also serious, indeed sexual activity outside of marriage constitutes mortal sin. If we receive Holy Communion while aware of ourselves in a state of mortal sin (not spiritually prepared) then we commit the mortal sin of sacrilege. In other words, while one person receives grace and eternal life with the Eucharist, others receive their own condemnation or judgment. Thus, the long-and-short of it is this, YOU are RIGHT and THEY are WRONG. The couple that is living together should see a priest and receive the sacrament of marriage. If there be any prior bonds, then we are also talking about adultery. The other civilly married couple should follow your lead and seek out a convalidation.
Annika, on March 24, 2017 at 4:05 am said:

Hello, Father. I am having a difficult time with my mother, and I am hoping you have some insight on the situation. When we were having difficulties with our preferred living situations, my mom one day forced me into the family car and started driving down the street. She spoke in the deepest voice I have ever heard from her, almost demonic and frightening. She threatened to drop me off at what she called “a fleabag hotel”, which the closest hotel is not close to our house. She started cursing and calling me shocking names, even “sh-thead”. I was about to call 911, but I did not have a phone with me. I did not know what was going on, and, to survive, I came to an agreement with her. She drove me home where we lived with little conflict for a few months.

I have found for a very long time my mom would ask me permission for certain actions, and do them anyway. I am usually all right with her doing these things every now and then- it has just been happening to point where she is not respecting my personal space. A simple knock on the door, and she comes in when I could be getting dressed, or doing something that is my responsibility. Although I believe I am only asking her to respect my boundaries every now and then, she has become offended. She has called me the same name today. I have been feeling happy lately until now. For some reason my mom does not believe much information I tell her that she needs to know about, such as inappropriate sibling behavior towards me. Isn’t that a parent’s duty- to aide their children when they are in need of help? I’m scared that if she treated me this way that the same could happen to another person. P.S. I depend on my parents for transportation and I am looking for someone to turn to for assistance (there are very few people I know). What can be done?

FATHER JOE: You are a young woman in her early twenties. Certainly, you are entitled to your privacy; but, more so, you should be treated as an adult and not a child. Your education and work opportunities should be directed toward a personal autonomy. Your parents should also focus on this. However, families are not perfect and sometimes there are hindrances to maturation and even faith within the home. You can try dialogue with your mother, but there is no guarantee about how others will act. Growing up and breaking out is rarely easy. I would suggest keeping yourself grounded by Christian faith and values. This is important as even the culture can lead us in the wrong direction. Peace.
Sue, on March 23, 2017 at 9:41 pm said:

Father, I missed Mass last Sunday and need to know if I’ve committed a mortal sin. I had been sick that week from the middle of the week on. I had missed work and had also cancelled any appointments and activities Wednesday through Saturday. I did start to feel better and stronger late Saturday and was planning on going to an evening Mass on Sunday if I continued to feel better. That Mass was not in my town but about 45 minutes away. By mid afternoon on Sunday, the friend/sister I share a house with started feeling pretty bad. She asked that I stay home with her. At the time I thought it was the best thing to do but now my “Catholic guilt” is getting the best of me. This Saturday morning I am to be a sponsor for an adult being confirmed and receiving her First Communion. Of course I want to receive Communion but don’t know if my missing Mass has taken me out of the state of grace. The only way I could possibly go to confession before Saturday morning is to call a parish to see if I could find a priest available to hear my confession. If because of the circumstances i did not sin by missing Mass last Sunday, then I’m good to go.

I hope you answer rather quickly so I can either be at peace or manage to get to confession.

Blessings to you!

FATHER JOE: You mention a number of extenuating factors. Such can reduce subjective gravity to either a venial sin or no sin at all. Make a good act of contrition. Sponsor the person for Confirmation. Take Holy Communion. Go to Confession normally, when you can. Ask God to take away your anxiety. Peace.
Linda, on March 22, 2017 at 11:56 am said:

I was married two months ago in the Episcopal Church. Before I married my husband (he) swore all was truth on everything. Now…in my 60’s, I find out he owes over $20,000.00 and never said a word. I am having a hard time forgiving this and at my age, took three jobs to help pay it off. I can’t do it and I am trying hard. I am sooo angry at his lies to me. Can I get an annulment and please pray for me to forgive him. I asked him three times before marriage of finances. He blew it off that it was nothing. Thank you and bless you!

