Subjects:
Scripture Courses in College
Not Being Judgmental
Catholic/Non-Catholic Marriage
Reconciliation
The Way Catholics Use the Bible
[27/Jul/2004:21:12:37]
<Father Phillip> hey
[27/Jul/2004:21:12:42] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: Hi father, thank
you for answering my question. I truly loved your answer because it made so
much sense. My question for you right now is: I have never read the bible and
really dont understand, is this bad?
[27/Jul/2004:21:12:50] <Father Phillip> bad?
[27/Jul/2004:21:12:54] <Father Phillip> no, it's not bad
[27/Jul/2004:21:12:59] <Father Phillip> but...
[27/Jul/2004:21:13:30] <Father Phillip> it's almost as though somebody
is trying to give you $1000 but you just won't take it
[27/Jul/2004:21:13:53] <Father Phillip> there's nothing wrong with
refusing the money, but it's kinda "stupid" not to!
[27/Jul/2004:21:14:03] <Father Phillip> the Bible is like that
$1000 ... from God
[27/Jul/2004:21:14:17] <Father Phillip> it's wisdom and beauty
and truth are all right there for the taking
[27/Jul/2004:21:14:23] <Father Phillip> all we have to do is accept
the gift
[27/Jul/2004:21:14:46] <Father Phillip> you don't HAVE to receive
it, but why shouldn't you??!?!?!
[27/Jul/2004:21:14:51] <Father Phillip> but still...
[27/Jul/2004:21:15:01] <Father Phillip> you make a good point about
not understanding the Bible
[27/Jul/2004:21:15:05] <Father Phillip> it is hard reading
[27/Jul/2004:21:15:12] <Father Phillip> some parts are easier than
others
[27/Jul/2004:21:15:36] <Father Phillip> however, it requires some
real work to develop a way to read the Bible so that you can UNDERSTAND it
[27/Jul/2004:21:15:44]
<Father Phillip> are you in college/university?
[27/Jul/2004:21:16:22] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: I am currently
attending California State Univeristy in Long Beach
[27/Jul/2004:21:16:24] <Father Phillip> cool
[27/Jul/2004:21:16:48] <Father Phillip> then i would suggest that
you take a Bible course, a New Testament or an Old Testament course at your
University
[27/Jul/2004:21:16:53] <Father Phillip> if any are offered
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:17:29]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: THank you for that analogy, that would
help. I know there is a book called "the daily walk" which breaks
the scriptures down in easier terms but I think its from a Christian writer
which makes me uncomfortable since they are not Catholic.
[27/Jul/2004:21:17:51] <Father Phillip> well, there are some paraphrases
of the Bible which have been done by Catholics
[27/Jul/2004:21:18:32] <Father Phillip> there are also some read-the-Bible-in-a-year
versions which would allow you to read the whole Bible in a year which might
be a good introduction
[27/Jul/2004:21:18:43] <Father Phillip> or one of the best ways
to learn the Scriptures
[27/Jul/2004:21:18:56] <Father Phillip> is to focus on the readings
for each day at Mass
[27/Jul/2004:21:19:33] <Father Phillip> if you were to go to Mass
everyday for about 3 years you would hear 80% or so of the Bible proclaimed
in the context of the Liturgy
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:19:45]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: there is a course but i find it hard
to find a course that is taught by someone who is catholic.
