Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Bea, on October 6, 2015 at 12:21 pm said:

Hello Father Joe
Is crossdressing a mortal sin? I’m a teenage girl and I’m really good friends with this guy i met on an online game. I have zero romantic feelings for him, we are like siblings constantly teasing and laughing at each other. He also has a girlfriend whom I know he loves very, very much. When we skyped each other I had to crossdress because he thought I was a guy, and i just went with it because if his gf finds out he’s toast. I know it’s bad to deceive, especially if you deceive a person who is precious to you, but I just need to know if it’s a mortal sin. I will tell him soon because I can’t bear this secret any longer.

Hoping for swift counsel,
Bea

FATHER JOE: The issue here might not be clothes but rather deception. Lying is a sin. As for clothes, girls these days often wear the shirts and pants worn by boys. Is it becoming unisex? I think it is more problematical if a boy dresses like a girl. It might pass as a joke but it can also be symptomatic of a moral sickness. Denial of one’s gender (femininity and masculinity) can be sinful, especially if it comes along with the various affectations and same-sex attraction.
Michael smith, on October 6, 2015 at 4:19 am said:

So it’s my first night in a new house and my friend had stayed the night, we had been moving all day and we’re tired so we fell asleep at 11:00, around 1:30 in the morning I heard something that caused to me wake up, it was a shuffling sound but I couldn’t tell what it was and it was dark as all hell in the room, but then my eyes adjusted and I saw my friend Steven spazzing out on the floor kicking the wall and everything, he then started screaming for his life “stop hitting me, please stop” about 3 times in a row. He sounded like he was in fear of losing his life and my first thought was that somebody had broken into the house and was well, killing him. So scared out of my mind I jumped out of bed and turned the light on but no one was there, upon turning the light on my friend bolted up right and asked what was going on, he had no memory of what was going on and then he fell right back asleep, I tried to go back to sleep as well but I just couldn’t, something didn’t feel right. I decided to just get up and do some research on night terrors and I found multiple accounts of people saying that they believe they are caused by evil spirits. I didn’t wanna go back to bed cause to be honest I was scared and I also wanted to stay up with my friend to make sure that he was alright, he ended up waking up at about 4:00 am and I told him what happened and about what I read online, he said that he’s been having night terrors for years now and that he hasn’t had one in a long time, he also told me that whenever he used to sleep with his rosary on a him that he wouldn’t have them( by the way he did not have his rosary on him that night)… It just seems weird that he hasn’t had a night terror in a long time and when he finally does again it’s in my new house, it’s also weird that he doesn’t have them when signs of Christ/the lord is with him, what do you guys think about this? Should I have a priest bless him or even my house?

FATHER JOE: Night terror is an uncommon ailment but seen in children and even adults (usually between 20 to 30 years of age). It is probably more a medical condition than a spiritual one. It may be that sacramentals like crosses and rosaries ease the mind somewhat and thus the symptoms are suppressed. As a young person I sometimes experienced nocturnal paralysis where I would awaken unable to move and with a terrorizing sense of a foreign presence in the room. But this is also a variant on the experience you describe. Night terror can include screaming and even sleep-walking. All this aside, it is a worthwhile custom to have a new home blessed by a priest and the residents consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Peace!
Bob, on October 4, 2015 at 8:33 pm said:

Father Joe: I wish you a blessed Sunday. A few of us were discussing the commandments and I raised the question about taking the Lord God’s name in vain. We tried to dissect what Moses was told on Mount Sinai: is it Using his real name to invoke harm/damning on someone or some thing or is it the name man has given him as God. I hope I’ve explained my curiosity enough that you have the gist of my question.

FATHER JOE: Many sins fall under the wrongful use of God’s name. Flippancy, anger, cursing, blasphemy, false oaths, etc. Unlike certain strict or orthodox Jews, this would expand beyond the use of Yahweh to include any label used for the Almighty. Indeed, Catholics are asked to nod their heads at Mass when the saving name of Jesus is uttered. Derision against the operations of God would constitute blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. All this has to do with the rightful and humble posture of the creature toward the Creator.
Sherri, on October 3, 2015 at 2:39 pm said:

Hello Father,

Back in 1993, my Parish priest call me and said I was no longer welcome to attend Mass because the Church had discovered that I had my tubes tied after having my last baby. I was informed that the worse sin I committed was divorcing my abusive husband.

