Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Alli, on March 4, 2015 at 5:54 am said:

Hello Father,

My fiancé and I have a very important few questions. He is unexpectedly being deployed in a couple months. Recognizing that this is not enough time to get the permission we desire to fulfill our dream of a Catholic mass, we would like to have a civil marriage, and when we returns, have our full Catholic ceremony as planned, with very few changes to the mass. Would this be possible? We would really like to have a very traditional wedding mass as we originally planned, but with the license already being done at the courthouse. I am quite lost as the change in class occurred 2 days ago. Any advice is appreciated!
Thank you so much!

FATHER JOE: I can well appreciate the restraints you are under, the problem remains that the civil marriage would have no status in the Church or before God. A later convalidation is possible, but many places require it to be a small and simple ceremony to avoid scandal. Sexual activity within a civil union is still regarded as the matter of mortal sin since you are not truly married.
bigjoe54, on March 3, 2015 at 2:14 am said:

Do you think people view marriage today as more of a formality?
When did you first hear the call to become a priest?
When did you accept that call
What is it like to be a priest?
What element of being a priest have you struggled with the most?

FATHER JOE: Who are you and why are you asking about my personal life? I do not mind witnessing about it, but the posted comment comes across as a kind of interrogation. I do not mean to be rude, just curious why you want to know. People do not give the weight they should to marriage as a permanent bond that changes your life forever. My calling was always in the background of my life, even as a child, although it intensified in high school. I went straight into seminary after high school. It is wonderful being a priest: I can celebrate Mass and forgive sins! The great promise of obedience contains within itself all promises and is both the crown and the cross of sacerdotal ministry.
Maureen, on March 3, 2015 at 12:38 am said:

Father Joe,
I was wondering while attending Mass on Sunday it would seem more and more Parents are bringing their children into Church rather than a cry room. Now I have no problem with this. But it would seem that more and more parents have no control over their young children. Two women a grandmother and her daughter brought in 5 children ranging from the age of 3to 5. Everyone of the children were playing with toys to include a hair dryer and other items and the mother at one point sat in the pew and proceeded to braid the hair of the daughter’s doll. These children were disruptive during the entire Mass and neither woman disciplined the children to be quiet. When the consecration was taking place the children were disrupting the reverence of others around them.
I had asked the women after Mass if they were aware that we had a cry room in the back of the Church. They said they were and I mentioned that people would like to show reverence to the Eucharist during the consecration. Was I wrong? I heard later that one of the woman said “that this is the reason why I don’t come to Church”. I feel they have little or no boundaries and expect people to accept them and not be judgmental. I do not know what to do should I discuss this with my Pastor? I know many Priests are afraid to say anything because they may lose parishioners. Yet at the same time they fail to realize that the faithful are being subjected to unbridled behavior on a weekly basis.
Thank you for your time. God bless.

FATHER JOE:

I would agree that I am no fan of toys or food brought into the churches to pacify children. From the very first we should try to get them engaged with the sacred actions. As they get old enough to understand, we should also communicate the meaning of participation and sacred silence.

However, if crying babies is the reason why a person does not come to church then he or she has a fundamentally flawed view of the Eucharist. If the churchgoer wants personal meditation then he should attend Eucharistic Adoration. When I was a boy and Mass was transitioning from Latin to English, our churches were packed and babies were everywhere. Admittedly, little kids were seemingly better behaved but infants still cried and pooped. Churches were often noisy and smelly places even if we did seek a certain sacred silence. Pastors were overjoyed to see large families. Today there are far fewer children and people complain that they distract them from their personal prayer and experience of the liturgy.

If you like quiet in churches then stay afterwards and make a holy hour or say the rosary. If I had my way I would fill our churches with crying babies. Too many have been aborted. Families have one or two children or none where we once had five or ten. Not bringing a child to Mass might make it impossible for a mother or father to worship. We do not want to close our doors to them. Mass must be family friendly or we might as well close shop.

The mystery of the sacrifice and presence remains the same… no matter if the language is Latin or English… no matter if there is chant or folk music… no matter if we are in a monastery chapel or a living parish with babies having tantrums. As for cry rooms, did they even exist in old traditional churches? They are nice if you have them… but I would not ostracize large families if they are not available or too small.