FATHER JOE: If you are a Catholic and got married in the Episcopal church without a dispensation, then (after a civil divorce) you could apply for a declaration of nullity because of a lack of canonical form. Catholics are required to get married before a priest or deacon. The documents required are as follows: baptismal certificate, copy of marriage license and divorce decree.
Rishi, on March 20, 2017 at 1:58 pm said:

Respected Father, I am a practicing Hindu but I have been worshiping Jesus for many years and have cross and his pictures installed everywhere at home. I worship him with same amount of passion and enthusiasm like I worship other gods. I do not discriminate and I respect all religions. I would like to know:

Is this a sin?
Is Jesus accepting my prayers?

Someone who is a converted Christian told me that Jesus will never listen to me or help me. I did not believe this! Thank you,Father!

FATHER JOE: Sorry, but one cannot be both a practicing Hindu and a Christian. Religious relativism and indifferentism are viewed as great heresies. You might call upon the Lord’s name, but you do not know him. God is one. The teaching of the Trinity is that there is one divine nature but three divine Persons or generations. Thus, Christians speak of Christ as the Son of the Father, the Redeemer who suffered the Cross and rose from the dead and as the one who gives us the Holy Spirit. False deities either do not exist or, as in the estimation of the early Church, are deemed to be demons. Separation of the images of Christian religion from genuine faith would corrupt them as idols. If you want to be received by Christ then you must turn away from false worship, repent of your sins, accept Christ with a faith that is realized in obedience and charity and formally join the Church that he established. If you want to embrace Christ you must accept what he taught. There is no middle-ground.
Therese, on March 20, 2017 at 9:39 am said:

Does the church accept Christian domestic discipline where as the husband disciplined his wife using different punishments including spanking?

FATHER JOE: Spouses are adults and should treat each other with an abiding respect. Corporal punishment is not an element of the husband’s marital headship. They are partners in life and in the pursuit of holiness. There is an equality of grace that must be respected. Past practices in various cultures (even Christian ones) did not always respect the woman’s rights and gifts. Spouses should dialogue and, if need be, correct each other. But while an argument can be made for a gentle spanking of a child, such is inappropriate toward an adult spouse. There is a mutuality between the head and the heart. The husband should have a protective and nurturing love for his wife. Similarly, the wife and mother constitutes in her person the very source of the home they share. They belong to each other. This question is really about the wrong of spousal abuse.
Sean, on March 20, 2017 at 3:22 am said:

My great grandmother was born in 1894. She passed away when I was 11 years old.

I recently had a dream. In the dream she gave me an open bible. In the margin was some Polish writing. I tried to memorize the writing even though I don’t speak or write Polish.

That morning I typed what I thought I saw into google translate. It came back with “Right barely has a word.”

This directly relates to a conversation I had with her as a child.

One day she tried telling me something but couldn’t find the words. I told her I know what you mean. She was super happy at that moment. She knew she succeeded in teaching me to be a good person.

Our small church in Poland was built in 1331. How many generations of family is that? The Catholic church is a common link across time.
One day I plan to visit and make sure no one forgets.
Bernard Feist, on March 19, 2017 at 6:09 pm said:

Dear Father Joe, I have an unmarried 40 year old daughter whom I learned got pregnant for the third time. The first two, I prayed for marriage but that never happened. I am totally speechless. Any advise on what I should say when she breaks the latest news?

FATHER JOE: I am at a loss as to what you can say to a 40 year old woman about a matter like this that would any difference. Instead of judgment, which she has no doubt heard before, let her know that you will be there for the child. The grandchild is innocent.
arelle, on March 19, 2017 at 12:16 pm said:

What are the similarities and differences between Jesus’ Baptism and Catholic Baptism?

FATHER JOE:

Catholicism speaks of three types of baptism which emerge from Scripture:

(1) Baptism of Repentance and Preparation (John the Baptist baptized sinners in the Jordan, also the tradition of Hebrew ceremonial ablutions, etc.)

(2) Revelatory Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan (One of three biblical theophanies [Ephiphany, Baptism of the Lord & Transfiguration] where the identity of Christ is made manifest.)

