Ask a Priest

5,442 Responses

Ruth, on August 31, 2016 at 7:35 am said:

Fidelity? Father I did not understand. Pardon me.

FATHER JOE: Priests want one thing of their parishioners… that they be faithful to the Lord and remain in right relationship with God and his Church.
Mike, on August 30, 2016 at 11:35 pm said:

Nothing I’ve said is out of line, nor a discredit to my people.

The person who posted the initial question was arrogant in assuming that Protestant clergy do not receive any theological training nor have any degrees. I do not lie about my past, nor do I lie about anything. My comments (if you read the entire thread) were directed towards the one who asked the question about theological background, Joy.

This is what I was responding to, it had nothing to do with Joe. However he made a great point about heretics being well learned men. proof in point, the Pius XII in the 1950’s who added to the Gospel by stating we must Believe in the false doctrine of the Assumption Mary learn the whole story before you decide to ream someone out without a just cause.

Those who do distant education degrees (online theological education through schools like Liberty) are as qualified as other people who receive degrees from reputable schools online. Am I saying there aren’t some fake institutions out there? No! However the same can be said about other online institutions that offer phoney degrees. Joy was the arrogant one, not me.

FATHER JOE:

You have every right to be proud of your Jewish background. But you are out of line and “arrogant” in spamming this blog with anti-Catholic comments.

You posted the exact same attack on three dates:

(1) August 1, 2016
(2) August 9, 2016
(3) August 11, 2016

Instead of asking questions, you assaulted the faith with the following:

(1) You ridiculed the REAL PRESENCE of the Eucharist and its connection to the extended bread of life discourse in the Gospel of John.

(2) You failed to understand the “Spirit and life…” colloquialism that was directed to the truthfulness of Christ’s statement and not the Eucharistic presence. In other words, the Spirit of God gives faith and understanding while the worldly man will not believe such a mystery.

(3) You failed to understand the distinction between the substantial real sacramental presence and what you categorized as the “physical presence.” You compounded this confusion and ignorance when speaking about low gluten hosts and the inebriating “accidents.

(4) You repudiate infant baptism and baptism by immersion. Indeed, you argue for adult rebaptism. This perspective is your right, but you call Catholicism the “Vatican cult.”

(5) You presume to judge an unnamed nun as now in hell for attempting marriage to a Moslem. While her situation is dire, we leave judgment to God.

(6) You dismiss prayer for the dead and Purgatory. You confuse Purgatory with the limbo of the Fathers or the abode of the righteous dead freed by Christ.

(7) You reject the canon of the Catholic bible although it predates the edited bibles of the Reformation. Indeed, the Gospels cite the Septuagint or larger canon of the Greek Old Testament.

(8) You spurn the Catholic catechism as heretical.

(9) You conclude with a quick attack of a list of Catholic teachings and practices: “Last rites, penance, indulgences, requiem masses, and so forth are vain practices.”

I responded to your comment with correctives. What was your response? To post it again and again.

Catholicism preached the Gospel before there was a written New Testament. It is this historical fact that supports the Church’s view of two fonts or sources of revelation: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. The Church, East and West, had always believed in the Assumption or Dormition of Mary. The early Church experienced this mystery and passed on the narrative. It takes place well after the time covered in the Gospels. Salvation history is neither limited to the Bible nor to past history. We belong to a living Church and salvation history is continuing to be written in terms of our own stories. Revelation ended with the death of the last apostle, John; however, Christ has not abandoned his Church and the Holy Spirit continues to preserve her in the truth. The resurrection was not a one-time event but is a promise extended to those who believe. Mary is proof and a fruit of our Lord’s redemptive work. The grave will not utterly consume us.

You made a claim Mike that you fail to substantiate. What is your name and what is the institution you are attending to learn theology and Scripture? Questions can be anonymous. But when you spam and criticize as you do, then you should have the COURAGE to put your good name and identity on the line. My credibility rests in part upon my honesty as a genuine Catholic priest in good standing. Who are you? What are your credentials? Do you belong to a church and if so what?

While you would deny it, I am confident that the Roman Catholic Church is the house that Jesus built.
Diana, on August 30, 2016 at 9:27 pm said:

Re: Mike and his comments.
Mike, on August 27, 2016 at 11:40 pm said:

“As one who is working on a theology degree in a Protestsnt college, I question why you would assume such things. You’re very arrogant, not to mention ignorant

I came to faith from an orthodox Jewish background, thus I know a few dozen things about being a Pharisee, you Catholics are great examples of Pharisees. Your church teaches things that are heretical, just like liberal Protestant schools teach heresy. ”

Mike – you are the one is arrogant and ignorant. If you really come from an Orthodox Jewish (and who knows if that’s true) your remarks are no credit to your people. You don’t have to agree with everything Father Joe says – I don’t – but you do need to be respectful, especially when posting on HIS blog.

