Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Olivia M. Obringer, on September 18, 2015 at 12:16 am said:

I have 2 virtual friends whom I don’t see often. One is Presbyterian and the other is non-denominational, while I’m Catholic. I try to not bring up religion with them, but sometimes it just comes up. Like today I was talking about my confirmation sponsor, and my non-denom friend started saying how confirmation is weird and how we eat “flat paper bread and wine” (she was thinking of communion). Her family has problems with Catholics. She says Catholicism has too many laws and she knows many people who have had negative experiences with Catholicism. Then I told her to please not make fun of my faith. She said, “but seriously the bread at my grandparent’s church is gross.” and I told her it’s not bread, it’s Jesus’ body. Then she said she’s been having communion since she was little, then called Jesus’ body wafers. I didn’t know that non-demo people had communion. Then she said, “I didn’t mean to offend, I kind of forgot you believe that the bread was Jesus’ literal body.” I told her about the story of Jesus saying you must eat his flesh and drink his blood, and if he was talking symbolically, wouldn’t he have stopped the people that had stomped away in disbelief?
I honestly don’t want to get into an argument with her, because we ARE good friends and everything, and I realize that she has problems with Catholics, or at least her older family does, but it DOES hurt my feelings when she says stuff like that. I told her that (she hasn’t replied back yet) (this is all online in a chat).
But I don’t know what to do. Should I just ignore her when she says stuff like that? Or should I comment back? I WANT to reply back and tell her the truth, but last time we talked about purgatory it lasted 3 hrs and we got no where with it.
I don’t want to fight, I just want to show her that what we believe is TRUE and RIGHT….
Advice?

FATHER JOE:

First, the notion of a non-denominational church is deceptive. There are Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant churches. Protestant churches diverge from Catholicism on matters like a “personal” faith that trumps the meaning of the Church and sacraments, the centrality of the Bible alone without regard to Sacred Tradition and privatized interpretation over any official teaching authority. So-called non-denominational churches are merely other versions of Protestantism. They often disagree with each other on important elements of faith, ministry and worship. There is no such thing as generic Christianity. We would hold that the true face of Christianity is the Catholic Church.

Second, the source of unleavened (flattened) bread for hosts is found in Judaism and the bread used for the Passover. It reflects the story of Exodus and their rushed departure from Egyptian bondage. Our Lord uses the bread and wine at the Seder to institute his Eucharist. Our Lord made it very clear that the bread and wine are transformed into his body and blood. Our Lord goes to great lengths to emphasize that his flesh is real food and his blood is real drink. The Jesus gives us himself as risen in the Blessed Sacrament. (See John 6:54-56)

Third, the laws of Catholicism are to preserve the good order of the Church and the rights of believers. Many of our laws are extensions of the Decalogue. Does she think the Ten Commandments are too many laws, too? Which ones would she remove?

Fourth, Protestant churches will sometimes have communion services. However, there is no sacrifice of the Mass and no consecration. The meal is shared for fellowship or nostalgia, not as a living remembrance or as an opportunity for transformation into Christ. They give bread and wine, or sometimes grape juice; Catholicism claims to give Jesus Christ, whole and complete.

True friendship should permit a difference of opinion, even about religious questions. But you are right that it should reflect mutual respect. It is right and good that you share your faith. However, there are limits to forcing it upon others.
linda, on September 17, 2015 at 2:30 am said:

My husband is a convicted sex offender. He admitted his guilt and said he was guilty in court. He and the childs mother were Into cocaine pretty heavy at the time. There were 2 incidents, the child was 11 years. He fondled her. He did 11 years and is now on parole. He has changed his life around. He no longer drinks, we don’t go out to clubs. he has his own business and has come a long way from when he first got out of prison. We pray and know we both have been blessed by God. He thanks God daily for our home that we bought and for the truck and trailer and all the needed tools to do his job. However, my daughter, who sends my granddaughter to catholic school, is very involved with the church. She’s talked to the priest and feels comfortable in the fact that they will never come to our home because of my husband’s horrendous sins. I am getting older, 60, and can no longer drive 200 miles to visit them due to health issues. I’m very sad and wonder what I need to do.

