Thousands ask Postal Service for 10 Commandments stamp
Washington DC, May 30, 2007 / 11:48 am (CNA).- At a news conference today at the National Press Club, a coalition of groups headed by the Washington, DC based Faith and Action will publicly ask Postmaster General John Potter to issue an official Ten Commandments U.S. Postage Stamp.
Representatives of Faith and Action, the Christian Defense Coalition and others will unveil tens of thousands of petitions signed by citizens in all 50 states and several territories asking for the stamp, said the Christian Newswire.
U.S. Postal Service regulations do not require petitions or any number of requests before issuing a stamp. One citizen may request a particular stamp theme, but it must meet certain guidelines in its design and content.
Faith and Action was previously denied its request for a Ten Commandments stamp after the advisory commission responsible for evaluating stamp proposals deemed its content "religious." Yet, shortly after the denial, the Postal Service issued two stamps honoring Islamic religious feasts.
Rev. Rob Schenck, president of Faith and Action and chairman of the committee on church and society for the Evangelical Church Alliance said:
"A Ten Commandments postage stamp is long over due. We have Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and even Star Wars stamps. The Ten Commandments are the most universal and enduring of all ancient law codes. Jews, Christians and Muslims all revere the Ten Commandments and virtually all religions acknowledge them as good for people to follow. The Ten Commandments also factor large in the history of our country and its culture."
Large posters of an artist's rendering of a possible Ten Commandments stamp will be displayed at today's news conference along with 30 boxes of petitions.
Eucharist Prayer
Eucharist Prayer
Question from on 05-30-2007:
Our pastor told me that it takes the whole Eucharistic Prayer and the FAITH of the people to make Jesus present on the altar. That the words "This is My Body and "This is My Blood" are thinking in a box. I asked at what point is Jesus truly present and he said that it was a matter of faith. He adds and subtracts words from all the Eucharistic prayers all the time. This same priest has, at times, omitted the words "This is My Body" from the Mass. He says all the words up to that point (his rendition at least) and then he pauses and says nothing. He goes on to consecrate the wine. He never holds the host but does lift up the glass bowl. He does bow after the consecration of the wine. I am confused. If he omits the words "This is My Body" is Jesus present? Is He just present as Precious Blood only? I thought the words and matter are what is necessary. Also, an extraordinary Eucharistic minister told me that if he took a unconsecrated host to a sick person and they did not know it and thought it was Jesus; then they would receive Jesus. Is this true? Thanks for your help.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-30-2007:
What nonsense. He clearly does not understand the Roman liturgy.
The words of consecration are the "form" of the Eucharist. Without the "form," then the consecraction is invalid.
The proper term for a lay person bringing Holy Communion is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. If such a person took an unconsecrated host to a sick person, the sick person would only be receiving bread, regardless of the opinion of the sick person.
These things are too serious for such a flippant attitude.
Question from on 05-30-2007:
Our pastor told me that it takes the whole Eucharistic Prayer and the FAITH of the people to make Jesus present on the altar. That the words "This is My Body and "This is My Blood" are thinking in a box. I asked at what point is Jesus truly present and he said that it was a matter of faith. He adds and subtracts words from all the Eucharistic prayers all the time. This same priest has, at times, omitted the words "This is My Body" from the Mass. He says all the words up to that point (his rendition at least) and then he pauses and says nothing. He goes on to consecrate the wine. He never holds the host but does lift up the glass bowl. He does bow after the consecration of the wine. I am confused. If he omits the words "This is My Body" is Jesus present? Is He just present as Precious Blood only? I thought the words and matter are what is necessary. Also, an extraordinary Eucharistic minister told me that if he took a unconsecrated host to a sick person and they did not know it and thought it was Jesus; then they would receive Jesus. Is this true? Thanks for your help.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-30-2007:
What nonsense. He clearly does not understand the Roman liturgy.
The words of consecration are the "form" of the Eucharist. Without the "form," then the consecraction is invalid.
The proper term for a lay person bringing Holy Communion is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. If such a person took an unconsecrated host to a sick person, the sick person would only be receiving bread, regardless of the opinion of the sick person.
These things are too serious for such a flippant attitude.
Bible study
Bible study
Question from on 05-20-2007:
Dear Doctor Geraghty, I know all the things the Catholic church teaches are not in the bible. I was raised in the catholic church. How does one know it is true if it is not in the bible? I know the church teaches that God has revealed some truths to the church. Where can we find those truths? Who did God reveal them to? How does one know for sure that they are true?
The church has changed some over time. Taking communion only in mouth was the norm for a long time. No one could touch the host except the priest. Now all can touch it. Did God change that or did men? What I mean is; did God reveal that to men to change to taking the host in mouth or hand?
Theer are some things the church has never wavered on, abortion for one. That is a good thing.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 05-30-2007:
Dear Jim,
You have a good question. There are things in the Church which change and things which do not change. But there is so much confusion in the Church today where religious educators, both clerical, religious and lay people say different things. Get yourself the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Listen to what the Pope actually says, not to what many commentators say he says. Stick with people who profess straightforward loyalty to the Pope without all kinds of qualification and reservations. Eventually, you will be able to pick out the religious leader to follow and the ones to avoid. I know that this answer does not deal with the specifics of your question but the real question is not about communion in the hand or on the tongue, not about the old mass and the new mass, not about fish on Friday or not. It is about where to look when you have a question. I would say that you should look to EWTN and take what it says for hard cash. If you are not yet that sure about it, then look to what the Church says in the catechism. That you can take for a billion dollars. Remember the act of faith, which says that the Catholic believes in all the teachings of the Church BECAUSE God revealed them. When we believe that, we are home free. It is then just a matter of learning what the Church teaches. So get yourself a catechism. One has to be a very smart and informed sheep these days because the wolves are out there eating up the careless and dumb ones.
Dr. Geraghty
Question from on 05-20-2007:
Dear Doctor Geraghty, I know all the things the Catholic church teaches are not in the bible. I was raised in the catholic church. How does one know it is true if it is not in the bible? I know the church teaches that God has revealed some truths to the church. Where can we find those truths? Who did God reveal them to? How does one know for sure that they are true?
The church has changed some over time. Taking communion only in mouth was the norm for a long time. No one could touch the host except the priest. Now all can touch it. Did God change that or did men? What I mean is; did God reveal that to men to change to taking the host in mouth or hand?
Theer are some things the church has never wavered on, abortion for one. That is a good thing.
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 05-30-2007:
Dear Jim,
You have a good question. There are things in the Church which change and things which do not change. But there is so much confusion in the Church today where religious educators, both clerical, religious and lay people say different things. Get yourself the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Listen to what the Pope actually says, not to what many commentators say he says. Stick with people who profess straightforward loyalty to the Pope without all kinds of qualification and reservations. Eventually, you will be able to pick out the religious leader to follow and the ones to avoid. I know that this answer does not deal with the specifics of your question but the real question is not about communion in the hand or on the tongue, not about the old mass and the new mass, not about fish on Friday or not. It is about where to look when you have a question. I would say that you should look to EWTN and take what it says for hard cash. If you are not yet that sure about it, then look to what the Church says in the catechism. That you can take for a billion dollars. Remember the act of faith, which says that the Catholic believes in all the teachings of the Church BECAUSE God revealed them. When we believe that, we are home free. It is then just a matter of learning what the Church teaches. So get yourself a catechism. One has to be a very smart and informed sheep these days because the wolves are out there eating up the careless and dumb ones.
Dr. Geraghty
Holy See announces diplomatic ties with United Arab Emirates
Holy See announces diplomatic ties with United Arab Emirates
Relations between UAE and the Holy See affirmed
Vatican City, May 31, 2007 / 09:37 am (CNA).- The Holy See and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the establishment of diplomatic relations today. The creation of a relationship at the ambassadorial level is a boost to the Christian population of the UAE, which numbers around one million people.
The new diplomatic arrangement was arranged because of a desire to promote “bonds of mutual friendship and of strengthening international cooperation,” according to a Vatican communiqué.
A note attached to the communiqué recalls that the United Arab Emirates is located along the central-eastern coast of the Arab peninsula, and has Abu Dhabi as its capital city. It has a surface area of 83,600 square kilometers and a population of more than four million including a large percentage (more than 70 percent) of foreign workers, mostly from other Middle Eastern countries, Pakistan, India, Philippines and Bangladesh. The official language is Arabic.
The majority of UAE citizens are Muslim, which is the official religion of State. "The constitution," of the UAE, "affirms the principle of religious freedom and that Christians are able to perform their public religious activities in churches and parish centers."
Out of the more than four million citizens, "there are more than a million Christians, mostly Catholics, of more than a hundred nationalities who contribute to the social wellbeing of the nation.” The communiqué notes that, “Various religious congregations offer educational services in seven schools,” and that there “are seven churches in the country where Mass is celebrated in various languages and rites.”
Fundamental to the establishment of the relationship between the two states, is the expectation that the authorities (of the UAE), “maintain cordial relations with the Catholic Church and will approve the building of new centers of worship.”
Relations between UAE and the Holy See affirmed
Vatican City, May 31, 2007 / 09:37 am (CNA).- The Holy See and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the establishment of diplomatic relations today. The creation of a relationship at the ambassadorial level is a boost to the Christian population of the UAE, which numbers around one million people.
The new diplomatic arrangement was arranged because of a desire to promote “bonds of mutual friendship and of strengthening international cooperation,” according to a Vatican communiqué.
A note attached to the communiqué recalls that the United Arab Emirates is located along the central-eastern coast of the Arab peninsula, and has Abu Dhabi as its capital city. It has a surface area of 83,600 square kilometers and a population of more than four million including a large percentage (more than 70 percent) of foreign workers, mostly from other Middle Eastern countries, Pakistan, India, Philippines and Bangladesh. The official language is Arabic.
The majority of UAE citizens are Muslim, which is the official religion of State. "The constitution," of the UAE, "affirms the principle of religious freedom and that Christians are able to perform their public religious activities in churches and parish centers."
Out of the more than four million citizens, "there are more than a million Christians, mostly Catholics, of more than a hundred nationalities who contribute to the social wellbeing of the nation.” The communiqué notes that, “Various religious congregations offer educational services in seven schools,” and that there “are seven churches in the country where Mass is celebrated in various languages and rites.”
Fundamental to the establishment of the relationship between the two states, is the expectation that the authorities (of the UAE), “maintain cordial relations with the Catholic Church and will approve the building of new centers of worship.”
TERTULLIAN: CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE WITH CULTURE OF HIS TIME
VATICAN CITY, MAY 30, 2007 (VIS) - In his general audience today Benedict XVI resumed his series of catecheses on leading figures of the early Church, turning his attention to Tertullian, the first great Christian author to write in Latin who was born in Carthage around the year 150. The audience was held in St. Peter's Square in the presence of 32,000 faithful.
The work of this North African writer, said the Pope, "yielded vital fruits that it would be inexcusable to undervalue." His influence extended "from language and the recovery of classical culture to the identification of a shared 'Christian soul' in the world and the formulation of new prospects for human coexistence."
Tertullian "converted to Christianity attracted, it seems, by the example of the martyrs. ... However, an overly individual search for the truth as well as the intemperance of his character gradually led him to abandon communion with the Church."
In his apologetic writings Tertullian set himself two objectives: "confuting the terrible accusations made by pagans against the new religion and, in a more constructive and missionary sense, communicating the Gospel message in dialogue with the culture of his time."
Tertullian also "made a significant contribution to the development of Trinitarian dogma," said the Pope. "Using Latin he gave us a language appropriate for expressing this great mystery, introducing the terms 'one substance' and 'three Persons'."
"No less important," the Pope added, "is Tertullian's Christology," as well as his writings "on the Holy Spirit, ... on the Church (which he always recognizes as mother), ... on the moral conduct of Christians and on the life to come, ... on Mary, ... on the Sacraments, ... on the Petrine primacy and on prayer."
Pope Benedict went on: "In particular this apologist exhorted Christians to hope, which according to his writings is not just a virtue in itself but something that invests every aspect of Christian life. Thus the resurrection of the Lord is presented as the foundation for our own future resurrection and represents the principal object of Christians' expectations."
Benedict XVI then went on to consider the "drama" of Tertullian's life. "With the passing of the years he became ever more demanding towards Christians expecting them to behave heroically in all circumstances and especially during persecution."
Commenting on the writer's eventual break with the Church, the Pope said: "I often think of this great moral and intellectual figure, this man who made such a great contribution to Christian thought. It is clear that in the end he lacked the simplicity and humility to be part of the Church, to accept her weaknesses. When one sees only one's own ideas, in all their greatness, in the end it is precisely this greatness that is lost. The essential characteristic of great theologians is the humility to remain with the Church, to accept her weaknesses and their own, because only God is truly holy. We, on the other hand, always have need of forgiveness."
Nonetheless Tertullian "remains an interesting witness of the early Church, when Christians found themselves as the real protagonists of 'new culture' in the encounter between classical heritage and the evangelical message." His work "evokes the perennial continuity between authentic human values and Christian values." Another important affirmation of Tertullian is that "Christians cannot hate even their own enemies" from which arises the "ineluctable moral consequence" that non violence is "a rule of life. And the dramatic pertinence of this teaching," the Pope concluded, "is also evident in the light of the animated debate over religions."
At the end of the audience, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims from Spain, Mexico and Chile, particularly the Association of Knights and Dames of Our Lady of Guadalupe, accompanied by Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, archbishop of Toledo, and faithful and bishops from dioceses in the Spanish region of Extremadura, who have come to Rome to mark the first centenary of the declaration of Our Lady of Guadalupe as patroness of Extremadura.
"May the image of the Most Holy Virgin that you bring to Rome today," said Benedict XVI, "continue to accompany your jubilee celebrations and bless all of that Spanish region which had such an active role in the evangelization of America."
The work of this North African writer, said the Pope, "yielded vital fruits that it would be inexcusable to undervalue." His influence extended "from language and the recovery of classical culture to the identification of a shared 'Christian soul' in the world and the formulation of new prospects for human coexistence."
Tertullian "converted to Christianity attracted, it seems, by the example of the martyrs. ... However, an overly individual search for the truth as well as the intemperance of his character gradually led him to abandon communion with the Church."
In his apologetic writings Tertullian set himself two objectives: "confuting the terrible accusations made by pagans against the new religion and, in a more constructive and missionary sense, communicating the Gospel message in dialogue with the culture of his time."
Tertullian also "made a significant contribution to the development of Trinitarian dogma," said the Pope. "Using Latin he gave us a language appropriate for expressing this great mystery, introducing the terms 'one substance' and 'three Persons'."
"No less important," the Pope added, "is Tertullian's Christology," as well as his writings "on the Holy Spirit, ... on the Church (which he always recognizes as mother), ... on the moral conduct of Christians and on the life to come, ... on Mary, ... on the Sacraments, ... on the Petrine primacy and on prayer."
Pope Benedict went on: "In particular this apologist exhorted Christians to hope, which according to his writings is not just a virtue in itself but something that invests every aspect of Christian life. Thus the resurrection of the Lord is presented as the foundation for our own future resurrection and represents the principal object of Christians' expectations."
Benedict XVI then went on to consider the "drama" of Tertullian's life. "With the passing of the years he became ever more demanding towards Christians expecting them to behave heroically in all circumstances and especially during persecution."
Commenting on the writer's eventual break with the Church, the Pope said: "I often think of this great moral and intellectual figure, this man who made such a great contribution to Christian thought. It is clear that in the end he lacked the simplicity and humility to be part of the Church, to accept her weaknesses. When one sees only one's own ideas, in all their greatness, in the end it is precisely this greatness that is lost. The essential characteristic of great theologians is the humility to remain with the Church, to accept her weaknesses and their own, because only God is truly holy. We, on the other hand, always have need of forgiveness."
Nonetheless Tertullian "remains an interesting witness of the early Church, when Christians found themselves as the real protagonists of 'new culture' in the encounter between classical heritage and the evangelical message." His work "evokes the perennial continuity between authentic human values and Christian values." Another important affirmation of Tertullian is that "Christians cannot hate even their own enemies" from which arises the "ineluctable moral consequence" that non violence is "a rule of life. And the dramatic pertinence of this teaching," the Pope concluded, "is also evident in the light of the animated debate over religions."
At the end of the audience, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims from Spain, Mexico and Chile, particularly the Association of Knights and Dames of Our Lady of Guadalupe, accompanied by Cardinal Antonio Canizares Llovera, archbishop of Toledo, and faithful and bishops from dioceses in the Spanish region of Extremadura, who have come to Rome to mark the first centenary of the declaration of Our Lady of Guadalupe as patroness of Extremadura.
"May the image of the Most Holy Virgin that you bring to Rome today," said Benedict XVI, "continue to accompany your jubilee celebrations and bless all of that Spanish region which had such an active role in the evangelization of America."
Wearing of the rosary
Wearing of the rosary
Question from on 05-25-2007:
There is a long-standing tradition held by monks, nuns and Church officers wearing a rosary about their waists. Lay Catholics are sometimes portrayed with paternosters hanging from their belts. Car rosaries hang from rear-view mirrors and many Christians wear a cross or rosary in some fashion on a necklace or bracelet. Would it be considered proper or morally ethical for a lay Catholic to wear a rosary belt in public? By this I mean wearing it shopping, to work or any other time when it is clear that the wearer is probably not going to use it for prayer. I'm just curious, especially with modern sensitivities toward religious icons in public.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-29-2007:
Ray--
Wearing a rosary as a statement of faith or for some other innocent purpose is fine. There would only be a problem if the rosary were being put to some objectively sordid use. For example, if someone were to wear a rosary with an immodest outfit in order to contrast the symbolic purity of the rosary with the otherwise tawdry appearance, that would be morally problematic.