D. Strauss
Peony, on August 30, 2016 at 3:48 pm said:

Hi Father Joe,

Just another quick question – Maybe I’m being judgmental, but why do I feel as though non-denominational Christians act superior to Catholics? I worked in a dental office for a short time and the dentist was a non-denominational Christian who would sometimes attend a Mega-Church. He would go on rants about how Catholics were wrong and evil, even when I spoke up and told him I was Catholic. Needless to say, my employment there didn’t last long.

I’ve also noticed that a lot of non-denominational protestants will act like they know some secret and act very clique-y. It’s very popular now days to be a young person and go to one of the Mega Churches because your friends or the popular people in town go there. I don’t understand the Mega-Church thing, and frankly think it’s wrong. They seem to focus on the agenda of “what can God do for me?” Instead of serving Him. I don’t know how to feel about this, as I feel like I’m being judgmental in thinking they are wrong and perceiving their behavior as thinking they are superior.

Thank you for your time!

FATHER JOE: I am not sure if such is always the case. Many mega-churches around me preach the so-called “prosperity gospel” which often rationalizes the wealth of the ministers while placing the poor under a curse. While they see themselves as bible Christians, this mentality is more Old than New Testament. Indeed, it runs against the grain of the Good News preached by Catholicism. Humility and not self-righteousness makes possible genuine discipleship. Jesus went out to the poor, the hurting, the sinners and the oppressed. As Pope John Paul II cited early in his papacy, the Catholic Church has a preferential option for the poor. Peace!
Ruth, on August 30, 2016 at 3:43 pm said:

What would the priests in a church expect from their parishioners?

FATHER JOE: Fidelity.
Peony, on August 30, 2016 at 3:34 pm said:

Dear Father Joe,

I’ve gone through periods of mild depression most of my life. I usually ‘snap out of it’ in a couple months, but lately I have been feeling sad that the world is progressing in a seemingly downward spiral and there’s nothing I can do about it. I am a person who is full of enthusiasm and wonder of the world around me, but every time I look around, people are abusing the world and themselves. I feel like everyone seems so self centered and extremely inappropriate in public (yelling, facebooking all the time, texting and driving, dressing inappropriately, etc…). I am just puzzled as to why the world seems to be headed in a direction of complete self-absorption and an incredible lack of even looking their fellow human beings in the eye and exchanging a friendly smile.

I feel as though feeling sad about it is my only reaction, because everywhere I look, it’s all around. I also am usually disappointed by others when I try to be friendly but they are rude in return. Could you offer some advice on how to pray about this? I don’t know how to get over my feelings of sadness for the modern world. Thank you!

FATHER JOE: Some are depressed because of issues in body chemistry. Others are depressed because of what they see in the world around them. Numbers are also depressed because they have an anger that turns inward. All these require various responses or intervention. I would suggest not trying to find outside yourself what you can discover from within. Also, pray for the gift of hope. You may not be able to do much to change the world; but, by God’s grace, you can seek both personal transformation and to make a difference around you. You cannot control what others do or do not do. But we have some say about our response. This is part of Christ’s message about the kingdom… loving those who hate you, forgiving those who hurt you, and giving to those who take from you. Okay, we can’t change the whole world; but we may be able to do something to change our little piece of it. Acceptance is crucially important. We do what we can and also we accept God’s will. God bless!
Emmanuel, on August 29, 2016 at 12:12 am said:

Hi Father,
If a priest fails to complete the Sacrifice of the Mass on a Sunday, does that in any way affect a parishioner’s obligation to hear Mass? Let’s say a priest, for medical reasons, uses grape juice in his chalice although he also consecrates altar wine for the congregation. If he did not have permission, or used common juice instead of mustum, he would not have received the Precious Blood. If a parishioner had a reasonable doubt about this, should they go to a different parish for Sunday Mass?

FATHER JOE: Certain forms of mustum (beginning the fermentation process) has been allowed alcoholic priests. Extra cups may be consecrated for the congregation using ordinary altar wine. A priest would not use unapproved juice and I cannot imagine a priest using matter that has not been authorized by his bishop and the universal Church. Unless you have clear evidence to the contrary, you must suppose that everything is okay. What has happened to make you ask such a question? If you are in doubt then ask the priest. If he is doing something wrong then go to another priest or if need be the bishop. But as a general rule, you should trust your priest and be loyal to him and the parish.
Sarah, on August 28, 2016 at 11:12 pm said:

Hello,

With no insult at all intended and curious for an explanation, since I assume you agree with the directives of the USCCB, can you you explain why the following policy is just and sensible? Thank you in advance.

