Subjects:
Eucharist
Liturgical Practices
Mary
Rosary
[29/Jan/2002:21:01:37] <joev> Welcome. We are now accepting questions
in realtime.
[29/Jan/2002:21:04:44] <joev> Welcome to Catholic Q&A. Your
questions are now being accepted in real time.
[29/Jan/2002:21:07:16] <joev> One of the things I wonder about
is when it is ok--good--appropriate--to question matters of faith, and when
is it best for me to just accept what the church teaches or what the Bible says?
[29/Jan/2002:21:09:10] <joev> The Catholic tradition has always
taught that our intelligence is a gift from God. Like all gifts, we have a responsibility
to cherish, develop and use our gift of intelligence to glorify God. Turning
off our mind, or denying the questions that occur to us is not necessarily the
holy way.
[29/Jan/2002:21:10:45] <joev> I think it is important for us to
ask questions in an honest manner--not just be argumentative for the sake of
argument, or be motivated by our pride to come out with a statement or a theory
that makes us seem intellectually superior to someone else.
[29/Jan/2002:21:12:11] <joev> Asking questiions in a respectful
manner implies that we do so with an open mind and a desire for truth. I recommend
that we include prayer in that process--calling upon the Holy Spirit of God
to enlighten our mind and give us the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, humility,
etc. that help us get in touch with truth.
[29/Jan/2002:21:16:18] <joev> Sometimes people claim to disagree
with what the church teaches without making a serious effort to understand what
the church does teach and the reasoning behind the teaching. Fortunately, we
don't have to learn everything the hard way. Some smart people have preceded
us that asked some of the same questions that occur to us--and they have come
up with some pretty good answers. Not all of those answers can be found in the
Bible. Our tradition is much richer and deeper than Sacred Scripture. While
we regard the Bible as the inspired Word of God, we do not consider it the only
source of religious truth. What the church teaches authentically is not limited
to the Bible, but neither can it contradict the Bible.
[29/Jan/2002:21:17:56] <joev> Faith is different from knowledge,
however. At some point it is important for the believer to surrender to the
will of God. Everything we believe is not necessarily reasonable, but neither
is it contrary to reason.
[29/Jan/2002:21:19:04] <joev> Is anyone out there with a question,
or is everyone listening to the State of the Union address, watching a ballgame,
deep in prayer or baying at the moon?
[29/Jan/2002:21:23:12] <joev> You certainly followed church practice
by not inviting your non-Catholic friend to take Holy Communion in Catholic
Mass. Our understanding of Eucharist is that it celebrates our union with Christ
and with one another. When a person is not united with the Catholic community
by making a profession of faith and receiving baptism, confirmation and eucharist,
it seems less appropriate for them to express unity by receiving holy communion.
Liturgical Practices - Catholic only Communion
For
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[29/Jan/2002:21:23:53] <joev> bigmikemyer: hi, father,
my friend who's not Catholic went to Church with me recently and was kind of
upset when I wouldn't let him go to Communion since he's not Catholic; do you
think I did the right thing?
[29/Jan/2002:21:24:47] <joev> This is my first use of this
chat room, so I'm just getting used to it. You can see that I just put the question
after the answer. I'll try to get it right next time.
[29/Jan/2002:21:25:30] <joev> bigmikemyer, can you do me a favor
and let me know whether you saw my answer?
[29/Jan/2002:21:26:18] <joev> bigmikemyer: thanks, father...can
i ask another question?
[29/Jan/2002:21:26:34] <joev> Sure. You can ask as many as you
like. I think we're the only ones out there.
For more information on this question, please click here
[29/Jan/2002:21:27:01]
<joev> bigmikemyer: so, my other question is this: when my friend
and i were talking, he said that he would like to go to Confession because he
had some stuff on his mind that he wanted to talk to somebody about in a confidential
way...so, can a non-Catholic go to confession?
[29/Jan/2002:21:28:15] <joev> Technically, I don't think non-Catholics
are supposed to go to confession. However, there is no reason they could not
go to a priest and talk to him about something in a confidential way. Or, he
might want to talk with another Christian friend that he trusts--making it clear
that he feels vulnerable and wants his privacy honored.
Eucharist - Transubstantiation
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[29/Jan/2002:21:28:35] <joev> jacko: Fr. Vetter: Could
you explain the difference between transubstantiation and consubstantiation,
and why the former is "correct"?