Recommended reading:
Can a rosary be worn as a piece of jewelry? (scroll to Q&A #3)
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Question from on 05-25-2007:
There is a long-standing tradition held by monks, nuns and Church officers wearing a rosary about their waists. Lay Catholics are sometimes portrayed with paternosters hanging from their belts. Car rosaries hang from rear-view mirrors and many Christians wear a cross or rosary in some fashion on a necklace or bracelet. Would it be considered proper or morally ethical for a lay Catholic to wear a rosary belt in public? By this I mean wearing it shopping, to work or any other time when it is clear that the wearer is probably not going to use it for prayer. I'm just curious, especially with modern sensitivities toward religious icons in public.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-29-2007:
Ray--
Wearing a rosary as a statement of faith or for some other innocent purpose is fine. There would only be a problem if the rosary were being put to some objectively sordid use. For example, if someone were to wear a rosary with an immodest outfit in order to contrast the symbolic purity of the rosary with the otherwise tawdry appearance, that would be morally problematic.
Recommended reading:
Can a rosary be worn as a piece of jewelry? (scroll to Q&A #3)
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Intercession of Our Blessed Mother and Saints.
Intercession of Our Blessed Mother and Saints.
Question from on 05-17-2007:
We are discussing about Mother Mary. The miracle of Fatima etc. My friend who is not Catholic (used to be Baptist, then Methodist but right now does not go to any church) believes that once somebody died, he/she will not have any connection with the world and cannot do anything, because they can't see us anymore, so it is impossible to ask Mary or the saints to help pray for us. He believes that we can only pray to the Lord. How should I explain this to him? Thank you.
Answer by David Gregson on 05-29-2007:
If your friend still puts any faith in the Bible, you may refer him to Hebrews 12:1. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us..." Our progress through life is compared to a footrace in a stadium, with an audience cheering us on. Our audience is the Saints, heroes of the faith who have gone before us, some of whom are named in the preceding chapter.
Your friend's supposition that the faithful departed know nothing about us, who are still "on the way," is nothing but an unsubstantiated opinion. Ask what evidence he can supply for it. If none, then humility would call for his compliance with what the majority of Christians have believed for 2000 years.
Question from on 05-17-2007:
We are discussing about Mother Mary. The miracle of Fatima etc. My friend who is not Catholic (used to be Baptist, then Methodist but right now does not go to any church) believes that once somebody died, he/she will not have any connection with the world and cannot do anything, because they can't see us anymore, so it is impossible to ask Mary or the saints to help pray for us. He believes that we can only pray to the Lord. How should I explain this to him? Thank you.
Answer by David Gregson on 05-29-2007:
If your friend still puts any faith in the Bible, you may refer him to Hebrews 12:1. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us..." Our progress through life is compared to a footrace in a stadium, with an audience cheering us on. Our audience is the Saints, heroes of the faith who have gone before us, some of whom are named in the preceding chapter.
Your friend's supposition that the faithful departed know nothing about us, who are still "on the way," is nothing but an unsubstantiated opinion. Ask what evidence he can supply for it. If none, then humility would call for his compliance with what the majority of Christians have believed for 2000 years.
MESSAGE FOR WORLD MISSION DAY
VATICAN CITY, MAY 29, 2007 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's Message for 81st World Mission Day which this year is due to be celebrated on Sunday October 21 on the theme: "All the Churches for all the world."
In the Message, dated May 27, Solemnity of Pentecost, the Pope recalls the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Servant of God Pius XII's Encyclical "Fidei donum," which "promoted and encouraged cooperation between Churches for the mission 'ad gentes'."
The theme of this year's Day, the Pope writes, "invites local Churches on all continents to a joint awareness of the urgent need to relaunch missionary activity to meet the many grave challenges of our time."
Benedict XVI highlights how the Lord continues to call "the Churches of ancient tradition which, in the past, have supplied the missions not only with material resources but also with consistent numbers of priests, religious and lay people, thus engendering effective cooperation between Christian communities."
Faced with "the secularized culture, ... the crisis of the family, the drop in vocations and the progressive aging of the clergy, these Churches run the task of closing in on themselves, of looking to the future with reduced hope and of lessening their missionary efforts. Yet this is precisely the moment to open trustingly to the Providence of God, Who never abandons His people and Who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, guides them towards the accomplishment of His eternal plan of salvation.
"The Good Shepherd also invites Churches of recent evangelization to dedicate themselves generously to the 'missio ad gentes'," the Holy Father adds, noting how some of these Churches, though beset by many local needs, still manage to send priests and religious elsewhere, "even to the lands of ancient evangelization." Thus, the Pope continues, "we witness a providential 'exchange of gifts' which benefits the entire mystical Body of Christ."
Pope Benedict expresses the hope that "missionary cooperation may intensify, making full use of everyone's potentials and charism," and that "World Mission Day may contribute to making Christian communities and all the baptized ever more aware of the universal nature of Christ's call to propagate His kingdom unto the ends of the earth."
"Missionary commitment, then, remains ... the Church's primary service to humanity today, in order to guide and evangelize cultural, social and ethical transformations, and to offer Christ's salvation to modern mankind, humiliated and oppressed in so many parts of the world because of endemic poverty, violence, and the systematic negation of human rights."
The Pope goes on to render thanks to God "for the abundant fruits" of "missionary cooperation in Africa and in other regions of the earth." He also mentions the many priests "who have dedicated their apostolic energies to serving newly-created communities in poor and developing areas," among them "no small number of martyrs who, to witness of the word and apostolic dedication, have united the sacrifice of their lives.
"Nor can we forget," he adds, "the many male and female religious, and lay volunteers who ... have made prodigious efforts to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth."
The Holy Father highlights how "all Christian communities are born missionary." Hence, "for the individual faithful it is not just a matter of collaborating in evangelizing activity, but of being protagonists in and jointly responsible for the mission of the Church." This "brings about the growth of communion between communities and an increase of reciprocal aid, both in terms of personnel (priest, religious and lay volunteers) and of the means necessary to evangelize today."
Nonetheless, the Pope continues, it must not be forgotten that "the first and principal contribution we are called to make to the Church's missionary activity is prayer. ... May all communities join in the choral invocation to 'Our Father Who art in heaven,' that His kingdom may come on earth!
"I appeal particularly to children and young people, always ready for generous missionary commitment, ... to the sick and suffering, recognizing the value of their collaboration, so mysterious and indispensable for the work of salvation, ... and to consecrated people."
Benedict XVI concludes by calling on the Virgin "to guide our footsteps" to "a Pentecost of love. In particular, may she make us aware that we are all missionaries, ... called by the Lord to be His witnesses in every moment of our lives."
In the Message, dated May 27, Solemnity of Pentecost, the Pope recalls the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Servant of God Pius XII's Encyclical "Fidei donum," which "promoted and encouraged cooperation between Churches for the mission 'ad gentes'."
The theme of this year's Day, the Pope writes, "invites local Churches on all continents to a joint awareness of the urgent need to relaunch missionary activity to meet the many grave challenges of our time."
Benedict XVI highlights how the Lord continues to call "the Churches of ancient tradition which, in the past, have supplied the missions not only with material resources but also with consistent numbers of priests, religious and lay people, thus engendering effective cooperation between Christian communities."
Faced with "the secularized culture, ... the crisis of the family, the drop in vocations and the progressive aging of the clergy, these Churches run the task of closing in on themselves, of looking to the future with reduced hope and of lessening their missionary efforts. Yet this is precisely the moment to open trustingly to the Providence of God, Who never abandons His people and Who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, guides them towards the accomplishment of His eternal plan of salvation.
"The Good Shepherd also invites Churches of recent evangelization to dedicate themselves generously to the 'missio ad gentes'," the Holy Father adds, noting how some of these Churches, though beset by many local needs, still manage to send priests and religious elsewhere, "even to the lands of ancient evangelization." Thus, the Pope continues, "we witness a providential 'exchange of gifts' which benefits the entire mystical Body of Christ."
Pope Benedict expresses the hope that "missionary cooperation may intensify, making full use of everyone's potentials and charism," and that "World Mission Day may contribute to making Christian communities and all the baptized ever more aware of the universal nature of Christ's call to propagate His kingdom unto the ends of the earth."
"Missionary commitment, then, remains ... the Church's primary service to humanity today, in order to guide and evangelize cultural, social and ethical transformations, and to offer Christ's salvation to modern mankind, humiliated and oppressed in so many parts of the world because of endemic poverty, violence, and the systematic negation of human rights."
The Pope goes on to render thanks to God "for the abundant fruits" of "missionary cooperation in Africa and in other regions of the earth." He also mentions the many priests "who have dedicated their apostolic energies to serving newly-created communities in poor and developing areas," among them "no small number of martyrs who, to witness of the word and apostolic dedication, have united the sacrifice of their lives.
"Nor can we forget," he adds, "the many male and female religious, and lay volunteers who ... have made prodigious efforts to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth."
The Holy Father highlights how "all Christian communities are born missionary." Hence, "for the individual faithful it is not just a matter of collaborating in evangelizing activity, but of being protagonists in and jointly responsible for the mission of the Church." This "brings about the growth of communion between communities and an increase of reciprocal aid, both in terms of personnel (priest, religious and lay volunteers) and of the means necessary to evangelize today."
Nonetheless, the Pope continues, it must not be forgotten that "the first and principal contribution we are called to make to the Church's missionary activity is prayer. ... May all communities join in the choral invocation to 'Our Father Who art in heaven,' that His kingdom may come on earth!
"I appeal particularly to children and young people, always ready for generous missionary commitment, ... to the sick and suffering, recognizing the value of their collaboration, so mysterious and indispensable for the work of salvation, ... and to consecrated people."
Benedict XVI concludes by calling on the Virgin "to guide our footsteps" to "a Pentecost of love. In particular, may she make us aware that we are all missionaries, ... called by the Lord to be His witnesses in every moment of our lives."
Catholic World News : Polish Catholics conclude Marian pilgrimages
Catholic World News : Polish Catholics conclude Marian pilgrimages: "Polish Catholics conclude Marian pilgrimages
May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - More than 100,000 Polish men took part in the 60th annual pilgrimage for men to the Marian shrine of the Mother of Justice and Social Love in Piekary Slaski, Poland.
Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) sent a special telegram to the pilgrims-- among them Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, former parliamentary speaker Marek Jurek, and transportation minister Jerzy Polaczek. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz and his predecessor as Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, concelebrated Mass for the pilgrims, along with the bishops of Sosnowiec, Gliwice, Tarnow, Legnica, Opole, and Katowice.
In related news, Bishop Antoni Dydycz of Drohiczyn celebrated Holy Mass for almost 5,000 Polish health-care workers on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine in Czestochowa. Archbishop Wladyslaw Ziolek, who is responsible for Polish health care workers, addressed participants of the pilgrimage, organized in anticipation of the 2008 European Congress of Catholic Medical Associations."
May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - More than 100,000 Polish men took part in the 60th annual pilgrimage for men to the Marian shrine of the Mother of Justice and Social Love in Piekary Slaski, Poland.
Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) sent a special telegram to the pilgrims-- among them Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, former parliamentary speaker Marek Jurek, and transportation minister Jerzy Polaczek. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz and his predecessor as Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, concelebrated Mass for the pilgrims, along with the bishops of Sosnowiec, Gliwice, Tarnow, Legnica, Opole, and Katowice.
In related news, Bishop Antoni Dydycz of Drohiczyn celebrated Holy Mass for almost 5,000 Polish health-care workers on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine in Czestochowa. Archbishop Wladyslaw Ziolek, who is responsible for Polish health care workers, addressed participants of the pilgrimage, organized in anticipation of the 2008 European Congress of Catholic Medical Associations."
Catholic World News : Vatican to reverse 2006 change in Roman Curia
Catholic World News : Vatican to reverse 2006 change in Roman Curia: "Vatican to reverse 2006 change in Roman Curia
Vatican, May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue will soon receive upgraded status, in a reversal of a move that Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) announced last March, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (bio - news) has announced.
Speaking to the Italian daily La Stampa, Cardinal Bertone said that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be 'a dicastery in its own right, whereas previously it had been merged with the Pontifical Council for Culture.' The Vatican Secretary of State said that the change 'demonstrates the importance of inter-religious dialogue for the Secretariat of State.'
In March 2006, Pope Benedict had announced that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be combined with the Pontifical Council for Culture, under the oversight of a single prelate: Cardinal Paul Poupard. Although it left the two agencies intact, the administrative change was generally seen as a merger of the two offices, downgrading their importance.
However, the Holy See has placed new emphasis on the need for inter-religious dialogue-- and especially for dialogue with Islam-- since the heated dispute that arose after the Pope's speech in Regensburg last September, Cardinal Bertone said.
In his conversation with La S"
Vatican, May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue will soon receive upgraded status, in a reversal of a move that Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) announced last March, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (bio - news) has announced.
Speaking to the Italian daily La Stampa, Cardinal Bertone said that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be 'a dicastery in its own right, whereas previously it had been merged with the Pontifical Council for Culture.' The Vatican Secretary of State said that the change 'demonstrates the importance of inter-religious dialogue for the Secretariat of State.'
In March 2006, Pope Benedict had announced that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be combined with the Pontifical Council for Culture, under the oversight of a single prelate: Cardinal Paul Poupard. Although it left the two agencies intact, the administrative change was generally seen as a merger of the two offices, downgrading their importance.
However, the Holy See has placed new emphasis on the need for inter-religious dialogue-- and especially for dialogue with Islam-- since the heated dispute that arose after the Pope's speech in Regensburg last September, Cardinal Bertone said.
In his conversation with La S"
Bishop dedicates cruise ship to Our Lady
Bishop dedicates cruise ship to Our Lady: "Bishop dedicates cruise ship to Our Lady
Marseilles, May 29, 2007 / 12:08 pm (CNA).-
Bishop Tom Burns, promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea in England & Wales, has dedicated a new cruise ship the Costa Serena to the protection of Our Lady.
The military prelate joined the president of Costa Cruises and the company's directors in the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde on a hilltop overlooking Marseilles last Saturday.
In his homily, Bishop Burns noted that for centuries seafarers sailing out of Marseilles had saluted Notre Dame de la Garde to ask for her protection while they were away at sea, separated for long months from their families and loved ones. On returning to the port, they would again salute Mary and thank her for bringing them home safely.
The blessing of a ship is to commend to God the new ship's architects and constructors, the crew, and the passengers, the bishop explained. He then asked the crew to remember that when seafarers leave home or a port, Christ goes with them.
A large model of the Costa Serena was placed in front of the statue of 'the Guardian Lady', and the ship, and all who will sail in her, were dedicated to the care of Mary, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris).
About 2,000 invited guests attended the evening 'christening' ceremony on the quayside"
Marseilles, May 29, 2007 / 12:08 pm (CNA).-
Bishop Tom Burns, promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea in England & Wales, has dedicated a new cruise ship the Costa Serena to the protection of Our Lady.
The military prelate joined the president of Costa Cruises and the company's directors in the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde on a hilltop overlooking Marseilles last Saturday.
In his homily, Bishop Burns noted that for centuries seafarers sailing out of Marseilles had saluted Notre Dame de la Garde to ask for her protection while they were away at sea, separated for long months from their families and loved ones. On returning to the port, they would again salute Mary and thank her for bringing them home safely.
The blessing of a ship is to commend to God the new ship's architects and constructors, the crew, and the passengers, the bishop explained. He then asked the crew to remember that when seafarers leave home or a port, Christ goes with them.
A large model of the Costa Serena was placed in front of the statue of 'the Guardian Lady', and the ship, and all who will sail in her, were dedicated to the care of Mary, Star of the Sea (Stella Maris).
About 2,000 invited guests attended the evening 'christening' ceremony on the quayside"
Controversial abortion film wins Cannes festival
Controversial abortion film wins Cannes festival: "Controversial abortion film wins Cannes festival
Cannes, May 29, 2007 / 12:31 pm (CNA).- The Cannes Film Festival has once again confirmed its radical reputation by choosing to give its top award this year to a controversial Romanian film on abortion.
Despite the fact that the film did not have the majority support of the public, the Cannes jury decided to give the top award to Romanian director Cristian Mungui, whose film “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” recounts the attempts of young girl to obtain an illegal abortion in Communist Romania.
The film has caused much controversy as some consider it pro-abortion propaganda, while others see it as brutal warning of the consequences of taking the life of the unborn.
The film tells the story Gabita, a timid student from a small Romanian town, who desperately wants to end the life of her unborn child, even though that she is more than half-way along in her pregnancy.
The friend that helps her get an abortion has to navigate through a world of corruption and political repression, in which anything can be bought if one has the right connections with the black market, and is presented as a hero.
On the other hand, the director also shows an extended and shocking scene of the aborted baby, and portrays how corrupt the doctor is, who is hea"
Cannes, May 29, 2007 / 12:31 pm (CNA).- The Cannes Film Festival has once again confirmed its radical reputation by choosing to give its top award this year to a controversial Romanian film on abortion.
Despite the fact that the film did not have the majority support of the public, the Cannes jury decided to give the top award to Romanian director Cristian Mungui, whose film “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” recounts the attempts of young girl to obtain an illegal abortion in Communist Romania.
The film has caused much controversy as some consider it pro-abortion propaganda, while others see it as brutal warning of the consequences of taking the life of the unborn.