Peace!
chinonye, on March 2, 2015 at 3:39 pm said:

Hello Father
Please can you explain to me the meaning of Mathew 7:6 “do not give what is holy to dogs….” How does it apply to everyday life? Thanks.

FATHER JOE: It simply means do not waste or throw away the gifts that are given us by God. It applies to many things but for Catholics has always had a connection with the Eucharist. One should not be given Holy Communion unless the person is properly disposed to receive it. Otherwise, the bread of life and salvation brings judgment and the death of perdition. That is one of the reasons why Cardinal Burke and others are so concerned about Cardinal Kasper’s proposition that would liberalize or open up its distribution.
Simon, on March 2, 2015 at 1:31 pm said:

Hello, Father!
Three questions:
1) Are wet dreams sinful or even grave sin?
2) If so, should I confess of having those dreams
3) If wet dreams are not sinful then is it appropriate to receive communion same morning after having those dreams.
Thank you!

FATHER JOE: Answer to question 1… no because dreams are outside of our control. However, you would be culpable for what you do after these dreams. Answer to question 2… no, because they are not sins. Answer to question 3… as a corollary to my initial answer, yes, because there is nothing hindering you from going to Mass and taking Holy Communion.
Christopher Polizzi, on March 1, 2015 at 7:32 pm said:

Is it a mortal sin to do some work on Sunday? e.g. wash a car, cut the grass or paint a room? I attend Mass every Sunday and say my rosary daily?

FATHER JOE:

Traditionally such things were regarded as servile work and were forbidden on Sundays. But what about the person who actually enjoys such things? The universal catechism is not as specific about the law of rest as were certain popular catechisms of the past. Allowances were always made for doctors, police and firemen… but stores were often closed as were most other businesses. Unfortunately, such is not the case today and people suffer in that they have obligations to family and self that morally must be met.

Here is what the universal catechism says:

A day of grace and rest from work

2184 Just as God “rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done,” human life has a rhythm of work and rest. the institution of the Lord’s Day helps everyone enjoy adequate rest and leisure to cultivate their familial, cultural, social, and religious lives.

2185 On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord’s Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body. Family needs or important social service can legitimately excuse from the obligation of Sunday rest. the faithful should see to it that legitimate excuses do not lead to habits prejudicial to religion, family life, and health.

The charity of truth seeks holy leisure – the necessity of charity accepts just work.

2186 Those Christians who have leisure should be mindful of their brethren who have the same needs and the same rights, yet cannot rest from work because of poverty and misery. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to good works and humble service of the sick, the infirm, and the elderly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to their families and relatives, often difficult to do on other days of the week. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life.

2187 Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord’s Day. Traditional activities (sport, restaurants, etc.), and social necessities (public services, etc.), require some people to work on Sundays, but everyone should still take care to set aside sufficient time for leisure. With temperance and charity the faithful will see to it that they avoid the excesses and violence sometimes associated with popular leisure activities. In spite of economic constraints, public authorities should ensure citizens a time intended for rest and divine worship. Employers have a similar obligation toward their employees.

2188 In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church’s holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society. If a country’s legislation or other reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share in this “festal gathering,” this “assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven.”
Denise, on February 28, 2015 at 8:18 pm said:

I was married in a civil union…justice of the peace and I am now divorce I was 14 or 15 and he was 15 or 16 when we were married. we are both Catholics. My question is would I need to get it annulled I am the one who asked for a divorce I was 18 or 19. Thank you!

FATHER JOE: That is awful young to get married these days… a formal case would review maturity for sure. However, you would not need a formal case. You need to see a priest for a simple declaration of nullity because of lack of canonical form. It can take a few weeks or so but is usually certain. The Church would not recognize such a civil union.
Carl Loftus, on February 28, 2015 at 8:01 pm said:

I am mortified, not that I thought or doubted my church, It was a sense of surprise at the chant as it was new to me. Perhaps I have learned to listen more to the teachings of my Church?

Thank you Father for clearing this up, as we have never heard this chant ever in my 55 years [even though in 1960’s Mass was in Latin, I was only about 4 years old.

Perhaps the Church can explain sometimes that to which we ought to know and not leave us at the mercy of fanatics or anti Catholic heretics… even though mainly we do trust our Church and are faithful.
Carl Loftus, on February 28, 2015 at 9:24 am said:

As a practicing Catholic Ifound a video of the 2012/13 easter vigil at the vatican, the deacon sings what appears a chant in latin to lucifer, It says, “ille inquam lucifer qui nescit” it then suggested [if correctly translated ]as Christ the son of lucifer. Iam very disturbed by this, can you help with this?

