Subjects:
God
Marriage
Sexual Morality
Salvation
Abortion
Purgatory
Obligation
[05/Mar/2002:21:02:51] <Father Phillip> hey, one and all...if you've got questions CatholicQandA is on the air!
Catholic/Non-Catholic Marriage
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[05/Mar/2002:21:21:00] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: father, as
a catholic, i wanted to know what happens if i am not married as a christian,
but not in the catholic church?
[05/Mar/2002:21:21:36] <Father Phillip> help me understand your
question, please -- did you mean to say, what happens if i AM married as a Christian
but not in the Catholic Church?
[05/Mar/2002:21:22:01] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: i mean married
as a christian but not a catholic
[05/Mar/2002:21:22:04] <Father Phillip> got it
[05/Mar/2002:21:22:09] <Father Phillip> thanks for the clarification
[05/Mar/2002:21:22:34] <Father Phillip> well, again, it depends
on what the exact circumstances are....for example
[05/Mar/2002:21:23:29] <Father Phillip> if you and your (non-Catholic
Christian bride) went through all the marriage preparation, but got married,
with the permission of the Catholic Church, in, say, her Baptist Church -- nothing
at all would happen
[05/Mar/2002:21:24:39] <Father Phillip> on the other hand, if you
mean, that as a Catholic you just decided to disregard the Church's teaching
about the need for marriage preparation, then the Catholic Church would say
that since you showed something like 'disrepect' for the Catholic Church and
our teachings that you would not be free to receive the Sacraments
[05/Mar/2002:21:24:45] <Father Phillip> does that make sense?
[05/Mar/2002:21:25:40] <Father Phillip> the Catholic Church does
NOT say, in a case like the latter one I suggested, that you would be excommunicated,
but rather, that you would not be able to receive the Sacraments
[05/Mar/2002:21:25:47] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: yes, i was just
wondering because i wanted to have the church's permission and fulfill the sacrament
of marriage
[05/Mar/2002:21:25:51] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: thank you
[05/Mar/2002:21:26:53] <Father Phillip> well, if you fulfill the
Church's requirements for marriage preparation and related issues, but want
to get married in a Christian non-Catholic Church, our Church certainly permits
that under the right conditions of going to the local parish in advance and
working through all the requirements
[05/Mar/2002:21:27:14] <Father Phillip> no, ncheelboy, you are
not the only person in the room asking questions
[05/Mar/2002:21:27:19] <Father Phillip> this is not like a regular
chat room
[05/Mar/2002:21:27:34] <Father Phillip> i, as the moderator, am
the only one who sees ALL the questions
[05/Mar/2002:21:27:45] <Father Phillip> i decide, then, which ones
to post to everybody...
[05/Mar/2002:21:27:48] <Father Phillip> make sense?
[05/Mar/2002:21:28:01] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: ok, just wondering
[05/Mar/2002:21:28:27] <Father Phillip> in fact, if you're ok with
what i just said, i'm going to somebody else's question...
For more information on this question, please click here
[05/Mar/2002:21:28:48] <Father Phillip> morvo: i don't understand
how i can be forgiven for all that i do and go to heaven just because i believe
in GOd. i mean i believe in God and i know that i am a sinner and i know that
i need God to direct my life, but i don't believe that he wants me...how do
we know that we are acceptable?
[05/Mar/2002:21:29:07] <Father Phillip> great question, morvo!
[05/Mar/2002:21:29:10] <Father Phillip> thanks for asking it
[05/Mar/2002:21:29:34] <Father Phillip> the fact of the matter
is that NOBODY -- not me, not you, not even the Pope -- is "acceptable" to God
on our own
[05/Mar/2002:21:29:52] <Father Phillip> what makes us "acceptable"
is that Christ Jesus died for us and offers us justification
[05/Mar/2002:21:30:02] <Father Phillip> His grace alone is what
makes us "acceptable"
[05/Mar/2002:21:30:44] <Father Phillip> now, once we have begun
the life-long process of opening ourselves to God, we do good works as ways
of responding to that incredible goodness which God has given us in Christ
[05/Mar/2002:21:31:19] <Father Phillip> the most important reality
is that GOD BELIEVES IN YOU...even when you sin!!!!
[05/Mar/2002:21:31:24] <Father Phillip> morvo: i know about that
and i understand and i try to live with God. but sometimes i screw up big. and
at times like those i can't help but think that no one could possibly want me
now
[05/Mar/2002:21:31:38] <Father Phillip> right, my friend: you do
screw up big -- so do i!!!
