Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Polina, on February 1, 2018 at 11:10 am said:

Hello Father, I have a question about the therapy .. is psychoanalysis good or bad for the soul? if a person (girl) came from an abusive family or had an abusive father , and later due to her adolescence she found out she has got problems with self acceptance , will be the therapy helpful for her? Or Christianity contradicts to psychoanalysis? Thank you …

FATHER JOE: As a science the Church would have no issue with psychoanalysis or other counseling therapies to assist with mental health.
samantha, on January 31, 2018 at 2:52 am said:

Thank you for your concern for me it is very comforting to know someone cares that hasn’t even met me you’re a true gentleman
samantha, on January 31, 2018 at 2:47 am said:

Thank you Father
paxi1949, on January 30, 2018 at 1:58 pm said:

How can there be NO reply to Samantha regarding her questions concerning her miscarriage? This seems very cold and I’m sadly disappointed.
Father Joe, on January 29, 2018 at 11:38 pm said:

Samantha,

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I meant to make an immediate response to your comment but was distracted by a grieving family that came to the rectory for a funeral. I now have two pending funerals (this Thursday and Shrove Tuesday). I cannot say why your local priest did not respond. It may be that he did not get your message. Like me, he may also be very busy and has yet to get back with you.

I try very hard to be sensitive and to share the faith. But words ring hollow at such times, making it very hard to respond in this forum. The last time this happened, I wrote: “Pain and death are always mysteries. There is much we do not understand. But as I wrote before, we must humbly submit to God’s will. We live in an imperfect and wounded world. God calls us to be faithful, not only when we get what we want but also when we must endure tragedy and grievous loss.”

You remain in my thoughts and prayers.

FATHER JOE
samantha, on January 29, 2018 at 8:36 pm said:

I’ve just suffered my second miscarriage.

I prayed every day with several novenas and rosaries for my child to be born alive and healthy. I go to Mass twice a week. I go to confession once a week. I pray for the holy souls and some months have $100 of stipend-Masses. I even got my three-year-old to pray for the baby.

Our Lord asked, “Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:9-11).

I am married and do not use contraception. How can that for which I am praying be against his will? I feel as if there is not any one listening. If God is listening, why would he give me a dead child? This is one of the greatest agonies on earth.

I am trying to fulfill my callings as a wife and mother. I sent a text to my priest, asking if I could test the contents of the pregnancy.I desired to discover what went wrong and to receive treatment. Seeking to stop this from happening again, treatment consists of low dosage aspirin and progesterone pessaries. I wanted to know from my priest if this were against our faith. He did not respond, not even with words of condolences.
I do not want to pray anymore.

I prayed yesterday but only for ten minutes as compared to my normal two hours. I do not know if I am losing my faith. It happened yesterday. The surgery to extract the baby is today. We checked with two different doctors and ultrasound tests. There is no heartbeat.
Riann, on January 29, 2018 at 3:26 pm said:

My family is currently going through some turmoil and I could use help.

For a quick background, I grew up Protestant. I met my husband, did RCIA before we were married, but did not convert at the time, because there were too many beliefs that I did not agree with (when I was younger). But we married, continued to go to Catholic Church weekly and raised our children in the faith. Once my kids grew older, they questioned why Mom didn’t do certain things with the family. I re-examined my faith and decided it was time to go through RCIA again. I did and three years ago converted to Catholicism.

However, it is still something I struggle with. While I wholeheartedly believe in God and fully believe that Jesus gave us the teachings of the Catholic Church, I don’t “feel” it when I go to Mass. Before, when I would go to Protestant services, I was always uplifted by the music and truly felt the presence of God. I also understand that the Catholic faith is not supposed to be easy… it has rules and is sometimes hard. That’s one reason I like it… nothing easy is worth having. But I miss the “feeling” of God. Does this make sense?