The film tells the story Gabita, a timid student from a small Romanian town, who desperately wants to end the life of her unborn child, even though that she is more than half-way along in her pregnancy.
The friend that helps her get an abortion has to navigate through a world of corruption and political repression, in which anything can be bought if one has the right connections with the black market, and is presented as a hero.
On the other hand, the director also shows an extended and shocking scene of the aborted baby, and portrays how corrupt the doctor is, who is hea"
The Crucifix
Document Title: "The Crucifix
Question from on 05-09-2007:
Where ever the Crucifix is displayed, It is shown with a 'clean corpus' of Jesus. Why is that so? If we look upon the cross to remind us of the Passion and suffering to death of our Savior for us, why isn't the figure of Christ displayed in such a manner? If we were to know the passion and suffering, we would see a bloody figure with scourge wounds, beard and hear shown when spit, sweat, blood, etc. from the treatment and crown of thorns. Most crucifix that i see are void of such, only the wounds of the nails and the spear are generaly shown .Is it that we could not take a view of the true conditions of the passion? are we too week to view this or are we not allowing us to have to see this scene? I believe that if the represation tht is shown on the crucifix were more to realiaty, we all might better understand the suffering that Jesus went thru for us??or are do we want our view of the crucifixion to be 'tolerable' to our eyes and mind?
Answer by David Gregson on 05-29-2007:
There are crucifixes of the Spanish style that display more of the physical wounds inflicted on our Savior. But if complete accuracy were attempted, I'm afraid no one would"
Question from on 05-09-2007:
Where ever the Crucifix is displayed, It is shown with a 'clean corpus' of Jesus. Why is that so? If we look upon the cross to remind us of the Passion and suffering to death of our Savior for us, why isn't the figure of Christ displayed in such a manner? If we were to know the passion and suffering, we would see a bloody figure with scourge wounds, beard and hear shown when spit, sweat, blood, etc. from the treatment and crown of thorns. Most crucifix that i see are void of such, only the wounds of the nails and the spear are generaly shown .Is it that we could not take a view of the true conditions of the passion? are we too week to view this or are we not allowing us to have to see this scene? I believe that if the represation tht is shown on the crucifix were more to realiaty, we all might better understand the suffering that Jesus went thru for us??or are do we want our view of the crucifixion to be 'tolerable' to our eyes and mind?
Answer by David Gregson on 05-29-2007:
There are crucifixes of the Spanish style that display more of the physical wounds inflicted on our Savior. But if complete accuracy were attempted, I'm afraid no one would"
Choosing godparents
Document Title: "Choosing godparents
Question from on 05-20-2007:
I have a quick question about choosing godparents. Having two kids (so far) the godparents have not included any in-laws. This is due to the observed lack of faithfulness to Catholic teachings (e.g. the weekend of an in-law's baby's baptism, the parents did not attend Mass).
The quandry we have is that the in-laws are expressing disapproval over not being chosen as godparents. Further, due to living a great distance away, w/ the 2nd baby we did not wait 6 months (as the inlaws requested) so they could make vacation arrangements to attend. We take the Canonical requirements seriously to baptize asap and explained this, but things were not fully understood.
If/when there is another baby, how should we explain that we are not choosing in-laws as godparents. We do not consider being a godparent as an 'award' or a special title, but rather as an important role to be fulfilled by practicing Catholics. Also, we do not want 'Christian witnesses' just to appease family. We must be careful with our words b/c the in-laws do hold heretical beliefs on many issues (e.g. contraception, confession).
Advice?
Pax Christi.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-28-2007:"
Question from on 05-20-2007:
I have a quick question about choosing godparents. Having two kids (so far) the godparents have not included any in-laws. This is due to the observed lack of faithfulness to Catholic teachings (e.g. the weekend of an in-law's baby's baptism, the parents did not attend Mass).
The quandry we have is that the in-laws are expressing disapproval over not being chosen as godparents. Further, due to living a great distance away, w/ the 2nd baby we did not wait 6 months (as the inlaws requested) so they could make vacation arrangements to attend. We take the Canonical requirements seriously to baptize asap and explained this, but things were not fully understood.
If/when there is another baby, how should we explain that we are not choosing in-laws as godparents. We do not consider being a godparent as an 'award' or a special title, but rather as an important role to be fulfilled by practicing Catholics. Also, we do not want 'Christian witnesses' just to appease family. We must be careful with our words b/c the in-laws do hold heretical beliefs on many issues (e.g. contraception, confession).
Advice?
Pax Christi.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-28-2007:"
Catholic Rites
Document Title: "Catholic Rites
Question from on 05-28-2007:
Is it okay for someone from a different Rite, such as the Maronite Church, administer communion in another Rite's mass, such as the Roman Catholic Church?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-28-2007:
I am not sure what you mean by 'administer communion.' Does this mean serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion? If so, then, yes, this can be permitted. Does this mean that a Maronite priest can celebrate Mass in the Roman rite? This requires faculties (i.e., proper authorization), but it is possible."
Question from on 05-28-2007:
Is it okay for someone from a different Rite, such as the Maronite Church, administer communion in another Rite's mass, such as the Roman Catholic Church?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-28-2007:
I am not sure what you mean by 'administer communion.' Does this mean serve as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion? If so, then, yes, this can be permitted. Does this mean that a Maronite priest can celebrate Mass in the Roman rite? This requires faculties (i.e., proper authorization), but it is possible."
Catholic World News (CWN)
Catholic World News (CWN): "Pope John Paul enjoyed sleeping under the stars, bodyguard discloses
May. 29, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II (bio - news) enjoyed slipping away from Rome for visits to the Italian countryside, sometimes sleeping on the ground outdoors to enjoy the open air, according to a story in the Irish Independent.
General Enrico Marinelli, the former Vatican security chief, described the Pope's secret trips to Italy's Frosinone province, where the Pontiff would take long hikes and stay in an isolated cottage. At times, Marinelli said, the Pope would sleep under the stars-- to the consternation of his security detail.
The late Pope's love for hiking and camping was well known, but his occasional forays into the countryside were not disclosed while he was alive. The closest advisers to John Paul II have revealed that in the early years of his pontificate he would sometimes make unannounced trips to the mountains, concealing his identity so that he could hike or ski without being noticed."
May. 29, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II (bio - news) enjoyed slipping away from Rome for visits to the Italian countryside, sometimes sleeping on the ground outdoors to enjoy the open air, according to a story in the Irish Independent.
General Enrico Marinelli, the former Vatican security chief, described the Pope's secret trips to Italy's Frosinone province, where the Pontiff would take long hikes and stay in an isolated cottage. At times, Marinelli said, the Pope would sleep under the stars-- to the consternation of his security detail.
The late Pope's love for hiking and camping was well known, but his occasional forays into the countryside were not disclosed while he was alive. The closest advisers to John Paul II have revealed that in the early years of his pontificate he would sometimes make unannounced trips to the mountains, concealing his identity so that he could hike or ski without being noticed."
Catholic World News : India: police arrest 4,000 Christians at protest rally
Catholic World News : India: police arrest 4,000 Christians at protest rally: "India: police arrest 4,000 Christians at protest rally
New Delhi, May. 29, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Police in India have arrested about 4,000 people taking part in a New Delhi rally protesting violence against Christians, the AsiaNews service reports.
Police arrested nearly all the participants in the rally, which was staged near the parliament building in New Delhi.
Organizers had hoped to assemble 2,000 people for today's march, which was designed to highlight the concerns of Christians about the violent attacks by Hindu zealots, and the failure of law-enforcement officials to provide adequate protection for the Christian minority. Participation in the event exceeded the organizers' hopes, with closer to 5,000 people assembling in the nation's capital to rally unti police intervened.
Participants were held in the Parliament Street police station for about an hour before being released."
New Delhi, May. 29, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Police in India have arrested about 4,000 people taking part in a New Delhi rally protesting violence against Christians, the AsiaNews service reports.
Police arrested nearly all the participants in the rally, which was staged near the parliament building in New Delhi.
Organizers had hoped to assemble 2,000 people for today's march, which was designed to highlight the concerns of Christians about the violent attacks by Hindu zealots, and the failure of law-enforcement officials to provide adequate protection for the Christian minority. Participation in the event exceeded the organizers' hopes, with closer to 5,000 people assembling in the nation's capital to rally unti police intervened.
Participants were held in the Parliament Street police station for about an hour before being released."
Culture of Death icon to be released from prison June 1st
Culture of Death icon to be released from prison June 1st: "Culture of Death icon to be released from prison June 1st
Dr. Jack Kevorkian
Lansing, Mich., May 29, 2007 / 09:49 am (CNA).- Dr. Jack Kevorkian, an infamous foe of the pro-life movement, is scheduled to be released from prison on June 1st raising questions about his plans once he is back in public. The 79 year-old was sent to prison in 1999 after he was convicted of killing a patient on national television.
He was sentenced to serve 10 to 25 years for the second degree murder of Thomas Youk, a Michigan resident who suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease. However, according to the rules of his sentencing, Kevorkian is now eligible for parole and will be released June 1st.
According to LifeNews.com, Kevorkian plans a change of tactics in his promotion of assisted suicide. The former pathologist will take his cause to the speaking circuit to try and “legally” promote assisted suicide laws around the country.
In a telephone interview with Michigan TV station WJBK, Dr. Kevorkian said he would promote making the grisly practice legal in more states other than Oregon, the only one to allow it, but reconfirmed that he won't break any laws.
Mayer Morganroth, Kevorkian’s lawyer, is quoted as saying, “the man who once bought his clothes from thrift shops, drove o"
Dr. Jack Kevorkian
Lansing, Mich., May 29, 2007 / 09:49 am (CNA).- Dr. Jack Kevorkian, an infamous foe of the pro-life movement, is scheduled to be released from prison on June 1st raising questions about his plans once he is back in public. The 79 year-old was sent to prison in 1999 after he was convicted of killing a patient on national television.
He was sentenced to serve 10 to 25 years for the second degree murder of Thomas Youk, a Michigan resident who suffered from Lou Gehrig’s disease. However, according to the rules of his sentencing, Kevorkian is now eligible for parole and will be released June 1st.
According to LifeNews.com, Kevorkian plans a change of tactics in his promotion of assisted suicide. The former pathologist will take his cause to the speaking circuit to try and “legally” promote assisted suicide laws around the country.
In a telephone interview with Michigan TV station WJBK, Dr. Kevorkian said he would promote making the grisly practice legal in more states other than Oregon, the only one to allow it, but reconfirmed that he won't break any laws.
Mayer Morganroth, Kevorkian’s lawyer, is quoted as saying, “the man who once bought his clothes from thrift shops, drove o"
Catholic World News : Polish Catholics conclude Marian pilgrimages
Catholic World News : Polish Catholics conclude Marian pilgrimages: "Polish Catholics conclude Marian pilgrimages
May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - More than 100,000 Polish men took part in the 60th annual pilgrimage for men to the Marian shrine of the Mother of Justice and Social Love in Piekary Slaski, Poland.
Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) sent a special telegram to the pilgrims-- among them Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, former parliamentary speaker Marek Jurek, and transportation minister Jerzy Polaczek. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz and his predecessor as Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, concelebrated Mass for the pilgrims, along with the bishops of Sosnowiec, Gliwice, Tarnow, Legnica, Opole, and Katowice.
In related news, Bishop Antoni Dydycz of Drohiczyn celebrated Holy Mass for almost 5,000 Polish health-care workers on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine in Czestochowa. Archbishop Wladyslaw Ziolek, who is responsible for Polish health care workers, addressed participants of the pilgrimage, organized in anticipation of the 2008 European Congress of Catholic Medical Associations."
May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - More than 100,000 Polish men took part in the 60th annual pilgrimage for men to the Marian shrine of the Mother of Justice and Social Love in Piekary Slaski, Poland.
Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) sent a special telegram to the pilgrims-- among them Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, former parliamentary speaker Marek Jurek, and transportation minister Jerzy Polaczek. Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz and his predecessor as Archbishop of Krakow, Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, concelebrated Mass for the pilgrims, along with the bishops of Sosnowiec, Gliwice, Tarnow, Legnica, Opole, and Katowice.
In related news, Bishop Antoni Dydycz of Drohiczyn celebrated Holy Mass for almost 5,000 Polish health-care workers on a pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine in Czestochowa. Archbishop Wladyslaw Ziolek, who is responsible for Polish health care workers, addressed participants of the pilgrimage, organized in anticipation of the 2008 European Congress of Catholic Medical Associations."
Catholic World News : Vatican to reverse 2006 change in Roman Curia
Catholic World News : Vatican to reverse 2006 change in Roman Curia: "Vatican to reverse 2006 change in Roman Curia
Vatican, May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue will soon receive upgraded status, in a reversal of a move that Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) announced last March, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (bio - news) has announced.
Speaking to the Italian daily La Stampa, Cardinal Bertone said that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be 'a dicastery in its own right, whereas previously it had been merged with the Pontifical Council for Culture.' The Vatican Secretary of State said that the change 'demonstrates the importance of inter-religious dialogue for the Secretariat of State.'
In March 2006, Pope Benedict had announced that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be combined with the Pontifical Council for Culture, under the oversight of a single prelate: Cardinal Paul Poupard. Although it left the two agencies intact, the administrative change was generally seen as a merger of the two offices, downgrading their importance.
However, the Holy See has placed new emphasis on the need for inter-religious dialogue-- and especially for dialogue with Islam-- since the heated dispute that arose after the Pope's speech in Regensburg last September, Cardinal Bertone said.
In his conversation with La S"
Vatican, May. 28, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue will soon receive upgraded status, in a reversal of a move that Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) announced last March, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone (bio - news) has announced.
Speaking to the Italian daily La Stampa, Cardinal Bertone said that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be 'a dicastery in its own right, whereas previously it had been merged with the Pontifical Council for Culture.' The Vatican Secretary of State said that the change 'demonstrates the importance of inter-religious dialogue for the Secretariat of State.'
In March 2006, Pope Benedict had announced that the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue would be combined with the Pontifical Council for Culture, under the oversight of a single prelate: Cardinal Paul Poupard. Although it left the two agencies intact, the administrative change was generally seen as a merger of the two offices, downgrading their importance.
However, the Holy See has placed new emphasis on the need for inter-religious dialogue-- and especially for dialogue with Islam-- since the heated dispute that arose after the Pope's speech in Regensburg last September, Cardinal Bertone said.
In his conversation with La S"
Greek Orthodox
Document Title: "Greek Orthodox
Question from on 05-25-2007:
Dear Fr.,
First of all I would like to thank you dearly for your prayers for me, also be assured of mine for you! I just wanted you to know that I take all of your answers to heart and they help shape the way that I continue to live out my freshman life. I will be going to Greece next springbreak and will be there for more than a week. We will be traveling to Ephasus and the Cave of Revelation, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Since we will be gone over a Sunday and will be in a very Greek Orthodox area, what should we do if we cannot find a Roman Catholic Church. I understand that some other Catholic denominations are not to recieve the Eucharist in a Roman Catholic Church and we recieve in thier Church, why is that? I think thats enough for now... Thank you so very much for being a confident person to turn to when I come across challenging questions in our Great Faith!
In the Mercy of Christ!, JOrdan Graf
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-26-2007:
Jordan, Many thanks for the compliment. But remember i don't pretend to know the Canon Law of Orthodoxy, who can do what and why. When you arrive in Greece, i doubt much whether you"
Question from on 05-25-2007:
Dear Fr.,
First of all I would like to thank you dearly for your prayers for me, also be assured of mine for you! I just wanted you to know that I take all of your answers to heart and they help shape the way that I continue to live out my freshman life. I will be going to Greece next springbreak and will be there for more than a week. We will be traveling to Ephasus and the Cave of Revelation, where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation. Since we will be gone over a Sunday and will be in a very Greek Orthodox area, what should we do if we cannot find a Roman Catholic Church. I understand that some other Catholic denominations are not to recieve the Eucharist in a Roman Catholic Church and we recieve in thier Church, why is that? I think thats enough for now... Thank you so very much for being a confident person to turn to when I come across challenging questions in our Great Faith!
In the Mercy of Christ!, JOrdan Graf
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-26-2007:
Jordan, Many thanks for the compliment. But remember i don't pretend to know the Canon Law of Orthodoxy, who can do what and why. When you arrive in Greece, i doubt much whether you"
Seven Dolors Rosary
Document Title: "Seven Dolors Rosary
Question from on 05-24-2007:
Years ago my grandmother gave me a Seven Dolors Rosary. I would like to find out any information on the origin of the Seven Dolors.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-24-2007:
Peg--
The Seven Dolors are the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The Seven Sorrows are as follows:
-- The piercing of Mary's heart predicted at Jesus' presentation in the Temple
-- The flight into Egypt
-- Searching for the child Jesus in Jerusalem
-- Meeting Christ on the road to Calvary
-- Standing near the cross of Christ
-- Receiving the body of Christ from the cross
-- The burial of Christ
You can find out more information about the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows (also called the Servite Rosary) by clicking here.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers"
Question from on 05-24-2007:
Years ago my grandmother gave me a Seven Dolors Rosary. I would like to find out any information on the origin of the Seven Dolors.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-24-2007:
Peg--
The Seven Dolors are the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The Seven Sorrows are as follows:
-- The piercing of Mary's heart predicted at Jesus' presentation in the Temple
-- The flight into Egypt
-- Searching for the child Jesus in Jerusalem
-- Meeting Christ on the road to Calvary
-- Standing near the cross of Christ
-- Receiving the body of Christ from the cross
-- The burial of Christ
You can find out more information about the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows (also called the Servite Rosary) by clicking here.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers"
Eastern Orthodox Position on Reception of Communion
Document Title: "Eastern Orthodox Position on Reception of Communion
Question from on 05-26-2007:
Recently in the forum you responded to a question regarding a Catholic's reception of the Eucharist in a Greek Orthodox liturgy. I have been told by a close friend, an Orthodox seminarian, that the Greek Church does not admit Catholics to the Eucharist. He cited the appropriate references in the canon law of their church.