[05/Mar/2002:21:32:02] <Father Phillip> the Gospel, a word which
means ''good news,'' is that Christ died for us while we are still sinners
[05/Mar/2002:21:32:27] <Father Phillip> God knows -- because God
knows everything about everybody -- that you are a sinner -- a big time sinner!
-- and God still loves you
[05/Mar/2002:21:32:50] <Father Phillip> just a few minutes ago,
i was at a nearby parish celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a
whole Church-full of people
[05/Mar/2002:21:33:31] <Father Phillip> in that wonderful, marvelous
Sacrament of Penance, God puts His divine arms around us, figuratively, and
whispers in our ear that He loves us inspite of our sins and that He forgives
us for everything we've done that is wrong
[05/Mar/2002:21:33:40] <Father Phillip> morvo: thanks...i guess
it's just a matter of believing that someone can still accept you. i guess that's
actually a big part of religion, a part that i still struggle with
[05/Mar/2002:21:33:44] <Father Phillip> you're right!
[05/Mar/2002:21:33:55] <Father Phillip> God loves you exactly as
you are!!!
[05/Mar/2002:21:34:31] <Father Phillip> God's love is unconditional
-- God puts no limits on His love for you, morvo!
[05/Mar/2002:21:34:55] <Father Phillip> God puts no limits on His
love for anybody...all we need to do is open ourselves to God's love, and God
fills us
[05/Mar/2002:21:35:17] <Father Phillip> God didn't mess up when
He created you the way you are, morvo...you are precious and beautiful to God
just exactly as you are
[05/Mar/2002:21:35:37] <Father Phillip> and God's grace will lead
you to love God more and to love yourself as God loves you!
[05/Mar/2002:21:35:49] <Father Phillip> that, my friend, is the
Good News!
[05/Mar/2002:21:36:21] <Father Phillip> no matter what you've done,
God knows about it, and is offering you forgiveness, and God has not, will not
stop loving you!
[05/Mar/2002:21:36:37] <Father Phillip> morvo: thanks, i needed
that
[05/Mar/2002:21:36:43] <Father Phillip> any time!
[05/Mar/2002:21:36:55] <Father Phillip> God wants to say all that
and more to you every single day of your life!
[05/Mar/2002:21:39:22]
<Father Phillip> ncheelboy: father, what is the church's position
on homosexuality? i know it says it is a sin in the bible... how are we supposed
to feel about these people?
[05/Mar/2002:21:39:33] <Father Phillip> again, good question, ncheelboy!
[05/Mar/2002:21:40:14] <Father Phillip> the Bible sure 'nuff says
that homosexual acts are sinful -- in the language of the Catholic Church, homosexual
acts are evidence of a disordered affection
[05/Mar/2002:21:41:16] <Father Phillip> the teaching of the Catholic
Church has pretty consistently throughout the ages mirrored the position of
the larger society which, on the whole, has believed that homosexual acts are
wrong, again in the language of the Church, such acts are sinful
[05/Mar/2002:21:41:46] <Father Phillip> but the primarily important
part of your question, ncheelboy, is the last part: "how are we supposed to
feel about these people?"
[05/Mar/2002:21:41:53] <Father Phillip> that's really key...
[05/Mar/2002:21:42:16] <Father Phillip> homosexual people are God's
children, loved and beautiful in God's sight
[05/Mar/2002:21:42:41] <Father Phillip> sort of like i said above
in response to a different question -- God looks at every human person as precious
[05/Mar/2002:21:42:56] <Father Phillip> the Scriptures tell us
that we have been created in God's image and likeness
[05/Mar/2002:21:44:03] <Father Phillip> that statement is not limited
to straight people or gay people, white people or African-American people, liberals
or conservatives, fat people or thin people -- it just says that all human beings
are made in God's image and likeness
[05/Mar/2002:21:44:41] <Father Phillip> our "job," so to speak,
is to treat ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN precisely as God's children
[05/Mar/2002:21:45:26] <Father Phillip> how are we supposed to
feel?
[05/Mar/2002:21:45:47] <Father Phillip> well, i think we're supposed
to feel privileged to know yet another of God's children
[05/Mar/2002:21:46:00] <Father Phillip> that doesn't mean that
we have to hang out with a particular person
[05/Mar/2002:21:46:44] <Father Phillip> it doesn't mean that we
have to approve the way a particular person lives his or her life
[05/Mar/2002:21:46:55] <Father Phillip> but we are to respect their
dignity as children of God
[05/Mar/2002:21:46:59] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: are we to look
down upon them for their sinfulness? it seems like it would be hard to understand
their sin when they do such things willingly without the desire to change.