And now my son doesn’t want to be confirmed. He’d rather go to Protestant services with his friends. This breaks my husband’s heart and he’s so worried that our son won’t have faith of any kind. Our son tells us, he “hates the Church.” I’m worried that my husband is blaming me, because of my struggles and past.

Are there any words of wisdom? I’m praying about it and praying for my son. I don’t feel it is right to force confirmation. It should be my son’s choice. But is it better to follow the rules and not “feel” it or to follow a slightly different path that gives you a stronger faith feeling? How do I lead my child? Do I let him take a more Protestant path or do I continue to force him to Catholicism, which makes me worry that he’ll turn to hate it. Or is this just a teenage phase to get through?

Does any of this make sense or am I just rambling?

FATHER JOE:

The experiential issue about which you speak is a real concern. I suspect that prior to Vatican II, the aura of mystery around the Latin language and ritual added to the sense of fulfillment while at worship and in God’s presence. There were also many personal prayers offered while the priest offered his for the entire community of faith. The reformed ritual and the vernacular liturgy changed all this. It was the Church’s expectation that participants might be drawn deeper into the sacramental action and dialogue with the priest. It has been a contention of mine that many Catholics do not get much out of Mass because they really do not know what is going on. We need better catechesis into the meaning of the Mass, altogether and in its various parts. We need to reflect both upon the readings that constitute the Liturgy of the Word and upon the various prayers that draw us to the sacred representation of Calvary. How many of the faithful appreciate that the Mass is our opportunity to offer ourselves with Jesus as an acceptable oblation to the Heavenly Father? Are we beseeching God to transform us just as the bread and wine is changed into the body and blood of the living Christ?

Music is also an important element of the liturgy. Do you have input in your parish about the music? If the music seems banal and fails to raise hearts and minds to the Lord then something is wrong.

Given that Catholicism is a ritualistic religion and a sacramental system, many churches benefit from having small groups that come together during the week for prayer and bible study. This provides the opportunity to really build fellowship and to inspire or motivate joy for the Lord. We need to have a sense of satisfaction in our faith-life and prayer. While such prayer is often informal, many are also resorting to the Liturgy of the Hours or the prayer book employed by priests and religious.

As for your son, you should not feel guilty. You also had to be honest about the struggles of your own faith journey. Young people are often more formed by the world than by the faith. Many parishes have strong catechesis that goes into the high school years and vigorous youth groups. Many kids follow their peers, and this might take them into Protestant services and groups or none at all. Obviously, part of the problem is belief. Protestants might have a strong sense of fellowship and even entertainment; however, forfeit is the notion of participation in the sacrifice of Calvary and the real-presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. There is also an absence of Marian piety. When youth cherish the sacrament and their relationship with Jesus and Mary over fondness for each other, they tend to stay Catholic. Note how many of the young adults at the right to life marches spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and praying the rosary.

Your son speaks from ignorance when he says that he hates the Church; otherwise, such a sentiment would utterly cut him off from the Lord and eternal life. The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. That is why we must have a saving relationship with both. What type of religious formation did your son have… parish catechetical program or parochial school?

You cannot force him to receive confirmation. However, as long as he is a minor you are within your parental rights to require his attendance at Mass, even if he should refuse to take Holy Communion. Similarly, you might guide him to take sacramental preparation and religious instruction. If there is a parish youth group, then that experience would also be good… both for formation and for acts of charity in the local community. It may be that he needs his appreciation of Catholicism expanded.

I would recommend the family rosary and prayer in the home. Many families also establish a family altar where they keep their prayer books, bibles, holy water, religious cards, a crucifix and statuary of Mary and Joseph. Saturate your home with the faith. Do not neglect your own continuing faith formation as parents.
Jeff, on January 29, 2018 at 3:22 pm said:

Fr. Joe:
Thank you for the time, effort and care you put into your answers for everyone. God bless you.
Dorothy, on January 29, 2018 at 3:12 pm said:

Thank you so much father for your assistance with my question. (Medical terms or procedures that offend the Catholic Church)
It really helped. I will look into those books that you recommended.
Anonymous, on January 29, 2018 at 6:38 am said:

Hello Father,

Would like to ask on the possibility of me being harmed by someone through black magic. I personally don’t believe in this, however my family thinks otherwise.