[27/Jul/2004:21:20:04] <Father Phillip> well, i don't think it
really matters whether the person teaching the course is Catholic
[27/Jul/2004:21:20:17] <Father Phillip> of course if the professor
were Catholic that might be really good
[27/Jul/2004:21:20:22] <Father Phillip> but that's not crucial
[27/Jul/2004:21:20:35] <Father Phillip> you would be taking the
college course to learn "stuff" about the Bible
[27/Jul/2004:21:21:10] <Father Phillip> and then you would take
what you learned in the class and apply it in ways that are appropriate to what
you hear at Liturgy and to your own personal prayer
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:21:15]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: Yes that is true father but i've been
in other course (though not bible classes) that dealt w/ religion and so far
the teachers always had something negative to say about the catholic religion
[27/Jul/2004:21:21:21] <Father Phillip> sure
[27/Jul/2004:21:21:27] <Father Phillip> that's cool though
[27/Jul/2004:21:21:37] <Father Phillip> we have to be able to hear
the negative things about our Church
[27/Jul/2004:21:21:47] <Father Phillip> we learn from the criticisms
[27/Jul/2004:21:22:02] <Father Phillip> if we are open to the criticims
and are not defensive
[27/Jul/2004:21:22:13] <Father Phillip> we can and will grow stronger
in our faith
[27/Jul/2004:21:22:25] <Father Phillip> the truth is that the Church
has done some pretty ugle stuff in 2000 years
[27/Jul/2004:21:22:32] <Father Phillip> and we have to face up
to those things
[27/Jul/2004:21:22:33] <Father Phillip> BUT
[27/Jul/2004:21:22:53] <Father Phillip> God has continued to use
the Church as a wonderful way to communicate grace to humankind
[27/Jul/2004:21:23:27] <Father Phillip> inspite of my sin (and
yours!), God continues to use the Catholic Church to bring people closer to
Jesus and to inspire us to work to make the world more just
[27/Jul/2004:21:23:34] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes i do hear
it negative things about the religion but i just have try to view from that
persons side and not take offense to it but its hard
[27/Jul/2004:21:23:49] <Father Phillip> sure -- it IS hard
[27/Jul/2004:21:23:57] <Father Phillip> but you're doing the right
thing by listening
[27/Jul/2004:21:24:02] <Father Phillip> and not being defensive
[27/Jul/2004:21:24:09] <Father Phillip> and learning from what
they have to say
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:24:23]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes, ive just recently started doing
this since i just started to go back to mass (ive been going so far every sunday
since xmas '03)
[27/Jul/2004:21:24:34] <Father Phillip> it's super that you're
going to Mass regularly
[27/Jul/2004:21:24:44] <Father Phillip> and if you keep that up,
you'll keep hearing more and more of the Bible
[27/Jul/2004:21:25:23] <Father Phillip> and if you were to spend
a little time preparing for Mass by reading the Scriptures that will be proclaimed
that week, you'll be shocked at how much more the Liturgy will mean to you
[27/Jul/2004:21:25:25] <Father Phillip> AND
[27/Jul/2004:21:25:35] <Father Phillip> how much more the Bible
will come to mean to you
[27/Jul/2004:21:25:40] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes, i love going
now...i feel a sense of peace when i am there
[27/Jul/2004:21:25:44] <Father Phillip> ain't that grand?!?!?!?!?!
[27/Jul/2004:21:25:54] <Father Phillip> you're clearly right where
you need to be!
[27/Jul/2004:21:26:00] <Father Phillip> and doing what you need
to be doing!
[27/Jul/2004:21:26:14] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: slowly, i am
trying to be a good catholic but its hard. i will definitely take your advice
and go purchase a bible and start reading
[27/Jul/2004:21:26:30] <Father Phillip> you're being a good Catholic!
count on it!
[27/Jul/2004:21:26:45] <Father Phillip> talk to somebody at the
Newman Center or Catholic Student Center at your university
[27/Jul/2004:21:26:50] <Father Phillip> or local parish
[27/Jul/2004:21:27:04] <Father Phillip> they may have a Bible Discussion
Group there that might be useful to you
Back to the Top
Repetitive
Sins
Click
here to read more information on this topic.
[27/Jul/2004:21:27:09]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: my only problem is committing the same
sins over and over again...even after confession
[27/Jul/2004:21:27:14] <Father Phillip> oh tish tosh!~
[27/Jul/2004:21:27:22] <Father Phillip> that's not your ONLY problem!