James
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-26-2007:
James, Yes, this is true. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-26-2007:
Recently in the forum you responded to a question regarding a Catholic's reception of the Eucharist in a Greek Orthodox liturgy. I have been told by a close friend, an Orthodox seminarian, that the Greek Church does not admit Catholics to the Eucharist. He cited the appropriate references in the canon law of their church.
James
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-26-2007:
James, Yes, this is true. Fr. Bob Levis"
Consecrated Host
Document Title: "re: Consecrated Host
Question from on 05-25-2007:
Fr. Levis: I appreciated the answer you gave to the person about donating body parts. My father's side of the family is non-Catholic, and they have a tradition of donating their bodies (whole) to the local hospital teaching college for medical science and research. There is no ground burial or cremation. Is this OK as well? Of course, there is always a memorial service. If permitted, would a Memorial Mass do for a Catholic?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-26-2007:
Bruce, I do hope the medical office properly disposes of all body parts once they have used them. All Catholics should be honored with a Requiem Funeral Mass, regardless of the presence or absence of the remains in church. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-25-2007:
Fr. Levis: I appreciated the answer you gave to the person about donating body parts. My father's side of the family is non-Catholic, and they have a tradition of donating their bodies (whole) to the local hospital teaching college for medical science and research. There is no ground burial or cremation. Is this OK as well? Of course, there is always a memorial service. If permitted, would a Memorial Mass do for a Catholic?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-26-2007:
Bruce, I do hope the medical office properly disposes of all body parts once they have used them. All Catholics should be honored with a Requiem Funeral Mass, regardless of the presence or absence of the remains in church. Fr. Bob Levis"
Consecrated Host
Document Title: "Consecrated Host
Question from on 05-25-2007:
The priest at our parish just explained that if we truly have faith that we as lay people can change the host at Mass into the blessed sacrament. I never realized this before. Why do priests need to be ordained then as I'm sure our priest have faith? Can you expalin this to me?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-25-2007:
Matt, I would not say this ever. It might be an illustration of small and tiny faith which can move mountains, which Jesus said. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-25-2007:
The priest at our parish just explained that if we truly have faith that we as lay people can change the host at Mass into the blessed sacrament. I never realized this before. Why do priests need to be ordained then as I'm sure our priest have faith? Can you expalin this to me?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-25-2007:
Matt, I would not say this ever. It might be an illustration of small and tiny faith which can move mountains, which Jesus said. Fr. Bob Levis"
Obedience to Bishop & New Church
Document Title: "Obedience to Bishop & New Church
Question from on 05-25-2007:
My son tells me that we parishioners are obligated to obedience to our bishop who wants us to build a new mega church. We have two fine churches now, one on the historic register, that are nowhere near full during the regular weekly Masses. Am we obligated to dig into our pockets to the tune of $12+ million to fund a mega church?
Thanks for all of your efforts on our behalf, Fr. Levis,
Rolly
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-25-2007:
Rolly, As a lay member of your Church, as one of the financial supporters of the parish and the diocese, Yes, you have the prudence of knowing exactly how to support the diocese. YOu make a hard point here especially today when finances are so much in real need for real causes. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-25-2007:
My son tells me that we parishioners are obligated to obedience to our bishop who wants us to build a new mega church. We have two fine churches now, one on the historic register, that are nowhere near full during the regular weekly Masses. Am we obligated to dig into our pockets to the tune of $12+ million to fund a mega church?
Thanks for all of your efforts on our behalf, Fr. Levis,
Rolly
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-25-2007:
Rolly, As a lay member of your Church, as one of the financial supporters of the parish and the diocese, Yes, you have the prudence of knowing exactly how to support the diocese. YOu make a hard point here especially today when finances are so much in real need for real causes. Fr. Bob Levis"
Amount of Godchildren per Godparent
Document Title: "Amount of Godchildren per Godparent
Question from on 05-04-2007:
My wife and I are expecting another child in five months. I suggested the same Godparents for our soon to be born child that our 10 month old baby has. She said that each child should have different Godparents. Admittedly, as a convert, I have no idea. Any light shed would be greatly appreciated. God bless!
Answer by David Gregson on 05-25-2007:
There is no restriction that would prevent the same person from acting as sponsor/godparent to more than one child, assuming he/she meets the requirements for sponsorship -- a Catholic, confirmed, a communicant, at least 16, etc. (Canon 874)."
Question from on 05-04-2007:
My wife and I are expecting another child in five months. I suggested the same Godparents for our soon to be born child that our 10 month old baby has. She said that each child should have different Godparents. Admittedly, as a convert, I have no idea. Any light shed would be greatly appreciated. God bless!
Answer by David Gregson on 05-25-2007:
There is no restriction that would prevent the same person from acting as sponsor/godparent to more than one child, assuming he/she meets the requirements for sponsorship -- a Catholic, confirmed, a communicant, at least 16, etc. (Canon 874)."
Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Document Title: "Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Question from on 05-24-2007:
We once had an all-night vigil book that had a devotion to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in it. It spoke of the two hearts being entwined in the tabernacle---that of Jesus and Mary. I thought it a beautiful way to think about it as Mary's womb was like a tabernacle. Is it wrong to think of the two hearts present there? I guess the only reason I question it is because the book also had something in it from the Legion of Mary and that handbook of the Legoion absolutely made no sense and was filled with errors. My other tought was that we don't adore anyone but God so to think of both hearts there perhaps is wrong. Can you clear up my thinking? Thank you ,Diane
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-25-2007:
Dear Diane, Wonderful! Did you know that the famous Fr. Damien of Molokai, the hero of the leprous patients of Hawaii, wore a scapular with the two hearts of Jesus and Mary? Yes, this is a very orthodox devotion, if and when understod correctly. Thousands of American homes are consecrated to these two hearts, an effort of the Fatima movement over the past 50 years. The priest consecrates the home and leaves an image of the two hearts as a reminder of"
Question from on 05-24-2007:
We once had an all-night vigil book that had a devotion to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in it. It spoke of the two hearts being entwined in the tabernacle---that of Jesus and Mary. I thought it a beautiful way to think about it as Mary's womb was like a tabernacle. Is it wrong to think of the two hearts present there? I guess the only reason I question it is because the book also had something in it from the Legion of Mary and that handbook of the Legoion absolutely made no sense and was filled with errors. My other tought was that we don't adore anyone but God so to think of both hearts there perhaps is wrong. Can you clear up my thinking? Thank you ,Diane
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-25-2007:
Dear Diane, Wonderful! Did you know that the famous Fr. Damien of Molokai, the hero of the leprous patients of Hawaii, wore a scapular with the two hearts of Jesus and Mary? Yes, this is a very orthodox devotion, if and when understod correctly. Thousands of American homes are consecrated to these two hearts, an effort of the Fatima movement over the past 50 years. The priest consecrates the home and leaves an image of the two hearts as a reminder of"
Fides Service- Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples VATICAN - The month of Mary «Qué Soy Era Immaculada Councepciou»: the 18 Apparitions of
Fides Service- Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples VATICAN - The month of Mary «Qué Soy Era Immaculada Councepciou»: the 18 Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourde: "VATICAN - The month of Mary «Qué Soy Era Immaculada Councepciou»: the 18 Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Lourdes in 1858 (18)
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Thursday 16 July 1858: 18th and last apparition. Mary's call comes unexpectedly while Bernadette is praying in the early evening in the parish church. Because by order of the authorities the Grotto is closed with barriers, Bernadette goes with her Aunt Lucile and a few friends to the Ribère field on right bank of the river Gave, opposite the Grotto. Here they all kneel and begin to pray. A few moments later Bernadette cries: «Yes there she is! There she is! She is smiling and greeting us from behind the barriers». Our Lady stood in the illuminated niche and looked at length towards Bernadette smiling, she bowed her head and then disappeared leaving her little girl filled with sweet peace. «Our Lady appeared at the same place but she said nothing. I think Our Lady was in the same place all I could see was her and I have never seen her looking so beautiful». Bernadette saw Our Lady once again as she died on 16 April 1879.
The last apparition took place on the feast of Our Lady of Mo"
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - Thursday 16 July 1858: 18th and last apparition. Mary's call comes unexpectedly while Bernadette is praying in the early evening in the parish church. Because by order of the authorities the Grotto is closed with barriers, Bernadette goes with her Aunt Lucile and a few friends to the Ribère field on right bank of the river Gave, opposite the Grotto. Here they all kneel and begin to pray. A few moments later Bernadette cries: «Yes there she is! There she is! She is smiling and greeting us from behind the barriers». Our Lady stood in the illuminated niche and looked at length towards Bernadette smiling, she bowed her head and then disappeared leaving her little girl filled with sweet peace. «Our Lady appeared at the same place but she said nothing. I think Our Lady was in the same place all I could see was her and I have never seen her looking so beautiful». Bernadette saw Our Lady once again as she died on 16 April 1879.
The last apparition took place on the feast of Our Lady of Mo"
Capital Punishment
Document Title: "Capital Punishment
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Can retribution still be a legitimate purpose for capital punishment according to the teaching of the Catholic Church? I ask because many say, that since the encyclical Evangelium Vitae of Pope John Paul II capital punishment can only be justified as a mean to protect society against criminals, but no longer as a mean for retribution. What is true? Thank You.
Answer by David Gregson on 05-22-2007:
Retribution (along with rehabilitation, defense against the criminal, and deterrence) is one of the motives for criminal punishment in the Catholic tradition. Of late, it has not figured in discussions about the desirability of capital punishment. A rationale for this omission may be found in Cardinal Dulles' article, Catholicism and Capital Punishment, in First Things magazine."
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Can retribution still be a legitimate purpose for capital punishment according to the teaching of the Catholic Church? I ask because many say, that since the encyclical Evangelium Vitae of Pope John Paul II capital punishment can only be justified as a mean to protect society against criminals, but no longer as a mean for retribution. What is true? Thank You.
Answer by David Gregson on 05-22-2007:
Retribution (along with rehabilitation, defense against the criminal, and deterrence) is one of the motives for criminal punishment in the Catholic tradition. Of late, it has not figured in discussions about the desirability of capital punishment. A rationale for this omission may be found in Cardinal Dulles' article, Catholicism and Capital Punishment, in First Things magazine."
Blood of Christ at mass
Document Title: "Blood of Christ at mass
Question from on 05-23-2007:
I see alot of people receive the body but not the blood of christ at mass. If I don't feel well should spreading germs be considered?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-24-2007:
Gloria, I have never, never heard of any communicant infected by the Sacred Species, nor do I ever expect to hear of such. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-23-2007:
I see alot of people receive the body but not the blood of christ at mass. If I don't feel well should spreading germs be considered?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-24-2007:
Gloria, I have never, never heard of any communicant infected by the Sacred Species, nor do I ever expect to hear of such. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis"
Blessed Sacrament
Document Title: "Blessed Sacrament
Question from on 05-22-2007:
Recently, the news reported that a woman was praying in a perpetual adoration chapel in the middle of the night. Surveillance video showed the woman praying, a man enter the church, and try to rape her. She was able to fight him off and he left. My question is this...
If Jesus is really and truly present in the Eucharist and there in either the tabernacle or monstrance, how could something like this happen is his presence? Why wouldn't he prevent this man from attacking the woman in the first place? I believe in the Real Presence but something like this happening in a eucharistic adoration chapel where Jesus is present really makes me question the Real Presence. Your thoughts would be helpful.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-22-2007:
Anonymous--
Something like that could happen because God gave human beings free will. The gift of free will means that at times humans will choose to abuse that gift by sinning against God and against each other. That the attacker committed this horrific crime in front of the Blessed Sacrament objectively compounded his crime because it became sacrilege as well as attempted rape.
Simply because God does not prevent evil from occurring does not mea"
Question from on 05-22-2007:
Recently, the news reported that a woman was praying in a perpetual adoration chapel in the middle of the night. Surveillance video showed the woman praying, a man enter the church, and try to rape her. She was able to fight him off and he left. My question is this...
If Jesus is really and truly present in the Eucharist and there in either the tabernacle or monstrance, how could something like this happen is his presence? Why wouldn't he prevent this man from attacking the woman in the first place? I believe in the Real Presence but something like this happening in a eucharistic adoration chapel where Jesus is present really makes me question the Real Presence. Your thoughts would be helpful.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-22-2007:
Anonymous--
Something like that could happen because God gave human beings free will. The gift of free will means that at times humans will choose to abuse that gift by sinning against God and against each other. That the attacker committed this horrific crime in front of the Blessed Sacrament objectively compounded his crime because it became sacrilege as well as attempted rape.
Simply because God does not prevent evil from occurring does not mea"
St John of the Cross
Document Title: "St John of the Cross
Question from on 05-21-2007:
Fr Levis,
Is it better for a man to give up all pleasures of the world (coffee,alcohol,cigars,etc.) by completely denying himself or is it better to use such pleasures in moderation? I would like to best understand what St John of the Cross means when he says we must deny all our desires if we are to grow in holiness.
God Bless
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-22-2007:
Greg, St. John does not condemn the use of things like coffee, cigars, etc. but their abuse, their misuse, the love of them for themselves, the excessive love of these things. ONe uses all of God's creatures with thanksgiving and moderation until God calls him to do more, to accept the Dark Night of the Senses which is a divine call for purging. I heartily recommend St. John's Dark NIght, especially how he gives the deep reasons for restraint in the use of God's creatures. It is profound. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-21-2007:
Fr Levis,
Is it better for a man to give up all pleasures of the world (coffee,alcohol,cigars,etc.) by completely denying himself or is it better to use such pleasures in moderation? I would like to best understand what St John of the Cross means when he says we must deny all our desires if we are to grow in holiness.
God Bless
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-22-2007:
Greg, St. John does not condemn the use of things like coffee, cigars, etc. but their abuse, their misuse, the love of them for themselves, the excessive love of these things. ONe uses all of God's creatures with thanksgiving and moderation until God calls him to do more, to accept the Dark Night of the Senses which is a divine call for purging. I heartily recommend St. John's Dark NIght, especially how he gives the deep reasons for restraint in the use of God's creatures. It is profound. Fr. Bob Levis"
Capital Punishment
Document Title: "Capital Punishment
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Can retribution still be a legitimate purpose for capital punishment according to the teaching of the Catholic Church? I ask because many say, that since the encyclical Evangelium Vitae of Pope John Paul II capital punishment can only be justified as a mean to protect society against criminals, but no longer as a mean for retribution. What is true? Thank You.
Answer by David Gregson on 05-22-2007:
Retribution (along with rehabilitation, defense against the criminal, and deterrence) is one of the motives for criminal punishment in the Catholic tradition. Of late, it has not figured in discussions about the desirability of capital punishment. A rationale for this omission may be found in Cardinal Dulles' article, Catholicism and Capital Punishment, in First Things magazine."
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Can retribution still be a legitimate purpose for capital punishment according to the teaching of the Catholic Church? I ask because many say, that since the encyclical Evangelium Vitae of Pope John Paul II capital punishment can only be justified as a mean to protect society against criminals, but no longer as a mean for retribution. What is true? Thank You.
Answer by David Gregson on 05-22-2007:
Retribution (along with rehabilitation, defense against the criminal, and deterrence) is one of the motives for criminal punishment in the Catholic tradition. Of late, it has not figured in discussions about the desirability of capital punishment. A rationale for this omission may be found in Cardinal Dulles' article, Catholicism and Capital Punishment, in First Things magazine."
EWTN.com - Pope To Visit Lourdes for 150th Anniversary?
EWTN.com - Pope To Visit Lourdes for 150th Anniversary?: "Pope To Visit Lourdes for 150th Anniversary?
Rome, May. 22, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI has accepted an invitation to visit France, the Roman news agency I Media has reported. The Holy See has not confirmed the report.
I Media reports that the Pope has accepted an invitation extended by Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, the president of the French bishops conference, and by Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes.
The invitation reportedly calls for the Pope to visit Lourdes in May 2008 for the 150th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous.
If it is confirmed, the visit would be the first by Pope Benedict to France since his election in April 2005."
Rome, May. 22, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI has accepted an invitation to visit France, the Roman news agency I Media has reported. The Holy See has not confirmed the report.
I Media reports that the Pope has accepted an invitation extended by Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, the president of the French bishops conference, and by Bishop Jacques Perrier of Tarbes and Lourdes.
The invitation reportedly calls for the Pope to visit Lourdes in May 2008 for the 150th anniversary of the Virgin Mary's apparitions to St. Bernadette Soubirous.
If it is confirmed, the visit would be the first by Pope Benedict to France since his election in April 2005."
Communion at wedding service
Communion at wedding service
Question from on 05-14-2007:
I recently attended the wedding of a friend that was held in an Episcopal church. Her husband is Catholic and the pastor of his church was there to co-officiate at the ceremony.
Listed in the program, and during the ceremony by the Episcopal minister who was presiding, was an invitation for "all Christians to receive communion." The service included some familiar elements of the eucharistic prayer. However, I was not sure if I should receive, particularly since the Catholic priest did not distribute communion. So I elected not to receive communion.