Anyway the situation is, we have a relative that is full of hate and is always sending threats. My family believes that she has cursed me, and as such, I have been losing my hearing since I was 14. My hearing is now so bad that I have to go for an implant surgery.

I really don’t believe that anyone’s capable of harming me through black magic, but now my family is asking me for a photograph of my bare face, as they have arranged a meeting with a Catholic Priest to check if I have been cursed.

I am feeling that this is all strange and non-catholic? How would he be able to tell just from a photograph? It feels more occult than religious.
Do you have any idea if this act is Christian at all? I feel more worried that they’re asking me for a picture, than this whole issue itself.

I have told my family I refuse to give a photograph as I find it very strange. If they want, I can meet the priest directly, but no photographs.

Also I am quite upset that my family is kind of forcing me to go try this method and that method, see this Priest and use healing oils etc. I’m personally okay with it, I just really hate being forced. Seems like my family will be forcing me to see the Priest and I cannot say no. I really don’t want to, but I have no choice because I believe my family want to feel as if they have tried all methods and surgery is the last resort..

P.s: I’m writing as anonymous as I got a feeling that my family would google search for this topic with my name. I have written in to you before with this email address, you may verify that i’m not a spammer.

Thank you so much, Father. Hope to hear from you 🙂

FATHER JOE:

Your loss of hearing is probably due to traditional medical reasons; however, occult practices, curses and hexes can bring harm to others. As a negation of the blessing and forgiveness, the hex or curse wants to bring harm and is a sign of angry retribution. Those who would render occult curses are under Satanic or demonic influence. It is the most villainous sin that one might commit against charity. It harms the agent worse than the target. Curses seek to harm the soul and to strip one of faith and a practical discipleship. Curses need to be broken.

Priests can offer deliverance prayer over the afflicted. Those who are cursed should put on the armor of Christ with faith. Regular prayer and the reception of the sacraments reduce the impact of curses. The worst possible thing that one might do is to utter a curse or to seek an occult hex against the person attacking you. Repay evil with good. Beseech God that the agent of the cure might repent, believe and be transformed by divine grace.

Gaze upon and meditate on the Cross of our Lord. Beseech the Lord that his atoning blood will cover and protect you. Imitate Christ and the early martyrs: love those who hate you; forgive those who hurt you; and bless those who curse you. Whatever suffering the curse brings, draw it into the crosses you bear so as to offer yourself with Christ to the Father. Surrender yourself to God’s providence and he will protect you. Remember that any suffering joined to that of Christ is redemptive.

Invoke the angels and saints, especially St. Michael and the Blessed Mother so as to break curses. I am not sure what the photograph business is about. Resistance to seeing a priest might be a manifestation of the black magic or curse. We battle with powers and principalities… things seen and unseen.
diane b, on January 29, 2018 at 3:29 am said:

Hi Father
in response to your question regarding whether the Mass i went to was Catholic. Yes it was Father. I normally go to the 8am English Mass in the morning at this church in the city that i winter in but i overslept so I went to the 11am Mass there which was a Mass said in Creole. I went to the Creole Mass even though I would not understand what was said but I still would know what was occurring during Mass .I wanted to fulfill my Holy Day of Obligation as well as receive Holy Communion. I was not the only one to leave. I had never been to Mass where a priest spoke at such length. I am glad to know that I didn’t commit a Mortal Sin. In the future I will make sure that i do not oversleep again.
Thank you Father for assuring me that since i did make the effort to attend Mass that i did not commit a Mortal Sin
Diane t Bryson, on January 28, 2018 at 6:43 pm said:

Father

I missed my normal time for Mass so I went to an 11am Mass. The priest saying Mass was saying his homily which was at that point 1 hour and 15 minutes long and still going on. I had made a commitment to be home by a certain time. I ended up leaving while Father was still saying his homily. I did make it to Mass but left before the most important part of Mass. Have i committed a Mortal Sin?