:-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:27:30] <Father Phillip> but i understand what you
mean!
[27/Jul/2004:21:27:50] <Father Phillip> each human being has been
created by God with special, unique, personal gifts and talents
[27/Jul/2004:21:28:07] <Father Phillip> and those gifts and talents
will be ours throughout all our lives -- thank God!
[27/Jul/2004:21:28:26] <Father Phillip> in turn, we tend to fashion
special, unique, personal sins that OURS!
[27/Jul/2004:21:28:32] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes that is true,
i just feel really guilty everytime i go and confess...because it seems like
i am not even trying
[27/Jul/2004:21:28:51] <Father Phillip> you ARE trying -- otherwise
you wouldn't be going to Confession
[27/Jul/2004:21:28:57] <Father Phillip> you wouldn't be going to
Mass
[27/Jul/2004:21:29:07] <Father Phillip> heck -- you wouldn't be
here!
[27/Jul/2004:21:29:24] <Father Phillip> your unique personal sins
which you confess over and over
[27/Jul/2004:21:29:29] <Father Phillip> those sins are, in fact,
[27/Jul/2004:21:29:31] <Father Phillip> ways that God has
[27/Jul/2004:21:29:38] <Father Phillip> of reminding us that we
always need God
[27/Jul/2004:21:29:50] <Father Phillip> that we are never quite
"there" in terms of our relationship with God
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:08] <Father Phillip> those sins are our "ticket',
in a manner of speaking, back to God
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:13] <Father Phillip> when we confess our own
personal sins
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:19] <Father Phillip> and when we, then, go to
Confession
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:28] <Father Phillip> we are reminded in concrete
personal ways
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:33] <Father Phillip> just how much we NEED God!
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:38] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes that is true
father
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:40] <Father Phillip> got it?
[27/Jul/2004:21:30:41] <Father Phillip> :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:31:30] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: got it =) you
are so knowleable!
[27/Jul/2004:21:31:40] <Father Phillip> yep, i'm a raving genius!
[27/Jul/2004:21:31:43] <Father Phillip> just kidding!
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:31:51]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: father, i had another regarding communion.......when
would i know not to receive communion??
[27/Jul/2004:21:32:07] <Father Phillip> you should always receive
Holy Communion...
[27/Jul/2004:21:32:09] <Father Phillip> except
[27/Jul/2004:21:32:14] <Father Phillip> when you are in a state
of mortal sin
[27/Jul/2004:21:32:23] <Father Phillip> that's the only time you
shouldn't go to Communion
[27/Jul/2004:21:32:49] <Father Phillip> Holy Communion is the supreme
way God has of telling us how passionately God loves us
[27/Jul/2004:21:33:21] <Father Phillip> and there is practically
nothing that would ever make God not want us to know the depth of that Divine
Love
[27/Jul/2004:21:33:55] <Father Phillip> so always go to Communion
except in the rare and very unusual circumstance of when you are definitely
in mortal sin
[27/Jul/2004:21:33:59] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: i see, i remember
reading about mortal sin in here so i will take another look at it
[27/Jul/2004:21:34:23] <Father Phillip> yes, go to our FAQ Library
here at CatholicQandA.org for a pretty decent explanation of what mortal
sin is
[27/Jul/2004:21:34:38] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes i will do
that
[27/Jul/2004:21:34:39] <Father Phillip> cool
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:35:58]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: father, where is this organization based
at?