(3) Baptism of Regeneration in the Name of the Trinity (Christian baptism as commanded at the end of the Gospel of Matthew.)
Raphael, on March 18, 2017 at 1:04 am said:

Hello, and thank you for your time.

My question is, if the Sacrament of Holy Orders impresses upon the soul of the priest a permanent, ontological mark, then presumably this soul-become-priest will carry this mark of priesthood upon his soul for eternity, including in heaven after death and in the new kingdom after the general resurrection of the dead. If this is so, what do priests do after resurrection? Do they continue to carry out some priestly faculties, or do they carry the mark of priesthood, but not ‘use’ it?

Thank you, and God bless.

FATHER JOE:

Those who dislike yes or no answers will struggle with this response. Factors in any attempted answer must encompass the following: (1) the indelible character placed upon the soul of an ordained priest; (2) the ministry of reconciliation or the forgiveness of sins; (3) the iconic role of a priest as one who functions in the person of Christ; (5) the definition of the Mass as the priest’s great work which enters us into the Paschal Mystery of Christ; (6) the one-time and for all suffering and death of Jesus; and (7) the notion of a cosmic liturgy as depicted in the Book of Revelation.

Concentrating on the definition of the Mass, it is the re-presentation of the one-time oblation of Christ on Calvary albeit in a clean or unbloody way through sacred signs. Christ in heaven is raised and will never suffer or die again. Given that the Mass is defined as a sacrifice where Jesus suffers his passion and death, it would seem that the Mass cannot be offered in heaven. Rather, the Church would speak of the priesthood of Christ as consummated. The saving work is accomplished. However, this does not mean an end to the cosmic liturgy.

All Christians are configured to Christ by faith and baptism. Holy Orders impresses upon the soul of the priest a special character so that he might perpetuate the ministry of Christ… the forgiveness of sins and the celebration of the Eucharist. The priesthood is more than a job; it is a change in identity.

It should be said that the Church speaks a great deal more about purgatory than heaven. Why? It is because we have an awareness of our faults and bad habits that need purification. We are less aware of what it means to be perfectly holy. There is a mystery to heaven that we cannot penetrate until it is accessed. What does it mean to live within the Trinity for eternity?

We trust that God will give souls the light of reason. But (as finite creatures) we will never fully exhaust the divine mystery. We will see God, but as his creatures. Faith and Hope stop at the doorway to heaven. But Charity will remain forever. We will see and adore God. I suspect that ordained priests will experience a special awareness of their part and accomplishment as sharers in the eternal priesthood of Christ. This connection will not be lost but I cannot say how it will be experienced.

Another definition of the Mass is that it is a participation in the marriage banquet of heaven. It grants us a foretaste of the heavenly food, the rations from that Promised Shore to which we travel. Remember that we receive the Eucharist as our Holy Communion. The sacrament is not a dead Christ but a risen Lord. While veiled to our human senses, Christ is present. This same Christ we will see face-to-face in heaven. There will be no more need for sacraments because the divine mystery will utterly embrace us. Understood in this context, one might argue that there is nothing but an endless Mass in heaven. This is not in terms of a sacrament but rather God’s chosen saints will directly worship Jesus, the eternal Lamb of God. The Lamb that was slain becomes also the Lamb of Victory. Jesus can never suffer or die again.

Ordained priests offer the Mass and they forgive sins. But in heaven no one has any further need for expiation. There is no Mass or oblation in heaven as we know it upon earth. The consummation in Christ is accomplished. The ordained priest, in a particular manner, shares in this joyous consummation. While there is no more sacrifice, the offering of Christ to the Father is in itself eternal. It can be reckoned as an element of the Trinitarian dynamism. All are called to join themselves to Christ so that we too might offer ourselves and be received by the heavenly Father. The special union of earthly priests to our divine priest is never severed. I suspect priests continue to draw with them those they shepherded in the world so that all might participate in this endless offering of ourselves in thanks and praise to God. If priests are spiritual fathers, the family link is not severed in heaven.

At Mass we speak of the priest as “another Christ” and that he speaks at the altar “in the person of Christ the head of the Church.” Every procession is Jesus entering Jerusalem to die. The priest spiritually offers himself at every Mass. We even have the expression that “he dies to himself.” Heaven is all about life, not death. But there will still be offering. We belong to God. We are called to surrender ourselves to the Lord. Ordained priests in heaven will continue to offer themselves and their people to God, but within a chorus of thanks and praise. While the earthly priest offers sacrifice with Christ, the heavenly priest knows consummation with Christ. (We must also delineate between when we are souls in heaven and how things will be when we are restored to our bodies, albeit glorified.)