FATHER JOE: There is no answer to this that avoids sadness and pain. You should try to visit them and they should make arrangements. But the complications remain. When it comes to child abuse, our society struggles with forgiveness and never forgets. Your husband has turned his life around. Praise God for that. But there is some damage we cannot fix.
misanthrope, on September 15, 2015 at 8:24 pm said:

What say you to this Father Joe? I think you’ve lost the argument.
All I can say is I am looking forward to the day when all religions (Baha’i, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism to name just a few) especially Christendom will all be gone. “Truth crushed to earth will rise again” and there will only be one faith.

FATHER JOE:

What argument is that, the argument of faith? I have lost nothing!

Do you even appreciate what you are quoting? The poem BATTLEFIELD by William Cullen Bryant may reflect something of his Universalism, but is also testifies to the triumph of truth. You would deny that this truth can be found in Christianity, indeed all religion. Are you an atheist? If so then what is the truth you herald? This is a scenario tainted with fatalism. Given a universe bound to die, then there will be no one left to wave the banner of truth.

The reformer Martin Luther King quoted the poet, not just about voter’s rights but about the dignity of all men regardless of color or creed. This was a hallmark of his Christian faith. Christianity has survived 2,000 years despite many attempts to stamp it out. It is here that we find the truth that prevails. Bryant wrote: “Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again; / The eternal years of God are hers; / But Error, wounded, writhes in pain, / And dies among his worshippers.” The paganism of ancient Rome and the Communism of the Soviets could not last. But the faith in Christ still marches forward. As a priest I have confidence as to where the truth resides. It finishes with the line, “Till from the trumpet’s mouth is pealed / The blast of triumph o’er thy grave.”

I always preferred his poem, BLESSED ARE THEY THAT MOURN. Toward the end, we read: “Nor let the good man’s trust depart, / Though life its common gifts deny, — / Though with a pierced and broken heart, / And spurned of men, he goes to die. / For God has marked each sorrowing day / And numbered every secret tear, / And heaven’s long age of bliss shall pay / For all his children suffer here.” The message here resonates with the Christian hope of salvation. God will wipe away all the tears.
Drs, on September 15, 2015 at 5:41 pm said:

I was wondering recently why the Christian church(es) use the cross instead of a trinity symbol on church walls, spires, walls, flags, posters etc. I have wooden crosses in my home. However, the cross is just a reflection device for Jesus, but,… is not God and the Holy spirit just as important? I was looking at wall hangings online to buy, such as celtic trinity, shamrocks etc. I even saw one depicting the trinity as 3 bearded men! What are your thoughts about this matter? Btw, I prefer symbols rather than cluttering my home with icons, statues etc, although I do think eastern orthodox icons are quite nice. Thanks.

FATHER JOE: The most significant revelation given the Christian faith is the Trinity: one God (nature) in three divine Persons. However, the Cross is the great sign of our redemption. We are saved by the oblation of Christ on the Cross. He dies that we might live. It is not just reflective of Jesus; rather, it signifies the propitiary oblation of Christ. That which would normally be a sign of judgment and defeat is transformed into one of vindication and victory. Jesus is both God and man. He did not have to suffer and die. But he opted to do so for the forgiveness of sins. Sin and death are conquered, if not undone. The incarnation of Christ ushers in a whole new economy of images. Thus the Cross, Crucifix and the Sacred Heart Statue can speak powerfully to us. Jesus is the revelation of the Father. He shows us something of the face of God.
Tom, on September 15, 2015 at 5:36 pm said:

If you feel you have been picked to pass on a message from the lord, and you don’t (too frightened and exposed to ridicule) what punishment should he/she expect?

FATHER JOE: If one is a Catholic I would urge filtering it through a priest first. I find that many people are not very good about spiritual discernment. I suppose a non-Catholic could turn to a trusted minister or pastor. Sometimes people are worried about such things for a good reason. Is it really from God?
Miranda, on September 14, 2015 at 6:31 am said:

Do you need to tell your future spouse if you are not a virgin? If you have changed and currently practice chastity, is it necessary to tell your boyfriend/finance of your unchaste past?

FATHER JOE: I don’t think you should go into a lot of details but YES I think you should tell your betrothed if you are not a virgin. The embarrassment is the price people pay for being promiscuous. It also becomes imperative that if there were a history of genital activity that blood tests be taken for any possible (and possibly hidden) venereal diseases. I have known cases where the deception in this area even included illegitimate children. It is best to be honest. If the disclosure would change his or her feelings about getting married then it was not meant to be.
stevebax, on September 14, 2015 at 1:34 am said:

Father, thank you so very much for your prompt and considerate response. I understand. Your words have helped me, thank you. PAX!
stevebax, on September 13, 2015 at 8:39 pm said:

In the Sacrament of Reconcilliation today I felt like the character “Ralphie” from a scene in the movie “The Christmas Story.” Ralphie waits in line to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas. Finally, when he reaches the moment when he can speak with Santa, he is rushed through the encounter and dismissed with a seemingly careless comment. I felt like that today. I felt so sad. Father, how should I process this encounter? Please let me know if you need additional info from me. God Bless you.