[27/Jul/2004:21:36:23] <Father Phillip> well, CatholicQandA.org
is a project of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, NC
[27/Jul/2004:21:36:40] <Father Phillip> and specifically the College
Campus Ministries of our Diocese
[27/Jul/2004:21:36:50] <Father Phillip> so Chapel Hill which is
where i am
[27/Jul/2004:21:36:54] <Father Phillip> Duke University
[27/Jul/2004:21:37:00] <Father Phillip> East Carolina University
[27/Jul/2004:21:37:04] <Father Phillip> Elon University
[27/Jul/2004:21:37:12] <Father Phillip> North Carolina Central
University
[27/Jul/2004:21:37:19] <Father Phillip> North Carolina State University
[27/Jul/2004:21:37:24] <Father Phillip> and UNC-Wilmington
[27/Jul/2004:21:37:31] <Father Phillip> i think that's all of us
:-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:38:14] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: how are memberships
going so far,,,, are alot of students taking part in this? i find most of my
catholic friends do not do catholic things
[27/Jul/2004:21:38:43] <Father Phillip> hummmm...you mean "memberships"
as in students who participate at our various Campus Ministries at these Universities?
[27/Jul/2004:21:38:57] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes
[27/Jul/2004:21:39:07] <Father Phillip> oh golly -- we're really
blessed by our students!
[27/Jul/2004:21:39:11] <Father Phillip> they are GREAT!!!!!
[27/Jul/2004:21:39:23] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: i find that the
younger generation (my generation) are not so receptive
[27/Jul/2004:21:39:39] <Father Phillip> oh...i find that your generation
is SUPER in every way!
[27/Jul/2004:21:39:44] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: oh that is great
to hear!
[27/Jul/2004:21:40:08] <Father Phillip> we have about 1000 students
at UNC Chapel Hill who participate actively
[27/Jul/2004:21:40:17] <Father Phillip> about the same number at
Duke and NC State
[27/Jul/2004:21:40:31] <Father Phillip> our other campuses are
smaller so they don't have as many students
[27/Jul/2004:21:40:39] <Father Phillip> but the ones they have
a tremendous folks!
[27/Jul/2004:21:40:59] <Father Phillip> and we have absolutely
the most wonderful group of professional campus ministers in the universe at
these schools
[27/Jul/2004:21:41:20] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: that is awesome
to hear father
[27/Jul/2004:21:41:31] <Father Phillip> yep, our students are totally
awesome!
[27/Jul/2004:21:41:37] <Father Phillip> God is pretty awesome too
:-)
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:41:55]
<Father Phillip> the trick is:
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:02] <Father Phillip> welcome every person who
comes through the door
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:07] <Father Phillip> and don't be judgmental
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:20] <Father Phillip> accept people wherever
they are and whatever they're doing
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:24] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: that is a great
motto
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:31] <Father Phillip> you're right: it is! :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:41] <Father Phillip> and just love the people
the Lord sends
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:46] <Father Phillip> whether you agree with
them or not
[27/Jul/2004:21:42:48] <Father Phillip> love them
[27/Jul/2004:21:43:05] <Father Phillip> and things will work out
in God's way and in God's time
[27/Jul/2004:21:43:10] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: i have to adopt
that because one of my weak characters is judging others
[27/Jul/2004:21:43:17] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: slowly, i am
learning to love everyone
[27/Jul/2004:21:43:33] <Father Phillip> my guess is that you judge
yourself harder than you judge most anybody else
[27/Jul/2004:21:43:38] <Father Phillip> so learn to love YOU
[27/Jul/2004:21:43:44] <Father Phillip> and try not to be so hard
on YOU
[27/Jul/2004:21:44:01] <Father Phillip> and you'll find that all
the rest of God's children are pretty darned love-able too :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:44:14] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes i do father.........i
will try =) you always have the right thing to say to everything, do you have
anything published ? =)
[27/Jul/2004:21:44:59] <Father Phillip> nah...my publications are
the students' lives who bless me by coming around Newman!
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:45:05]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: is one of my jobs as a catholic person
to try to persuade others to believe in catholicism?