[05/Mar/2002:21:47:21] <Father Phillip> Jesus is pretty clear in
the Scriptures that His followers don't have the right to look down on anybody
[05/Mar/2002:21:47:33] <Father Phillip> the fact of the matter
is that EVERYBODY is sinful
[05/Mar/2002:21:47:52] <Father Phillip> so, once we start looking
down on one group for their sinfulness, where do we stop?
[05/Mar/2002:21:48:58] <Father Phillip> being a follower of Jesus
calls us to open our hearts to every single human being -- whether we agree
with them or not -- to respect them because their dignity as children of God,
made in God's image and likeness
[05/Mar/2002:21:50:10] <Father Phillip> none of us has to like
everybody, none of us has to agree with everybody...but as Catholic Christians,
we are called on to offer respect to every human person whom God has created
[05/Mar/2002:21:50:17] <Father Phillip> see what i mean?
[05/Mar/2002:21:52:13] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: i see, i just
don't understand the contradiction in the acceptance of jesus and how he died
for our sins and catholic homosexuals know this and do not attempt to change.
[05/Mar/2002:21:52:17] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: i know that
i sin, but i also make efforts to repent and not sin again
[05/Mar/2002:21:52:25] <Father Phillip> well, that's a good point
[05/Mar/2002:21:52:58] <Father Phillip> it's wonderful that you
know you are sinner and that you're working to change those sinful habits in
your life; that's great and it's evidence of grace at work in your life!
[05/Mar/2002:21:55:19] <Father Phillip> but many people, including
Catholic Bishops -- if you would like, I'll be happy to get the specific regference,
but it's in my office and i'm at home, are suggesting that a person's sexual
orientation is sort of imbedded in one's genetic make-up...if that's the case,
then 'attempting to change' for a homosexual person would be as difficult as
asking a heterosexual person to change his or her orientation...not really possible
[05/Mar/2002:21:55:37] <Father Phillip> the point, though, is not
primarily about one's sexual orientation, i think
[05/Mar/2002:21:55:46] <Father Phillip> i think the deeper issue
is twofold
[05/Mar/2002:21:56:18] <Father Phillip> first, we all need to grow
in our consciousness of our sexuality as a gift from God
[05/Mar/2002:21:56:42] <Father Phillip> and second, we all need
to grow more deeply into an understanding of how God is calling us to use the
gift of our sexuality
[05/Mar/2002:21:57:07] <Father Phillip> chastity is the key for
all persons -- whether hetero or homo sexual
[05/Mar/2002:21:57:41] <Father Phillip> you're raising good points
that we all need to think about, ncheelboy
[05/Mar/2002:21:57:56] <Father Phillip> and i thank you for brining
them up
[05/Mar/2002:21:58:10] <Father Phillip> we've all got to work together
to keep each other on our toes and honest!
[05/Mar/2002:21:58:16] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: thank you
[05/Mar/2002:21:59:55] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: thank you for
your answers father, i will see you at church on sun. and i will talk to you
again after spring break
[05/Mar/2002:21:59:58] <Father Phillip> it's a pleasure
[05/Mar/2002:22:00:00] <Father Phillip> and hey!
[05/Mar/2002:22:00:05] <Father Phillip> be careful on spring break!!!!
[05/Mar/2002:22:00:12] <Father Phillip> ncheelboy: thanks again!
For more information on this question, please click here
[05/Mar/2002:22:08:34] <Father Phillip> emmie: protestants believe
we are saved what do catholics say about being saved
[05/Mar/2002:22:08:53] <Father Phillip> Catholics tend to look
at salvation as a process rather than as an event
[05/Mar/2002:22:09:38] <Father Phillip> although most Catholics
probably wouldn't use this language, a Catholic way of talking about what Protestants
call ''being saved'' might sound sort of like this:
[05/Mar/2002:22:10:17] <Father Phillip> "we are in the process
of being saved every day...every time we receive the grace of the Sacraments,
we believe that we are moving closer to the salvation toward which God is calling
us."
[05/Mar/2002:22:11:19] <Father Phillip> Catholics see each celebration
of every Sacrament as a personal encounter with the Risend and Glorified Lord
[05/Mar/2002:22:11:39] <Father Phillip> so each sacramental celebration
is a moment of sanctifying, redeeming grace
[05/Mar/2002:22:12:03] <Father Phillip> hope that helps a bit!