FATHER JOE: If you need spiritual counseling, then I would suggest making an appointment with the priest. Given tight schedules and the scarcity of priests, we often rush through confessions just so that everyone can go. On Sundays there is often another Mass that must be said. Forgive the priest. Many of the guys are overworked but doing the best they can. Know that with the absolution your sins are forgiven and that is the whole point. Peace!
Diana S., on September 13, 2015 at 12:50 am said:

I am a baptized and confirmed Catholic who married a man (First Baptist) that was divorced from his first wife. Because of this, we could not be married in the Catholic Church. I have not received any sacraments since my marriage, because I was advised I couldn’t as I am married to a divorced man. However, I have read scripture which indicates that my husband’s first marriage actually was not a marriage, because his ex-wife was already married, meaning my husband actually committed adultery with his first wife (in the eyes of the church). And since his divorce in 1997 he has no longer committed adultery. So, I have 2 questions:

1) Could my marriage be blessed by a priest and recognized by the church? We were married by a Christian minister in 2003.

2) Am I allowed to receive the sacraments?

Thank you.

FATHER JOE:

Your husband would have to submit his case to the Tribunal. If his first wife were previously married then yes this would be grounds toward a nullity decision. (I presume that she was also Protestant or non-Catholic.)

As long as you are married outside the Church, current discipline prohibits you from taking Holy Communion. You are still required to attend Sunday Mass.
chinonye, on September 12, 2015 at 12:39 pm said:

Hello Father
Please I wanted you to decipher for me if what I’m experiencing are temptations to pride.
Each time I do something for God e.g abstain from something pleasurable for love of him, help someone out, or endure a trial for him, I feel this overwhelming surge of emotions that I try so hard to suppress for fear of falling into the sin of spiritual pride. Am I being too hard on myself? What do you think I should do about it? Thanks

FATHER JOE: Feelings are not entirely under our control. You still make too much of things. The feeling of pride is not the same as the sin of pride. The sin is believing that you are better than anyone else, that the world revolves around you. Such a person thinks that he is better and more deserving than others. This leads those suffering from pride to dismiss the dignity and gifts of others. They make themselves greater by making others less. It can be connected to narcissism. They demand from God that which is given as gifts. Dante defined it as “love of self perverted to hatred and contempt for one’s neighbor.”
Dakota, on September 10, 2015 at 8:47 pm said:

Fr. Joe,
As a Catholic, what do you believe happens to Protestants following their deaths?

FATHER JOE: What happens to them? I suspect that it is the same thing that happens to Catholics, we face Jesus and a particular judgment. As for salvation, that I leave to the Lord. I have confidence that the Lord will look kindly upon those who have faith in him and who live lives of Christian charity and obedience.
Frank, on September 10, 2015 at 4:05 am said:

Father is it true that the story of Adam and Eve is just a story to explain certain parts of our faith? Adam and Eve were not real? I learned this in history class. Thanks!

FATHER JOE: While there might be mythic elements, Adam and Eve are real as is their fall from grace that afflicted the whole human race and the harmony of creation.
Bob bellwood, on September 9, 2015 at 9:02 pm said:

Please could u tell me what the translation the following into Latin. (Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future) Thanks in advance. Bob.

FATHER JOE: The quote is from Oscar Wilde. I am not sure what you want. Do you want it rendered in Latin? Why?
helenl, on September 9, 2015 at 4:57 pm said:

Father Joe,
I have a tough situation to discuss.

Let us say that a person committed a serious sin on Monday. (Actually, the sin may not be as serious as they think, but they feel believe it needs to be confessed to a priest soon. It is not necessary to identify the sin.

The person plans to go to Confession on Saturday, if possible.

The person understands that if he or she fails to do so, attendance at Mass is permitted and is obligatory but there must be abstention from receiving Holy Communion.