[27/Jul/2004:21:45:07] <Father Phillip> nope
[27/Jul/2004:21:45:16] <Father Phillip> that's not your job or
mine
[27/Jul/2004:21:45:40] <Father Phillip> God is the only One Who's
really good at persuading other people to believe in Catholicism
[27/Jul/2004:21:45:56] <Father Phillip> your job and mine is to
love the people God puts in our way each day
[27/Jul/2004:21:46:12] <Father Phillip> to accept them as precious
children, beloved by God, our dear sisters and brothers
[27/Jul/2004:21:46:17] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: that is great
to hear because i was told by a strict catholic folllower that i am not doing
my duty by accepting others w/ other religion...i would tell this person "they
were born into this religion so this is all they know, i cant and will try to
convert them"
[27/Jul/2004:21:46:35] <Father Phillip> leave the converting to
God
[27/Jul/2004:21:46:46] <Father Phillip> whenever anybody asks you
why you're smiling
[27/Jul/2004:21:46:48] <Father Phillip> tell them
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:01] <Father Phillip> it's because i have a great
community of faith to support me in good times and in bad
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:05] <Father Phillip> and leave it at that
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:15] <Father Phillip> if they then say, oh really
-- where's that?
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:17] <Father Phillip> say
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:32] <Father Phillip> it's at the Catholic Church
-- you're welcome to join me if you want to come -- but if not, that's cool
too
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:43] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: oops i meant
[27/Jul/2004:21:47:47] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: oops i meant
"i cant and will not try to conver them" got it father
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:02] <Father Phillip> yepper, i knew what you
meant -- at least i thought i did! :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:07] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: that is great
to hear father
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:24] <Father Phillip> we're not supposed to go
around trying to convert everybody
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:28] <Father Phillip> our job is love people
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:43] <Father Phillip> and to respond to their
questions -- that's all
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:47]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: father, i am currently in a long term
relationship w/ a young man who is buddishm and he goes to church w/ me every
sunday but i know he is just doing it because he wants me to marry him
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:55] <Father Phillip> that's cool
[27/Jul/2004:21:48:58] <Father Phillip> just pray
[27/Jul/2004:21:49:05] <Father Phillip> ask God what God wants
you to do
[27/Jul/2004:21:49:15] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: BUT i wont because
i know he does not believe in the religion
[27/Jul/2004:21:49:18] <Father Phillip> wrong!
[27/Jul/2004:21:49:49] <Father Phillip> your job is not to decide
whom to marry based on some set of criteria that YOU set
[27/Jul/2004:21:50:08] <Father Phillip> your job is ask God whether
(a) God wants you to be married at all to anybody -- and
[27/Jul/2004:21:50:34] <Father Phillip> (b) after you get the answer
to (a), then to ask God whether God wants you to marry this particular guy
[27/Jul/2004:21:50:47] <Father Phillip> if God is calling you to
marry a Buddhist
[27/Jul/2004:21:50:49] <Father Phillip> or a Catholic
[27/Jul/2004:21:50:52] <Father Phillip> or a Jew
[27/Jul/2004:21:50:58] <Father Phillip> or an atheist for that
matter
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:01] <Father Phillip> you have to do it
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:07] <Father Phillip> because it's God's gift
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:11] <Father Phillip> marriage is, i mean
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:13] <Father Phillip> and so
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:29] <Father Phillip> God is the ONE Who gets
to decide who receives the gift
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:33] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: wow father, i
never knew that. i was always brought up w/ the notion of "you have to
marry a catholic"
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:39] <Father Phillip> well, to be truthful
[27/Jul/2004:21:51:46] <Father Phillip> marrying a Catholic is
a good thing usually
[27/Jul/2004:21:52:12] <Father Phillip> and it is certainly a lot
easier to marry somebody from your own faith tradition -- usually (though not
always)
[27/Jul/2004:21:52:16] <Father Phillip> BUT
[27/Jul/2004:21:52:35] <Father Phillip> the most important thing
is that you marry theperson God is calling you to marry
[27/Jul/2004:21:52:42] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: this is so great
to hear from....ive never learned so much about my religion before and its all
things that really matters and make sense
[27/Jul/2004:21:52:56] <Father Phillip> yep, Catholicism really
DOES make sense!
