During the Year of Faith, the Year of Faith Committee (a Sub Group of the Parish Pastoral Council) thought it would be beneficial to place Question Boxes in the Churches and Pastoral Centre. These Questions are answered by the Priests of the Parish, either in the Parish Bulletin or in a Sunday Homily. Here are some of the Questions that have been asked, along with their Answers:

Someone has written on one of the questionnaires: I love going to Mass every morning. It lifts you. And I love receiving the Eucharist. God bless.

A lot of Parishioners and visitors attend Mass daily in our Parish. They form a special daily community of prayer and worship and witness to the presence of God in our world. And when others feel they can not pray they should remember that this group of people pray daily for the needs of all. Going to Mass every day is a blessing. It is a great way of praying. During Mass we ask forgiveness of our sins and acknowledge the mercy and welcome of God. We listen to God’s Word and absorb it into our lives so that it may be made flesh by our way of living. We enter into the great mystery of our faith – the life, the suffering, the offering, the death, the Resurrection of Jesus – and in receiving Holy Communion, the Eucharist, we come into a oneness with our God that is beyond words. Being a part of the Mass on a daily basis gives us a focus for the day and a reason to go forth and live like Jesus.

I am twelve years old – am I allowed to receive the Blood of Christ?

Yes. As long as everyone else you receive the Blood of Christ reverently. In this Parish during the Novena at Mass on Mondays in St Patrick’s Church those attending can receive Holy Communion under both species – that means receiving the Sacred Host and drinking from the Chalice. When we receive the Host only we believe that we have received the Body and Blood of Christ.

Is it possible to get separate study booklets on ‘Dei Verbum’ – Divine Revelation and Lumen Gentium, the mystery of the Church. We appreciate the individual Gospel booklets.

Can I direct you to the bookshop in the Pastoral Centre – if you can not find what you are looking for it can be ordered.

Why was the second reading from the Book of Exodus read at the Easter Vigil? It seemed out of place.

Exodus 14:15-15:1. I presume it seems out of place because of the deaths of so many people. This is a consequence of the great act of God of leading the Israelites across the Red Sea. In so doing God is leading the people from slavery to freedom; from a sinful past to a future as free sons and daughters of God. It is part of the story of God’s love for us and His care for us. The journey from darkness to light is a great theme of the Easter Vigil. Remembering how the people of the Old Testament put their faith and trust in God is a challenge to us to do likewise so that we, for whom Christ died on the Cross for our sins, might rejoice and share in the glory and new life of the Resurrection.

The prayer that follows the Exodus reading and psalm is: O God, whose ancient wonders remain undimmed in splendour even in our day, for what you once bestowed on a single people, freeing them from Pharaoh’s persecution by the power of your right hand now you bring about as the salvation of the nations through the waters of rebirth, grant, we pray, that the whole world may become children of Abraham and inherit the dignity of Israel’s birthright.

At the Last Supper Jesus and his disciples were remembering the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The crossing of the Red Sea is part of that story.

What are the Church’s rulings on the reception of the Holy Eucharist, i.e. what would prevent someone from receiving the Eucharist worthily and according to the instruction of the Church?

The Catechism states: Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned morally must not receive Communion without having received absolution in the Sacrament of Penance. (paragraph 1415). The Church warmly recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion each time they participate in the celebration of the Eucharist; she obliges them to do so at least once a year. (paragraph 1417). To prepare for worthy reception of this Sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanour (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest. (paragraph 1387).

It is worth while to read and pray over the paragraphs in the Catechism relating to the Sacrament of the Eucharist – 1322 to 1419.

Two questions that are similar. 1. Is there Purgatory? 2. Is there really such a thing as Purgatory or is it either heaven or hell. My mother was taught for years to pray for the souls in purgatory. Now the Church is saying it’s only heaven or hell and when you go to hell you can not get out of it.

Yes, purgatory exists and without it we would all be condemned to hell. As humans and in all humility, none of us will die perfect. Our journey of perfection will continue after death in purgatory so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven (see Catechism paragraph 1030). In Old Testament times and right up to the present day we have been encouraged to pray for the dead – celebrating Mass, almsgiving, works of penance are recommended. In our turn we will be glad of those who will pray for us when we have passed through death on the road to heaven. Read Catechism paragraphs 1030 to 1032.

Why do I keep returning to Confession with the same sins? Is the Lord not tired or is it not useless to repeat myself all the time?