I know that only God forgives sin and that He has chosen the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a priest as the means by which sin is absolved and we are set right with the Church. This process is made clear in many places.
But what no one seems to address is the practical issue of how to live from Monday to Saturday, if (when) a person sins. Yes, the person is sorry or contrite. The person is ashamed of having given in to temptation. We should all feel sorry in such situations for saying that our way is more important than God’s way.

Yes, the person could pray to God and make a good Act of Contrition. But there are four and a half days between Monday and Saturday. During those days we still have responsibilities to others. The believer should still want his life to count as a witness choosing Jesus.

When I think about myself and such situations, I acknowledge that I want forgiveness and a life based on obedience to God. Do I place my hope in the fact that God knows I am contrite and that I will go to confession as soon as I can? Do I continue to pray (for myself and others), reading Scripture and hoping for insight from the Holy Spirit (just as if I had not sinned)?

We know when we sin. God knows when we sin. However, what about the time in-between? Neither I nor God can make it Saturday until Saturday comes. Please give advice about this question.

FATHER JOE:

First, you may not have to wait until Saturday as priests take appointments and hear Confessions all week, outside of scheduled times.

Second, it is true that Mass attendance or participation is required while the reception of Holy Communion is not, except for at least once during the year. This is a minimalist rule to which one should not be restricted.

Third, while there is still the obligation to go to auricular Confession, A perfect Act of Contrition might suffice in receiving the Eucharist as long as Confession is still intended, albeit with difficulty.

Fourth, while the priest is configured to celebrate the Eucharist and to forgive sins; God is not absolutely restricted to the sacraments in terms of his grace and mercy. All sacraments forgive sins. God hears the cries of sinners. We should not tolerate abiding in mortal sin, even for a day or an hour.
Diana Strauss, on September 9, 2015 at 1:17 pm said:

Papal quotes noted. Thank you again for your time and patience.
Diana Strauss, on September 7, 2015 at 8:05 pm said:

I suppose I will (respectfully) ask that we agree to disagree.

Thank you for your time and patience in answering my questions and explaining your point of view.

D. Strauss

FATHER JOE: Yes, we can (respectfully) disagree but know that this is not merely my private opinion but Church teaching. Note also that I gave you papal quotes.
voidval04, on September 7, 2015 at 3:40 pm said:

Fr. Joe
I have multiple concerns.
1. There has been people living in my house with my mother and I for the past 3 months. They are very dirty and it makes me frustrated. They never clean after themselves and almost everyday I have to do the dirty work. If it was family my mother wouldnt have no shame in screaming and letting them know to keep the house clean but she wont let the people know that they need to clean after themselves. Im only 22 so all the housework is on me and when I explain to my mother that im frustrated that these people urinate on the floor, make the house muddy, drop food everywhere, she tells me God is going to punish me. Is it a sin to get mad that I have to clean after people EVERYDAY? I dont disrespect them or let them know about my frustration but will God punish me and never make me succeed because I am tired of cleaning up after dirty people?

2. All my life my mother has abused me. Physically when i was younger (beating me, etc.) but mostly emotionally and verbally. And she always used God in everything she said. I grew up believing if i tripped God was punishing me, if i failed in school God was punishing me, if i accidentally burned myself, etc God was punishing me. I grew up believing that God hated me (cause thats what my mother told me) everytime I pray or seek help from God there is nothing. I pray especially to find another job so I can leave and escape my mothers abuse but there is nothing. I sometimes find myself cursing at God because Ive lived my whole life in pain and fear, especially of my mother and he has never helped me. My twin sister is living the dream, the perfect life she has ALWAYS had; God has blessed her all the way through; and she doesnt even pray. Why is it that God abandons some but blesses others?

FATHER JOE:

Are they living in your home? Are they guests or paying rent? Unless you are the official housekeeper, I would suggest telling them to clean up their act.

Physical and emotional abuse is wrong and you should not have to endure it. While we can hurt ourselves, God does not seek to punish us for all the mistakes and accidents of our lives. He wants to bring us mercy and healing. The image of an angry and vengeful Christ is not how our heavenly Father is depicted by Christ.

Continue to explore how you might escape this environment of manipulation. Keep looking for employment that will make possible a move. Advance learning and skills that will assist you in finding independence. Rather than resenting your sister, find your own way. Can she or others help you? Feeling sorry for yourself or blaming God will not fix things. I will keep you in prayer.
Diana Strauss, on September 6, 2015 at 8:20 pm said:

Pope Benedict XVI held that the Jewish People have our own eternal covenant with G-d, and although he believes that we will eventually recognize your religion, discouraged active proselytizing to the Jews, saying that “It is in G-d’s hands to do in His own way.” I don’t know what he believes about Muslims, Hindus, etc but he seemed to be implying (correct me if I misinterpreted him) that the Jews have our own path to salvation in the form of our eternal covenant with G-d.