I was beyond hurt. All of my friends looked down on me. I thought I was doing what was best for my kids. I couldn’t afford to have any more children because my husband refused to support them or me. Thus I got a divorce and was punished for it by the Catholic Church.

I have not attended a Mass in over 26 years.

This past year I battled Breast Cancer. The Church was not there for me. There were no prayers for me. The Church really made me an abandoned and unwanted person.

Then I heard that the Pope was forgiving women who had abortions. I would never have had one of those. Having my last child almost cost me my life. I did not want to bring more kids into the world for which I could not afford to give care. Someone told me to work a second job. Well, I was a Law Enforcement Officer and I was not allowed to take on another job.

Could I be forgiven for getting a Divorce and not having more kids? Or am I forever forbidden to step foot in the local Catholic church? I am really not sure how I would feel if I was welcomed back.

FATHER JOE:

Dear Sherri, I have been a priest almost 30 years and I can honestly say that there must have been a tragic miscommunication. Priests should not be stricter than the Church they represent. Certainly, we should never forget basic compassion and mercy. Are there details missing here? Did the priest have a close relationship with your husband? How did he find out that you had surgical intervention? Did your husband say something? Was it mentioned in Confession? The scenario confuses me somewhat. Sterilization is wrong and if you got divorced anyway wholly without purpose for a woman living a chaste non-genital life. Divorce can be sinful, particularly when abandonment is due to selfishness and/or adultery. However, even clinicians or counselors in the Church urge separation when a spouse is suffering genuine abuse. As long as you were not married outside the Church or in an adulterous state, you could receive absolution in Penance and continue to receive the sacraments. Did the priest actually say that you were no longer welcome to attend Mass? Even if you could not take Communion, you would still be obligated to participate at Sunday Mass. It would be a serious sin on the part of the priest to tell parishioners that they could no longer participate at Mass in compliance with the precepts of the Church. You should have sought out another priest. If this really happened, it was not the Church that dismissed you but a clergyman who went too far in what he said.

You said all your friends looked down on you. Again, am I missing something? How did they find out? Were they more your husband’s friends than yours?

I am truly sorry that you were made to feel abandoned or unwanted. However, know before it is too late, that such was never the intent of the Catholic faith. It saddens me that you did not talk to another priest. He would likely have corrected the false information. Again, unless there are factors not mentioned here, you were always welcome to go to Confession and to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion. What is done is done. Failed marriages are hard to fix and induced sterility (tubal ligation) is rarely reversible. Sorrow for sin and contrition acknowledges our brokenness and need for healing and hope.

Most priests regularly forgive abortion, adultery, birth control, fornication, stealing and deception, etc. Why did you think that your sins and hurts could not be forgiven? Was the tubal ligation against your husband’s wishes? Did the priest know that your spouse was abusive and gave no support? Was a reversal of the procedure required as restitution for absolution? Again, I am just trying to get my head around what happened. It makes no sense to me.

Sherri, just go to a priest for Confession and absolution. Know that you were never forbidden to enter your parish church. If someone told you so then he lied to you. Come home to the Church.

I want you to know that Jesus and his Church love you. And when it comes to prayer, as a Parish priest, you have my prayers. I hope you find happiness, health and holiness. God bless you!
Henry Herdzik, on October 2, 2015 at 12:05 pm said:

Our family has been invited to a Bar Mitzvah this weekend and this will be our first time attending a synagogue service. The invite was from good friends of ours so we want to attend.