FATHER JOE: The problem here is two-fold: human ignorance and a failure to trust Mother Church. There are some who use this text on the internet to attack the Church or to argue that Pope Francis is a Satanist. That is ridiculous and would constitute committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. I am not saying you are culpable in this regard, but we have to be careful of insinuations. What you describe is a small section of one of the Church’s holiest prayers, the Exultet of the Saturday Easter Vigil. The deacon chants: “Flammas eius lúcifer matutínus invéniat: ille, inquam, lúcifer, qui nescit occásum. Christus Fílius tuus, qui, regréssus ab ínferis, humáno géneri serénus illúxit, et vivit et regnat in sæcula sæculórum.” The word “lúcifer” is not the name of Satan but the word that means LIGHT. Two figures in the Bible are called LIGHT, one being Jesus as “the Light of the World” and the other is Satan (an angel of light, a false light). Here the text speaks about the light of the Paschal Candle which symbolizes Christ. The morning star (Venus) is symbolic of the resurrection. Here is one translation of the text: “May this flame be found still burning by the Morning Star: the one Morning Star who never sets, Christ your Son, who, coming back from death’s domain, has shed his peaceful light on humanity, and lives and reigns for ever and ever.”
c.j., on February 27, 2015 at 6:56 pm said:

Hello!

I was wondering if I’m watching a movie (if it’s a Christian movie, inspiring movie, a family movie, or something along those) that had a line where they take the Lord’s name in vain (regardless if I knew it was coming because I’ve seen the movie before or if it’s my first time viewing the movie) would it be a sin if I saw this? Thank you so much for your time & God bless!!!

FATHER JOE: Unfortunately we live at a time when it would be almost impossible to avoid all profanity in films, television or general human congress. Unless we go looking for it, I suspect it must be tolerated, perhaps with a quiet prayer or spiritual aspiration whispered from our lips.
The Manang, on February 27, 2015 at 6:38 pm said:

Hello, Father Joe.

do you think this meme is wrong?

here is the link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/258253359858844199/

what do you think of a meme that says:

“One unplanned pregnancy saved us all.”

Is this a heresy?

I was thinking of Our Lady’s Fiat and then got really scared that my opinion is against our Catholic faith. Of course, I believe in God’s plan.

Thank you so much, Father Joe!

FATHER JOE: Someone tried to be cute or profound; however, you are right, Mary’s pregnancy was not unplanned. It was part of God’s providential plan and Mary said YES to God.
chinonye, on February 27, 2015 at 5:14 pm said:

Father I also wanted to mention, my sister told me that I should join them in prayer, that it is written in the Bible that when two or three are gathered in his name, that he is there. I agree but I prefer praying alone because I get to concentrate more on what I’m saying and try to meditate. I’m not trying to boast but I feel I pray better when I pray alone. My family on the other hand rush through prayers and it doesn’t suit me.
Am I being selfish or what by praying alone? Sometimes they omit saying the rosary on some days, am I obligated to remind them of their prayers? Thanks

FATHER JOE: While many of us say the rosary daily, there is no Church law that requires it. We should both pray alone and with others.
chinonye, on February 27, 2015 at 3:47 pm said:

Hello Father
I was reading about mortification as explained by St. Louis de Montfort and found most of his penance so austere that I felt discouraged that I can’t live up to that standard. I understand Jesus wants us to practise self denial and self abnegation, but some of the practises are sort of difficult, e.g desiring insults so as to become humble, sleeping on hard floors etc.
I used to go a whole week without eating meat inorder to do penance. Now that I ve read about these saints and the austere measures they took to please God, I feel that my penance is so small. Can i invent little penances of my own inorder to please God without having to go through these extremes? Thanks

FATHER JOE: The penances of old reflect a certain mindset that is foreign today. You are not obliged to sleep on wood floors, wear hair shirts or whip yourself. Indeed, we should never seek suffering for its own sake. Indeed, there are certain forms of deprecation that seem to undermine the goodness of creation and God’s desire for our happiness.
PMurphy, on February 27, 2015 at 3:35 pm said:

Father Joe: Would you please tell me how my husband and I can get our marriage blessed by the Church. I was married before in the Church but widowed. My husband is not Catholic, but he was married and divorced twice before. We were married by a Lutheran minister 13 years ago. Thank you.