FATHER JOE: It sounds like your effort may have been sufficient. But what kind of Mass or church did you attend where the homily went 1 hour and 15 minutes plus? It sounds somewhat bizarre. Are you sure it was a Catholic service?
David, on January 28, 2018 at 2:25 pm said:

Dear Fr. Joe,

My question concerns the Catholics who regard themselves as “true Catholics” as opposed to even recent popes whom they regard as teaching heresy. In my town there are several “traditional” Catholic churches in addition to the official ones. No doubt this causes confusion among some people.

I have also come across a website by a “traditional” Catholic, in which the author says that “there is no salvation outside the Church” literally means everyone who is not a Roman Catholic is going to hell. He opposes those who state that there is such a thing as “baptism of desire.”

There was a man I knew when I was a new Catholic. He told me that when he was growing up as a Catholic, he was taught that non-Catholics were going to hell, but that changed during Vatican II.

As a matter of fact, I have been reading the Catechism of Pope Leo X. My understanding is that he wrote it as a catechism for lay people of his day.

Here are some relevant sections from the catechism.

27 Q. Can one be saved outside the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church?

A. No, no one can be saved outside the Catholic, Apostolic Roman Church, just as no one could be saved from the flood outside the Ark of Noah, which was a figure of the Church.

28 Q. How, then, were the Patriarchs of old, the Prophets, and the other just men of the Old Testament, saved?

A. The just of the Old Testament were saved in virtue of the faith they had in Christ to come, by means of which they spiritually belonged to the Church.

29 Q. But if a man through no fault of his own is outside the Church, can he be saved?

A. If he is outside the Church through no fault of his, that is, if he is in good faith, and if he has received Baptism, or at least has the implicit desire of Baptism; and if, moreover, he sincerely seeks the truth and does God’s will as best he can such a man is indeed separated from the body of the Church, but is united to the soul of the Church and consequently is on the way of salvation.”

In other words, unless I am not reading correctly, that Pope Leo X says it is not true that all non-Catholics go to hell. He says a person can be saved because of being “united to the soul of the Church” without actually being in the body of the Church.

So why do today’s “traditionalists” complain when Pope Francis says something similar?

It seems to me as a layman that Pope Leo X refutes today’s “traditionalists” who say Vatican II was heretical in some ways, and that when recent popes make similar statements they are departing from what the Church has taught over 2000 years. I think it also refutes those who say that Pope Francis is mistaken when he says even atheists can be saved if they are acting in good faith. Some people were shocked by what Pope Francis said, but it seems to me he is very much in line with Pope Leo X. Even the people who say Vatican II was heretical accept Pope Leo X as a valid pope.

FATHER JOE:

The baptism of desire is an ancient appreciation from the faith, related to baptism by blood and the state of martyred catechumens. While the Catholic Church is the great sacrament or mystery of salvation, it was not our teaching prior to Vatican II that all non-Catholics necessarily went to hell.

Published in 1908, THE CATECHISM OF POPE PIUS X (not Leo X) does a good job in explaining the catholic stance. It is the person who knows that the Catholic Church is the “true” Church and still refuses assent and incorporation who faces perdition.

27 Q. Can one be saved outside the Catholic, Apostolic and Roman Church?

A. No, no one can be saved outside the Catholic, Apostolic Roman Church, just as no one could be saved from the flood outside the Ark of Noah, which was a figure of the Church.

28 Q. How, then, were the Patriarchs of old, the Prophets, and the other just men of the Old Testament, saved?

A. The just of the Old Testament were saved in virtue of the faith they had in Christ to come, by means of which they spiritually belonged to the Church.