From Madam Noire Newsletter: Abstinence Only Admitted: Bleeding Woman Turned From Catholic Hospital Because of IUD (August 28, 2016) ‐ By Toya Sharee

FATHER JOE: First off, it is unlikely that the woman was unaware that her insurance was part of a Catholic network. Second, I am unsure why the IUD could not be removed because such would probably not conflict with the directives. However, insurance coverage may have excluded anything to do with the abortifacient. The Church is within its rights not to offer contraception, sterilization and abortion. Such conflicts with the law of God. Indeed doctors and nurses involved with the implantation of IUDs or either chemical or surgical miscarriages (abortions) are automatically excommunicated from the Church. Catholic healthcare programs will not pay for either sterilization or the killing of unborn children. This was an element of the battle with Obama Care and the Church’s fight for religious liberty.
aldwin, on August 28, 2016 at 12:35 pm said:

What is conscience??

FATHER JOE:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

[CCC 1778] Conscience is a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed. In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right. It is by the judgment of his conscience that man perceives and recognizes the prescriptions of the divine law…

[CCC 1785] In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord’s Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church.
Tony, on August 28, 2016 at 6:25 am said:

I grew up in the church of Christ. Very conservative. We were taught all other religions were going to hell; and that drinking, dancing and mixed bathing were all sins. I left the church years ago and lately have been attending mass. I have found peace in the Catholic Church and I have made peace with my sexual orientation. I am considering conversion. Would the church accept me as a gay man or would I have to confess and repent? Thanks and God bless you.

FATHER JOE:

The Church wants to be welcoming to people no matter what their orientation or disorientation. The sacrament of Confession is to bring healing and forgiveness to people’s lives. There are many sins that afflict people and among them would be sexual activity outside of marriage (as defined by the Church). Pope Francis has asked that churches accompany people rather than making swift judgments. I cannot say how all parishes would implement such a perspective. We view the Catholic faith as Christ’s great mystery or sacrament through which we encounter Christ. As a Church we pray for those in other churches and even for those with no religion at all. When it comes to what your former church regarded as sin, Catholicism would be less puritan but still urge modesty in dress and behavior, as well as moderation in food and drink. Our Lord always taught a profound respect for persons, particularly those most oppressed, hurting, wounded and poor. The Church takes strong moral stands (and those caught in the cross-hairs may sometimes be pained by this) but she is also a voice for justice, mercy and reconciliation. Whatever decision you make, all this must be weighed in the balance. Tony, I will keep you in prayer. Always remember, that God loves you.
Mike, on August 27, 2016 at 11:40 pm said:

As one who is working on a theology degree in a Protestsnt college, I question why you would assume such things. You’re very arrogant, not to mention ignorant.

FATHER JOE: You spammed this site three times with the same anti-Catholic venom, even after I answered and corrected your allegations. You did not come to this site to ask honest questions of a priest but to undermine Catholic teaching. I suggested that you set up your own blog if such be your agenda. You come here anonymously and now state that you are seeking a degree at a Protestant college, also unnamed. You must be very early in your studies or not very good because you show little signs of such background or learning. I also suspect that many Protestant colleges would also be critical of your efforts here and the spirit that motivates you. Why do I assume this? All one has to do is to look at your earlier post. You label me as both arrogant and ignorant. However, true arrogance would have had me delete your first comment without any acknowledgment. As for ignorance, such may humbly be the case, but my responses here seek to be representative of Catholic teaching not my own pet ideas or theories. Your problem is not so much with me as it is with Catholicism.

There are many great schools of theology out there that people like myself who are called to pastoral ministry go to be trained up for the preaching and teaching of God’s infallible Word.

FATHER JOE: I agree that there are many great schools but there are also many poor students. The Bible is inspired and there is a measure of infallibility, if properly understood or interpreted. What is your legal name? What school are you attending? Are you sponsored by a church or denomination? What year in school are you? My biography is open for all to read. You are a criticizing and proselytizing voice from the dark and hidden cracks. I challenge you to step into the light.

I came to faith from an orthodox Jewish background, thus I know a few dozen things about being a Pharisee, you Catholics are great examples of Pharisees. Your church teaches things that are heretical, just like liberal Protestant schools teach heresy.