Going to Confession is a good habit. The grace, help we receive from God in celebrating this Sacrament is beneficial to us in our daily answer to God’s call to be holy, that is, fully alive with the goodness of God. Most of us have weaknesses that seem to cling to us all the time – we try to change our ways, and sometimes we succeed, but then we fall again again and again. But acknowledging them is important. In doing so we acknowledge our need of God in all humility. And as for the Lord getting tired of us – no. remember the story of the prodigal son – the Father is always waiting and ready to welcome us and forgive us. He never grows tired of waiting or listening or welcoming or forgiving.

How do I make a good confession as an adult? When I learned about Confession I was 7 years old. Now I and times are different. 

As we grow older so our celebration of Confession should change. When I was a child I spoke and acted like a child – but now I am an adult, I speak and act like an adult.(see St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians 13:11). Our examination of conscience before Confession should reflect who we are now. Do I live up to my responsibilities as a practising Catholic; in relation to the Sacraments I receive and live; to my family and friends and neighbours? As part of the response to this question some leaflets have been placed in the Churches to help make a good Confession. The leaflets come from different Church communities.

Why do Protestants say you need to be born again in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Is this in the Bible?

Yes it is – in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus – see Gospel of St John chapter 3.

(the following is taken from an article by Mark Brumley | IgnatiusInsight.com)

The Catholic view of being "born again"
Following the New Testament use of the term, the Catholic Church links regeneration or being "born again" in the life of the Spirit to the sacrament of baptism (Catechism, nos. 1215,1265-1266). Baptism is not a mere human "work" one does to "earn" regeneration and divine sonship; it is the work of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, which, by grace, washes away sin and makes us children of God. It is central to the Catholic understanding of justification by grace. For justification is, as the Council of Trent taught, "a translation from that state in which man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam, Jesus Christ". Baptism is an instrumental means by which God graciously justifies--that is, regenerates--sinners through faith in Jesus Christ and makes them children of God.
Catholic teaching is not opposed to a "religious experience" of conversion accompanying baptism (of adults)--far from it. But such an "experience" is not required. What is required for baptism to be fruitful (for an adult) is repentance from sin and faith in Christ, of which baptism is the sacrament (Catechism, no. 1253). These are grace-enabled acts of the will that are not necessarily accompanied by feelings of being "born again." Regeneration rests on the divinely established fact of incorporation and regeneration in Christ, not on feelings one way or the other.
This point can be driven home to Evangelicals by drawing on a point they often emphasize in a related context. Evangelicals often say that the act of having accepted Christ as "personal Saviour and Lord" is the important thing, not whether feelings accompany that act. It is, they say, faith that matters, not feelings. Believe by faith that Christ is the Saviour and the appropriate feelings, they say, will eventually follow. But even if they do not, what counts is the fact of having taken Christ as Saviour.
Catholics can say something similar regarding baptism. The man who is baptized may not "feel" any different after baptism than before. But once he is baptized, he has received the Holy Spirit in a special way. He has been regenerated and made a child of God through the divine sonship of Jesus Christ in which he shares. He has been buried with Christ and raised to new life with Him. He has objectively and publicly identified himself with Jesus' death and resurrection. If the newly baptized man meditates on these things, he may or may not "feel" them, in the sense of some subjective religious experience. Nevertheless, he will believe them to be true by faith. And he will have the benefits of baptism into Christ nonetheless.

(More on this question in sheet Number 4.)

 

What is meant by the second coming of Jesus? We say it at Mass ‘Christ will come again.’

The Creed, the Mystery of Faith, the Our Father all make reference to this. Christ first came among us as a person which we celebrate at Christmas. His Second Coming refers to the end of the world. The Catechism of the Church tells us: Christ the Lord already reigns through the Church, but all the things of this world are not yet subjected to him. The triumph of Christ’s Kingdom will not come about without one last assault by the powers of evil. On Judgement Day at the end of the world, Christ will come in glory to achieve the definitive triumph of good over evil which, like the wheat and the tares, have grown up together in the course of history. When He comes at the end of time to judge the living and the dead, the glorious Christ will reveal the secret disposition of hearts and will render to each man according to his works, and according to his acceptance or refusal of grace. (Catechism 680-682)

When are we going to have another mission? The last one was a great success. Perhaps we could have the Redemptorists back again – they were here about 6/7years ago.

Parish Missions should be organised every 5/6 years. They are ‘a great success’ if people feel closer to God and have a better understanding of the presence of God in their lives and how that in turn can influence and direct their actions. But during the year our Parish has what you might call mini-Missions – The Easter Triduum, Days of Prayer in June, Lourdes Triduum in February, the programme for First Communion/Penance and Confirmation, the Fish on Fridays Parish Lenten Retreat, as well as Sundays and special days of devotion. During Advent and Lent some Parishioners organise prayer groups or Bible study groups. Later in the year, in October, we will have a day retreat at the Servite Priory at Benburb.