[29/Jan/2002:21:31:01] <joev> I'm not certain what consubstantiation
means. I remember learning about it in seminary, but have to admit that I forgot
the distinction. I could look it up for you. I do know that by transubstantiation
we express our belief that Jesus Christ is truly present, body, blood, soul
and divinity under the appearance of bread and wine. It's no longer bread and
wine but the real presence of Jesus Christ. Not a symbolic presence, but Christ
is truly with us in a special way.
[29/Jan/2002:21:31:41] <joev> bigmikemyer: cool...thanks, father,
for your help...gotta bolt...this thing is pretty cool. Glad you enjoyed your
visit, bigmikemyer. I think this is pretty cool too.
[29/Jan/2002:21:32:40] <joev> My counter tells me there are 3 guests
online. Anybody have a question or comment?
[29/Jan/2002:21:35:52] <joev> We're just finishing our RCIA discussion
at Duke tonight. That's Catholic jargon for the Rite of Christian Initiation
of Adults. It's the process we use in most parishes and other Catholic communities
to answer questions about the Catholic faith and to help people prepare who
are interested in joining the Church. I find it a really interesting process.
It's sort of a real way to do what we can do virtually online in this auditorium.
A way to explore faith without being pushed or judged. The only expectation
is that the participants are sincere in their questions and comments.
[29/Jan/2002:21:37:06] <joev> jacko: Fr. Vetter: Webster's says
that consubstantiation is "the actual substantial presence and combination of
the body and blood of Christ with the eucharistic bread and wine according to
a teaching associated with Martin Luther." My protestant friends say they believe
in this rather than our "papal" doctrine, but I'm not sure I understand the
difference. Is it really that important?
[29/Jan/2002:21:39:20] <joev> Jacko: thanks for the help. That
was what I thought consubtantiation meant--that Jesus is really present, but
the substance of bread and wine remains bread and wine. There is a nuanced difference
between that and what Catholics believe--that it ceases being bread and wine
and becomes the body and blood of Christ. I think it does make a difference
how we assent in faith. I suspect that most Catholics and most Lutherans don't
really understand these distinctions.
[29/Jan/2002:21:40:01] <joev> It seems to me that the most important
thing is for people of faith to listen to the words of Jesus: take and eat,
this is my body; take and drink, this is my blood. Do this in remembrance of
me.
[29/Jan/2002:21:41:04] <joev> Do we really commune with Christ?
Do we allow Christ Jesus to change us as the bread and wine are changed. You
and I are called to become the body and blood of Christ. Communion is not just
something for us to watch. It's an invitation to active participation in the
life of God.
[29/Jan/2002:21:42:28] <joev> When we celebrate that God is with
us, we are empowered to overcome our fears and go out into the world and transform
it. First the bread and wine are transformed, then we are transformed, then
the world is transformed. God invites us to participate in a very special way
in the process of creation.
[29/Jan/2002:21:43:36] <joev> jacko: Fr. Vetter: Thanks for the
help! That makes sense. Gotta run... Thanks for stopping in, Jacko.
[29/Jan/2002:21:47:45] <joev> Cathy: Any interesting things going
on in campus ministry at Duke? Yes. We just began a Sunday morning Mass on East
Campus, where all the freshmen live. And we are hoping to buy a house near East
Campus to give us another site to work from.
[29/Jan/2002:21:49:10] <joev> A lot of questions people ask about
religion have to do with rules. I understand that, but I think religion has
more to do with relationships.
Rosary
[29/Jan/2002:21:49:24] <joev> joyce: My Mom is not a Catholic
and she's always wanted to know what makes Catholics like to pray the Rosary,
and I don't really have an answer for her. Why do we like to pray the Rosary?
[29/Jan/2002:21:50:52] <joev> Hi, Joyce: Good question. Some Catholics
really like to pray the Rosary. A lot of Catholics never pray it. The rosary
is a form of prayer that can help us meditate. We pray a type of mantra by saying
the Hail Mary over and over again, freeing up our mind to think about God. It's
kind of like how some people like to study while playing music. In a strange
way it helps them concentrate and focus.
[29/Jan/2002:21:53:00] <joev> It has been a tradition in Catholic
religious houses to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. In that prayer, monks, priests,
nuns, etc. pray the 150 Psalms. The rosary includes 150 Hail Marys. For most
of Christian history, the average Catholic did not have access to the psalms,
since the printing press was not invented and folks didn't know how to read.
But everyone could recite the 150 Hail Marys. It became the common person's
way to pray the prayer of the church.
[29/Jan/2002:21:53:49] <joev> Did that help with your Rosary question,
or would you like me to elaborate further?
[29/Jan/2002:21:54:54] <joev> joyce: your second answer helped
me more
[29/Jan/2002:21:55:14] <joev> Good. There are 5 of us in the auditorium
right now. Anyone else have a question or comment?