No one can give concrete details about the cosmic liturgy (see Book of Revelation) that would reduce all earthly celebrations to mere shadows of realities unseen. An earthly Mass might only last an hour or two and must be enacted again and again. There is only one heavenly liturgy which is continuous and eternal. Earthly liturgies participate in the heavenly liturgy. The heavenly liturgy is our source for the four marks of the Church. It is where we derive our oneness or unity, our Catholicity or universality, our holiness or sanctification, and our tie to the apostolic priesthood with the forgiveness of sins.
faustina, on March 17, 2017 at 5:12 pm said:

Dear Fr Joe,
I totally forgot it was Friday today and tasted some chicken. Is this a mortal sin? Please answer as soon as you can. God bless you.

FATHER JOE: If you forgot then there is no sin. In the Archdiocese of Washington, Catholics were allowed to transfer the obligation or make other penance today because of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Jeff, on March 17, 2017 at 2:15 pm said:

Thank you for the reply to my previous comment. We have set boundaries in our home. We have only “banned” the atheist due to that.

With the cohabitation do you think my wife and I are justified in not wanting to visit their home for the sake of not condoning the arrangement? They are still welcome in our home with our boundaries.

With the atheist we pray that we do not loose the relationship with our daughter…So far so good. But in the end I figure it is up to her to choose and we can only pray that God direct her. I can’t see us having a relationship with him. My wife, especially has been nothing but loving and supportive, hoping to let him see Christ through her. But he attacks her beliefs….Unprovoked. so we cut off the relationship as far as we are concerned.

FATHER JOE: Our Lord was charged for visiting the homes of sinners. He did so to bring prodigals home to God and to let them know that they were loved. Regarding your family, you have to decide what is right for you. I would not want to be intrusive into your family life. (As for atheism, there are many decent people who struggle with religious belief. Shared faith is always preferred. But the point that I emphasized was the belligerence and disrespect. Atheism or no atheism, such is not an ingredient in a healthy relationship.)
Jeff, on March 17, 2017 at 9:06 am said:

A twofold question or request of opinion. Having a child who is dating an atheist, who is openly attacking Christianity through snide remarks and even telling our daughter that she is weak because she prays has led my wife and I to reiterate our concerns about the relationship and advise her to get out of it. She has not, and we have made it known that he is not welcome in our home any longer. There is a definite feeling of unrest when he is there and I feel like it is inviting evil into our home.

Also, both children have talked about living with their respective boyfriend and girlfriend. We have expressed our objection to this and reminded them of their Catholic teaching about this and we just get the “that’s what everyone is doing” type response. We have let them know that if they do we would not be visiting their home as if they were a married couple. Of course we were condemned…..even reminded that Jesus ate with sinners and we were not being Christ like.

We pray for them, I even pray for all people who do not know Christ or reject Him. Are we wrong or are we correct?

FATHER JOE:

You are right to be upset. First, your daughter who is dating a “militant” atheist should break off the relationship. Mocking her for her faith is a profound disrespect. Nothing good can come of this. Even though he does not have the gift of faith, if he truly cared about her then he would not act in this way.

Second, it is unfortunate today that many couples feel that fornication and cohabitation (mortal sin) is a prerequisite or substitute for marriage. You are within your rights to object. However, today it seems the world has done a more effective job than the Church in forming faith and values. Let your children know how you feel. Set parameters about what signs of affection can be displayed in your home but be careful that banning one does not cost you the relationship of the other.

You should also feel free to discuss how you feel with your son’s girlfriend. You might even bring her parents into the situation. Does your son respect and love this girl? Does he see her as a possible wife and the mother of his children? How much is he willing to sacrifice for her… to preserve her good name and reputation? What are her views about faith? Over half of couples who cohabitate and get married will also get divorced… why hurt the odds? Urge them to go to Mass and to pray together. If they ask for God’s grace and help, they will likely have a long, happy and fruitful life together. Tell them not to shortchange what they have.

Peace!