The invitation stated that at the end of the service, there will be a prayer over wine and bread followed by a brief Kiddush (reception with bread and cookies) in the temple Social Hall. Being practicing Catholics, we do not know if it is allowable for us to partake in eating this bread. I have heard that it is wrong for Catholics to partake in communion services at churches of other denominations. I am not sure if that would apply to a case like this, in a Jewish synagogue. Although I am not very knowledgeable in this, I feel that since Christianity is an extension of Judaism, I don’t think there would be anything wrong with eating this blessed bread and it certainly will not change me from being a Catholic. Hope someone can help answer the question.

Henry

FATHER JOE: No false God is worshipped and you are not taking an active part in the rituals. The blessed bread (in the social hall) does not constitute communion and I would think you can attend and enjoy the reception, especially the cookies! It is not unlike our blessing or prayer before meals.
Jane Mubarak, on September 29, 2015 at 7:21 pm said:

Father Joe: Is it ok for a woman to wear a see-through knee length skirt if she wears something under it?

FATHER JOE: I am not going to discuss women’s dress styles. Just use good judgment about what you feel is attractive and modest.
kimbies, on September 29, 2015 at 6:32 am said:

Thank you Father Joe. For your words, and most especially for the listing of fulfilled prophecy. I will take your advice and concentrate on the Scripture, and not on my doubts. Please pray for me.

God bless
Ivan, on September 28, 2015 at 6:29 pm said:

I’m a little concerned with my ex wife, she had recently moved back in with me but does not want to get back together and has gone through changes, I get upset with her cause to me , she sounds bonkers, I also get upset cause she wants all the things that make up a happy home and for me to be everything a husband should be, except for the actual husband part, she has been alot less than a respectable person in many eyes, not just mine, and in the last month or so has told she hears and sees things that are not there, like just today I got upset with her for quitting her job and basically wanting to live with me rent free, when I got upset and said that your just a roommate and you need to pay and do your part, she replied with ” I rebuke you in the name of christ”, and that she was saying that to whatever it is that’s attached to me, long story, please help

FATHER JOE: There is not much I can do to help you. Moving back in and making herself utterly dependent upon will change her status if the marriage ends in divorce. Does she know this? The obligations of marriage bind even if she should be losing her mind. It sounds like you will continue to go to the Cross.
Mary, on September 28, 2015 at 1:44 am said:

Hi, I am a Protestant married to a Catholic and I am genuinely trying to understand the reality of transubstantiation. I love most aspects of the Catholic faith but I honestly cannot understand the belief that the elements literally change into the blood and body of Christ. I have spoken to many persons and tried to research the topic, but mainly it seems the answer is that it is a “great mystery” as to how this happens yet plainly one can see that it has not changed. I can accept the principle of the “presence of Christ” being within the elements, but I it seems one must accept the “literal” change. Am I understanding this correctly? What is the explanation of why it is argued a literal change yet it literally looks the same. I mean no disrespect, I honestly cannot wrap my mind around it. Thank you.

FATHER JOE: It is as Jesus instituted it. The reality of the presence is pressed upon us by Jesus saying over and over again in a graphic way that his body is real food and his blood real drink. At the Passover meal where he instituted the Eucharist, he refers to himself as the Lamb of God and he says to his apostles, take, this is my body… this is the cup of my blood. Jesus establishes a new covenant. Covenants, as all Jews knew, could only be established with real blood. Jesus empowered his apostles as the first priests to do this in remembrance of him. Our Lord was even willing to allow the murmuring Jews to walk away when they could not accept this teaching. So, why do we believe it? It is not that we understand it but rather we take Jesus for his word and believe him. Externals do not change, and thank goodness, otherwise we would be cannibals. The real presence is a sacrament, not an unclean food. Every drop of the cup and every crumb of the host is the whole and living resurrected Christ. We receive the person of our Lord. If it is true that you are what you eat… then may we all share ever more in the likeness of Christ!
chinonye, on September 27, 2015 at 3:31 pm said:

Hello Fr.
My post might be long and I’m sorry if I seem to be asking a lot of questions but something happened yesterday. My dad had a talk with me about my going to morning mass everyday because he was worried about my safety. Yes we do have people engaged in the kidnapping business in my country but its not as bad as my dad painted it. He then told me to stop going to morning mass completely, that if I want to go, I should go with him for the 6am mass he normally attends. I don’t like going for 6am masses that’s why I go for 7am masses, and besides I love going alone. I told a priest about it and he said I should obey my dad in imitation of Christ’s obedience to his Father.
Maybe I’m too stubborn or something but my parents think I’m going to mass just to get a distraction because I’m currently waiting for law school. I ve explained to my mother time and time again that she should trust me to know that I can make good decisions for myself concerning my spiritual life. She thinks I’m engrossed in the faith. My question is aren’t I old enough to make my decisions? Why should my dad ban me from going to morning masses? I felt treated like a child. They are so protective of us that I feel controlled sometimes. Does it mean I’m disobedient? Was it God’s will that I should stop going to morning masses for my safety? I ve been going to morning mass for like 7 months now and nothing bad has happened. I ve been extremely upset about it and feel so controlled. I’m now wondering maybe I have a hidden attachment to getting my own way that I haven’t noticed. I’m scared that if I disobey the priest maybe I’m disobeying God.
I hope you don’t get angry at these many questions I ask
you. I value your advice a lot. Thanks.

FATHER JOE: You live in a different country than I do. If your father has concerns about kidnapping then I would take them seriously. I would suggest doing as the priest and your father says.
Margaret, on September 26, 2015 at 8:59 pm said:

Father,

How do I make my best friend understand that when an annulment is approved, it is not an act against God or trying to be above God.

She stayed the church is trying to be above God when we issue annulments and they are not in bible. She said it’s better to ask forgiveness and truly repent instead of an annulment. My grandmother received an annulment and remarried and was in peace but my friend said its not real. How do we answer evangelical Christians about this?

Glad you saw Pope Francis!

FATHER JOE: I would ask her where in the Bible Jesus reverses himself about the indissolubility of marriage? He rescinds the mosaic writ of divorce as not from God but from Moses because of the hardness of their hearts. He immediately associates divorce with adultery. Jesus forgives sins but he also tells those forgiven to avoid such sins in the future. Jesus never says that forgiveness makes living in adultery okay. The reference to “pornea” or “incest” or “unlawful” marriages is the subject matter for Church adjudication. Jesus leaves it to the Church to ascertain what marriages are authentic and which are not. The annulment process preserves the teaching of Christ while showing compassion to hurting people.
Maggie, on September 25, 2015 at 8:02 pm said:

Thank you for clarification about being able to be married after an annulment is granted. However, my priests stated that my “civil husband” and I should use this time, while waiting for annulment, to be good parents and learn to love each other with our ears, by listening and talking. Due to financial reasons we need to live as siblings.

My question is this: my priest said we can hold hands, hug and kiss but no sexual relations at all. Which we haven’t. He only stated this because of his experience, my annulment looks promising. Is it okay if we do these things? I am also mentally preparing myself if there’s that slight chance it doesn’t go through.

FATHER JOE: The internal forum solution has inherent problems… the danger of scandal and human weakness. The fact remains that you remain in the near occasion of sin. You should listen to your pastor who knows you and the situation. However, remember that intimacy is rarely satisfied.
Natalie, on September 24, 2015 at 4:58 pm said:

Is it considered murder according to God to put a dog down? Part of me feels like I would be throwing away a gift from God if I put her down. The other part is sad to see her health and condition decrease.

FATHER JOE: Putting down animals is not regarded as murder.
helenl, on September 24, 2015 at 2:46 am said:

Father Joe, I and several friends prayed for you. Did you get to see Pope Francis?

FATHER JOE: Huffing and puffing, yes I did.
Shannon Denton, on September 23, 2015 at 10:39 pm said:

Please help. Since I was born I’ve had a tumultuous life. Nothing but bad things have happened. Now I am going through a lot my cousin said she was avoiding me because I was possessed by demons, she’s had reoccurring nightmares. She isn’t the first. When I was a run away at 13 a lady I didn’t know took me in and said she dreamt if me being chased by demons. Then ten years later a co worker told me of the same dream. Am I cursed? I’ve had nothing but heartache and tough times. I’m now 42. Please help.