FATHER JOE: Your blindness to your own pride and animus in this discussion places you squarely with the Pharisees as well, if you would purely define them as hypocrites. Of course, Jesus sometimes sided with them, as he did on the subject of eternal life against the Sadducees. The Catholic Church is historically the house built by Jesus. The Catholic Church is faithful to the ancient deposit of faith. The heresy is yours, albeit through ignorance more than any genuine learning. Do you even have a church or religion? Are you a religion of one trying to tell Catholics and Protestants their business? Again, you are silent about your background. I have degrees but letters after a man’s name is no guarantee of orthodoxy. I trust the Magisterium of the Catholic Church… the teaching authority instituted by Christ and protected by the Holy Spirit. (It is ironic how you claim to be studying for a degree in a Protestant school and then in the next breath condemn liberal Protestant schools for teaching heresy.)

The Second Vatican Council calls Protestants your brothers and sisters in Yeshua. Just because we don’t believe exactly the same way you do, doesn’t make us second class believers. We all need Holy Spirit and the other members of the Trinity to lead and guide us in our walk of faith.

FATHER JOE:

Before the Reformation there were no Protestant churches. They are our brothers and sisters because when they broke away they took with them various Catholic elements that continue to have value: faith in Jesus Christ, the central mystery of the Trinity (a Catholic term not in the Bible), the Bible (although stripped of a few books), the sacrament of Baptism, etc. Ecumenism is ultimately a call for the reintegration of the Church… in praxis for some (sharing the works of charity and social justice) and in ecclesial terms for others (candidates and churches returning to juridical and doctrinal unity). We dialogue and work with Protestants and others who share our sense of brother and sisterhood in Christ. But this was not the attitude that brought you to my site. You came not to better understand Catholicism or to share what we have in common; no you came to ridicule and destroy.

The fact that I was able to make a coherent and intelligent response to your misstatements and bigotry is what you cannot stand. That is why you are trying to play a different tune now… although you accuse liberal Protestants and Catholics of being heretics. I will return bluntness for bluntness… the heresy is yours.
Dom, on August 27, 2016 at 11:31 pm said:

I recall a family member of mine working closely with a priest. There were may papers with initials and crosses and a place to name an individual – Said to be holy protection. I never heard of this from the church. Could you elaborate?

FATHER JOE: I have no idea what this is about. We can ask for divine protection in prayer, but there is no paperwork involved.

Wicca and pagans have spells to help get things in this world – this really draws the youngsters. Catholics to my knowledge only have prayer, or do they – this kind of goes with the above I know we are to look forward to the after life but what of this life.

FATHER JOE: Catholics have prayer and the sacraments. But there is no occult magic.
Joy, on August 27, 2016 at 9:20 pm said:

Catholics know that a priest attends seminary for many years and has at least one degree and possibly more in “spiritual” areas. What can we say to non-Catholics who have pastors or even family members that claim to be pastors and have never attended any kind of theology school or have any degree of any kind, including those who get a “pastoral certificate” online? It worries me that these people conduct “services” at their homes and or churches and are called pastors and looked at as the leaders of their “churches”.

FATHER JOE: I am not sure there is much that can be said. We can pray that the Holy Spirit will draw them ever deeper into the truths of Christian faith. We can love them and acknowledge a common love in Jesus. Degrees are no guarantee of orthodoxy… the great heretics were learned men. Peace!
patrick, on August 27, 2016 at 3:00 pm said:

I tell friends that the love we receive from our pets will be present when we see God face to face. We will say “it was you God all along”. I then caution them that it’s just my opinion but don’t worry. God will surprise us with better than we can imagine.
Daniel Lindberg, on August 27, 2016 at 12:01 pm said:

So holy water is water that you guys have blessed right? So what would happen if a priest went to the ocean and blessed it, would the whole ocean become holy water or do you have like a blessing range or would the amount be a problem? Really confused about the whole situation.

Thank you in advance and sorry if my English is a bit off its not my native language.

FATHER JOE:

The blessing of sacramental objects, including water, is not like superstitious magic. The blessing is a type of prayer. It beseeches God to make use of the sacramental so that we might grow in grace and holiness. The priest can bless various sized containers of water, from small bottles to baptismal fonts.

The difficulty with outrageously large bodies of water is the issue of overall usage. That which is blessed must be reserved to religious or sacramental use. This works for church containers of holy water, bottles, etc. However, a priest would not have the authority to restrict the use of a lake or ocean for spiritual purposes. They are used for recreation, commerce, the military, etc.