[29/Jan/2002:21:55:42] <joev> joyce: i didn't understand the part
about the mantra and clearing my mind
[29/Jan/2002:21:57:46] <joev> Are you familiar with a mantra? It's
a way of repeating the same sound or phrase over and over as a way of drowning
out distraction and clearing one's mind. I have sometimes slept in motels near
loud streets. I turned the air conditioner on because the constant droning sound
made it easier for me to sleep. In a similary manner, repeating the Hail Mary
over and over becomes kind of a way of freeing our mind from distracting thoughts
so we can focus on the mysteries of God and allow God to be more present to
us in prayer.
[29/Jan/2002:21:59:27] <joev> Cathy: So, could we use other words
on the beads, or do we have to say "Hail Mary"?
[29/Jan/2002:22:00:31] <joev> I never thought of that. I guess
we could use other words, but then it would probably be something different
than a rosary. Some people like to breath in and out and say things like "Jesus,
son of God, have mercy on me" and repeat that over and over as a form of prayer.
[29/Jan/2002:22:00:47] <joev> joyce: thanks i did not know what
a mantra was your answer helps me understand better
[29/Jan/2002:22:01:46] <joev> One of the things Joyce's question
reminds me of is that not all of our religious practices are strictly practical
or "reasonable". There is a lot about human nature and about spirituality that
is real, but that we can't explain.
[29/Jan/2002:22:03:03] <joev> Before I was starting to say that
I think religion is more about relationships than about rules. The same thing
is true of prayer. Prayer is not necessarily about saying certain words. It
has more to do with connecting with God...allowing God to be present to us.
[29/Jan/2002:22:04:12] <joev> Sometimes the best I can do is say
"God please help me." After that, I simply start giving God instructions as
if he/she needed to be told how to be God. Sometimes it's a good idea to express
my needs then shut up and listen.
[29/Jan/2002:22:04:23] <joev> Cathy: My sister keeps a rosary at
her bedside. Often I think she probably falls asleep saying it. I think that's
kind of cool - rather than worrying about finishing it, to drift off in prayer.
[29/Jan/2002:22:05:18] <joev> A lot of people do that. I think
it really is great to drift off to sleep in prayer. It's better than what I
sometimes do--fill my head with tv junk..then probably dream about it all night!
[29/Jan/2002:22:06:18] <joev> We live in a really noisy world.
It's hard to get to a quiet place. And when we do, we're so used to noise that
we get very uncomfortable with the silence. I think we need silence to really
connect with God.
[29/Jan/2002:22:07:12] <joev> Is there anyone in the auditorium
who is somewhere other than NC?
[29/Jan/2002:22:10:23] <joev> joyce: cathy's sister has a great
idea about drifting off to sleep with the rosary
[29/Jan/2002:22:11:41] <joev> I sometimes go to sleep when reading
the Bible, but I don't think that's a good idea.
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[29/Jan/2002:22:11:56] <joev> uncgirl: hey, i was wondering
if Jesus had any biological brothers and sisters because in the Gospels it mentions
his brothers and sisters
[29/Jan/2002:22:13:02] <joev> The Catholic Church says that Jesus
didn't have biological brothers and sisters, that Mary was always a virgin--even
after the birth of Jesus. They explain the biblical reference to Jesus' brothers
and sisters as really meaning his "cousins".
[29/Jan/2002:22:13:40] <joev> There are some theologians who are
questioning that, however. Does it really make a difference whether Mary was
always a virgin?
[29/Jan/2002:22:14:29] <joev> Some of our thinking gets colored
by the culture in which we live. If we view sexuality as less than holy, we
don't want to think about saints doing it.
[29/Jan/2002:22:14:41] <joev> uncgirl: i was just wondering b/c
i am in a religion class on the new testament
[29/Jan/2002:22:14:56] <joev> What do they said in your new testament
class?
[29/Jan/2002:22:15:02] <joev>
jacko: When you say that Mary was a "virgin," does that mean that she and Joseph
never engaged in intercourse?
[29/Jan/2002:22:15:10] <joev> That's what it means.
[29/Jan/2002:22:15:29] <joev> Cathy: I have to admit that I RARELY
pray the rosary, but there are some times when other words fail me (war, unexpected
death of someone close, etc) that it and other formal prayers are HELPFUL.
[29/Jan/2002:22:16:16] <joev> That's a good insight. Sometimes
it is helpful to have memorized prayers, or prayer books to help us when we
can't come up with words.