:-)
[05/Mar/2002:22:22:01]
<Father Phillip> worriedgirl: i have a question ,....
[05/Mar/2002:22:22:04] <Father Phillip> sure, go ahead
[05/Mar/2002:22:22:44] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: my friend
just got pregnant
[05/Mar/2002:22:22:49] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: she wants
an abortion
[05/Mar/2002:22:22:53] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: and wants
me to take her to the hospital and support her
[05/Mar/2002:22:22:57] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: i read somewhere
this would lead me to being excommunicated
[05/Mar/2002:22:23:17] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: what do i
do?
[05/Mar/2002:22:23:33] <Father Phillip> thanks for asking about
this vitally important issue!
[05/Mar/2002:22:23:51] <Father Phillip> life is sacred and holy
at every single moment, from conception till natural death
[05/Mar/2002:22:24:17] <Father Phillip> God is the Author of all
life and ONLY God can take life
[05/Mar/2002:22:24:27] <Father Phillip> our job is to respect and
defend life
[05/Mar/2002:22:24:40] <Father Phillip> especially the lives of
those who are most defenseless
[05/Mar/2002:22:24:54] <Father Phillip> and a child in a womb is
the most defenseless of all God's creatures
[05/Mar/2002:22:25:08] <Father Phillip> we have a solemn obligation
to defend that life
[05/Mar/2002:22:25:38] <Father Phillip> and so, the Church teaches
that not only must we not ourselves have abortions, but we must not aid, assist,
or abet abortions
[05/Mar/2002:22:26:11] <Father Phillip> we cannot support in any
way a decision to have an abortion
[05/Mar/2002:22:26:51] <Father Phillip> we can love and pray for
all people, but we simply cannot be seen in any way to support a decision which
results in the taking of a defenseless human life
[05/Mar/2002:22:26:56] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: is it still
wrong if i go along with her?
[05/Mar/2002:22:26:59] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: if i do i
become excommunicated?
[05/Mar/2002:22:27:43] <Father Phillip> yes, worriedgirl, i think
and the Church teaches that it would be wrong for you to go with your friend
to the place where she could have an abortion
[05/Mar/2002:22:28:40] <Father Phillip> and yes, I believe that
the teaching of the Church is pretty clear that if a Catholic assists or promotes
an abortion, that person brings upon him or herself the penalty of excommunication
[05/Mar/2002:22:29:14] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: aghhh!!! good
thing i asked.
[05/Mar/2002:22:29:44] <Father Phillip> i would beg you to beg
your friend to let one of the many organizations around to help her bring this
child in her womb to term
[05/Mar/2002:22:30:07] <Father Phillip> we can offer help through
Pregnancy Support Services and Project Gabriel
[05/Mar/2002:22:30:17] <Father Phillip> but mostly, worriedgirl,
pray for your friend!
[05/Mar/2002:22:30:27] <Father Phillip> prayer can do so much more
than we can ever imagine!
[05/Mar/2002:22:30:33] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: i'll try...
[05/Mar/2002:22:30:58] <Father Phillip> the prayer of faithful
persons -- such as YOU -- can be the occasion for God to work miracles
[05/Mar/2002:22:31:03] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: thanks so
much.. this has been on my mind all week
[05/Mar/2002:22:31:10] <Father Phillip> sure it's been on your
mind
[05/Mar/2002:22:31:23] <Father Phillip> it's literally a life-and-death
situation for the child
[05/Mar/2002:22:31:48] <Father Phillip> but it's also life-and-death
spiritually and emotionally for the mother and for the father ... and for you
as well
[05/Mar/2002:22:32:02] <Father Phillip> the fact that it's been
on your mind says that YOU are a woman of faith
[05/Mar/2002:22:32:10] <Father Phillip> feel good about yourself
in this regard
[05/Mar/2002:22:32:30] <Father Phillip> and trust that God is going
to help you and help your friend
[05/Mar/2002:22:32:36] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: i looked online
cause i was worried
[05/Mar/2002:22:32:41] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: she asked
me because other people said no to her
[05/Mar/2002:22:32:52] <Father Phillip> i understand that your
friend is scared
[05/Mar/2002:22:33:03] <Father Phillip> but there are organizations
which will support and help her
[05/Mar/2002:22:33:31] <Father Phillip> she can always come to
the Catholic parish -- in Chapel Hill -- Newman or Saint Thomas More will be
willing to help her
[05/Mar/2002:22:33:36] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: thanks so
much!!!