Having said this, priests and bishops do have prayers and blessings for fleets of ships and for the safety of travelers on the sea. But this is different than the blessing of holy water to be used exclusively to remind us of our baptismal promises, to sanctify places and things, and for the sacraments.
Melissa, on August 26, 2016 at 7:43 pm said:

Do dogs go to heaven? my dog luna was killed by another dog at the dog park.

FATHER JOE:

Some say yes and others say no. I used to think not but I have known a few dogs that were nicer than people. I also get a lot of complaints when I say no. I was taught that only human beings have immortal souls and that animals like dogs only possess substantial forms. These forms would continue to exist in the divine mind as paradigms of “dogness” or “catness” or whatever. But God can do as he pleases. If there is to be a new heaven and a new earth, then God could even restore animal friends who were dear to us. But will he? Personally, I cannot say. One would think that every desire and happiness would be satisfied with the acquisition of the beatific vision.

If you want another priest’s view, you can read the article, “Do Our Pets Go To Heaven?” by Friar Jack Wintz, O.F.M.

Condolences on your loss…
Basil, on August 23, 2016 at 10:54 am said:

I was once a Catholic, but I left because I was bullied and mistreated by a group of Evangelical Christians when I was at college. I do not understand how these Bible believers can go manipulate me, lie about me and to me, and even make false reports about me to other people and yet the Lord turns a blind eye to my misery when I prayed for help and justice. Because I was a Catholic and did not conform to their idea of “Christianity”, I was beaten around and ridiculed.

I am not the only person who left the faith because of arrogant self-righteous men who harm others and scare people away from the faith. My questions for you are:

1. Who’s in the wrong? The people who left the faith because they were bullied out of it and couldn’t keep any forbearance… Or these Bible Christians who go off persecuting anyone who doesn’t believe in the same ideologies as they do.
2. Why go back to Christianity if the Lord and all those in Heaven can say “Oh look, they’re being bullied and they send their tears up, let’s ignore them.” It’s just sickening that the Lord would allow some followers of Christ to go bullying others in His name. That’s pretty blasphemous.

Thank you,

Basil

FATHER JOE:

First, I would offer a brief background. While we would disagree with Evangelicals and others on important points of doctrine, there should be mutual appreciation of our faith and love in Jesus. There should also be a respect to persons. Catholics root their faith in salvation history and within the complimentarity of truth: Science, Philosophy and Theology. While there are divine mysteries, we do not see a conflict between faith and reason. Catholics also pursue outreach but it should always give room to freedom of conscience. Ecumenism is a dialogue for purposes of bringing greater unity and cooperation. Converts might be made but they should not be forced. We would not actively proselytize like some of the anti-Catholic groups do.

Second, it is true that many of our young people are targeted in college. That is why many parishes support FOCUS “Catholic” missionaries on various campuses. We are stronger when we stand together. We pray that our youth will know and live their faith. We ask that God will give them courage and strength. The challenges come from fundamentalist non-Catholic apologists and from secular non-believers, often hedonists, who exploit the appeal of sexuality.

Third, let me turn to your questions:

(1) “Who’s in the wrong?” Given what you describe, both were in the wrong. Ridicule and intimidation was not a tactic that anyone should employ in transmitting their ideas or faith. However, the whole testimony and witness of the early martyrs in the Catholic Church was that they would not abandon Christ or his Church, even after torture and the cost of their lives. Ponder the courage of the Christian men in the Middle East who had their heads cut off by the ISIS butchers… all because they would not deny their faith.

But the past is past. While there is life there is time for you to return to the Catholic Church… the safe harbor of faith. We should not allow evil men to steal our priceless gift of Catholic faith.

(2) Why go back to Christianity, i.e. Catholicism? Not everyone who says that he is a Christian lives like one. We live in a broken world and the final healing will not come until the final consummation. The irony is that the witness of believers under adversity is itself made possible by God’s grace. He can give us strength, courage and hope… even as we face the prospect of death. It may be that you missed something of the meaning of the passion and death of Christ. Look at the Cross. Many had abandoned and betrayed Jesus. He was tempted to walk away from his mission and this cup. But he was faithful to the Father even unto the Cross of Calvary. He forgave those who had sinned against him. He would grant us all a share in his life.

But notice what he commands of us, “Take up your cross and follow me.” The path to eternal life is through the Cross, not around it. The values of his kingdom are not those of this world. Love those who hate you. Forgive those who hurt you. Give to those who would take from you. It is all pretty tough stuff.