FATHER JOE: The issue here is your husband. You say that he was married twice before. As a Protestant, if he married another Protestant, then the Church would regard the prior marriage as binding. That means you cannot get married in the Catholic Church because we assume that he is still married to someone else. If both marriages were to Catholics then he could easily get a declaration of nullity because of lack of canonical form. Then you could get married in the Church. Otherwise, Protestants are not bound by Catholic law to marry before a priest or deacon. We would even presume as licit the marriage of two Protestants before a judge or civil magistrate. It looks like he would have to pursue a formal annulment case if there be any chance of a Catholic wedding.
Jenna, on February 27, 2015 at 2:29 pm said:

Good morning father,
I came across your blog after googling ask a priest because I’ve had something odd happen and don’t know who to speak to about it or what to do. I am a candidate this spring in RCIA, soon to be confirmed. I decided last night that I would pray the rosary for the first time and began but became interrupted by my toddler. I decided that I would start over and pray after I put him to bed and as I made that decision, I felt a burning, stinging pain on my back. I was simply sitting on the sofa when this occurred. A little later, I asked my husband to look at my back and he became concerned because there were two parallel scratches on the right side of my back just under the shoulder blade that are nearly 3 inches long. I ignored the stinging for a while as I put our child to bed. After that, I sat down and began to pray the rosary again. This time I made it all the way around and as I came to the end, an overwhelming smell of roses filled the room, so much so that my husband came out of the bedroom and asked if I had lit a candle. There were no lit or unlit candles in the living room and no plug in or spritzing air fresheners either. I am at a loss for the source of both the scratches and the smell of roses. I’m not certain what is happening or what I should do about it. Should I have the house blessed by a priest? Any advice would be appreciated.

FATHER JOE: Not knowing you, I am unsure what to say. The causality could be anything from unconscious self-affliction to an attack by a negative spiritual agency. Certainly the devil would not be happy with a person coming to faith and giving herself to Jesus Christ. Rather than any fear about this, I would emphasize the comfort that comes with the smell of roses. Roses are often associated with the Blessed Mother. Is your husband already a Catholic? Is your child baptized? The blessing of the home is a wonderful way for a family to invoke God’s protective presence. When I bless a home it always comes with the encouragement to fill the house with sacred signs and images. Make it a “little church” where by your words and actions you will daily consecrate your family to the Lord. I often leave an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and sometimes the Immaculate Heart of Mary, too.
genie, on February 27, 2015 at 1:31 pm said:

Is it allowable to take oral contraceptives to relieve debilitating menstrual cramps – as long as it is NOT for birth control? I mean, if a woman is single and definitely not sexually active, would the Church just view this it in this case as medicine and not birth control? Especially when all other methods of treatment have failed and these are very severe and miserable cramps.

FATHER JOE: When there is no contraceptive intent and they are not being taken as a contraceptive then YES, they may be taken to relieve pain and to regularize the cycle. Ironically, the very same drug, if not taken as a contraceptive will cost you more. Obama’s HHS Mandate only makes it free when it is used as a contraceptive. As with heart, blood pressure and diabetes medicine, there is a deductible but they are not free. The question becomes, if you want free medicine, should you lie about the intent for usage?
chinonye, on February 26, 2015 at 7:24 pm said:

Hello Father
I wanted to ask, can I offer up my fasts and abstinence to God on behalf of a sibling? Can I say “God I offer up this fast on behalf of my sister for the forgiveness of her sins”? Thanks

FATHER JOE: Yes, you can.
Nick Brodbeck, on February 26, 2015 at 3:58 pm said:

Hey Father Joe! I am a High School Student at a Catholic High School located in Dayton, OH. I am currently completing a Christian Vocation Project for my Theology class. We are required to get some information about the priesthood and thought you would be great! I was wondering if you could answer about 7 basic questions about the life of a priest. Hopefully this message is relayed to you well. Thanks so much!
Here are the Questions:
1. When did you first have a call for your vocation?
2. What is a rewarding part of your life?
3. Where did you go to school to become the priest you are today?
4. Did you always know you were going into the priesthood?
5. What has become easy with your vocation?
6. What challenges do you face with your vocation?
7. Do you enjoy the priesthood overall?
If you could respond to these questions that would be great. Know the answers don’t need to be more than 2 sentences or so. Thanks again!