FATHER JOE:

No, there is only one covenant. Anything else is a soteriological heresy. The dual-covenant view is contrary to Catholic teaching. It is not something any pope can change as it emerges from the deposit of faith.

Pope Benedict XVII reaffirmed this as I said. The Jews are connected to us through this one covenant but it is fulfilled (as Scripture attests) through Christ. Jesus is both our Savior and the Jewish Messiah. Jews might not know this but Jesus, who is also God, went to the Cross for them, too. Jews were not left out of his redemptive work. Salvation comes through the Jews. Catholics are spiritual Semites.

Cardinal Ratzinger:

“Thus the Sinai [Mosaic] Covenant is indeed superseded” (Many Religions – One Covenant, p. 70).

Pope Benedict XVI composed this revision to the traditional Latin Good Friday Liturgy (2008):

Let us also pray for the Jews. May the Lord our God illuminate their hearts so that they may recognize Jesus Christ as savior of all men. Almighty and everlasting God, you who want all men to be saved and to gain knowledge of the truth, kindly allow that, as all peoples enter into your Church, all of Israel may be saved.

When certain Jewish authorities took offense, the Pope gently explained that any other answer would force a repudiation of Christianity itself:

“This contains nothing that is offensive toward Jews, because in it the Church asks God what St. Paul asked for Christians: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ may enlighten the eyes of the Ephesians’ hearts, that they may understand the gift of salvation that they have in Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:18-23). The Church, in fact, believes that salvation is only in Jesus Christ, as is said in the Acts of the Apostles (4:12). It is clear, besides, that Christian prayer can be nothing other than ‘Christian’, meaning that it is founded upon the faith – which is not that of all – that Jesus is the Savior of all men. For this reason, the Jews have no reason to be offended if the Church asks God to enlighten them so that they may freely recognize Christ, the only Savior of all men, and that they too may be saved by the One whom Shalom Ben Chorin, a Jew, calls ‘Brother Jesus’.”
Diana Strauss, on September 6, 2015 at 7:14 pm said:

Pope John 23 as far back as Vatican II declared that the Jews were not to be considered responsible for the death of Jesus and not to be hated or persecuted for that reason (or for any reason for that matter). Both he and Pope John Paul II (both of whom should be forever blessed) went out of their way to save Jews during the Holocaust and to befriend them both before and during their Papacy.

During Pope John Paul’s visit to a synagogue, he referred to the Jewish People as the “elder brothers of Christians” and said that the Church deplores any hatred, persecution or anti-semtism directed against Jews.” He further became the first Pope to extend diplomatic recognition to the State of Israel.

This theme of friendship was continued by Pope Benedict XVI (“and Christians should work together”) and by Pope Francis (“A true fraternal dialogue has developed since the Second Vatican Council. after the Nostra aetate declaration. This document represents the affirmation of Christianity’s Jewish roots and the irrevocable rejection of anti-semitism”).

See below:

FATHER JOE: Yes, this is helpful background information. We love our Jewish brothers and sisters. The earlier comment was simply how to reconcile a Scripture passage with the Church’s current stance. Pope Benedict XVI even modified the prayers to the traditional Latin Good Friday service to avoid offending the Jewish community. We no longer use the word Yahweh in our churches to avoid offending the Jewish community. The New American Bible now translates the word “holocausts” as “burnt offerings” so as to avoid offending the Jewish community. Again, this is all fine and good. But while the Jews cannot alone be faulted, the doctrine is what the doctrine is… ALL MANKIND throughout all time and in every place has through our sins brought about the passion and death of Christ. Many Jewish leaders did not understand the Church’s teaching under Pope John Paul II. When Pope Benedict XVI clarified (as did the late Cardinal Dulles) that there is only ONE covenant and NOT TWO, there were complaints from certain Jewish quarters. But nothing had changed. Pope Benedict XVI was simply better at spelling out Church teaching. The Jews are still the people of the covenant however that covenant finds its fulfillment in the covenant of Christ. There is only one bridge or way to the Father, NO ONE is saved apart from Christ.
Julia, on September 6, 2015 at 2:36 am said:

My question pertains to Anti-Semitism and the Bible. Now I understand that Anti-Semitism is a grave sin, however, 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 implies otherwise. Am I missing a footnote?