Is the one hour fast before Mass and reception of Holy Communion still in vogue as children preparing for First Holy Communion are not taught this now?

Catholics coming to Mass and to receive Holy Communion should fast from all other forms of food and drink for an hour before hand. This is a sign of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament and the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament. If we were invited to a very special meal we would never arrive full of food and then not be able to partake of our host’s food – that would be insulting. For Catholics receiving Holy Communion is a sacred moment – a meeting between Christ and each one of us. Fasting and reverently receiving the Sacred Host are ways in which we remind ourselves and others of the importance of this sacred act. And yes, children are taught the importance of fasting before Mass and receiving Holy Communion.

Why does God give us such heavy burdens to carry?

Someone once said, in part answer to this question, that if every one of us put our burdens and troubles on the floor and we were asked to choose someone else’s instead of our own, we would rather take up our own again. Another person also said that God only gives the burden that we are capable of carrying. Others look to Jesus who carried the burden of our sins when he walked to Calvary and died on the Cross for our sins – they get strength from this to carry their own (sometimes, self made) burdens. When Pope John XXlll, now Blessed, became Pope he took the burden of carrying the Church to God – at night he prayed, Lord, it’s your Church, you look after it, I’m going to bed. Bringing our burdens/troubles to God in prayer is good and talking about them to someone you can trust – a spouse, a parent, a child, a friend – is also good. We have many Simons and Veronicas around us to help and ease our carrying of the burdens that life throws at us and lays on us.

What did Jesus do when he descended into Hell?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: By the expression ‘He descended into hell’ the Apostles’ Creed (used especially during Lent and Easter Time during Mass) confesses that Jesus did really die and through his death for us conquered death and the devil ‘who has the power of death’ (letter to the Hebrews 2:14). 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. See the Catechism paragraph 632 to 637.

Why will priests not openly discuss the problem with priests and young boys to openly admit that some are wrong? Would give Parishioners faith to stay put!!

I presume this question addresses the scandal of child sexual abuse among clergy in the Church. I know in this Parish this topic has been addressed many times during Mass - victims are prayed for, that they may receive healing and peace, and those who perpetrate the crimes condemned. If however, the question demands a more open discussion outside of the context of Mass – that can be arranged. Mod.

Does Anointing of the Sick absolve sin without the necessity of Confession?

The Letter of St James (5:14-15) is quoted in the celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick: ‘Is any among you sick? Let him/her call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him/her, anointing him/her with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man/woman, and the Lord will raise him/her up; and if he/she has committed any sins, he/she will be forgiven.’ The Catechism tells us that one of the effects of the Sacrament is the forgiveness of sins – if the sick person was not able to obtain this forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance. (See the Catechism paragraphs 1499 to 1532.)

Why do some people not go to Mass? I love going to Mass and receiving the Blessed Sacrament. It makes my day. I go every other day.

Many people say they belong to the Catholic Church but remain apart from the core demands of what it means to belong. Belonging is an invitation from Jesus to share his life – to share it in this life by the way we live and to share it in the next life, eternal life. Going to Mass and participating in the liturgy, by being physically present and joining in the prayers and responses of the Mass, is a very important aspect to our faith. As our daily prayer, going to Mass helps us focus on who and what is important in our daily life – God. At the end of Mass we are sent out to announce the Gospel of the Lord – so that by our living out of the Gospel others may be encouraged to be a part of the faith community and join us in the Celebration of Mass.

Are the Commandments today as relevant and does the Church preach enough about these and our Catholic morals? Has religion become a social rather then a moral institute?

Yes, the Commandments are relevant today. Jesus summed them up in two – love of God and love of neighbour. The Ten Commandments break these down to help us understand them better and give us a way of living. All Christian acts which follow the example of Jesus echo in some way the Ten Commandments. The Church preaches these in different ways – Sunday homilies, special talks and conferences, publications from the Holy See and from the Irish Episcopal Conference – eg Repent and Believe the Good News (Lent 2012), Challenging Poverty in Northern Ireland (2010), End of Life Care (2008), Nurturing Our Children’s Faith (2008).

Social and moral: the Catechism tells us the moral law is the work of divine Wisdom. Its biblical meaning can be defined as fatherly instruction, God’s teaching. It prescribes for us the ways, the rules of conduct that lead to the promised beatitude (holiness of life); it proscribes the ways of evil which turn us away from God and his love. The moral law finds its fullness and its unity in Christ. Jesus Christ is in person the way of perfection. See Catechism paragraphs 1949 to 1986. Again, the Catechism tells us that Christian revelation promotes deeper understanding of the laws of social living. The Church fulfils her mission of proclaiming the Gospel when she bears witness to human beings, men, women and children, in the name of Christ, to their dignity and their vocation to the wider community.