29 Q. But if a man through no fault of his own is outside the Church, can he be saved?

A. If he is outside the Church through no fault of his, that is, if he is in good faith, and if he has received Baptism, or at least has the implicit desire of Baptism; and if, moreover, he sincerely seeks the truth and does God’s will as best he can such a man is indeed separated from the body of the Church, but is united to the soul of the Church and consequently is on the way of salvation.

30 Q. Suppose that a man is a member of the Catholic Church, but does not put her teaching into practice, will he be saved?

A. He who is a member of the Catholic Church and does not put her teaching into practice is a dead member, and hence will not be saved; for towards the salvation of an adult not only Baptism and faith are required, but, furthermore, works in keeping with faith.

Not all traditionalists would reject baptism of desire. A small group following Feeneyism was condemned by the Magisterium prior to Vatican II, (around 1949). While many returned to Church unity, there is still a remnant that has embraced traditionalism at odds with Vatican II. They are sometimes confused with traditionalists who disagree with changes in the Mass and abuses in ecumenism.
Anon, on January 27, 2018 at 5:16 pm said:

Hi, can I go to a baby shower if the parents of the baby are dating, but not married?

FATHER JOE: The baby is innocent and has needs. Given that the child benefits, yes.
Jeff, on January 27, 2018 at 3:51 pm said:

Fr., In Luke’s gospel regarding the way of the cross, can you expand on Christ’s reference to green and dry wood?

FATHER JOE:

“At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:30-31).

Green wood is essentially still living and filled with sap. It does not burn well. Dry or brown wood makes good kindling and burns readily. The green wood stands for what is current or new. In this instance, the incarnate Christ walks the earth. He is innocent and the source of life. Our Lord is the green wood. If Rome seeks to crucify Christ, the one who is truly innocent (the sinless one), think how much worse it will be for us the guilty. This is about more than the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome. It also speaks to our spiritual condition and judgment.
Dorothy, on January 26, 2018 at 6:51 pm said:

Hi Father Joe,
I was hoping you could help me. Is there anywhere I can find a list of medical terms that offend the Catholic Church?

FATHER JOE: The Church is not offended by terms but by certain procedures, themselves. I would suggest getting a book on Catholic medical ethics. Here are a couple suggestions:

Health Care Ethics: A Catholic Theological Analysis by Benedict M. Ashley

Life Issues, Medical Choices: Questions and Answers for Catholics by Janet E. Smith and Christopher Kaczor

Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life: Celebrating the Beauty of Being by William E. May

Catholic Bioethics and Gift of Human Life by William E. May
Barbara, on January 26, 2018 at 3:28 pm said:

May I refer David to Bishop Robert Barron’s website, Word on Fire? There are many YouTube videos, books and other resources that will help with what is being described.

FATHER JOE: Sure.
hidalgocohen, on January 25, 2018 at 2:01 pm said:

Hi Father Joe,

Here is Part 2 of my question. In response to your reply, I am providing the following information.

1. First, what is the group? The term “non-denominational” is usually a misnomer for a Protestant group that does not want to be regarded as Protestant or which imagines there is a “media res” that point in fact does not exists between Catholic and non-Catholic.

Response: the group is a Bible- and faith-based Christian group not affiliated with any church (Protestant or Catholic).

2. Second, what is the objective and message of the group? Is it compatible with your beliefs as a Catholic?

Response: The objective and message is to promote a Bible-based character development program used in public and private schools to bring students, parents and teachers to salvation and train them in the practical application of the Word of God.

The teachings of this group augment the teachings of the Catholic Church. They do not contradict what the Catholic Church promotes. Therefore, their beliefs would be compatible with mine. If there are any conflicts, I would embrace the Catholic interpretations of the Bible.

3. Third, will you be compelled or expected to participate in non-Catholic worship?

Response: I would be expected to evangelize and to study the Word of the Lord. There is no organized church associated with this organization.