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:09] <Father Phillip> we've been working on it
for 2000 years -- it OUGHT to make sense! :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:14] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes it and one
of my major concerns is because i want our children to follow in the same faith
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:35] <Father Phillip> sure that's just another
reason that marrying somebody from within your own faith tradition usually makes
sense
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:36] <Father Phillip> BUT
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:40] <Father Phillip> i repeat
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:46] <Father Phillip> the MAIN issue is not what's
easy
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:50] <Father Phillip> and not what you want
[27/Jul/2004:21:53:59] <Father Phillip> and not what your parents
want
[27/Jul/2004:21:54:09] <Father Phillip> or, for that matter, not
what the priest wants
[27/Jul/2004:21:54:15] <Father Phillip> the MAIN thing is
[27/Jul/2004:21:54:35] <Father Phillip> doing what GOD wants and
what GOD calls you to do and to marry whoever GOD calls you to marry!
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:21:54:43]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: here is another question.........what
is the major difference between catholics and christians?? are these two religions
separated just because martin luther wanted to remarry?
[27/Jul/2004:21:54:57] <Father Phillip> there is no difference
between Catholics and Christians
[27/Jul/2004:21:55:03] <Father Phillip> All Catholics are Christians
[27/Jul/2004:21:55:16] <Father Phillip> but not all Christians
are Catholics
[27/Jul/2004:21:55:20] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: thank you so
much for answering the wedding question , ive always always pondered on it
[27/Jul/2004:21:55:26] <Father Phillip> well, keep pondering!
[27/Jul/2004:21:56:03] <Father Phillip> i think what you meant
was what is the major difference between Catholics and Protestants
[27/Jul/2004:21:56:11] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: "but not
all christians are catholics" hmm i see
[27/Jul/2004:21:56:14] <Father Phillip> righto
[27/Jul/2004:21:56:23] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes, that is
my question
[27/Jul/2004:21:56:29] <Father Phillip> well, that's kinda complex
[27/Jul/2004:21:56:53] <Father Phillip> read through the FAQ Library
first one this issue and then come back and we'll have a discussion about it
-- how's that?
[27/Jul/2004:21:57:54] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: sure father,
i will do that after i talk to you because i am almost leaving for ...guess
what........confession !
[27/Jul/2004:21:58:06] <Father Phillip> not a bad thing to do!
[27/Jul/2004:21:58:11] <Father Phillip> :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:58:44] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: nope , not at
all..........its a cleansing feeling
[27/Jul/2004:21:58:59] <Father Phillip> yep, sure can be -- so
have lots of fun doing it! :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:59:30] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: fun?1?1? i always
cry when i do it....im am soo emotional
[27/Jul/2004:21:59:37] <Father Phillip> tears can be fun :-)
[27/Jul/2004:21:59:46] <Father Phillip> it's good that you feel
deeply
[27/Jul/2004:21:59:49] <Father Phillip> that's a blessing
[27/Jul/2004:22:00:04] <Father Phillip> and tears are a gift from
God and are a way of cleansing the soul
[27/Jul/2004:22:00:27] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes they are
arnt they
[27/Jul/2004:22:00:30] <Father Phillip> you betcha!
[27/Jul/2004:22:01:40]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: father, when i go to confession...is
it ok if i state my sins in general terms like "impure acts"
[27/Jul/2004:22:01:49] <Father Phillip> what's important is that
you're going to Confession
[27/Jul/2004:22:02:27] <Father Phillip> it's important that when
you leave you feel as though you have confessed and received absolution for
anything and evertying that's on your mind and heart
[27/Jul/2004:22:02:40] <Father Phillip> don't leave there wishing
you'd had the courage to say something "else"
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:02] <Father Phillip> it's also important that
the priest have a pretty good idea of what he's granting absolution for
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:22] <Father Phillip> so if a general term covers
both aspects ... then those terms are just fine
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:26] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: i hope so father!