[05/Mar/2002:22:34:00] <Father Phillip> but we want to support
her -- not this decision to have an abortion, but HER and her baby
[05/Mar/2002:22:34:05] <Father Phillip> and we want to support
YOU
[05/Mar/2002:22:34:21] <Father Phillip> worriedgirl: ...whew.
[05/Mar/2002:22:35:21] <Father Phillip> i'm sure that this situation
is extremely complex, but the simple truth is that God has created the life
in your friend's womb and that life must be respected and allowed to live and
grow
[05/Mar/2002:22:35:32] <Father Phillip> i'll pray for your friend
and for you!
For
more information on this question, please click here
[05/Mar/2002:22:36:53] <Father Phillip> emmie: why do catholics
believe in purgatoray is this in the bible
[05/Mar/2002:22:37:02] <Father Phillip> another good question!
[05/Mar/2002:22:37:49] <Father Phillip> go to the FAQ section of
CatholicQandA.org and you find there a discussion about Purgatory...which will
be helpful
[05/Mar/2002:22:38:21] <Father Phillip> in fact, our Catholic belief
in Purgatory is rooted in the living Tradition of the Church though it is not
found in the Bible
[05/Mar/2002:22:39:01] <Father Phillip> it's part of what has been
passed-on from Christian generation to Christian generation since the very beginning
of Christianity -- that's sort of what the Tradition is
[05/Mar/2002:22:39:44] <Father Phillip> it is authoritative for
us Catholics -- the Tradition is one of the primary ways we believe that God
has chosen to instruct us -- the Bible being the other great means for us having
received God's Word
[05/Mar/2002:22:40:18] <Father Phillip> and we Catholics believe
in Purgatory -- I think -- because it is yet another evidence of just how much
God loves us!
[05/Mar/2002:22:40:55] <Father Phillip> Purgatory is a wonderful
doctrine that assures us that even if we die with some 'unfinished business'
we can still have the hope of heaven
[05/Mar/2002:22:41:23] <Father Phillip> Purgatory is not a place
where God is deciding whether we go to heaven or hell -- everybody in Purgatory
goes to heaven!
[05/Mar/2002:22:42:19] <Father Phillip> Purgatory is just that
'place' where we finish making reparation for sins which were not mortal
[05/Mar/2002:22:42:56] <Father Phillip> so,check out the FAQ about
Purgatory...and see if that might help
Missing
Sunday Mass
[05/Mar/2002:22:45:15] <Father Phillip> SamJ: Hello Fr. Phillip
I have a Question
[05/Mar/2002:22:45:20] <Father Phillip> sure...what's the question
[05/Mar/2002:22:45:21] <Father Phillip> ?
[05/Mar/2002:22:46:02] <Father Phillip> SamJ: if you miss church
one sunday, can you take communion the next week?
[05/Mar/2002:22:46:23] <Father Phillip> well, that depends on why
you miss Church one Sunday
[05/Mar/2002:22:47:08] <Father Phillip> for example, if you're
sick and miss Church, then, yeah, you should feel free to receive Holy Communion
though you should probably confess it the next time you go to Confession
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:02] <Father Phillip> if, however, you just say,
"I don't want to go Church and I don't really care what God or the Church thinks
about it, to heck with them both" -- then, no, you shouldn't go to Communion
until after you go to Confession
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:19] <Father Phillip> there are lots of cases
that fall into the "in between" categories
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:22] <Father Phillip> for example:
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:26] <Father Phillip> SamJ: i slept in
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:35] <Father Phillip> exactly!
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:47] <Father Phillip> that's an excellent example
of one of those "in between" cases
[05/Mar/2002:22:48:56] <Father Phillip> were you exhausted from
working?
[05/Mar/2002:22:49:17] <Father Phillip> did you set your alarm
clock but it failed to go off because of a power-outtage?
[05/Mar/2002:22:49:30] <Father Phillip> or, were you too drunk
to get out of bed?
[05/Mar/2002:22:49:38] <Father Phillip> or, were you just too lazy
to get up?
[05/Mar/2002:22:49:46] <Father Phillip> do you see what i'm getting
at?
[05/Mar/2002:22:49:59] <Father Phillip> SamJ: yes i do
[05/Mar/2002:22:50:10] <Father Phillip> the Church is calling us
to be responsible
[05/Mar/2002:22:50:15] <Father Phillip> to have an adult faith
[05/Mar/2002:22:50:35] <Father Phillip> we have to make responsible
decisions about the ways we practice out faith
[05/Mar/2002:22:50:40] <Father Phillip> SamJ: so what happens if
you take communion without going to confession
[05/Mar/2002:22:50:49] <Father Phillip> well, again...that depends...