God Bless!

FATHER JOE:

Here are my responses…

1. It is hard to say. I used to play priest with little sugar candies as hosts when a child. Throughout high school I struggled with being either a doctor or a priest. I have always had a sense of God’s presence in my life.

2. Offering Mass and giving absolution in Confession are very satisfying. Helping people to find God’s mercy is very important to me.

3. I went to St. Francis College and Seminary in Loretto, PA for a year. When it was closed I was transferred to the Seminary (College) of St. Pius X in Erlanger, Kentucky for three years. Getting my undergraduate degree in philosophy, I went next to Catholic University and Theological College in Washington, DC for four years of graduate study in theology.

4. I did not always know that I would be a priest because the calling must be confirmed by the Church. There were many men who were asked to leave or who dropped out during the years. Academics were hard, sacrifices had to be made and discipline was required. I took it a day at a time.

5. I find knowing and growing in the faith easier than I expected. I once thought preaching and teaching would be difficult. But it is often a great joy.

6. As a young man I thought celibacy might be the biggest challenge but this has not been the case. Over the years, the real struggle is obedience. Priests must obey their bishops, even about prudential matters. I like to speak my own mind. I have never liked being told what to do. But I try to be faithful all the same. We must go where we are sent and do as we are told.

7. If I had it to do all over again, I would still be a priest. Yes, I am happy to be a priest.
scta1102, on February 25, 2015 at 10:07 pm said:

Hello Father!

I have a question regarding mass. Our church uses it was called the “servant model”. They emphasize the visual aspect of the servant model by having the priest receive communion after all of the leity and eucharistic ministers. A lot of my own research on the topic states that the priest receiving communion first is not an act of superiority but is necessary to uphold the dignity and sacrifice of the mass.

What is your take on the subject?

If it is true that the priest should absolutely receive communion first, how can the servant model be followed while also respecting the rules of the catholic faith? (this is what I struggle with in bringing it to their attention) thank you!

FATHER JOE: Liturgical law is very clear… the priest-celebrant is the first to receive the Eucharist. The so-called “servant model” is a deception. It signifies dissent. A true servant is humble and obedient. What this displays is one who would make himself the master of the liturgy, even over the rubrics established by the universal Church. It should be stopped. If the parish leaders refuse, then the act of rebellion should be reported to the bishop.
monhix, on February 25, 2015 at 4:52 pm said:

Dear Father,
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer questions. I’ve been struggling with what’s right in the case of two of my children (almost 19-high school grad at home and 15) and encouraging versus requiring Mass/Confession. Is there an age or circumstance where I would be wrong to require them to attend Mass? Am I wrong to only encourage confession? I try to say and show respect for their journey to ownership of their faith- but also feel torn as their parent because I’m unsure of what obligations I still have to their faith formation. My husband is agnostic, but supportive of whatever I say regarding requirements of their faith (tho not as much when I say we still need to attend Mass while traveling!). I’m just feeling a little confused if I am helping or hurting their relationship with God by my “gentle yet firm” stance on their Mass obligation. If they are there, yet resentful and closed off to God’s Grace– are they really there/fulfilling their obligation?
Thank you again for your care for and attention to our questions!

FATHER JOE: When someone becomes an adult it is hard to make the same demands as a parent would to a minor or young child. Although my father was insistent that “As long you are under my roof, you will go to Mass!” I tend to be of this mindset but I am sure some priests would disagree. Of course, even if sons and daughters attend Mass, this does not mean they should always take Holy Communion. I suppose I would first dialogue as to why they do not want to practice their faith. Even if resistant, they might still benefit from Mass attendance and exposure to God’s Word. God’s graces can bombard the coldest of hearts, trying to make an opening. Do you think that your husband’s agnosticism has undermined their faith?

Monica
giacomoal, on February 24, 2015 at 12:51 am said:

Father Joe, does listening to a podcast of prayers carry the same weight as actually reading and/or reciting them? The reason I’m asking is that I’m strongly considering beginning a year long prayer devotion that must be said every day for 365 days. I found this prayer as a podcast that I can listen to as well as follow along and read aloud if so inclined. I cannot pray aloud before the Blessed Sacrament if I am not alone, or pray aloud at Eucharist adoration. I read my prayers silently. If I am carefully and intently listening to a podcast of prayers, reading along silently or just listening, does this in your mind count as “praying”” Because there may be times that I cannot read or speak aloud, only listen.