FATHER JOE:

Here is the reading…

“For you, brothers, have become imitators of the churches of God that are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you suffer the same things from your compatriots as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us; they do not please God, and are opposed to everyone, trying to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles that they may be saved, thus constantly filling up the measure of their sins. But the wrath of God has finally begun to come upon them.”

Anti-Semitism is a general condemnation of the Jews as the principal agents in the murder of Christ and for many contemporary ills in the world. However, the Council of Trent teaches that Christ endured his passion and death as a consequence of the sins of all humanity in every place and throughout all human history. We are all culpable, not just Romans and Jews.

What we find here in 1 Thessalonians is an historical assessment against a particular Jewish establishment that persecuted Jewish Christians. Saul who became St. Paul was of their number. It echoes the words of Jesus when he tells the leadership that they are the descendants of those who killed the prophets before him.
apdeveramhcc, on September 5, 2015 at 11:44 pm said:

Hi father,

I am a married man and I enjoy massage places. My job is strenuous and my body aches most of the time. I’ve got a massage knowing the possibility of me getting arroused. And I did get excited. Is this a mortal sin?

FATHER JOE: It depends upon the type of massage. If a sin, it was likely venial.
karolina13@post.skynet.lt, on September 4, 2015 at 12:43 pm said:

I asked to stop sending me newsfeeds….so stop

FATHER JOE: I have no control over the newsfeeds. You turn them on, only you can turn them off. It is a WordPress feature that I do not personally use. Sorry.
Lauren, on September 3, 2015 at 11:29 am said:

If the bible teaches us to forgive (turn the other cheek, etc…), then why did God not simply forgive Adam and Eve for disobeying him? And then move on with his will? Why did he get angry (a sin, I thought) and inflict punishment onto them (sin, death, etc…)? Seems to me it would have been easier to forgive them their one transgression than it was to offer up his own son as a sacrifice. Please help me to make sense of this.

FATHER JOE: Forgiveness still needs atonement. The problem with the sin of Adam is that it dishonored almighty God. How does a finite creature offer atonement or satisfaction or proper propitiation for an offense against an infinite, omnipotent, and all good God? Jesus, being both God and man, could offer himself as one of us and yet as also God he could pay the price to redeem us. No one else could. Further, the primordial sin had tragic effects and we forfeited our likeness to God in grace. Disfigured by sin, we needed more than forgiveness, we required healing and transformation.
Kathleen Bowers, on September 3, 2015 at 12:48 am said:

Fr. Joe,
To clarify for better understanding, my parents definitely stood in as proxies for the godparents who are listed on my baptismal certificate.
This notation was made in the baptismal registry.
Is that permissible per canon law?

Thank you,
Kathleen

FATHER JOE: It is unusual. Further, there should be a letter or some proof that the chosen godparent is aware of his role and the proxy-stand-in.
Rosemary, on September 2, 2015 at 2:25 pm said:

I recently read an article that was posted on Face Book stating that Pope Francis has given authority to all priests during this Church year to absolve a woman for having had an abortion. It went on to say that prior to this year, a woman was automatically excommunicated upon having an abortion, and that there only were certain clergy in the Church hierarchy who could absolve her. I had never heard this before. Sadly, during the 25 years that I was away from the Church, I had an abortion. In 1991 when I returned to the Church, the Priest to whom I confessed absolved me of this and offered me great comfort and acceptance back into the Church. Was this Priest remiss in doing so, and do I need to confess this again? Thank-you and may God bless you in your work and personal life.

FATHER JOE: The US Bishops have pretty much given all priests the faculties to absolve from the sin of abortion and to remit the censure of excommunication. Thus, the Pope’s gesture really means no change to American practice. However, some countries may be different and the Pope is speaking to the whole planet, not just to us. Prior to the legalization of abortion in the US (1972), women in the Archdiocese of Washington were sent to the bishop for forgiveness when they had abortions. In practice, many were sent to a local religious house staffed by Dominican priests. The popes had long granted them special authority over this sin. But today, all priests are empowered to absolve it. Your priest did as he was supposed to do. You were sorry and he granted you the mercy of Christ in his Church. By the way, there are various conditions required for one to incur automatic excommunication. Principal among these is that you must be aware of the ecclesial censure.