Did I do the right thing?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
AB--
Yes, you did the right thing by electing not to receive. Catholics may not receive communion in a Protestant church because the communion is not valid and because it would imply a sacramental unity that does not, as yet, exist. It is unfortunate that the Catholic priest who was co-officiating did not speak up and say, "Those Catholics who are present are invited to make a spiritual communion through personal prayer but should not partake of the Episcopal communion." It is possible though that he was blindsided by the announcement and unsure of how to phrase the direction tactfully enough to avoid undue embarrassment to his host.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Question from on 05-14-2007:
I recently attended the wedding of a friend that was held in an Episcopal church. Her husband is Catholic and the pastor of his church was there to co-officiate at the ceremony.
Listed in the program, and during the ceremony by the Episcopal minister who was presiding, was an invitation for "all Christians to receive communion." The service included some familiar elements of the eucharistic prayer. However, I was not sure if I should receive, particularly since the Catholic priest did not distribute communion. So I elected not to receive communion.
Did I do the right thing?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
AB--
Yes, you did the right thing by electing not to receive. Catholics may not receive communion in a Protestant church because the communion is not valid and because it would imply a sacramental unity that does not, as yet, exist. It is unfortunate that the Catholic priest who was co-officiating did not speak up and say, "Those Catholics who are present are invited to make a spiritual communion through personal prayer but should not partake of the Episcopal communion." It is possible though that he was blindsided by the announcement and unsure of how to phrase the direction tactfully enough to avoid undue embarrassment to his host.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Perpetual Mass Cards
Perpetual Mass Cards
Question from on 05-11-2007:
What would be the best way to explain to non-Catholics what the purpose of perpetual mass cards are and how praying for the dead does not diminish the significance of Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the world? Thanks.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
Vic--
The Mass is the re-presentation in time and space of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. In other words, it is the practical application of Calvary to individual souls in the present. A perpetual Mass enrollment means that the person so enrolled will be continually remembered in the Masses offered by the priests of the order or church sponsoring the enrollment and so, in effect, will continuously have the graces of Calvary applied to him whenever those Masses are offered.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Question from on 05-11-2007:
What would be the best way to explain to non-Catholics what the purpose of perpetual mass cards are and how praying for the dead does not diminish the significance of Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the world? Thanks.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
Vic--
The Mass is the re-presentation in time and space of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. In other words, it is the practical application of Calvary to individual souls in the present. A perpetual Mass enrollment means that the person so enrolled will be continually remembered in the Masses offered by the priests of the order or church sponsoring the enrollment and so, in effect, will continuously have the graces of Calvary applied to him whenever those Masses are offered.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
describing hell
describing hell
Question from on 05-10-2007:
During lunch one day, the discussion turned to hell and what it is really. Of course some people made comments about our world being a "purgatory" but somene asked specifically if any mystics, saints, etc. ever gave a description of hell. The most pressing question though was about Satan, if he was "given hell" it was his domain, wouldn't he be in charge of that area and what it contained or was he just free to roam the earth and gather all the souls he can. I myself would rather avoid the experience and keep my eyes on heaven, but with the "glamorization" of hell in some movies, I think teaching about it would help at the pulpit. Thank you for your thoughts.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
Gaby--
Recommended reading:
Why did God create hell?
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Question from on 05-10-2007:
During lunch one day, the discussion turned to hell and what it is really. Of course some people made comments about our world being a "purgatory" but somene asked specifically if any mystics, saints, etc. ever gave a description of hell. The most pressing question though was about Satan, if he was "given hell" it was his domain, wouldn't he be in charge of that area and what it contained or was he just free to roam the earth and gather all the souls he can. I myself would rather avoid the experience and keep my eyes on heaven, but with the "glamorization" of hell in some movies, I think teaching about it would help at the pulpit. Thank you for your thoughts.
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
Gaby--
Recommended reading:
Why did God create hell?
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
Question from on 05-11-2007:
When is Corpus Christi, and is it the holiest day of the Catholic faith?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
Robyn--
Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, will be celebrated on June 10 this year. Although a solemnity, which means that it is a liturgical feast of great importance, Corpus Christi cannot be said to be the holiest day of the Catholic liturgical year. Easter has that honor.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
Question from on 05-11-2007:
When is Corpus Christi, and is it the holiest day of the Catholic faith?
Answer by Catholic Answers on 05-14-2007:
Robyn--
Corpus Christi, also known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, will be celebrated on June 10 this year. Although a solemnity, which means that it is a liturgical feast of great importance, Corpus Christi cannot be said to be the holiest day of the Catholic liturgical year. Easter has that honor.
Michelle Arnold
Catholic Answers
instituted acolytes
instituted acolytes
Question from on 05-14-2007:
I have been serving my parish and others in my diocese for some time as sacrastin, acolyte, extraordinary minister, & home bound.
I have read many articles referring to instituted acolytes. IS this still a ministry which a lay person can request or evolve into. I find great joy serving the Church in this way and wish instruction or direction in this matter
Thank You
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-15-2007:
It is my impression that, in most dioceses, the only men instituted as acolytes by the bishop are those men preparing for ordination as a deacon or priest.
The last time I posted an answer about instituted acolytes, someone from the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska said that they have many instituted acolytes there. So apparently there are some exceptions.
It seems to me that the reason why the practice of having lay persons instituted as acolytes and lectors never really caught on is because these installed ministries are only open to men.
Question from on 05-14-2007:
I have been serving my parish and others in my diocese for some time as sacrastin, acolyte, extraordinary minister, & home bound.
I have read many articles referring to instituted acolytes. IS this still a ministry which a lay person can request or evolve into. I find great joy serving the Church in this way and wish instruction or direction in this matter
Thank You
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-15-2007:
It is my impression that, in most dioceses, the only men instituted as acolytes by the bishop are those men preparing for ordination as a deacon or priest.
The last time I posted an answer about instituted acolytes, someone from the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska said that they have many instituted acolytes there. So apparently there are some exceptions.
It seems to me that the reason why the practice of having lay persons instituted as acolytes and lectors never really caught on is because these installed ministries are only open to men.
Blessing of Vestments
Blessing of Vestments
Question from on 03-20-2007:
Dear Mr. Donovan,
Is it required that a Priest have his vestments blessed by the Bishop? Or does he have the authority to bless them himself? The Catholic Encyclopedia states:
"Not all the vestes sacrae necessarily require a blessing. This is strictly commanded only for the amice, alb, maniple, stole, chasuble, and perhaps also the cincture. The blessing of the liturgical vestments is a prerogative of the bishop; others can bless them only when specially empowered to do so. Vestments that have been blessed lose the blessing when the form is essentially altered, when they are much worn, and are therefore unworthy of the holy service, finally, when very greatly repaired. On account of the lack of positive information, it cannot be even approximately settled as to the time at which the blessing of liturgical vestments was introduced. The first certain statements concerning the blessing of liturgical vestments are made by the pseudo-Isidore and Benedict Levita, both belonging to the middle of the ninth century, but the oldest known formula of blessing, which is in the Pontifical of Reims, belongs to the end of the ninth century, for the benedictory prayers the Pontifical of Egbert of York are an interpolation of the tenth century. From the twelfth century and especially in the later Middle Ages, the forms of blessing were very numerous. The blessing f the vestments was probably always the prerogative of the bishop, though this is not expressly mentioned before Gilbert of Limerick in the early part of the twelfth century. In the Oriental Rites the blessing of the liturgical vestments is also customary; it is given by the bishop, but in case of necessity the priest can perform the ceremony. The benedictory prayers in the Greek Rite are very similar to those in the Latin Rite. It is perhaps even more difficult to determine the time when the blessing of the vestments in the Oriental Rites began than to settle its date in Western Europe."
I know this is a pre-Vatican II encyclopedia so possibly the discipline in this matter has changed, however the GIRM #335 states:
"In the Church, which is the Body of Christ, not all members have the same office. This variety of offices in the celebration of the Eucharist is shown outwardly by the diversity of sacred vestments, which should therefore be a sign of the office proper to each minister. At the same time, however, the sacred vestments should also contribute to the beauty of the sacred action itself. It is appropriate that the vestments to be worn by priests and deacons, as well as those garments to be worn by lay ministers, be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual137 before they put into liturgical use."
Does this mean that every time a Priest buys a new chasuble he needs to go to the Bishop and have it blessed?
I am entering seminary next year and I need to buy a cassock and surplice but I don't know if I need to have them blessed by a Bishop/Priest before using them to serve at Mass.
Thank you for your answer and God Bless.
John
Answer by Colin B. Donovan, STL on 05-15-2007:
Keeping in mind that matters such as vestments are not of the divine constitution of the Church but completely under the authority of the Church, the Catholic Encyclopedia is refering to the discipline in place in 1913.
The "Book of Blessings" currently provides that items to be used in the celebration of the liturgy (vestments, altar cloths, corporals) may be blessed either before or within the Mass, using the rite provided in the ritual.
So, you do not have to have them blessed by bishop, but you may have them blessed by a priest. There does not seem to be a requirement, however.
Question from on 03-20-2007:
Dear Mr. Donovan,
Is it required that a Priest have his vestments blessed by the Bishop? Or does he have the authority to bless them himself? The Catholic Encyclopedia states:
"Not all the vestes sacrae necessarily require a blessing. This is strictly commanded only for the amice, alb, maniple, stole, chasuble, and perhaps also the cincture. The blessing of the liturgical vestments is a prerogative of the bishop; others can bless them only when specially empowered to do so. Vestments that have been blessed lose the blessing when the form is essentially altered, when they are much worn, and are therefore unworthy of the holy service, finally, when very greatly repaired. On account of the lack of positive information, it cannot be even approximately settled as to the time at which the blessing of liturgical vestments was introduced. The first certain statements concerning the blessing of liturgical vestments are made by the pseudo-Isidore and Benedict Levita, both belonging to the middle of the ninth century, but the oldest known formula of blessing, which is in the Pontifical of Reims, belongs to the end of the ninth century, for the benedictory prayers the Pontifical of Egbert of York are an interpolation of the tenth century. From the twelfth century and especially in the later Middle Ages, the forms of blessing were very numerous. The blessing f the vestments was probably always the prerogative of the bishop, though this is not expressly mentioned before Gilbert of Limerick in the early part of the twelfth century. In the Oriental Rites the blessing of the liturgical vestments is also customary; it is given by the bishop, but in case of necessity the priest can perform the ceremony. The benedictory prayers in the Greek Rite are very similar to those in the Latin Rite. It is perhaps even more difficult to determine the time when the blessing of the vestments in the Oriental Rites began than to settle its date in Western Europe."
I know this is a pre-Vatican II encyclopedia so possibly the discipline in this matter has changed, however the GIRM #335 states:
"In the Church, which is the Body of Christ, not all members have the same office. This variety of offices in the celebration of the Eucharist is shown outwardly by the diversity of sacred vestments, which should therefore be a sign of the office proper to each minister. At the same time, however, the sacred vestments should also contribute to the beauty of the sacred action itself. It is appropriate that the vestments to be worn by priests and deacons, as well as those garments to be worn by lay ministers, be blessed according to the rite described in the Roman Ritual137 before they put into liturgical use."
Does this mean that every time a Priest buys a new chasuble he needs to go to the Bishop and have it blessed?
I am entering seminary next year and I need to buy a cassock and surplice but I don't know if I need to have them blessed by a Bishop/Priest before using them to serve at Mass.
Thank you for your answer and God Bless.
John
Answer by Colin B. Donovan, STL on 05-15-2007:
Keeping in mind that matters such as vestments are not of the divine constitution of the Church but completely under the authority of the Church, the Catholic Encyclopedia is refering to the discipline in place in 1913.
The "Book of Blessings" currently provides that items to be used in the celebration of the liturgy (vestments, altar cloths, corporals) may be blessed either before or within the Mass, using the rite provided in the ritual.
So, you do not have to have them blessed by bishop, but you may have them blessed by a priest. There does not seem to be a requirement, however.
St. Anne the Mother of Mary
St. Anne the Mother of Mary
Question from on 04-19-2007:
I have read recently that St. Anne, the Mother of Mary had an older daughter? Is this true. I have always read that she was barren until she had the Virgin Mary?
Answer by David Gregson on 05-17-2007:
I know of no source for the idea that Mary had an older sister. There was a story, originating in the 16th century, that she had younger half-sisters. According to this story, St. Joachim died shortly after his Daughter's presentation in the temple, and then St. Anne married Cleophas. By him, she had (according to the story) Mary Cleophae, wife of Alphaeus and mother of the Apostles James the Less, Simon and Jude Thaddaeus. Then, after the death of Cleophas (according to the story), she married Salomas and became the mother of Mary Salomae, wife of Zebedee, and mother of the Apostles James and John. This story has no support from ancient sources. The Church has always favored the view that St. Anne was monogamous, based on the early apocryphal work, the Protoevangelium of James.
Question from on 04-19-2007:
I have read recently that St. Anne, the Mother of Mary had an older daughter? Is this true. I have always read that she was barren until she had the Virgin Mary?
Answer by David Gregson on 05-17-2007:
I know of no source for the idea that Mary had an older sister. There was a story, originating in the 16th century, that she had younger half-sisters. According to this story, St. Joachim died shortly after his Daughter's presentation in the temple, and then St. Anne married Cleophas. By him, she had (according to the story) Mary Cleophae, wife of Alphaeus and mother of the Apostles James the Less, Simon and Jude Thaddaeus. Then, after the death of Cleophas (according to the story), she married Salomas and became the mother of Mary Salomae, wife of Zebedee, and mother of the Apostles James and John. This story has no support from ancient sources. The Church has always favored the view that St. Anne was monogamous, based on the early apocryphal work, the Protoevangelium of James.
Green Scapular
Green Scapular
Question from on 04-19-2007:
What is the history and meaning of the Green Scapular?
Answer by David Gregson on 05-17-2007:
See The Green Scapular and Its Favors, by Father Marie Edouard Mott, C.M.
Question from on 04-19-2007:
What is the history and meaning of the Green Scapular?
Answer by David Gregson on 05-17-2007:
See The Green Scapular and Its Favors, by Father Marie Edouard Mott, C.M.
Alter servers
Alter servers
Question from on 05-11-2007:
Hello, What is the vaticans views on girl alter servers? I was raised where boys were the only alter servers and I know the vatican has said girl servers are alright but is one preferred over the other? Our girls are approaching the age our parish trains alter servers and we are interested in your answer. God bless you.
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-17-2007:
Your answer is correct. The Vatican has said that in cases where no boys are available, female altar servers are permissible. This opened the floodgates, but doesn't diminish the Church's belief that boys serving the priest at Mass is a great vocational tool.
Now, there are those who'll say that girls may also benefit from altar serving when it comes to vocations, but as far as I know, in the 15 years that girls have served Mass, I've never heard of a vocation to religious life coming as a result of it.
Question from on 05-11-2007:
Hello, What is the vaticans views on girl alter servers? I was raised where boys were the only alter servers and I know the vatican has said girl servers are alright but is one preferred over the other? Our girls are approaching the age our parish trains alter servers and we are interested in your answer. God bless you.
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-17-2007:
Your answer is correct. The Vatican has said that in cases where no boys are available, female altar servers are permissible. This opened the floodgates, but doesn't diminish the Church's belief that boys serving the priest at Mass is a great vocational tool.
Now, there are those who'll say that girls may also benefit from altar serving when it comes to vocations, but as far as I know, in the 15 years that girls have served Mass, I've never heard of a vocation to religious life coming as a result of it.
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration
Question from on 05-02-2007:
I was asked by a fellow parishioner the following question: Why do we have Eucaristic Adoration if we believe that God is present everywhere?
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-17-2007:
Yes, God is everywhere, but look at the difference between talking to someone via telephone and being with them in person. The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Christ and God gave us this gift in order to allow us to spend time with Jesus. Prayer outside of Eucharistic adoration is not useless, but prayer with Eucharistic adoration is more grace-filled.
Question from on 05-02-2007:
I was asked by a fellow parishioner the following question: Why do we have Eucaristic Adoration if we believe that God is present everywhere?
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-17-2007:
Yes, God is everywhere, but look at the difference between talking to someone via telephone and being with them in person. The Eucharist is the Real Presence of Christ and God gave us this gift in order to allow us to spend time with Jesus. Prayer outside of Eucharistic adoration is not useless, but prayer with Eucharistic adoration is more grace-filled.
Charismatic Catholic
Charismatic Catholic
Question from on 05-18-2007:
What about charismatic service in the Catholic Church? It seems so unorthodox, with a lot of emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They heal, prohesize, speak in tounges. They have websites for it and letters from John Paul II and Benedict seemingly approving it.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-18-2007:
The Catholic Church is open to many different forms of prayer. However, this does not mean that all forms of prayer are for everyone. Charismatic prayer forms certainly appeal to a certain personality type, but this does not mean that everyone is called to participate in this form of prayer.
Question from on 05-18-2007:
What about charismatic service in the Catholic Church? It seems so unorthodox, with a lot of emphasis on the Holy Spirit. They heal, prohesize, speak in tounges. They have websites for it and letters from John Paul II and Benedict seemingly approving it.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-18-2007:
The Catholic Church is open to many different forms of prayer. However, this does not mean that all forms of prayer are for everyone. Charismatic prayer forms certainly appeal to a certain personality type, but this does not mean that everyone is called to participate in this form of prayer.
St. Francis of Assissi
St. Francis of Assissi
Question from on 05-06-2007:
We have a statue of St. Francis of Assissi in our church(St. Joseph's in Earling, IA), with a skull lying at his feet. Can you tell me the significance of this skull? My CYO class has asked me this, and I am stumped.