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:31] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: father, i went
to this one confession where there were ALOT of people and when it was my turn,
i couldnt say what i did wrong which was very important so i felt like i wasnt
resolved
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:41] <Father Phillip> that happens sometimes
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:46] <Father Phillip> make an appointment
[27/Jul/2004:22:03:56] <Father Phillip> go in and see your campus
minister/priest
[27/Jul/2004:22:04:09] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: so should i say
those sins again??
[27/Jul/2004:22:04:28] <Father Phillip> if you confessed them and
you received absolution, you should not repeat those sins
[27/Jul/2004:22:04:33]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: i dont go to those mass confessions
anymore, i do it the traditonal way now
[27/Jul/2004:22:04:54] <Father Phillip> well, there is something
good about celebrating in the community God's forgiveness
[27/Jul/2004:22:05:06] <Father Phillip> your presence may be a
real blessing to somebody else
[27/Jul/2004:22:05:15] <Father Phillip> my suggestion is often
something like this
[27/Jul/2004:22:05:34] <Father Phillip> go to the communal celebrations
to support the community
[27/Jul/2004:22:05:45] <Father Phillip> but go to individual Confession
at a different time
[27/Jul/2004:22:05:57] <Father Phillip> so that you can take all
the time YOU need to make a good Confession
[27/Jul/2004:22:06:14] <Father Phillip> that way you're helping
the community AND attending to your own needs
[27/Jul/2004:22:06:20] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: oh i see, i can
do both
[27/Jul/2004:22:06:21] <Father Phillip> yepper
[27/Jul/2004:22:06:35] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: and ive even
passed this feeling onto myself because i forgive and overlook everything everyone
does to me
[27/Jul/2004:22:06:51] <Father Phillip> that's one of the main
purposes of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
[27/Jul/2004:22:08:24]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: father, sorry im jumping from subject
to subject..........am i to love everyone , even those who did god wrong such
as a "criminal", or "a girl who slept around" ?
[27/Jul/2004:22:08:46] <Father Phillip> being a Christian means
to be like Christ
[27/Jul/2004:22:08:55] <Father Phillip> Christ loved criminals
and prostitutes
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:08] <Father Phillip> so what do YOU think the
answer to your question is? :-)
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:22] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: yes i do remember
this
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:31] <Father Phillip> and sooooooo.....
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:37] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: the answer is
"YES"
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:40] <Father Phillip> bingo!
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:47] <Father Phillip> you should be a theologian!
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:49] <Father Phillip> :-)
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:56] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: but my concern
is should i say anything to them to help them??
[27/Jul/2004:22:09:58] <Father Phillip> sure you should
[27/Jul/2004:22:10:05] <Father Phillip> you should say stuff like
[27/Jul/2004:22:10:13] <Father Phillip> i care about you
[27/Jul/2004:22:10:29] <Father Phillip> i'm almost positive that
God loves you just like you are
[27/Jul/2004:22:10:37] <Father Phillip> what a beautiful dress
you're wearing today
[27/Jul/2004:22:10:45] <Father Phillip> if you mean
[27/Jul/2004:22:10:54] <Father Phillip> should you tell them that
they're doing wrong
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:02] <Father Phillip> and how they should correct
their sinful ways
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:08] <Father Phillip> my suggestion is this
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:12] <Father Phillip> leave that stuff to God
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:20] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: got it
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:27] <Father Phillip> good!
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:31] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: great advice
father!
[27/Jul/2004:22:11:43] <Father Phillip> yeah, i told you: i'm shockingly
brilliant :-)
[27/Jul/2004:22:12:07] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: and most importantly,
i should not reveal their faults to others.....i am girl so i have a problem
with this
[27/Jul/2004:22:12:13] <Father Phillip> nahhhhh....
[27/Jul/2004:22:12:18] <Father Phillip> everybody has problems
with this
[27/Jul/2004:22:13:06] <Father Phillip> people know their faults
[27/Jul/2004:22:13:12] <Father Phillip> we don't need to tell them
[27/Jul/2004:22:13:52] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: plus we dont
need to advertise their problems to others....