Take care. God bless you Basil.
Francis T., on August 23, 2016 at 2:18 am said:

Hello Father,

I have a question morality of nuclear deterrence: During the Cold War, Nuclear Deterrence was regarded as not gravely immoral if not morally acceptable by the Catholic Church, yet since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Church now seems to oppose the concept of deterrence. I understand that consequentialism is diametrically opposed to the principles of Catholicism, but if deterrence was acceptable to prevent war with the Soviets, could it not be viewed as necessary or acceptable to dissuade conventional war in the future?

Thank you so very much for your guidance in advance.

FATHER JOE:

I really do not know the answer. I suspect the Church would like to see nuclear weapons banned with chemical weapons and other technologies that are indiscriminate in their killing… combatants and non-combatants alike. But would it make for a safer world? Even small nations now have these weapons. As much as we hated the posturing and bluffs that came with deterrence, there was always the prospect of REAL mutual nuclear destruction. If there is another terrorist attack like 9-11, would a President Trump erase Iran or North Korea off the map with an atomic holocaust? I cannot say. The so-called prophecies of Malachi speak of the last pope and the hills of Rome melting. It is the stuff of nightmares.

We take pride in our conventional forces, but in truth, we no longer trust them. The threat that we might use nuclear weapons has not stopped military intervention around the world. If our forces should one day be massively overrun or a small nuke should be employed against one of our cities… can there be any doubt of the response? Pragmatically, nuclear deterrence worked, but will it keep on working?

That which was tolerated temporarily as during a interim period has become institutionalized and seemingly permanent. This is probably a mistake. But American churchmen have little voice in American politics or nuclear strategy these days. Policy is shifting. Retaliatory weapons are now being fashioned as first-strike weapons. Part of the Bush doctrine was the notion of preemptive attack (get them before they get us). That could make us the aggressor.
Marc, on August 22, 2016 at 3:27 pm said:

Dear Father,

My wife and I have been married for ten years. Our marriage was blessed Catholic. Many issues arose causing resentment, frustrations, and negative behaviors. I am continuing to get on the right track, a marriage counselor, counseling for myself as I have many mental issues. I am not sure if this marriage will end in divorce. I am not looking for a quick out. I want to talk to a priest about my past, my marriage, and where do I stand in life, and my spiritual health. I do not know where to start to talk to my parish priest. Any guidance will be appreciated.

FATHER JOE: Marc, it really does just come down to giving the priest a call and making an appointment. Let him know that there is a counselor and that you struggle with certain mental challenges. He will urge you as a couple to sustain your marriage, to pray and to continue in working things out.
Natalie, on August 22, 2016 at 1:34 pm said:

Thank you so much for your response! You’ve been so very kind to answer my questions. It makes me so upset to think that according to the Catholic Church, because I was bound at baptism and confirmation (at which point I still was blindly following my faith and never even picked up a bible!🙈), I am condemned to Hell. But you have thoroughly answered all of my questions and I am beyond appreciative of your honesty and truthfulness. Thank you again for your prayers; I will be praying for you as well! God bless.

FATHER JOE:

Again, the Church would leave ultimate judgment to Christ. In the eyes of Catholicism, your situation would seem precarious but not hopeless. That is why I would pray that the Lord would look kindly upon you in his divine mercy.

I am sorry that you came late to the Bible as the reading of Scripture is part of our parish catechesis. Indeed, ordinary Sunday Masses include readings from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the Epistles or Acts and the Gospels. Catholic truths often emerge from the living Tradition of the Church (2,000 years) and from the living Word (the Bible). I regularly give away bibles from the rectory door and encourage people to read and pray over what they find in it.

The study of Scripture is a daily preoccupation of mine and it has confirmed and strengthened my Catholic faith. There is no immediate or necessary connection between bible reading and leaving the Catholic Church. What usually happens is that a non-Catholic bible study or minister gives certain false interpretations (either to biblical teaching or to what the Catholic Church teaches). The catalyst for an exodus is more so than not, fellowship and welcoming from people who have strong personal relationships with Jesus. However, an intense love for Jesus is no guarantee of doctrinal fidelity. I would argue that we have to trust the Church that gave us the Bible in the fourth century (the Catholic Church) and that is given a teaching authority (Magisterium) to insure orthodoxy in faith. Outside of this protection, errors are made and the fracturing of Christianity continues.

You are going to do what you are going to do. However, I would urge you not to lock the barn door of Catholicism forever behind you. Brush off any prejudice against Catholicism and include Catholic books in your library of faith. Look at the arguments seriously and prayerfully.

I wish you every happiness. And again, whatever you do, I will keep you in prayer.