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 05-19-2007:
This is a good question. The skull was a common motif in paintings and also statues featuring the great saints because it was a symbol of asceticism. It was not uncommon for early (and even later) monks, ascetics, and mystics to keep a skull in their cells or rooms as a potent reminder of mortality. I hope that helps.
Question from on 05-06-2007:
We have a statue of St. Francis of Assissi in our church(St. Joseph's in Earling, IA), with a skull lying at his feet. Can you tell me the significance of this skull? My CYO class has asked me this, and I am stumped.
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 05-19-2007:
This is a good question. The skull was a common motif in paintings and also statues featuring the great saints because it was a symbol of asceticism. It was not uncommon for early (and even later) monks, ascetics, and mystics to keep a skull in their cells or rooms as a potent reminder of mortality. I hope that helps.
The Rosary
The Rosary
Question from on 05-06-2007:
Matthew Bunson, M.A., This question was proposed to me by a non Catholic friend who had been watching the sisters recite the rosary...........He descended into hell Where in the world was that stated? I've always said my rosary and never gave it a second thought. Please HELP and God bless, Peggy Sue Craig
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 05-19-2007:
That is found in the Apostles’ Creed: “descendit ad inferna; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis (“He descended into Hell, and on the third day rose again”).
I would suggest reading Pope John Paul II’s meditation on this very line at: http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP890111.htm You might also read the Catechism’s treatment:
CHAPTER TWO I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD ARTICLE 5 "HE DESCENDED INTO HELL. ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN" 631 Jesus "descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens."475 The Apostles' Creed confesses in the same article Christ's descent into hell and his Resurrection from the dead on the third day, because in his Passover it was precisely out of the depths of death that he made life spring forth: Christ, that Morning Star, who came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful light on all mankind, your Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.476 Paragraph 1. Christ Descended into Hell 632 The frequent New Testament affirmations that Jesus was "raised from the dead" presuppose that the crucified one sojourned in the realm of the dead prior to his resurrection.477 This was the first meaning given in the apostolic preaching to Christ's descent into hell: that Jesus, like all men, experienced death and in his soul joined the others in the realm of the dead. But he descended there as Savior, proclaiming the Good News to the spirits imprisoned there.478 633 Scripture calls the abode of the dead, to which the dead Christ went down, "hell" - Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek - because those who are there are deprived of the vision of God.479 Such is the case for all the dead, whether evil or righteous, while they await the Redeemer: which does not mean that their lot is identical, as Jesus shows through the parable of the poor man Lazarus who was received into "Abraham's bosom":480 "It is precisely these holy souls, who awaited their Savior in Abraham's bosom, whom Christ the Lord delivered when he descended into hell."481 Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.482 634 "The gospel was preached even to the dead."483 The descent into hell brings the Gospel message of salvation to complete fulfilment. This is the last phase of Jesus' messianic mission, a phase which is condensed in time but vast in its real significance: the spread of Christ's redemptive work to all men of all times and all places, for all who are saved have been made sharers in the redemption. 635 Christ went down into the depths of death so that "the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live."484 Jesus, "the Author of life", by dying destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and [delivered] all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage."485 Henceforth the risen Christ holds "the keys of Death and Hades", so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."486 Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . "I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead."487 IN BRIEF 636 By the expression "He descended into hell", the Apostles' Creed confesses that Jesus did really die and through his death for us conquered death and the devil "who has the power of death" (Heb 2:14). 637 In his human soul united to his divine person, the dead Christ went down to the realm of the dead. He opened heaven's gates for the just who had gone before him. ________________________________________ 475 Eph 4:9-10. 476 Roman Missal, Easter Vigil 18, Exsultet. 477 Acts 3:15; Rom 8:11; I Cor 15:20; cf. Heb 13:20. 478 Cf. I Pt 3:18-19. 479 Cf. Phil 2:10; Acts 2:24; Rev 1:18; Eph 4:9; Pss 6:6; 88:11-13. 480 Cf. Ps 89:49; I Sam 28:19; Ezek 32:17-32; Lk 16:22-26. 481 Roman Catechism 1, 6, 3. 482 Cf. Council of Rome (745): DS 587; Benedict XII, Cum dudum (1341): DS 1011; Clement VI, Super quibusdam (1351): DS 1077; Council of Toledo IV (625): DS 485; Mt 27:52-53. 483 I Pt 4:6. 484 Jn 5:25; cf. Mt 12:40; Rom 10:7; Eph 4:9. 485 Heb 2:14-15; cf. Acts 3:15. 486 Rev 1:18; Phil 2:10. 487 Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday: PG 43, 440A, 452C; LH, Holy Saturday, OR.
Question from on 05-06-2007:
Matthew Bunson, M.A., This question was proposed to me by a non Catholic friend who had been watching the sisters recite the rosary...........He descended into hell Where in the world was that stated? I've always said my rosary and never gave it a second thought. Please HELP and God bless, Peggy Sue Craig
Answer by Matthew Bunson on 05-19-2007:
That is found in the Apostles’ Creed: “descendit ad inferna; tertia die resurrexit a mortuis (“He descended into Hell, and on the third day rose again”).
I would suggest reading Pope John Paul II’s meditation on this very line at: http://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/JP890111.htm You might also read the Catechism’s treatment:
CHAPTER TWO I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST, THE ONLY SON OF GOD ARTICLE 5 "HE DESCENDED INTO HELL. ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN" 631 Jesus "descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended is he who also ascended far above all the heavens."475 The Apostles' Creed confesses in the same article Christ's descent into hell and his Resurrection from the dead on the third day, because in his Passover it was precisely out of the depths of death that he made life spring forth: Christ, that Morning Star, who came back from the dead, and shed his peaceful light on all mankind, your Son who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.476 Paragraph 1. Christ Descended into Hell 632 The frequent New Testament affirmations that Jesus was "raised from the dead" presuppose that the crucified one sojourned in the realm of the dead prior to his resurrection.477 This was the first meaning given in the apostolic preaching to Christ's descent into hell: that Jesus, like all men, experienced death and in his soul joined the others in the realm of the dead. But he descended there as Savior, proclaiming the Good News to the spirits imprisoned there.478 633 Scripture calls the abode of the dead, to which the dead Christ went down, "hell" - Sheol in Hebrew or Hades in Greek - because those who are there are deprived of the vision of God.479 Such is the case for all the dead, whether evil or righteous, while they await the Redeemer: which does not mean that their lot is identical, as Jesus shows through the parable of the poor man Lazarus who was received into "Abraham's bosom":480 "It is precisely these holy souls, who awaited their Savior in Abraham's bosom, whom Christ the Lord delivered when he descended into hell."481 Jesus did not descend into hell to deliver the damned, nor to destroy the hell of damnation, but to free the just who had gone before him.482 634 "The gospel was preached even to the dead."483 The descent into hell brings the Gospel message of salvation to complete fulfilment. This is the last phase of Jesus' messianic mission, a phase which is condensed in time but vast in its real significance: the spread of Christ's redemptive work to all men of all times and all places, for all who are saved have been made sharers in the redemption. 635 Christ went down into the depths of death so that "the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live."484 Jesus, "the Author of life", by dying destroyed "him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and [delivered] all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage."485 Henceforth the risen Christ holds "the keys of Death and Hades", so that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth."486 Today a great silence reigns on earth, a great silence and a great stillness. A great silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and he has raised up all who have slept ever since the world began. . . He has gone to search for Adam, our first father, as for a lost sheep. Greatly desiring to visit those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, he has gone to free from sorrow Adam in his bonds and Eve, captive with him - He who is both their God and the son of Eve. . . "I am your God, who for your sake have become your son. . . I order you, O sleeper, to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead."487 IN BRIEF 636 By the expression "He descended into hell", the Apostles' Creed confesses that Jesus did really die and through his death for us conquered death and the devil "who has the power of death" (Heb 2:14). 637 In his human soul united to his divine person, the dead Christ went down to the realm of the dead. He opened heaven's gates for the just who had gone before him. ________________________________________ 475 Eph 4:9-10. 476 Roman Missal, Easter Vigil 18, Exsultet. 477 Acts 3:15; Rom 8:11; I Cor 15:20; cf. Heb 13:20. 478 Cf. I Pt 3:18-19. 479 Cf. Phil 2:10; Acts 2:24; Rev 1:18; Eph 4:9; Pss 6:6; 88:11-13. 480 Cf. Ps 89:49; I Sam 28:19; Ezek 32:17-32; Lk 16:22-26. 481 Roman Catechism 1, 6, 3. 482 Cf. Council of Rome (745): DS 587; Benedict XII, Cum dudum (1341): DS 1011; Clement VI, Super quibusdam (1351): DS 1077; Council of Toledo IV (625): DS 485; Mt 27:52-53. 483 I Pt 4:6. 484 Jn 5:25; cf. Mt 12:40; Rom 10:7; Eph 4:9. 485 Heb 2:14-15; cf. Acts 3:15. 486 Rev 1:18; Phil 2:10. 487 Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday: PG 43, 440A, 452C; LH, Holy Saturday, OR.
Water add to the wine
Water add to the wine
Question from on 05-18-2007:
Why is water added to the wine during Mass? What does it represent?
Also, I have noticed that some priest add it to just his chalice while other priests add it(water) to both his chalice and that given to the people. Is both ways acceptable or is one going against GIRM.
God Bless and Thank you
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-19-2007:
The rubrics state that water is added to the chalice. If multiple chalices are used, it makes sense to add water to all of the chalices. In any case, the omission of water would not affect validity.
The prayer said silently while the water is added to the chalice is: "By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity." The prayer explains the ritual.
Question from on 05-18-2007:
Why is water added to the wine during Mass? What does it represent?
Also, I have noticed that some priest add it to just his chalice while other priests add it(water) to both his chalice and that given to the people. Is both ways acceptable or is one going against GIRM.
God Bless and Thank you
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-19-2007:
The rubrics state that water is added to the chalice. If multiple chalices are used, it makes sense to add water to all of the chalices. In any case, the omission of water would not affect validity.
The prayer said silently while the water is added to the chalice is: "By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity." The prayer explains the ritual.
Dog at Mass
Dog at Mass
Question from on 05-19-2007:
Our Pastor will often bring his dog to Mass. Although I personally find it amusing and even calming, I was wondering if this is permitted, given that the dog wanders freely up to and including the altar area? I once served at a mission where the Sisters did the same thing in their chapel.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-19-2007:
Common sense often dictates what the law does not. I can't imagine that it is appropriate to have pets wandering around the church, especially during the liturgy. Beside, it does not seem sensitive to those who might have pet allergies.
Question from on 05-19-2007:
Our Pastor will often bring his dog to Mass. Although I personally find it amusing and even calming, I was wondering if this is permitted, given that the dog wanders freely up to and including the altar area? I once served at a mission where the Sisters did the same thing in their chapel.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-19-2007:
Common sense often dictates what the law does not. I can't imagine that it is appropriate to have pets wandering around the church, especially during the liturgy. Beside, it does not seem sensitive to those who might have pet allergies.
Mass Intention
Mass Intention
Question from on 05-19-2007:
I requested a Mass for the repose of the soul of a friend and paid a $10.00 stipend. The Church where I requested the Mass later added two other individuals names as well as the intention for that Mass. I've never seen that before. Usually the Mass has always been for the one intention. Is this something new?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-19-2007:
If the usual offering in your areae is $10, then the additional names should not have been added. You should inquire with the parish about this.
A priest may only combine intentions if the offerings made were less than the usual amount (e.g., $5 + $3 + $2) and with the prior consent of those making the offering.
Question from on 05-19-2007:
I requested a Mass for the repose of the soul of a friend and paid a $10.00 stipend. The Church where I requested the Mass later added two other individuals names as well as the intention for that Mass. I've never seen that before. Usually the Mass has always been for the one intention. Is this something new?
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-19-2007:
If the usual offering in your areae is $10, then the additional names should not have been added. You should inquire with the parish about this.
A priest may only combine intentions if the offerings made were less than the usual amount (e.g., $5 + $3 + $2) and with the prior consent of those making the offering.
Intercession of the Souls in Purgatory
Intercession of the Souls in Purgatory
Question from on 05-12-2007:
A Catholic friend told me that Father Pacwa said the souls in Purgatory cannot pray for the living, that only we can pray for them, and that the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism does not indicate that the souls can be our intecessors. Since they belong to the Communion of Saints, I know this cannot be true.
While I cannot believe such a comment came from Father Pacwa, could you please have his alleged comment clarified?
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
T. Kavon tkavon@yahoo.com
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-13-2007:
Dear Mr. Kavon, According to the Modern Catholic Dictionary of Fr. John Hardon, S.J. the suffering souls in purgatory may pray for those of us still living. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis
Question from on 05-12-2007:
A Catholic friend told me that Father Pacwa said the souls in Purgatory cannot pray for the living, that only we can pray for them, and that the St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism does not indicate that the souls can be our intecessors. Since they belong to the Communion of Saints, I know this cannot be true.
While I cannot believe such a comment came from Father Pacwa, could you please have his alleged comment clarified?
Thank you in advance for your kind consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
T. Kavon tkavon@yahoo.com
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-13-2007:
Dear Mr. Kavon, According to the Modern Catholic Dictionary of Fr. John Hardon, S.J. the suffering souls in purgatory may pray for those of us still living. God bless you. Fr. Bob Levis
Hell and judgment
Hell and judgment
Question from on 05-01-2007:
It's my understanding that when we die and are judged by Jesus, everything we have done, good and bad, will be made known. Does that include everything that we have confessed and been forgiven for? I am aware that there is still a temporal punishment due for sins that are forgiven.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
On this point theologians are not in agreement and there is no definitive teaching by the Church. Whether or not the sins of the saints will be manifested in the General Judgment is unknown, but if they are revealed, it will not be for the purpose of causing the saints sadness (incompatible with the happiness of Heaven) but to manifest the great mercy of God.
Thanks, Amy
Father Echert
Question from on 05-01-2007:
It's my understanding that when we die and are judged by Jesus, everything we have done, good and bad, will be made known. Does that include everything that we have confessed and been forgiven for? I am aware that there is still a temporal punishment due for sins that are forgiven.
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
On this point theologians are not in agreement and there is no definitive teaching by the Church. Whether or not the sins of the saints will be manifested in the General Judgment is unknown, but if they are revealed, it will not be for the purpose of causing the saints sadness (incompatible with the happiness of Heaven) but to manifest the great mercy of God.
Thanks, Amy
Father Echert
Saint Thomas
Saint Thomas
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Since Saint Thomas was not in the room when Jesus breathed the Holy Spririt into the apostles, when did he receive it? And did he recieve it from Christ Himself at a later visit?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
This detail has not been explicitly revealed. It is possible that he received the Holy Spirit in the moment that he professed his faith in the Risen Christ, or he may have received the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the first time at Pentecost. It should be noted that the breathing of the Holy Spirit was not for the conferral of sanctifying grace, which the Apostles almost certainly already possessed (except Judas), but for the special presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks, Steve
Father Echert
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Since Saint Thomas was not in the room when Jesus breathed the Holy Spririt into the apostles, when did he receive it? And did he recieve it from Christ Himself at a later visit?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
This detail has not been explicitly revealed. It is possible that he received the Holy Spirit in the moment that he professed his faith in the Risen Christ, or he may have received the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the first time at Pentecost. It should be noted that the breathing of the Holy Spirit was not for the conferral of sanctifying grace, which the Apostles almost certainly already possessed (except Judas), but for the special presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit.
Thanks, Steve
Father Echert
Speaking and Praying in tongues.
Speaking and Praying in tongues.
Question from on 05-02-2007:
Sir, Iwant to know whether Catholics believe in speaking and praying in tongues?
Why is it not thought in Catholic churches, since it is a from the Holy Spirit?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
As recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and referred to in some Epistles, manifestations of the Holy Spirit abounded in the early Church, to include tongues and prophecies. Early writings reveal, however, that the vast number of miracles and charismatic gifts from the Holy Spirit substantially subsided, following the Apostolic period of the Church. Such miracles and signs served a purpose in that first generation, to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth against all opposition. But they also presented a danger, as revealed by Pauline writings (see 1 Corinthians especially), in that the faithful often attached too much significance to these, and lost sight of their purpose. There are elements within the Catholic Church are regard themselves as charismatic, though so far as I know, there is no official approbation of any particular group or movement.
Thanks, Anthony
Father Echert
Question from on 05-02-2007:
Sir, Iwant to know whether Catholics believe in speaking and praying in tongues?
Why is it not thought in Catholic churches, since it is a from the Holy Spirit?
Answer by Fr. John Echert on 05-13-2007:
As recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and referred to in some Epistles, manifestations of the Holy Spirit abounded in the early Church, to include tongues and prophecies. Early writings reveal, however, that the vast number of miracles and charismatic gifts from the Holy Spirit substantially subsided, following the Apostolic period of the Church. Such miracles and signs served a purpose in that first generation, to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth against all opposition. But they also presented a danger, as revealed by Pauline writings (see 1 Corinthians especially), in that the faithful often attached too much significance to these, and lost sight of their purpose. There are elements within the Catholic Church are regard themselves as charismatic, though so far as I know, there is no official approbation of any particular group or movement.
Thanks, Anthony
Father Echert
New Catholic radio station launched
New Catholic radio station launched: "New Catholic radio station launched
Washington DC, May 8, 2007 / 11:35 am (CNA).- A new Catholic radio station promises to provide “honest and intelligent and programming that will enrich their (the listeners) understanding of the world and their Catholic faith.”