FATHER JOE: I cannot know for sure if there is a negative spiritual agency in your life, but I doubt it is possession where a person forfeits control and another personality takes charge. The Church would also look for supernatural signs like telekinesis, speaking unlearned languages, etc. There might more likely be a subtle spiritual obsession of some type. Of course, instead of looking outside ourselves, we often bring maladies upon ourselves with our bad decisions. Do we say our prayers and go to church? Do we try to live a moral life? Are we more preoccupied with the things of the world than spiritual themes and a life of charity? Do we surround ourselves with people who build us up or only with those who exploit us or tear us down? Do we praise God for the gifts he has given us or only speak his name when making curses? Are we persons in rebellion (against family and God) or those who cherish family unity and healing? See a priest and get your life in order. Peace!
William H. Biza, on September 22, 2015 at 11:56 pm said:

Dear Father Joe: I’m a Bible believing “protestant” (for want of a better word). My question: Has the Roman Catholic Church ever rescinded the anathama by the Council of Trent on Christians like me who believe that salvation is by “grace through faith” in Jesus Christ alone. If not, why not? Surely for the sake of peace, this should be done. Some of my Catholic friends tell me the anathama was nullifed at Vatican II. However, I find no evidence that this is so Perhaps, since Pope Francis is visiting our country, it would be a good time to present this problem to him; and believe me it is a real problem for evangelical believers.

FATHER JOE:

If you want a response, please cite the canon by number. Anathemas or censures might be mitigated but the teachings remain true. Show me where the Church denies saving grace through faith in Christ. Do you mean canon 9? It reads: “If anyone says that the sinner is justified by faith alone, meaning that nothing else is required to cooperate in order to obtain the grace of justification, and that it is not in any way necessary that he be prepared and disposed by the action of his own will, let him be anathema.” Grace and faith are not magic. The graces of Christ come through a lived faith in obedience and charity. We are also given access to them through the instrumentality of the sacraments. The canon further attests that one must be disposed to grace. Like a glass turned upside down, if water were grace the glass would still remain empty. It must be turned right side up in terms of contrition, faith and mercy. Not citing the canon in full, if this is the one, is a form of apologetic deception.

JOINT DECLARATION ON THE DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION by the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church

[14] The Lutheran churches and the Roman Catholic Church have together listened to the good news proclaimed in Holy Scripture. This common listening, together with the theological conversations of recent years, has led to a shared understanding of justification. This encompasses a consensus in the basic truths; the differing explications in particular statements are compatible with it.

[15] In faith we together hold the conviction that justification is the work of the triune God. The Father sent his Son into the world to save sinners. The foundation and presupposition of justification is the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ. Justification thus means that Christ himself is our righteousness, in which we share through the Holy Spirit in accord with the will of the Father. Together we confess: By grace alone, in faith in Christ’s saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping and calling us to good works.
Ana, on September 22, 2015 at 9:20 pm said:

I don’t understand. How are they not the same thing?
Paul Daniel, on September 22, 2015 at 6:24 pm said:

Hey Father! So here is my question. I am Catholic, and my wife isn’t. We are having our second child in November. I want to stay faithful to my faith, so I said I don’t want to practice contraception. She said she won’t practice NFP, and is sure that she wants to get her tubes tied. I can’t/won’t condone it, but she said she is going to do it. Besides pray for her/us, what can I do? Am I sinning?

FATHER JOE: The sin is hers. There is an issue here not only with her desire to be sterilized but with her attitude toward you as her husband. I will pray that your bond can survive it.
Ana, on September 22, 2015 at 6:06 pm said:

Dear Sir,

I feel very stuck. My counselor told me that the only way I’m going to feel better is to forgive the people who abused and/or hurt me. I know what the Church teaches about forgiveness, but I don’t understand it that way at all. I understand forgiveness to mean letting them hurt me forever, let them have their way with me all they like, no consequences. It means I’m worthless. It means what they did is okay, was good, or I must’ve wanted it somehow. My counselor got very angry when I told him this. It scared me, and confused me: why is he angry at the evil that happened, but at the same time tells me to forgive or never heal?