4. Fourth, are the people targeted for this missionary effort non-believers or might they be Catholics who are not deemed “Christian enough” by the group’s organizers?

Response. The target group is Christian believers that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who has come save mankind. They are not Catholics who are not deemed “Christian enough.”

5. Fifth, if you were near a Catholic parish, what would stop you from going to Sunday Mass… embarrassment… fear of rejection?

Response: the missionary trip would be to a country where English is not widely spoken. Attending a mass alone, where I would not be able to understand what is being said, would make it challenging and perhaps, futile.

So, back to my questions: During my 2-3 week trip, would missing Catholic masses be a mortal sin? Would I have to confess to a priest for God’s forgiveness?

FATHER JOE:

A non-Christian group (even if bible-based) would still be regarded by the Catholic Church as a Protestant faith. We usually classify religious families as such: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Cult, Jewish, and Non-Christian. Because we reject denominationalism or religious relativism as a sin, there is no such thing in our assessment as a non-denominational church. There are the true churches of Catholicism and Orthodoxy (which would include Coptic, etc.) and then everyone else. Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, and unaffiliated Christian churches would all be regarded on the Protestant scale. Indeed, theologically they are classified as “ecclesial communities” and not fully churches because of the lack of a genuine priesthood and Eucharist.

If the effort were to bring clean water to poor villages, such participation would be permissible. However, given that the outreach is a spiritual one, then participation would be problematic. When it comes to the question of salvation, Catholics should not seek to be missionaries for any religious effort other than that of their own Church. There is no way that their effort could “augment” Catholicism unless they were going to immediately make references or connections to local Catholic parishes and/or the Catholic diocese . Catholics and Protestants share a love for Jesus Christ; however, our views about faith, grace, the saving seven sacraments and the Bible are not the same. If you doubt what I say then share the Catholic Catechism with the religious leaders of this organization and ask for their assessment. You will quickly find that we are not on the same page about many matters. If we were, then they would all become Catholic.

[816] “The Second Vatican Council’s Decree on Ecumenism explains: ‘For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal help toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained. It was to the apostolic college alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one Body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the People of God.’”

If you would evangelize you would be expected to do so as a Catholic. There is no generic Christianity. Further, the Word of God must be understood as the Magisterium of the Catholic Church so understands it. Are you using an approved Catholic translation of the Bible with the Catholic canon? Such efforts are not a matter simply of private interpretation.

What country or place is the evangelization targeting? If it is in much of the southern hemisphere then it would probably be focusing upon Catholic Christians. If the people were baptized Catholic as infants, then they are Catholic.

The language of the Mass does not matter. The fruits would be the same. If there is a Catholic church nearby, you would be expected to attend. Non-Catholic would not satisfy your Sunday obligation. You are forbidden as a Catholic to take a formal role in any non-Catholic ritual or service. The Mass used to be in Latin and yet it benefited people quite well. It is still the sacrifice of Calvary. It is still the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. If you fail to attend Mass when a nearby church is available then you would be culpable of mortal sin. How could you save others if you were damned (yourself)? It sounds to me that there is an insufficient awareness of your own Catholic faith. That makes participation in this effort precarious and I would urge against it. Join one of the Catholic lay missionary efforts.

============================================

Hidalgo, on January 23, 2018 at 12:06 am said:
I plan to participate in a short term missionary trip for 2-3 weeks with a nondenominational Christian group. During that time, I will be praying, participating in fellowship, studying Scripture, etc. While I am away, I would not be able to attend a Catholic mass for 2-3 weeks. Would missing Catholic masses be a mortal sin? Would I have to confess to a priest for God’s forgiveness?