[29/Jan/2002:22:16:36] <joev> jacko: How then could they truly
consumate their love for each other?
[29/Jan/2002:22:17:31] <joev> That's a good question. I'm not married
and I love some people pretty deeply. While I feel like having intercourse with
them, it seems there are other creative ways to express love.
[29/Jan/2002:22:17:41] <joev> uncgirl: i don't think whether or
not mary and joseph having sex is pertinent to the meaning of the bible
[29/Jan/2002:22:18:39] <joev> I agree with you, uncgirl. However
it is an important statement of Christian belief to say that Mary is a virgin.
That's our way of saying that Jesus was truly human because he had a human parent,
Mary, and truly divine because God was his father.
[29/Jan/2002:22:18:53] <joev> jacko: Yes, but you are not married
to them... Joseph and Marry took the vows of marriage. Was it deemed improper
for them to have intercourse?
[29/Jan/2002:22:19:54] <joev> It would not be improper for Joseph
and Mary to have intercourse, since they were married. In fact, Catholic theology
does not recognize marriage as being valid unless it is consumated--meaning
the couple has intercourse. Interesting question.
[29/Jan/2002:22:20:06] <joev> uncgirl: what is the catholic church's
view on the q source?
[29/Jan/2002:22:20:30] <joev> I have to admit ignorance. Would
have to look that one up or defer to a Scripture scholar.
[29/Jan/2002:22:21:17] <joev> jacko: So then, does that mean that
Joseph and Marry were not truly married in the eyes of the Catholic church?
[29/Jan/2002:22:21:51] <joev> That would be a logical conclusion,
but I never even thought of that question before. The Catholic Church does see
Mary and Joseph as a married couple.
[29/Jan/2002:22:22:14] <joev> You just found a priest who doesn't
know all the answers!
[29/Jan/2002:22:22:50] <joev> The number of people in the auditorium
just increased to 6. Welcome new folks. Any questions?
[29/Jan/2002:22:22:57] <joev> jacko: Yet, they were married. I
thought that was an important point in the Bible. How do you explain this paradox?
[29/Jan/2002:22:23:43] <joev> It's clear that Joseph and Mary were
married.
[29/Jan/2002:22:24:25] <joev> One of my friends and colleagues
is checking the Q source question. That does refer to Qumran or Dead Sea Scrolls,
right?
[29/Jan/2002:22:24:40] <joev> jacko: Yet, you just said that they
were not married according to the Catholic church. An interesting paradox. Confusing.
[29/Jan/2002:22:25:11] <joev> I did sort of say that, but was kind
of clowing around. I don't want to mislead you. The Catholic Church certainly
considers Joseph and Mary to be a married couple.
[29/Jan/2002:22:26:16] <joev> What do you think really makes a
Christian a Christian, as opposed to being just a good person.
[29/Jan/2002:22:27:29] <joev> My friend's good Scripture books
are at her work and she's at home, so may not have an answer for us tonight.
Ecumenical
Dialogue
[29/Jan/2002:22:29:02] <joev> One of the things we are called
to work for by Jesus himself and by the Church is for unity in the Church. It's
important as we make distinctions about what one denomination holds vs. another
that we don't talk about it in a spirit of competition that leads to division
and judgment. Rather, we need to see the Holy Spirit at work among all believers.
[29/Jan/2002:22:29:12] <joev> jacko: are you posing this question
to me?
[29/Jan/2002:22:29:31] <joev> I'm posing the question to the 5
people out there in the cyberspace auditorium
[29/Jan/2002:22:31:20] <joev> jacko: A Christian is one that, according
to John 3:16 believes that God sent Jesus as his only begotten son that who
so ever believeth him will not parish, but have everlasting life.
[29/Jan/2002:22:32:08] <joev> I think it's more than that. What
about doing the acts of a Christian, like living the beatitudes?
[29/Jan/2002:22:32:34] <joev> jacko: I belive that this scripture
means that a Christian is one that believes that Jesus was indeed God's only
son and that he was sent to die for our sins so that we can enter the Kindom
of God and enjoy eternal life
[29/Jan/2002:22:33:08] <joev> Is believing enough to make one a
true follower of Jesus, or do I have to demonstrate my belief through action?
[29/Jan/2002:22:33:16] <joev> jacko: Yes, I think that it also
helps defines us as people and the way we should live our lives... it means
that we should endevour to be more like Jesus
[29/Jan/2002:22:33:19] <joev> jacko: In every way
[29/Jan/2002:22:33:51] <joev> So, being a Christian means believing
certain things, and living according to those beliefs.