Catholic Radio International has been launched and will air high-quality news and cultural content for the Internet, MP3 downloads, and regular radio stations. The programming will feature spiritual content as well as reflections on faith in the public square.
CRI will offer reflections from Sally Robb on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, called “A Thread of Grace.”
Robb is a former co-host of Relevant Radio’s Morning Air program. The name for her show comes from an old Jewish saying that says that even in the darkest tapestries, God always weaves a thread of grace.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, CRI will air “The Heart of the Matter.” which is a current issues oriented show.
The hour-long “UltraSound” will air three times a month on Saturdays, starting May 5. It is hosted by Jeff Gardner, who is also CRI’s CEO. His program has been described as “This American Life” meets “60 Minutes.” The program takes a fresh and edgy look at the many issues involved with living the culture of life.
"
Washington DC, May 8, 2007 / 11:35 am (CNA).- A new Catholic radio station promises to provide “honest and intelligent and programming that will enrich their (the listeners) understanding of the world and their Catholic faith.”
Catholic Radio International has been launched and will air high-quality news and cultural content for the Internet, MP3 downloads, and regular radio stations. The programming will feature spiritual content as well as reflections on faith in the public square.
CRI will offer reflections from Sally Robb on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, called “A Thread of Grace.”
Robb is a former co-host of Relevant Radio’s Morning Air program. The name for her show comes from an old Jewish saying that says that even in the darkest tapestries, God always weaves a thread of grace.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, CRI will air “The Heart of the Matter.” which is a current issues oriented show.
The hour-long “UltraSound” will air three times a month on Saturdays, starting May 5. It is hosted by Jeff Gardner, who is also CRI’s CEO. His program has been described as “This American Life” meets “60 Minutes.” The program takes a fresh and edgy look at the many issues involved with living the culture of life.
"
praying for the departed
Document Title: "praying for the departed
Question from on 05-07-2007:
I believe we should pray for the departed but I have a siter that is a Evangelica and is agaist praying for the departed, please tell me where I can gather information on this... Thank you Gods blessing to you
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-08-2007:
Dear Carmen, Your sitter trusts that all believers are already saved, that their Faith is sufficient for salvation. Would that she were correct! We Catholics believe that works are also necessary. How can any of us be sure we have done enough works acceptable to God for entrance into eternal glory? And what about sin? WE all are sinners, and who can say that his sorrow has been sufficient for God to forget our sins? Even in the Old Testament there are countless verses asking for prayer for others, including the deceased. Instead of your proving the need of prayer for the dead, ask your sinner to prove why prayers are unnecessary for them. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-07-2007:
I believe we should pray for the departed but I have a siter that is a Evangelica and is agaist praying for the departed, please tell me where I can gather information on this... Thank you Gods blessing to you
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-08-2007:
Dear Carmen, Your sitter trusts that all believers are already saved, that their Faith is sufficient for salvation. Would that she were correct! We Catholics believe that works are also necessary. How can any of us be sure we have done enough works acceptable to God for entrance into eternal glory? And what about sin? WE all are sinners, and who can say that his sorrow has been sufficient for God to forget our sins? Even in the Old Testament there are countless verses asking for prayer for others, including the deceased. Instead of your proving the need of prayer for the dead, ask your sinner to prove why prayers are unnecessary for them. Fr. Bob Levis"
PBS docudrama on Inquisition
Catholic League questions accuracy of PBS docudrama on Inquisition: "Catholic League questions accuracy of PBS docudrama on Inquisition
New York, May 9, 2007 / 12:23 pm (CNA).- Catholic League president Bill Donohue has raised some concerns about a four-part docudrama on the Inquisition. “The Secret Files of the Inquisition” will air on PBS, starting tonight.
Donohue bases his critiques on the advertisement of the film on the PBS website, which states: “For over half a millennium a system of mass terror reigned. Thousands were subject to secret courts, torture and punishment.”
“This is plainly dishonest,” says Donohue.
Donohue cites British historian Henry Kamen, author of The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision, who posits that almost all the conventional wisdom about the Inquisition is wrong.
According to Kamen, the Inquisition’s courts were more human than the secular courts at the time, since the former allowed defendants to be represented by an attorney.
Historian Edward Peters also argues against the commonly held view of the Inquisition. “Modern historiography has completely blown the old Inquisition propaganda out of the water. No one seriously contends that hundreds of thousands or millions were killed, or that the Protestant countries were any more humane than Spain was,” Peters states.
Donohue also "
New York, May 9, 2007 / 12:23 pm (CNA).- Catholic League president Bill Donohue has raised some concerns about a four-part docudrama on the Inquisition. “The Secret Files of the Inquisition” will air on PBS, starting tonight.
Donohue bases his critiques on the advertisement of the film on the PBS website, which states: “For over half a millennium a system of mass terror reigned. Thousands were subject to secret courts, torture and punishment.”
“This is plainly dishonest,” says Donohue.
Donohue cites British historian Henry Kamen, author of The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision, who posits that almost all the conventional wisdom about the Inquisition is wrong.
According to Kamen, the Inquisition’s courts were more human than the secular courts at the time, since the former allowed defendants to be represented by an attorney.
Historian Edward Peters also argues against the commonly held view of the Inquisition. “Modern historiography has completely blown the old Inquisition propaganda out of the water. No one seriously contends that hundreds of thousands or millions were killed, or that the Protestant countries were any more humane than Spain was,” Peters states.
Donohue also "
Burial After Cremation
Document Title: "Burial After Cremation
Question from on 05-06-2007:
Father Mark recently answered a question about cremation, and in the response he stated that the remains must be buried. Must the ashes be buried immediately following cremation? My in-laws want us to cremate both of them and mix their ashes together before burial. So the one who passes first wouldn't be buried until the other one passes. Is it wrong to be a party to this? Thanks for your insight.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-09-2007:
Mixing ashes sounds a little strange. After all, we will not be 'mixed' people in the resurrection of the dead but unmarried individuals.
There is no provision for unduly delaying the burial of the human remains of a person, even if cremated.
Reader of this forum Irene added: 'There is no need to delay burial of the ashes after cremation if a couple wants to be in the same urn. Companion urns accomodate this. Most urns are not buried, but placed in a niche. The niche can easily be reopened when the 2nd person passes. We did this for my inlaws, and my husband and I have the same arrangements for ourselves.'"
Question from on 05-06-2007:
Father Mark recently answered a question about cremation, and in the response he stated that the remains must be buried. Must the ashes be buried immediately following cremation? My in-laws want us to cremate both of them and mix their ashes together before burial. So the one who passes first wouldn't be buried until the other one passes. Is it wrong to be a party to this? Thanks for your insight.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-09-2007:
Mixing ashes sounds a little strange. After all, we will not be 'mixed' people in the resurrection of the dead but unmarried individuals.
There is no provision for unduly delaying the burial of the human remains of a person, even if cremated.
Reader of this forum Irene added: 'There is no need to delay burial of the ashes after cremation if a couple wants to be in the same urn. Companion urns accomodate this. Most urns are not buried, but placed in a niche. The niche can easily be reopened when the 2nd person passes. We did this for my inlaws, and my husband and I have the same arrangements for ourselves.'"
The after life
Document Title: "The after life
Question from on 05-04-2007:
I have a sister who died nearly 13 years ago. She was only 17. 4 days ago she would have turn 30 if she was alive. This milestone has brought a lot of grief to my family. I have 2 questions which I need an answer to. 1. A relative has admitted of using witchcraft to cause her death; what would happen to her as far as going to heaven when her life has been taken away before her time? 2. Would she be allowed in heaven even if she had some sins?
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 05-09-2007:
Dear Vanessa,
No body dies unless God allows it. God sets the time. Thus even though murderers feel that they have god-like power in ending another's life, God is the final master. Concerning your second question: don't go asking it because it will cause only more grief. The Church says to pray for their souls. So that is why Catholics pray for the souls of the deceased and then leave the rest to God. Creatures are creatures and have to live in that way, leaving what belong to God to God.
Dr. Geraghty"
Question from on 05-04-2007:
I have a sister who died nearly 13 years ago. She was only 17. 4 days ago she would have turn 30 if she was alive. This milestone has brought a lot of grief to my family. I have 2 questions which I need an answer to. 1. A relative has admitted of using witchcraft to cause her death; what would happen to her as far as going to heaven when her life has been taken away before her time? 2. Would she be allowed in heaven even if she had some sins?
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 05-09-2007:
Dear Vanessa,
No body dies unless God allows it. God sets the time. Thus even though murderers feel that they have god-like power in ending another's life, God is the final master. Concerning your second question: don't go asking it because it will cause only more grief. The Church says to pray for their souls. So that is why Catholics pray for the souls of the deceased and then leave the rest to God. Creatures are creatures and have to live in that way, leaving what belong to God to God.
Dr. Geraghty"
Canon 917
Document Title: "Canon 917
Question from on 05-10-2007:
I have a two fold question. I in Diaconate Formation and currently studying Canon Law. Last night we discussed Canon 917 in regards to how many times a person can receive communion on a given day. The commentary as well as our instructor indicated that communion, without regards to Canon 921 $2, can receive communion twice as long as they attend Mass. However the question which surfaced was regards to Deacons. 905 $2 permits a priest to celebrate Mass more than once, twice or even three times if the local Ordinary approves the need. However, no where in Canon does it indicate that if a Deacon must assist at these Masses is he permitted to receive communion more than twice.
But, I'm trying to read Canon 917 to see where it stipulates twice, although I'm told the intent of 917 was to limit the multiple receptions of communion.
Canon 917 says 'One who has received the blessed Eucharist may receive it again on the same day...' Where does it limit it to twice? Thanks....Jack
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
There was an official interpretion from the Pontifical Council for the Authentic Interpretation of Legislative Texts stating that 'again' meant 'a second ti"
Question from on 05-10-2007:
I have a two fold question. I in Diaconate Formation and currently studying Canon Law. Last night we discussed Canon 917 in regards to how many times a person can receive communion on a given day. The commentary as well as our instructor indicated that communion, without regards to Canon 921 $2, can receive communion twice as long as they attend Mass. However the question which surfaced was regards to Deacons. 905 $2 permits a priest to celebrate Mass more than once, twice or even three times if the local Ordinary approves the need. However, no where in Canon does it indicate that if a Deacon must assist at these Masses is he permitted to receive communion more than twice.
But, I'm trying to read Canon 917 to see where it stipulates twice, although I'm told the intent of 917 was to limit the multiple receptions of communion.
Canon 917 says 'One who has received the blessed Eucharist may receive it again on the same day...' Where does it limit it to twice? Thanks....Jack
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
There was an official interpretion from the Pontifical Council for the Authentic Interpretation of Legislative Texts stating that 'again' meant 'a second ti"
Readings at Mass
Document Title: "Readings at Mass
Question from on 05-10-2007:
Hi Fr. Gantley,
I read the postings stating that Catholics only can read during mass. Unaware of this at the time, a Jewish friend read the old testament at our nuptial mass. Does this have any impact on the validity of our marriage? Need we do anything to correct this?
Thank you for your consideration.
Francis
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
No, this does not affect the validity of your marriage in any manner. There is nothing you need to do to correct this."
Question from on 05-10-2007:
Hi Fr. Gantley,
I read the postings stating that Catholics only can read during mass. Unaware of this at the time, a Jewish friend read the old testament at our nuptial mass. Does this have any impact on the validity of our marriage? Need we do anything to correct this?
Thank you for your consideration.
Francis
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
No, this does not affect the validity of your marriage in any manner. There is nothing you need to do to correct this."
First Communion
Document Title: "First Communion
Question from on 05-10-2007:
I attended a first communion last Saturday, and couldn't beleive that every child received Communion-in-the hand, and received the Precious Blood drinking from the chalice...7 and 8 year olds.....Is this proper? And what are the rules of first communicants in the Church on receiving First Communion? Thanks and God Bless.....
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
I celebrated first Holy Communion with my children this past weekend and most received Holy Communion in the hand and all received the Blood of Christ. I personally instructed all of my children how to receive both on the tongue and in the hand and told them that it was their choice. I told that that they would recieve both species (the Body and Blood of Christ) on their first Holy Communion and that, after their first Holy Communion, they could chose whether or not to receive the Blood of Christ in the future. (If parents request that the children not receivce the Blood of Christ, then I make exceptions privately. I always resect the will of the parents.)
So what I did and what you saw were completely within the norm of law."
Question from on 05-10-2007:
I attended a first communion last Saturday, and couldn't beleive that every child received Communion-in-the hand, and received the Precious Blood drinking from the chalice...7 and 8 year olds.....Is this proper? And what are the rules of first communicants in the Church on receiving First Communion? Thanks and God Bless.....
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
I celebrated first Holy Communion with my children this past weekend and most received Holy Communion in the hand and all received the Blood of Christ. I personally instructed all of my children how to receive both on the tongue and in the hand and told them that it was their choice. I told that that they would recieve both species (the Body and Blood of Christ) on their first Holy Communion and that, after their first Holy Communion, they could chose whether or not to receive the Blood of Christ in the future. (If parents request that the children not receivce the Blood of Christ, then I make exceptions privately. I always resect the will of the parents.)
So what I did and what you saw were completely within the norm of law."
bowing before communion
Document Title: "bowing before communion
Question from on 05-10-2007:
When we bow before receiving communion how should we do it? Is just a head bow ok or do we need to bow at the waste? thanks.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
It is a bow of the head (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #160).
The bow before receiving Holy Communion applies in the United States."
Question from on 05-10-2007:
When we bow before receiving communion how should we do it? Is just a head bow ok or do we need to bow at the waste? thanks.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
It is a bow of the head (General Instruction of the Roman Missal #160).
The bow before receiving Holy Communion applies in the United States."
Patron Saint
Document Title: "Patron Saint
Question from on 05-05-2007:
Who is the patron saint of the united states army special forces. I've found web sites that say its Philip of agirone and some say its saint philip neri. You help in this would be really helpfull
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 05-11-2007:
Dear Jason,
I am afraid I cannot help you. In matters like this there is no official church teaching. These customs come up from the Catholic people. So take your pick between the two saints. You will be right either way.
Dr. Geraghty"
Question from on 05-05-2007:
Who is the patron saint of the united states army special forces. I've found web sites that say its Philip of agirone and some say its saint philip neri. You help in this would be really helpfull
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 05-11-2007:
Dear Jason,
I am afraid I cannot help you. In matters like this there is no official church teaching. These customs come up from the Catholic people. So take your pick between the two saints. You will be right either way.
Dr. Geraghty"
dancing in front of the alter
Document Title: "dancing in front of the alter
Question from on 05-10-2007:
Blessings Father!
The Sister at my daughter's school is making them twirl and dance down the aisle and in fornt of the alter for the May Crowning. My daughter tried to bringing it up that it was appropriate. But Sister just waved her hands around and said it was ok, not a big deal. My daughter is extremely uncomfortable doing this. I know I should talk to Sister but knowing her I dont think it would do much good. Would it be ok for my daughter to not show up for Mass? It is a weekday Mass so we wouldnt be missing our Sunday obligaiton.
Thanks and God Bless! Anon
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-11-2007:
Anon, I suggest the child tell Sister that her family disagrees with her about this dance down the aisle. Be open and right up front. I agree that the child should not attend. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-10-2007:
Blessings Father!
The Sister at my daughter's school is making them twirl and dance down the aisle and in fornt of the alter for the May Crowning. My daughter tried to bringing it up that it was appropriate. But Sister just waved her hands around and said it was ok, not a big deal. My daughter is extremely uncomfortable doing this. I know I should talk to Sister but knowing her I dont think it would do much good. Would it be ok for my daughter to not show up for Mass? It is a weekday Mass so we wouldnt be missing our Sunday obligaiton.
Thanks and God Bless! Anon
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-11-2007:
Anon, I suggest the child tell Sister that her family disagrees with her about this dance down the aisle. Be open and right up front. I agree that the child should not attend. Fr. Bob Levis"
Cremation Question
Document Title: "Cremation Question
Question from on 05-04-2007:
Dear Father,
I'm a Catholic whose Catholic friend recently died. While he was living, he never mentioned to me that he had asked his family to have his body cremated (which I realize is no problem in and of itself) but, instead of having his ashes buried in a marked grave, to have them dispersed into a body of water. I would have tried to counsel him to have his remains buried in a Cathlolic cemetery, had I been aware of his wishes, but I did not hear of what he wished till after he had passed away. My question has to do with whether or not I am free to be present when the family disperses the ashes. I have been personally invited to be there, and the last thing I want to do is hurt anyone's feelings at this point (since I don't see any chance of altering the plan by expressing my reservations). Can I be present without committing scandal? If I have to decline, am I obliged to tell the family why I am declining? I don't want to hurt anybody at this point -- especially if there's no realistic expectation that I can affect the outcome. However, I don't want to fail in my obligations as a Catholic. Please advise me. May God bless you for the good work yo"
Question from on 05-04-2007:
Dear Father,
I'm a Catholic whose Catholic friend recently died. While he was living, he never mentioned to me that he had asked his family to have his body cremated (which I realize is no problem in and of itself) but, instead of having his ashes buried in a marked grave, to have them dispersed into a body of water. I would have tried to counsel him to have his remains buried in a Cathlolic cemetery, had I been aware of his wishes, but I did not hear of what he wished till after he had passed away. My question has to do with whether or not I am free to be present when the family disperses the ashes. I have been personally invited to be there, and the last thing I want to do is hurt anyone's feelings at this point (since I don't see any chance of altering the plan by expressing my reservations). Can I be present without committing scandal? If I have to decline, am I obliged to tell the family why I am declining? I don't want to hurt anybody at this point -- especially if there's no realistic expectation that I can affect the outcome. However, I don't want to fail in my obligations as a Catholic. Please advise me. May God bless you for the good work yo"
Liturgy of the Hours
Document Title: "Liturgy of the Hours
Question from on 05-04-2007:
Dear Father(s),
I wish to buy a smaller version of the LOH (I can't afford the four volume set) but I don't know which one is best. I've seen 'Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours' from the Daughters of St. Paul (1992) and the one from the Catholic Book Publishing Company (1999). There are lots of opinions about which is best or more acurate but I'd rather ask you. Thank you in advance and God Bless you.