A FEW RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR YOUR HOME LIBRARY

01. A Catholic Bible (for comparison)

02. Catechism of the Catholic Church

03. United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

04. Compendium : Catechism of the Catholic Church

05. Reasons to Believe

06. Rome Sweet Home

07. Catholicism and Fundamentalism

08. Surprised by Truth

09. What Catholics Really Believe

10. Where is That in the Bible?

11. The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition

12. Christian Prayer
Natalie, on August 21, 2016 at 7:39 pm said:

Thank you for your response! I apologize for not being clear enough in my previous email. My fiancé and I were practicing Catholics until about a year and half ago when we decided to learn more about our faith and study to show ourselves approved to Almighty God. We have received the sacraments of penance, Eucharist and confirmation before our conversion. We recently got baptized in our new church as well and are fully engaged believers and attend church every Sunday. So in order for our marriage to be valid in the eyes of the Catholic Church, we would have to formally disconnect ourselves from the church?

FATHER JOE:

My response was in regard to Catholics who had no formal catechesis in the faith. I suppose a formal renunciation of the Catholic faith in writing might suffice, but many priests and bishops would not assist you with such a declaration. It is of rather modern invention and I am not so sure I like the canonical recourse, myself. Why is this?

A Catholic who separates himself from the Church after knowing and living the faith jeopardizes his soul. The Fourth Lateran Council (1215) teaches an important doctrine: “There is but one universal Church of the faithful, outside which no one at all is saved.” Protestants who have never been Catholics and others who never possessed the fullness of truth might be edified by Christian denominations outside of Catholicism. There are also elements of Catholicism, like Trinitarian baptism, which creates a link with the Catholic Church, even if tenuous. The Catholic Church also prays for our “separated” brethren. But fully initiated Catholics are held to a higher standard.

You made your baptism your own with the promises of Confirmation. Thus, you are held bound. God is your judge, not men. But Catholics should be cautious of scandal… both in terms of their own sins and in approving or participating in the sins of others. Any second baptism is viewed by Catholicism as void of spiritual meaning and as a rebuke to the sacraments of initiation received in the Catholic Church. It constitutes a blasphemy of the Holy Spirit that gives efficacy to the sacraments.

It is my hope that you gave Catholicism a fair hearing and did not rely upon any straw-man negative evaluation by non-Catholic (or anti-Catholic) teachers. I wish you well but I cannot give either my approval or any genuine way to persuade Catholic friends and family to participate. They might do so out of a desire to maintain family harmony and because they love you. About this I would not judge them. However, priest-friends (if you have any) would be forbidden to attend and you need to be tolerant of Catholics who care about the two of you but cannot in conscience be involved with what we would regard as sinful and a scandal.

I am sorry but there is no way to make this right. You broke your promises to the Catholic Church and more importantly, to God.

Bishop: Do you renounce Satan and all his works and all his empty show? Response: I do.

Bishop: Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? Response: I do.

Bishop: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father? Response: I do.

Bishop: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came upon the apostles at Pentecost and today is given to you sacramentally in Confirmation? Response: I do.

Bishop: Do you believe in the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? Response: I do.

Bishop: This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord. Response: Amen.

You might have been young, but you were informed and free. I will pray that the (I do) promises you make to each other will be touched by God’s infinite mercy. I know this is not the answer you wanted to hear. Sorry about that… but it is my honest answer.

I will be praying for you.
Gregory Smith, on August 21, 2016 at 6:11 pm said:

I commented the other day about worries, I was baptized as a baby and prayed every night for years and years but I fear that God won’t forgive me for asking the devil for help I have prayed for forgiveness and started to do good.

FATHER JOE: Asking for divine mercy is a good start. I would urge you to join a RCIA class in a Catholic parish. They begin in the Fall. Study about God and faith. It can change your life for the better. God bless!
Natalie, on August 21, 2016 at 2:23 pm said:

Hello ! My name is Natalie and I have a question concerning marriage. My fiancé and I both were baptized as babies in the Catholic Church. We both know that God has revealed Himself to us outside of the Catholic Church, which therefore titles us now as “Protestant.” Many people in our families are telling us that our marriage is not valid in the eyes of God because we are having our ceremony in our nondenominational church, therefore claiming that when we do consummate our marriage, it will be considered as sexual immorality and cohabitation. Is this true? If so, it will be very difficult for us to accept the fact that we, as Christians waiting to be intimate until we are married and followers of Jesus and His infallible Word, will be looked down upon; and the rest of our cousins and other family members, who are just Catholic in title, living together, having sexual relations, will be praised when they get married in the Catholic Church. Do you see where I’m having issues with this situation? Thank you for your time and God bless!