What should I do? If what I understand forgiveness to be is wrong, how can I learn the truth?

Thanks,
-Ana

FATHER JOE: The issue may be how you understand forgiveness. The counselor is probably concerned that as long as you hold the anger and hatred inside, you are unable to move on or to be healed. What is wrong remains wrong. No one had a right to hurt or abuse you. It was not okay or something to be readily dismissed. Those who hurt you will have to face the justice of God, just as many should endure punishment for civil crimes. You should not allow yourself to suffer further victimization.
kimbies, on September 22, 2015 at 6:48 am said:

Hello Father Joe,

I hope this message finds you well.

Father, I am going through an extremely difficult time of severe doubt. I have never before suffered such strong doubt in my faith, and it is worrying me terribly.

I am doing my confirmation next year, and attend weekly classes at my parish. Last week, after a lesson on the different books in the Bible, and comparisons between Jewish scripture and our own, I found myself walking away from the class wondering who decided which books made it into our scripture. I wondered about the gospel of Thomas and other such texts that claim that Jesus was married etc.

I must mention that two weeks ago, I purchased the Diary of St. Faustina. I read a few quotes from the diary, and they gave me such comfort, that I decided to get the whole book. However, from almost the very beginning of the book, I kept having thoughts that she was imagining this. That she couldn’t possibly have seen Jesus, and that her musings are far too intimate, almost as though she were speaking to a lover. I haven’t picked up the book again. Now it pains me to even write down these thoughts that went through my head.

Yesterday, after all the doubts and strange thoughts I’ve been having, I decided to do some research regarding the Jewish scripture and our own. The only thing that I managed to get from this is that Jesus didn’t fulfil the requirements for the Messiah. And this has now made my doubt even worse. I read a whole bunch of Catholic answers to this problem as well, and understand that Jesus will fulfil these with the Second Coming.

However my doubt is now ten times worse. I keep thinking “What if we got it all wrong? What if He wasn’t the messiah?”

I cant tell you how much it pains me to have these thoughts. I feel like a traitor of the worst kind. I feel lost Father. And I don’t know how to get rid of this doubt. I have prayed for God to lead me to the truth. I have read countless opinions on the matter, and none of them bring me any relief (understanding). I know in my heart of hearts that the Jesus who I love is truly the Son of God, but I can’t get rid of this thought that I’m wrong.

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

God bless you

FATHER JOE:

Left unsaid is that someone beyond your religion class is filling your head with foolishness. The Gnostic writings are not canonical Scriptures. Theirs was a mystery religion with occult secrets where matter was derided or condemned. Indeed, variations of the heresy went so far as to deny the humanity of Christ which is the heart of the incarnation and his redemptive mission. Such pernicious attacks upon the witness of genuine Scripture and Sacred Tradition would make the passion and death of Christ into a charade. Catholics and Protestants alike must trust that the bishops of the Church, protected by Christ with the Holy Spirit, both penned the New Testament and collected the approved biblical canon. Your faith is primarily in the CATHOLIC CHURCH as the Mother of the bible and the safe bastion through which the deposit of faith is passed down to us. Your religion is not taught by the scraps discovered from failed communities or by questionable experts who write sensationalist articles and/or make their dubious observations on the Discovery Channel. I recall a special called THE TOMB OF CHRIST that was roundly mocked by other experts. Not only was it not Christ’s tomb, it was unlikely the Mary mentioned was the Magdalene. Neither Protestants not Catholics would claim that Jesus was married. Such is the slur from an over-sexed society that cannot imagine any value to perpetual celibacy. Other rude authorities even interpret homosexual themes. It is all a deceit that shatters faith. Do not become the victim to such idle and poisoned speculation!