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-11-2007:
I was under the impression that both books, while available at Daughters of St. Paul book shops, were one and the same. Both should be the same. All things being equal, I'd go with the Catholic Book Publishing Company edition."
Question from on 05-04-2007:
Dear Father(s),
I wish to buy a smaller version of the LOH (I can't afford the four volume set) but I don't know which one is best. I've seen 'Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours' from the Daughters of St. Paul (1992) and the one from the Catholic Book Publishing Company (1999). There are lots of opinions about which is best or more acurate but I'd rather ask you. Thank you in advance and God Bless you.
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-11-2007:
I was under the impression that both books, while available at Daughters of St. Paul book shops, were one and the same. Both should be the same. All things being equal, I'd go with the Catholic Book Publishing Company edition."
Divorced Deacon
Document Title: "Divorced Deacon
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Can a Permanent Deacon remain a Deacon after he gets a divorce from his wife of 30+ years?
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-11-2007:
A divorce is a civil dissolution of the legal contract of marriage. It does not, and cannot, affect the supernatural bond created by the Sacrament of Marriage. So on one hand, a divorced Deacon is still, in the Church's eyes, married to that wife. Not knowing the particular circumstances here, perhaps she asked for the divorce and he did not want to pursue it. But, at the very least, there is absolutely no question that, even though the civil government may see him as free to remarry, in the Church's eyes there is no question he should not even think of any kind of dating."
Question from on 05-01-2007:
Can a Permanent Deacon remain a Deacon after he gets a divorce from his wife of 30+ years?
Answer by Fr. Jay Toborowsky on 05-11-2007:
A divorce is a civil dissolution of the legal contract of marriage. It does not, and cannot, affect the supernatural bond created by the Sacrament of Marriage. So on one hand, a divorced Deacon is still, in the Church's eyes, married to that wife. Not knowing the particular circumstances here, perhaps she asked for the divorce and he did not want to pursue it. But, at the very least, there is absolutely no question that, even though the civil government may see him as free to remarry, in the Church's eyes there is no question he should not even think of any kind of dating."
work on Holy Day of Obligation
Document Title: "Follow-up question regarding work on Holy Day of Obligation
Question from on 05-10-2007:
Dear Father,
Thank you for responding to my earlier question. I am following up on my earlier question regarding whether or not it is permissible to work on a holy day, to seek a bit of clarification. You indicated that 'Canon Law 1247 obliges all of us to abstain from labors and business concerns which impede the worship of God or the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body.' I am familiar with this passage, which I believe is also referenced in the Catechism. I am trying to understand better what this actually means. Does it mean those labors which impede us from worshiping God and getting relaxation, implying that work should not 'crowd out' the Mass and spending some meaningful time with God. Or does it imply that all labors by definition impede us, and so we may do nothing whatsoever on a Holy Day except attend Mass, relax, etc.?
Perhaps the Church has left no explicit interpretation of this passage of Canon Law. I have received conflicting advice on this holy day work topic from clergy in the past, including from a conservative priest who has studied Canon Law in Rome, who indicated it"
Question from on 05-10-2007:
Dear Father,
Thank you for responding to my earlier question. I am following up on my earlier question regarding whether or not it is permissible to work on a holy day, to seek a bit of clarification. You indicated that 'Canon Law 1247 obliges all of us to abstain from labors and business concerns which impede the worship of God or the joy proper to the Lord's Day, or the proper relaxation of mind and body.' I am familiar with this passage, which I believe is also referenced in the Catechism. I am trying to understand better what this actually means. Does it mean those labors which impede us from worshiping God and getting relaxation, implying that work should not 'crowd out' the Mass and spending some meaningful time with God. Or does it imply that all labors by definition impede us, and so we may do nothing whatsoever on a Holy Day except attend Mass, relax, etc.?
Perhaps the Church has left no explicit interpretation of this passage of Canon Law. I have received conflicting advice on this holy day work topic from clergy in the past, including from a conservative priest who has studied Canon Law in Rome, who indicated it"
Vatican II
Document Title: "Vatican II
Question from on 05-11-2007:
FR Levis - Once in a while, usually during Advent or Lent, the media with find a Brother or Father (from some order I've never heard of) who claims that anything post Vatican II, from the Mass to the Sacrements, is invalid, and only his order represtents the 'true' Church. I've often wondered who these men are, where they come from and where they get these ideas. Your thoughts?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-12-2007:
Robert, Nothing new here, every Council teaches and some refuse to accept such teaching. Fr.Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-11-2007:
FR Levis - Once in a while, usually during Advent or Lent, the media with find a Brother or Father (from some order I've never heard of) who claims that anything post Vatican II, from the Mass to the Sacrements, is invalid, and only his order represtents the 'true' Church. I've often wondered who these men are, where they come from and where they get these ideas. Your thoughts?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-12-2007:
Robert, Nothing new here, every Council teaches and some refuse to accept such teaching. Fr.Bob Levis"
priest offering communion to non-catholic
Document Title: "priest offering communion to non-catholic
Question from on 05-11-2007:
A woman who is methodist attends mass with her catholic family. She told me that on Easter Sunday the priest went up to her (she was in the front pew) and whispered, 'it's ok to come to communion this once.' I told her it was not ok and I told her that as catholics we believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and as a methodist she doesn't have the same belief. I don't attend the same church, it's at a neighboring parish. My question is should I do anything with this information or just pray for this priest?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-12-2007:
Yes, Anon, there are some circumstances when a non-Catholic may receive the Eucharist, but these are rare and were not present (to my knowledge) in the post you reported. Fr. Bob Levis"
Question from on 05-11-2007:
A woman who is methodist attends mass with her catholic family. She told me that on Easter Sunday the priest went up to her (she was in the front pew) and whispered, 'it's ok to come to communion this once.' I told her it was not ok and I told her that as catholics we believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist and as a methodist she doesn't have the same belief. I don't attend the same church, it's at a neighboring parish. My question is should I do anything with this information or just pray for this priest?
Answer by Fr. Robert J. Levis on 05-12-2007:
Yes, Anon, there are some circumstances when a non-Catholic may receive the Eucharist, but these are rare and were not present (to my knowledge) in the post you reported. Fr. Bob Levis"
R C I A
Document Title: "R C I A`
Question from on 05-10-2007:
I would like to know more about the rite of Catholic initiation.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process followed by the Catholic Church for the preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The process is adapted to the circumstances of each parish. It involves catechetical formation, celebrations of the word (Scripture), and certain ritual 'rites of passage' on the way toward initiation into the Catholic Church. Initation culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first Holy Communion at the Easter vigil. It is followed with a period of mystygogy during the Easter season, with additional catechesis and celebrations.
Talk to your priest or staff at your local parish for more information."
Question from on 05-10-2007:
I would like to know more about the rite of Catholic initiation.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-11-2007:
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process followed by the Catholic Church for the preparation for the sacraments of initiation. The process is adapted to the circumstances of each parish. It involves catechetical formation, celebrations of the word (Scripture), and certain ritual 'rites of passage' on the way toward initiation into the Catholic Church. Initation culminates in the reception of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first Holy Communion at the Easter vigil. It is followed with a period of mystygogy during the Easter season, with additional catechesis and celebrations.
Talk to your priest or staff at your local parish for more information."
First Saturdays
First Saturdays
Question from on 04-20-2007:
I never hear anybody mentioning making a Communion of Reparation on five first Saturdays anymore. Is this still done? Another question related to this is, should we receive Holy Communion at a Sat morning Mass or just go to the Vigil Mass? (Since this is really the Sunday Mass, does it take away from the purpose of making an extra effort on Saturday?)
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-05-2007:
It is my understanding of the devotion that it is meant to encourage attendance at the daily Mass of Saturday, not a Sunday vigil Mass celebrated on Saturday evening.
In the liturgy, it is option to celebrate a devotional Mass in honor of Mary on days which would otherwise be ferial days (ordinary days), which is consistent with this devotion.
Question from on 04-20-2007:
I never hear anybody mentioning making a Communion of Reparation on five first Saturdays anymore. Is this still done? Another question related to this is, should we receive Holy Communion at a Sat morning Mass or just go to the Vigil Mass? (Since this is really the Sunday Mass, does it take away from the purpose of making an extra effort on Saturday?)
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-05-2007:
It is my understanding of the devotion that it is meant to encourage attendance at the daily Mass of Saturday, not a Sunday vigil Mass celebrated on Saturday evening.
In the liturgy, it is option to celebrate a devotional Mass in honor of Mary on days which would otherwise be ferial days (ordinary days), which is consistent with this devotion.
Canonical Problems
Canonical Problems
Question from on 04-22-2007:
Dear Fr. Gantley:
A friend of mine has been greatly troubled by our pastor. On Sundays, my friend serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Commuion to the sick, elderly and homebound. He visits a retirement home just across the street from church. On several occasions, many of the elderly residents have asked my father to inform the pastor that they want to go to confession. On two such occasions, a pair of elderly women who hadn't much longer to live (these incidents occurred several weeks apart), asked my friend to please send the parish priest to them. My friend reported their requests to the pastor, telling him of the grave situations of the two elderly women. "What do you expect me to do, hold their hands," the pastor told my friend.
The priest never went (my friend confirmed this with the retirement home officials and with the women's neighbors) and the women died. One of the women's family members opted not to have her buried at the parish because they were angry at the priest for not going to hear her confession.
My friend is really upset about the whole situation. However, because the priest does not visit the elderly, my friend told me that he cannot give up his ministry, since he's the only one who brings Holy Communion to the sick. My friend is not a young man and he travels through seven floors each Sunday to bring the elderly and the invalids Holy Communion, in addition to visiting three or four households. He wants to write to the bishop. In addition, he wants to also write to the metropolitan of our area as well. If the bishop does nothing, then what could the metropolitan do? Would he be better off writing to Cardinal Arinze?
Another note regarding this priest. For the past several months, he has been holding silent auctions in the church. What's wrong with this? Well, the piece of art in question is displayed in the sanctuary, next to the ambo, and, on the communion rail, he has the silent auction bid sheet. He encourages people to place their bid. Some of them have even made their bids during communion. Right now, he has another auction and the aforementioned method is being used. Does this violate some kind of canon law?
Is is also permissible for this same priest to offer sacramental preparation for students who are attending a non-denominational private school? These students and their parents have their own parishes; however, their parents made arrangments with this same priest to prepare the children and have them receive First Holy Communion in our parish. They will be having their own Mass. Now, the parents have been very generous with the parish. The collections have gone up, but I suspect that it's only because their children are receiving the sacraments at our parish, as opposed to their own parishes. Many liturgical abuses also go on during the celebration of these masses where the children are involved. For example, during the Kyrie, he goes up and down with his microphone to get the children to sing along. Then, he does his own hand-clapping song in lieu of the psalm. He also uses the Eucharistic Prayer for Children, even though there are about 12 children and the rest of the congregation is made up of adults. Canonically, can he have separate preparations for these children? Should they not have gone to their own parishes? Many of us have reason to believe that once these children have received the sacraments, they and their families will not return. The priest will then have to court more parents from the same school.
Finally, can you explain what a diocesan tax is? Does the money raised from these auctions need to be reported to the bishop?
Fr. Gantley, I realize that I'm taxing you with all of these questions, but as you can deduce, we have our hands full.
God bless you, and please pray for us.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-05-2007:
It is appropriate to inform the diocesan bishop of the abuses, especially regarding the problem of individuals not being able to prepare for death through the sacrament of penance.
The archbishop of the province has little authority to intervene in the internal affairs of another diocese (other than his own archdiocese). It would be more appropriate to forward concerns that are not addressed by the diocesan bishop to the appropriate Vatican congregation.
The idea of doing a silent auction in the church does seem to reflect a lack of appreciation of the notion of sacred space. It seems like Jesus used a whip on individuals similarly violating the temple. There isn't any canon that states: "One may not conduct silent auctions in church." Canon law is generally positive and directive. It is not a list of what not to do what is to be done. Generally speaking, it is not described as to be done in the canon law or in the liturgical norms, then it is not to be done.
If the pastor has the permission from the proper pastor of these children from the private school to prepare them for the sacraments and give them the sacraments, then this is OK. Otherwise, it is not OK. If he has the permission of the proper pastor of the children, then he can prepare them as a particular group or however he sees fit.
I assume that what is meant by a "diocesan tax" is an assessment placed upon a parish's, in accord with the canonical procedures, that is used to fund diocesan programs, functions and offices.
It is the responsibility of the pastor to report all financial activities to the diocese. This includes all fundraising activities. The diocese usually spells out the manner of the reporting. You might want to check with a member of the parish finance council to see if these auction profits are reported properly.
Question from on 04-22-2007:
Dear Fr. Gantley:
A friend of mine has been greatly troubled by our pastor. On Sundays, my friend serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Commuion to the sick, elderly and homebound. He visits a retirement home just across the street from church. On several occasions, many of the elderly residents have asked my father to inform the pastor that they want to go to confession. On two such occasions, a pair of elderly women who hadn't much longer to live (these incidents occurred several weeks apart), asked my friend to please send the parish priest to them. My friend reported their requests to the pastor, telling him of the grave situations of the two elderly women. "What do you expect me to do, hold their hands," the pastor told my friend.
The priest never went (my friend confirmed this with the retirement home officials and with the women's neighbors) and the women died. One of the women's family members opted not to have her buried at the parish because they were angry at the priest for not going to hear her confession.
My friend is really upset about the whole situation. However, because the priest does not visit the elderly, my friend told me that he cannot give up his ministry, since he's the only one who brings Holy Communion to the sick. My friend is not a young man and he travels through seven floors each Sunday to bring the elderly and the invalids Holy Communion, in addition to visiting three or four households. He wants to write to the bishop. In addition, he wants to also write to the metropolitan of our area as well. If the bishop does nothing, then what could the metropolitan do? Would he be better off writing to Cardinal Arinze?
Another note regarding this priest. For the past several months, he has been holding silent auctions in the church. What's wrong with this? Well, the piece of art in question is displayed in the sanctuary, next to the ambo, and, on the communion rail, he has the silent auction bid sheet. He encourages people to place their bid. Some of them have even made their bids during communion. Right now, he has another auction and the aforementioned method is being used. Does this violate some kind of canon law?
Is is also permissible for this same priest to offer sacramental preparation for students who are attending a non-denominational private school? These students and their parents have their own parishes; however, their parents made arrangments with this same priest to prepare the children and have them receive First Holy Communion in our parish. They will be having their own Mass. Now, the parents have been very generous with the parish. The collections have gone up, but I suspect that it's only because their children are receiving the sacraments at our parish, as opposed to their own parishes. Many liturgical abuses also go on during the celebration of these masses where the children are involved. For example, during the Kyrie, he goes up and down with his microphone to get the children to sing along. Then, he does his own hand-clapping song in lieu of the psalm. He also uses the Eucharistic Prayer for Children, even though there are about 12 children and the rest of the congregation is made up of adults. Canonically, can he have separate preparations for these children? Should they not have gone to their own parishes? Many of us have reason to believe that once these children have received the sacraments, they and their families will not return. The priest will then have to court more parents from the same school.
Finally, can you explain what a diocesan tax is? Does the money raised from these auctions need to be reported to the bishop?
Fr. Gantley, I realize that I'm taxing you with all of these questions, but as you can deduce, we have our hands full.
God bless you, and please pray for us.
Answer by Rev. Mark J. Gantley, JCL on 05-05-2007:
It is appropriate to inform the diocesan bishop of the abuses, especially regarding the problem of individuals not being able to prepare for death through the sacrament of penance.
The archbishop of the province has little authority to intervene in the internal affairs of another diocese (other than his own archdiocese). It would be more appropriate to forward concerns that are not addressed by the diocesan bishop to the appropriate Vatican congregation.
The idea of doing a silent auction in the church does seem to reflect a lack of appreciation of the notion of sacred space. It seems like Jesus used a whip on individuals similarly violating the temple. There isn't any canon that states: "One may not conduct silent auctions in church." Canon law is generally positive and directive. It is not a list of what not to do what is to be done. Generally speaking, it is not described as to be done in the canon law or in the liturgical norms, then it is not to be done.
If the pastor has the permission from the proper pastor of these children from the private school to prepare them for the sacraments and give them the sacraments, then this is OK. Otherwise, it is not OK. If he has the permission of the proper pastor of the children, then he can prepare them as a particular group or however he sees fit.
I assume that what is meant by a "diocesan tax" is an assessment placed upon a parish's, in accord with the canonical procedures, that is used to fund diocesan programs, functions and offices.
It is the responsibility of the pastor to report all financial activities to the diocese. This includes all fundraising activities. The diocese usually spells out the manner of the reporting. You might want to check with a member of the parish finance council to see if these auction profits are reported properly.
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