[05/Mar/2002:22:51:21] <Father Phillip> if we have a mortal sin
on our consciences, then taking Holy Communion without having first gone to
the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a very, very serious matter
[05/Mar/2002:22:52:10] <Father Phillip> if, on the other hand,
we just haven't been to Confession in a while, but are not aware of any mortal
sin on our consciences, then we can receive Holy Communion -- though we should
get to Confession sooner than later
[05/Mar/2002:22:52:46] <Father Phillip> again and agin, it's a
matter of being responsible in the ways we choose to live our Catholic Christian
lives
[05/Mar/2002:22:52:56] <Father Phillip> God loves us each a whole
lot, SamJ
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:09] <Father Phillip> God wants us to experience
His love for us
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:11] <Father Phillip> in Church
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:17] <Father Phillip> in Holy Communion
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:19] <Father Phillip> in Confession
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:27] <Father Phillip> in all our relationships
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:56] <Father Phillip> and God wants to help us
grow to ''full stature'' so that we can make progressively more responsible
and Christ-like decisions
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:58] <Father Phillip> got it?
[05/Mar/2002:22:53:59] <Father Phillip> :-)
[05/Mar/2002:22:54:08] <Father Phillip> SamJ: What about working
on Sundays, what does the curch say about that?
[05/Mar/2002:22:54:18] <Father Phillip> well, again, depends on
what you mean...
[05/Mar/2002:22:54:24] <Father Phillip> can i do homework on Sundays
[05/Mar/2002:22:54:32] <Father Phillip> yes, i can
[05/Mar/2002:22:54:51] <Father Phillip> especially if i get myself
to Mass before or after doing my homework
[05/Mar/2002:22:55:05] <Father Phillip> can i work in the yard
or do housework?
[05/Mar/2002:22:55:23] <Father Phillip> again, sure, if i am part
of the community of faith at Liturgy
[05/Mar/2002:22:55:40] <Father Phillip> and if i'm sensitive to
the needs of my family to be with them on the Lord's day
[05/Mar/2002:22:56:01] <Father Phillip> can i work at a job which
provides the livelihood for my family?
[05/Mar/2002:22:56:02] <Father Phillip> sure
[05/Mar/2002:22:56:18] <Father Phillip> should i ask off for the
time that i need to get to Sunday Mass?
[05/Mar/2002:22:56:20] <Father Phillip> yes...
[05/Mar/2002:22:56:32] <Father Phillip> but what if i can't get
off to go to weekend Liturgy?
[05/Mar/2002:22:56:53] <Father Phillip> well, the Church recognizes
that providing for one's self and one's family is a high priority
[05/Mar/2002:22:57:11] <Father Phillip> and so, i doubt if any
sin would accrue from not being at Mass in such a situation
[05/Mar/2002:22:57:38] <Father Phillip> but, if i ask to work on
Sunday just so that i can flaunt the Church's teaching about not working on
Sunday and so i don't have to go to Mass...
[05/Mar/2002:22:57:55] <Father Phillip> well, that, obviously,
is a totally different situation -- and sin is very likely involved
[05/Mar/2002:22:58:03] <Father Phillip> got it?
[05/Mar/2002:22:58:10] <Father Phillip> SamJ: Yes, I understand,
thank you Father.
[05/Mar/2002:22:58:19] <Father Phillip> cool
[05/Mar/2002:22:59:00] <Father Phillip> SamJ: That's all I had
to ask, thanks again, and have a good night.
[05/Mar/2002:22:59:06] <Father Phillip> thanks to you, too, SamJ
[05/Mar/2002:22:59:10] <Father Phillip> and you have a good night
as well
[05/Mar/2002:22:59:26] <Father Phillip> don't get into any trouble
that'll make you sleep in and miss Mass! :-)
[05/Mar/2002:23:05:52] <Father Phillip> WELL FRIENDS, IT'S 11 P.M.
ON THE EAST COAST WHICH IS THE MAGIC HOUR ... IF ANYBODY HAS A LAST QUESTION,
ASK IT NOW -- OR HOLD YOUR PEACE TILL NEXT TUESDAY!!
[05/Mar/2002:23:07:31] <Father Phillip> GOOD NIGHT ONE AND ALL!
[05/Mar/2002:23:07:43] <Father Phillip> BLESSINGS