Thanks in advance and be well.

FATHER JOE: It can possibly be prayer as long as the believer is attentive and actively engaged. The trouble might be that the mode of communication easily lends itself to passivity and distraction.
Jason, on February 23, 2015 at 9:48 pm said:

Good afternoon Father Joe,

I think when I retire from my military career I would like to become a Permanent Deacon. Do you think that would be possible due to my wife not being Catholic? We are in a sacramental marriage and I know once I retire she would be supportive, but I’ve read that in some diocese that the wife pretty much takes the classes with her husband. Thank you!

FATHER JOE: Your wife would have to agree with your decision to be a deacon. Yes, it is true that in certain dioceses (but not all) wives are required to take classes as well.
bill, on February 23, 2015 at 11:19 am said:

What means in catechism 2731 dryness.lack of roots.rocky soil.battle requires conversion

FATHER JOE: I am reminded of a man who lost the ability to taste food. He lost weight quickly. Eating became an arduous task. What should have been the most nourishing and delightful meals became like eating cardboard. But if he wanted to live then he had to eat. Dryness can happen for many reasons. It might alternately reflect a soul that is distant from God or one that is very close. The former has caused the issue for himself. He has ruined his palate with food that does not satisfy. The latter is being tested by God, withdrawing the satisfaction of prayer so that our will to love and worship him might be proven. The gifts are extracted so that we might be drawn closer to the Giver of all gifts.
Marcia Durbin, on February 21, 2015 at 10:35 pm said:

I am a practicing Catholic, I am struggling with this ?,
why does God allow Isis, to do these atrocities and behead people, Why doesn’t He stop this evil? It is really shaking up my faith.

FATHER JOE: Do you know nothing of the first three centuries of the Church. Christians were mercilessly martyred by pagan Rome. And yet, the more believers were hunted down, tortured and murdered, the more the Church grew. By the fourth century the Church was legalized and soon thereafter became the religion of the empire. The late Pope John Paul II had hoped that this day might be avoided and yet he prophesied at World Youth Day a coming martyrdom where believers would witness by their blood. It is now upon us. The blood of martyrs watered the plant that was the early Church. It may be that this persecution signals a new awakening or birth of faith. It may also indicate that we have entered the end-times and the immediate consummation and judgment by Christ. I cannot say for sure, but God’s mysterious providence will bring good, even out of the most heinous evil. One of the Coptic martyrs last week, called upon the saving name of Jesus before being beheaded. He could have saved his life by renouncing Christ. He preferred to save his soul instead. Are you not moved but such courage and faith? Does it not make you question whether yours is a deep or shallow faith? The martyrs of faith win a place in heaven. Their deaths are tragic and horrific. Their reward is glorious. They have literally taken up the cross and followed Jesus. They merit membership in the Lord’s kingdom. Never has the distinction been so clear between the devil’s darkness and the children of light. One of the ISIS murderers had no qualms about this business. He said they were at war with the Nation of the Cross.
genie, on February 21, 2015 at 3:25 pm said:

Father,

I am new Catholic. I was confirmed just last Easter Vigil so I feel that there is still so much for me to learn. My question is concerning the holy obligation of Sundays, in particular this Sunday. I live in a mountainous region which has experienced ice storms this week and while the weather is clearing, I fear that the roads in my neighbourhood will not be safe enough to drive on tomorrow. I intend to try my best to get to Mass tomorrow but I just don’t know if I will be able to. My parish church is in the middle of my town so the roads have been well-treated there; it is only some neighbourhood roads that are still really bad. So, I wondered, if I cannot physically get to Mass tomorrow would it be okay to watch a Mass online or on EWTN and then go to Mass the first day that I may safely travel? I know that this does not fulfill the holy obligation but it may be the best I can do this week.

Thank you for listening and for all your hard work on this site. It has been a treasure trove for me as a new Catholic!

God bless!

FATHER JOE: The Sunday Mass obligation is not absolute. Poor health and hazardous road conditions would mitigate or subtract it. Watching Mass on TV can have value but it does not satisfy the obligation. But when impossible or difficult, God understands and he would certainly want us to safeguard ourselves and our families.