[27/Jul/2004:22:13:54] <Father Phillip> never!
[27/Jul/2004:22:13:57] <Father Phillip> :-)
[27/Jul/2004:22:14:41] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: this is my other
returning sin
[27/Jul/2004:22:14:46] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: i told you, i
have two things i really need to work on
[27/Jul/2004:22:15:44] <Father Phillip> you probably have more
than 2 -- most of us do!
[27/Jul/2004:22:16:09] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: heheheh well
fine you caught me.....i probably do have way more than 2
[27/Jul/2004:22:16:12] <Father Phillip> :-)
[27/Jul/2004:22:16:16] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: im trying to
think positive
[27/Jul/2004:22:16:23] <Father Phillip> do that by all means!
[27/Jul/2004:22:16:33] <Father Phillip> think positively about
yourself!
Back to the Top
[27/Jul/2004:22:17:17]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: father...last question before i leave
to confession............my parents told me before i go to confession, i have
to say a certain prayer, is this true or can i just directly in the confessional?
[27/Jul/2004:22:17:44] <Father Phillip> you should make a good
examination of conscience before you go to Confesssion --
[27/Jul/2004:22:17:53] <Father Phillip> but you don't need to say
any particular prayer
[27/Jul/2004:22:18:06] <Father Phillip> just go in and get all
the grace you can! :-)
[27/Jul/2004:22:18:53] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: ah i see, i will
do that..............thank you so much for answering all of my questions, i
truly truly appreciate...you helped me soo much in such little time!!!!
[27/Jul/2004:22:18:59] <Father Phillip> it was an honor!
[27/Jul/2004:22:19:03] <Father Phillip> ciao for now!
[27/Jul/2004:22:19:08] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: Take care father
phillip!!!! Bye!!!
[27/Jul/2004:22:31:17] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: hi father, im
back for about 2 mins...i thought of somethinhg
[27/Jul/2004:22:31:21] <Father Phillip> cool
Catholic/Non-Catholic Marriage
[27/Jul/2004:22:31:25]
<Father Phillip> here4yoo: how come the catholic community makes
it so hard to marry anyone who is noncatholic....i loved your answer earlier
about not forcing anyone to be any religion just so i can marry but the catholic
church wont let me marry anyone in the church if they are not catholic...isnt
this kind hyprcritical?
[27/Jul/2004:22:31:44] <Father Phillip> you're wrong, my dear
[27/Jul/2004:22:32:10] <Father Phillip> the Catholic Church certainly
will allow you marry -- under certain conditions -- anybody whom God calls you
to marry
[27/Jul/2004:22:32:26] <Father Phillip> if you are a girl, then
it has to be a boy
[27/Jul/2004:22:32:42] <Father Phillip> neither of you can already
be married or have been married
[27/Jul/2004:22:32:57] <Father Phillip> (though that is a little
more complex)
[27/Jul/2004:22:33:35] <Father Phillip> and the Catholic party
has to agree to do everything he/she can do to see to it that any children the
couple has will be baptized and reared in the Catholic Church
[27/Jul/2004:22:33:39] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: oh i see, i thought
it two people both had to baptize catholic in order to marry in a catholic church,
see i am learning so many things from you
[27/Jul/2004:22:33:47] <Father Phillip> nope
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:05] <Father Phillip> to be married in the Catholic
only one of the parties has to be Catholic
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:07] <Father Phillip> cheers!
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:11] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: ok now i am really
leaving, just finished praying w/ my mother so i am off...thanks for clarifying
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:14] <Father Phillip> my pleasure
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:16] <Father Phillip> blessings!
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:21] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: great........gotta
go......i love talking to you, thank you!!!!!!
[27/Jul/2004:22:34:27] <Father Phillip> here4yoo: bye