FATHER JOE: There are missing details that make a response problematic. First, what is the group? The term “non-denominational” is usually a misnomer for a Protestant group that does not want to be regarded as Protestant or which imagines there is a “media res” that point in fact does not exists between Catholic and non-Catholic. Second, what is the objective and message of the group? Is it compatible with your beliefs as a Catholic? Third, will you be compelled or expected to participate in non-Catholic worship? Fourth, are the people targeted for this missionary effort non-believers or might they be Catholics who are not deemed “Christian enough” by the group’s organizers? Fifth, if you were near a Catholic parish, what would stop you from going to Sunday Mass… embarrassment… fear of rejection?
Anon, on January 25, 2018 at 1:23 am said:

Hi,
If you’re an editor, is it wrong to edit someone’s work if they are writing in favor of abortion, or same-sex marriage? It doesn’t feel right to help someone write and publish something that may lead others to sin.

FATHER JOE: Hopefully you might also edit the works of people on the other side. Much about the morality of such cooperation depends upon the publication itself. Arguably there would be no moral qualm to work as an editor for a newspaper or general news magazine with various viewpoints. Similarly, secular publishing houses may put out books that express various viewpoints. There may be a positive service in helping to clarify the articulation of various positions so as to move forward debates and discussions in the public forum.
andy woodcock, on January 25, 2018 at 12:08 am said:

i was raised a catholic in uk but now at 55 i find it extremely difficult to believe Jesus was nothing more than a preacher not son of god i would like to believe but i no longer can what makes u believe i hope there is something i lost my father in 2010 and i hope he is still around or is immortality just ur memory of him i am serious about this question its constantly on my mind

FATHER JOE: As I recently explained to another commenter, faith is a gift. Reason can help to illumine the faith. My question would be what have you done to sustain your faith? Do you regularly go to Mass or worship God. Do you read the Bible and other works that put meat on the bones of faith? Do you live out your discipleship in acts of charity? Faith is not magic. Neglect it and it can wither and die. There are also many voices in the world today that speak against God and the Church. If we give these authorities greater weight than our pastors and the Church fathers, then it is only a matter of time that atheism replaces theism. If people neglect their faith formation and rarely pray, then it should be no surprise that belief falters. (The faith would tell us that in Christ love is stronger than the grave. We do not need to live in vain. We are not destined to be utterly forgotten and simply the food for worms. We will know both eternal life and reunion in Christ.)
David, on January 24, 2018 at 10:47 pm said:

Dear Fr. Joe, when I was very young I was drawn for some reason I can’t explain to the Catholic Church, and was baptized in my early twenties. It’s difficult to explain to people why. So I would generally just say something about it going beyond human understanding, it’s something mystical, and so on. There are really no words to describe what I experienced, except I was in touch with something I can’t explain.

I feel somewhat uneasy, given my status as a well educated and rational person, that the arguments back and forth about the faith really don’t move me. I’ve been asked how an intelligent person like me can “believe all that stuff.” The only thing I could say to people is to try it. Visit a Catholic Church with an open mind and see what happens. I remember reading once an old saying. “You start by taking holy water, you end up a believer.”

When I do try to talk about this, my words seem empty. I am not necessarily trying to reconcile my faith with scientific knowledge. I think there is a hidden or mysterious dimension in our universe we call spiritual, which science can’t explain. So I believe in some things, even though I can’t really provide any logical sort of proof to myself or others.

I would be interested in your comments. Am I mistaken? Do you have a more “rational” or “educated” approach to justify the faith to non-believers, or to help believers remain believers?

Thank you.

FATHER JOE:

Faith is a gift and proofs for God and arguments for the Church give rational support for our beliefs; however, they are insufficient in themselves to bring conversion or to form disciples. I am convinced that Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity and the revelation of God. I believe that our Lord instituted the Catholic Church as his new People of God and as the vehicle to transmit his truths and to perpetuate his ministry. Unlike certain Protestant denominations that emphasize faith over reason, Catholicism has always acknowledged the complementarity of truth. There are mysteries to faith but it cannot be opposed to reason. In other words, Christian faith is not nonsensical. Philosophical and scientific truths, along with reason, can illuminate supernatural faith. Ultimately, the Christian faith is not a philosophy of life or a rule book. Rather, the faith is a relationship, both personal and communal, with Jesus Christ. Our religion centers on the incarnate person of our Lord. The promise of redemption is fulfilled by Jesus as Messiah and Lord. He is the one Mediator and the Savior. He enters the human family that we might be divinized by grace. He dies that we might live. Everything about the faith comes back to him. There is an innate hope that we live in a universe that both makes sense and cares about us. We are not simply the momentary and illusory daydream of a cosmic nothingness. We yearn for meaning and in particular want to know that there is one who sustains creation that loves us. Just as we can fulfill the needs of our passions and appetites, we also desire life beyond the grave and reunion with deceased loved ones. It is the Christian faith that best answers the yearnings of our hearts and minds. Indeed, we have a God in Jesus Christ who places himself in solidarity with us. He also knows what it means to live, to be happy, and to suffer and die. Jesus invites us into the Trinitarian family of God. He says he has a house with many rooms and that he goes ahead of us to prepare a place for us. This soothes our existential anxiety about ultimate meaning and our place in the created order.
Hidalgo, on January 23, 2018 at 12:06 am said:

I plan to participate in a short term missionary trip for 2-3 weeks with a nondenominational Christian group. During that time, I will be praying, participating in fellowship, studying Scripture, etc. While I am away, I would not be able to attend a Catholic mass for 2-3 weeks. Would missing Catholic masses be a mortal sin? Would I have to confess to a priest for God’s forgiveness?

FATHER JOE: There are missing details that make a response problematic. First, what is the group? The term “non-denominational” is usually a misnomer for a Protestant group that does not want to be regarded as Protestant or which imagines there is a “media res” that point in fact does not exists between Catholic and non-Catholic. Second, what is the objective and message of the group? Is it compatible with your beliefs as a Catholic? Third, will you be compelled or expected to participate in non-Catholic worship? Fourth, are the people targeted for this missionary effort non-believers or might they be Catholics who are not deemed “Christian enough” by the group’s organizers? Fifth, if you were near a Catholic parish, what would stop you from going to Sunday Mass… embarrassment… fear of rejection?
Alisa Mariano, on January 22, 2018 at 1:29 am said:

What version of the bible does the Catholic Church use? I recently started attending mass and I keep thinking of the bible but I don’t have one. I also don’t like to read so this is new.

FATHER JOE: New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
Robin L. Kennedy, on January 19, 2018 at 6:56 pm said:

May I ask a new question? I asked a couple of years ago but never got a response— oh, our new technologies! No blame, here goes: my associate pastor at the last parish I was in, (affiliated closely with the Notre Dame University families), answered my query concerning pre-marital intercourse with my fiancé, as “…between you and Christ.” I know the teachings from Holy Mother Church on this subject. My fiancé is in the RCIA class at our new parish since we moved to a new city. I go with him. Our new pastor is very busy, but at the last class I told him my need for a spiritual advisor. I would appreciate your input on this subject. Tony (my fiancé) and I are so poor, we live together to avoid literally living on the streets. We each have debilitating illnesses as well and shore each other up. Thank you for your input, Father Joe and God bless you for your sharing on your blog.

In Christ, Robin

FATHER JOE: While cohabitation is generally frowned upon by the Church, I can certainly appreciate that urgent economic situations might throw couples together. Nevertheless, the Church would ask couples to refrain from sexual intimacy until they are married. I suspect that what the priest was trying to say was that the Lord understands our situations, and that life is often a messy business. We should thus do the best we can, trust in Christ’s mercy and work to resolve any stumbling blocks to our faithful discipleship.
Jeff, on January 19, 2018 at 1:08 am said:

Does one need to go to Confession before receiving the sacrament of the sick?

FATHER JOE: If possible, but if a person is unconscious or on machines the priest may presume sorrow for sin and give absolution.