FATHER JOE:

Dear Natalie,

There are a few things left unsaid. I take it that while baptized as babies, neither of you were raised in the Catholic faith, nor received the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation. Is this right? You should have come “to know” and to love God as Catholics, but your faith evidently emerged and grew in other faith communities.

After the reformation break, Protestant churches retained many salutary Catholic elements. While there is an act of reception, that is why we do not re-baptize those who come to us from other Christian confessions.

It is only in Catholicism where all the elements directed to our salvation subsist. When it comes to our stance before God, a clear conscience matters and ignorance can mitigate fault. I suspect that such is often the case with uncatechized Catholics. The culpability often rests upon parents and godparents that broke their promises and failed to fulfill their duty. Given this background, what can be said in response to your question?

(1) It is true that if you were baptized as Catholics then you are technically still under the laws of the Catholic Church.

(2) One of these laws or precepts is that Catholics must celebrate their marriages before a Catholic priest and (at least) two witnesses in the rite prescribed by the Church.

(3) Once you are baptized as Catholics, you can never be baptized again. We become Christians and members of the Catholic Church. However, your question would be, is there a way in which people who have not been raised in the Church or who have defected to Protestant churches might engage in a valid marriage?

Canon 1117 in the Code of Canon Law stipulates that the canonical form for marriage must be observed by baptized Catholics unless they have “left the Church by a formal act of defection.”

Formal registration, initiation, support, and participation in the religious services and ministry of a Protestant church (including so-called nondenominational ones) might constitute such a defection. I hear that some actually sign documents to substantiate such defections and present them to their bishops or pastors. Making a long story short, if you genuinely make a formal act of defection then your marriage would likely be recognized as valid before God and as binding before the Catholic Church (at least in terms of Tribunals). But this business also seems a bit silly or odd… seeking permission for marriage from a Church to which neither of you places any faith and in which there is no acknowledgement of authority.

Do you have a church with which you have long-standing commitment and history? Are you fully engaged as believers? If not, then I would suggest giving the Catholic Church another look. She is the Mother of the Bible, having assembled the books and preached the Gospel when there was only an oral testimony. The Holy Spirit protects the Church and inspires God’s Word. It is that divine authorship that makes it infallible. These truths are ingrained in the Catholic Church’s understanding of herself and the sources of revelation. Catholics were the first Christians. Marriage is raised to the level of a sacrament, a mysterious covenant that reveals something of Christ’s love and union with his bride, the Church.

I hope you work out matters. I will pray for your happiness and holiness as a couple and family.

P.S. Couples that have sex outside of marriage and pretend to be married (cohabitation) might eventually get married in the Catholic Church. However, such will require repentance and renewed faith. The Church places a great emphasis upon contrite hearts and the forgiveness of sins. You are right, Catholics who live immoral lives are hypocrites to judge the two of you. They should be ashamed of their poor witness. Remaining chaste until marriage means that the two of you will give a great gift to each other. You will not be haunted by the faces and memories of past sins. If such is your fidelity and discipline, then I suspect that God will continue to walk with you and bless you.
Gregory Smith, on August 21, 2016 at 12:31 am said:

Last year I prayed every night after I have been suffering with severe ocd and weird thoughts, I hadent been a Christian for long only a thew years but after falling into depression I asked the devil for help in some way I didn’t do any satanic ritual or anything too deep but I did ask the devil for help in some kind of way this was about a year ago so I can not remember exactly what I did I have been wanting to turn Christian again but will I be forgiven by the lord for asking the devil for help? I feel terrible because I do not know wether God will forgive me but I want to be a better person and worship the lord again, thank you

FATHER JOE: Are you baptized? Once a person is a true Christian, it cannot be turned off. You may be a good or a bad Christian, but the mark given in baptism is permanent. Ask God for mercy. If you are Catholic then go to Confession. God delights in forgiving and healing his children.
Ann, on August 20, 2016 at 5:29 pm said:

I was very young when I got married. I told the priest and my husband to be during one of the meetings that I didn’t want to get married. I was basically told I didn’t know what I was talking about and everything would be fine. Forward 12 years and everything is not fine. My husband flat out lied about wanting children and promoted having things fixed so that was no longer possible. He has tried to exhaust me by getting me a dog so I wouldn’t want more children. He has lied about loving me. Those things just touch the surface of it. Do these things qualify for an annulment?

FATHER JOE: They would be elements of an annulment case… given that they be true and can be substantiated.