Our Christian faith community can neither be solely social or moral but both – to coin a phrase; you can’t have one without the other.

Why do the children in school not learn the Ten Commandments?

They do. In Primary Seven (Fifth Class in Co Louth) the Ten Commandments are presented as the guidelines by which a life of Christian freedom and happiness can be lived. To appreciate this, the teaching of the Commandments begins with an examination of the expulsion of man and woman from the Garden of Eden. Having eaten from the Tree of Knowledge, mankind has gained the ability to know the difference between good and evil, and with that knowledge has been given free will to choose which path they will walk. With our ability to succumb to temptation as evidenced in the Garden story, it is necessary that we should have guidelines by which we can maintain our worth, dignity and happiness. The Ten Commandments are these guides.  They are presented as a Commandment of Love, an agreement which leads towards harmonious relations between human beings and between God and human beings.

Please explain the different coloured vestments you wear during the year celebrating Mass? Why and when you use them? 

A priest, when celebrating Mass wears an alb, a cincture, and a stole and chasuble. He may also wear an amice. The stole and chasuble (which is the outer garment) are different colours. The colour of vestment can set the tone of a celebration: white/gold for Christmas and Epiphany, Easter, Baptism, First Communion, Marriage, Ordination. Purple/violet for Advent and Lent reminding us that these are penitential seasons; also used at funerals when we pray God’s mercy for someone who has died; white is also worn at funerals to remind us of Christ’s Resurrection. Red on Passion Sunday, Good Friday, feasts of Apostles and Martyrs – because Christ shed His Blood for us, and the apostles and martyrs shed their blood for Christ. Red is also worn at Confirmation as this is the colour associated with the Holy Spirit. Green is worn during Ordinary Time symbolising our continued growth in the likeness of Jesus. White is worn on feasts of Our Lady and the saints. Rose coloured vestments are worn on Gaudete Sunday in Advent and Laetare Sunday in Lent reminding us that our penance in preparation for the great feasts of Christmas and Easter is also coupled with hope.

Easter Duty – please explain

Because Easter is so important to us in our Christian faith, the Church requires that all Catholics who have made their First Communion receive the Holy Eucharist sometime during the Easter Season, which lasts for 50 days until Pentecost Sunday. They should also celebrate the Sacrament of Penance during Lent before receiving this Easter Communion. This reception of the Eucharist is a visible sign of our faith and our participation in the Kingdom of God and our fellowship with members of the Church. Of course, we should receive Communion as frequently as possible; this "Easter Duty" is simply the minimum requirement set by the Church. (see also the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1420 and following)

What does Jesus mean when He says in John 8:32 ‘The truth will make you free’?

What is truth? There are many possible answers but one is: the truth that Jesus brings shows us the real values of life. A question we may ask ourselves is: To what am I to give my life? To a career? To the amassing of material possessions? To pleasure? To the service of God? In the truth of Jesus we see what things are really important and what are not.

Being a disciple of Jesus results in freedom. It brings freedom from fear – a disciple never goes through life alone, Jesus is always there with you. It brings freedom from self – alone we can do nothing, even change ourselves, but with God nothing is impossible and with the help of God we can become the person God wants us to be. It brings freedom from other people – the disciple thinks only of what God says and not what others think. It brings freedom from sin – being a disciple breaks the hold that sin can have over us and allows us to be the person we know we ought to be, the person God wants us to be. 

Why do we confess our sins to a priest?

We confess our sins to a priest because before Jesus left this earth he appointed the apostles to act on his behalf in the forgiveness of sins as we read in John 20:22-23. Since Jesus is not present in the ordinary human way to receive our confession and give us forgiveness face to face he has left us with priests to do this. And this is how we receive God’s forgiveness in person as it were as Jesus acts through the priest and it is through the words of absolution spoken by the priest in Jesus’ name that gives us the assurance that our sins are forgiven. We should also remember that the priest not only represents Jesus in the sacrament, but also Christ’s Body, the Church – you and I. When we sin we don’t just break a law, we break our communion, our communion with God and with the Church and so the priest not only reconciles the sinner with God, but with the entire Church, the People of God. It is also through the priest that we are able to receive individual counsel, advice that fits our unique circumstances and we will be given a penance that as the Catechism states, is medicinal, specifically tailored to help us in the spiritual healing process.

Why doesn’t the Year of Faith not start in January and end in December instead?

With his Apostolic Letter of October 11^th 2011 called Porta Fidei, Pope Benedict XVI declared that a Year of Faith will begin on October 11^th 2012 – to mark the 50^th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and 20^th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church – and conclude on November 24^th 2013, the feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday in the Church’s liturgical year.