The Diary of St. Faustina is counted among private revelation. While nothing is judged as harmful to faith, it is not the same as public revelation. In other words, you are not required to read or believe a word of it. The diary and the devotion are useful to some, but are not necessary for salvation. If it troubles you then put it aside.

The Church is filled with learned men and women. Have you studied the ancient texts? Do you know Latin, Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic and Hebrew? Evidently you did not even know how the biblical canon was confirmed by the Church at Hippo and Carthage. Trust the Church and read books that will feed your faith according to your station. Jesus is Savior, Lord, Christ and Messiah. He fulfills the many demands of Scripture, especially Isaiah’s references to the Suffering Servant. I have attached a listing compiled and posted online by the ministry of Michael Voris (CLICK HERE).

Part of your problem may be that you are focused on the doubts themselves. That for which you should be praying is for a greater trust in the Church established by Jesus, and that any personal hubris might be removed where you would think you know better.
helenl, on September 21, 2015 at 10:18 pm said:

Father Joe, Are you going to have an opportunity to see the Pope?

FATHER JOE: If my back and legs hold up. My concern is the amount of standing and walking. The Mass is outside the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the Catholic University campus, Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 4:15 PM.
Wayne Reasons, on September 19, 2015 at 11:23 pm said:

Hello. I am issued a company car by my employer, & as an employee, I am technically not supposed to use it for anything that is not business-related. However, there have been instances in which I have driven it to a local parish when I needed to go to confession. I have always only done this during a break from work or in the process of going to work, although the parishes are 5-6 miles off of my normal route. Since I was using the company car, which contains company gas, it occurred to me that this could be considered theft. Is this a mortal sin? Thank you, Father

FATHER JOE: Given that it is incidental to the general use, I would suspect that it is no sin at all. If you are worried about it then I would speak about it to management. As long as you get your work done, I would suspect they would think it is no big deal. I have known policemen who in squad cars dropped by churches for Mass or a quick confession. Just like a lunch break, some want to care for their souls. Peace!
Julie Pires, on September 19, 2015 at 4:00 pm said:

I will be attending a Baptism tomorrow (Sunday) at 2:30. I have to check if it’s a full Mass but if so, would that Mass fulfill the Sunday obligation?

FATHER: If the readings and prayers are from the appropriate Sunday then yes, it would fulfill your obligation.
catholicgirl, on September 18, 2015 at 4:13 pm said:

Dear Fr Joe,
I am a single girl almost 40 years of age. I live at home due to health issues and financial constraints related to inability to work.
I value my relationship with God and my Catholic faith and try to grow closer to God and He doesnt fail me. Unfortunately my prayer life and spiritual reading have suffered due to too much time spent on the internet where i find virtual interactions no better than my shaky real life connections with others.
My major problem i believe is loneliness. I feel my life is empty and i feel hopeless and overly anxious to a point of wishing i could just die God forbid by my own hand.
I try challenge myself to try new experiences like i have been advised but the anxiety flares up like on a new learning project i took up recently i may just lose the money i paid for the course when i fail the test due to lack of confidence.
I realise you are not a therapist or psychiatrist but i would as always appreciate your insight and advice.
Thanks and God bless you.

FATHER JOE: I am reminded of the man who buried his master’s talent in the ground instead of investing it. He did so because he was afraid. However, in the end his fear cost him everything. Anxiety is not from God. It swallows up the joy of life. Jesus tells his apostles, “Be not afraid.” Get involved with efforts to help your community. Join church groups and ministries. Develop friendships and good relationships. Bite the bullet… take a chance… live life to its fullest.
Attila Hodi, on September 18, 2015 at 11:08 am said:

Dear Father Joe,

I’m trying to translate a sentence to Latin, but I’m not completely sure about the result. Could you confirm/correct it for me, please?

“The deadline is our muse.”

“Nostra musa est ultimum minutis.”

With regards,

Attila

FATHER JOE: I am not a Latinist. You would be better looking elsewhere. But are you sure that “ultimum minitus” suffices for deadline? I would think that “terminum” might better suffice… but am uncertain. There is a familiar saying among literate newspaper writers: “My muse is named Deadline.”