[29/Jan/2002:22:34:02] <joev> jacko: You most certainly have "live"
life as Jesus would, meaning that actions are truly important
[29/Jan/2002:22:34:18] <joev> You have to walk the walk as well
as talk the talk
[29/Jan/2002:22:34:39] <joev> jacko: You most certainly have "live"
life as Jesus would, meaning that actions are truly important
[29/Jan/2002:22:34:42] <joev> jacko: The golden rule.
[29/Jan/2002:22:35:01] <joev> Jesus taught by example even more
than by word
[29/Jan/2002:22:35:19] <joev> Cathy: And we're part of something
bigger than our individual selves - the "Body of Christ"
[29/Jan/2002:22:35:45] <joev> So, there is a communal dimension
to faith, to salvation. It's not just a solo thing?
[29/Jan/2002:22:35:54] <joev> jacko: Yes, I think that is one of
our major flaws as human beings
[29/Jan/2002:22:36:19] <joev> Jacko, are you saying that we're
sometimes hypocrits, phonies?
[29/Jan/2002:22:36:32] <joev> jacko: I think that it is solo in
that you must have a personal relationship with God
[29/Jan/2002:22:37:10] <joev> The Bible, both Old and New Testaments,
talk about personal salvation, but also communal salvation. God is always relating
to a people
[29/Jan/2002:22:37:22] <joev> Cathy: Like we say in church sometimes,
asking forgiveness for what we've done or failed to do... our actions or inaction
has an effect on others.
[29/Jan/2002:22:37:39] <joev> jacko: I think that sometimes people
do not act what they preach... this to is one of our major flaws, one that we
must strive to change if we want to live a more "spiritual," or "communial"
live with God
[29/Jan/2002:22:37:53] <joev> How can we change?
[29/Jan/2002:22:38:09] <joev> jacko: That is were the communal
part comes into play
[29/Jan/2002:22:38:28] <joev> Can we save ourselves, or can we
only be saved by the grace that comes through Jesus Christ?
[29/Jan/2002:22:38:32] <joev> jacko: We must lean on others for
support, understanding, and help
[29/Jan/2002:22:38:58] <joev> That gets back to what I was saying
before about religion being more about relationships than rules.
[29/Jan/2002:22:39:03] <joev> jacko: No, I believe that we can
only be saved by Jesus Christ
[29/Jan/2002:22:39:29] <joev> We are called to live in the right
relationship with Jesus Christ, with our fellow Christians, and with all of
creation.
[29/Jan/2002:22:39:42] <joev> jacko: However, I think that surrounding
ourselves with others who believe the same things will help in our relationship
with God
[29/Jan/2002:22:39:56] <joev> There is strength in fellowship.
[29/Jan/2002:22:40:37] <joev> Being a faithful Christian means
more than being a good person, it means living as a responsible, contributing
member of a fellowship of believers.
[29/Jan/2002:22:40:41] <joev> jacko: Well, gotta go... its been
lots of fun... thanks!
[29/Jan/2002:22:40:54] <joev> thanks, for stopping by, Jacko. Come
again.;
[29/Jan/2002:22:42:17] <joev> We're having a meeting this Thursday
so we moderators can learn more about how to use this auditorium effectively.
Invite some of your friends to join us in future sessions.
[29/Jan/2002:22:43:52] <joev> Cathy: What makes a Catholic Bible
"Catholic"?
[29/Jan/2002:22:44:10] <joev> Cathy: That's a boring question,
sorry.
[29/Jan/2002:22:46:14] <joev> People are wondering a lot about
Muslim belief since September 11. There is an opportunity to learn something
and to show support to Muslim friends next week at Duke. Imam W.D. Mohammed,
leader of 2.5 million Muslim Americans, will be in Page Auditorium at Duke next
Tuesday, February 5 at 7pm. Free admission. Open to the public.
[29/Jan/2002:22:47:55] <joev> My counter tells me that 5 people
are still online. Any thoughts or questions as we get ready to wrap up tonight's
session?
[29/Jan/2002:22:49:36] <joev> joyce: not from me, but thanks --
it's been really interesting! bye. Thanks for joining us, Joyce. Come again.
[29/Jan/2002:22:49:48] <joev> And then there were 4
[29/Jan/2002:22:49:56] <joev> and then there were 3
[29/Jan/2002:22:51:13] <joev> We got a notice about an interesting
Catholic website for young adults: www.bustedhalo.com
[29/Jan/2002:22:51:50] <joev> and then there were 2
[29/Jan/2002:22:53:17] <joev> Cathy: Good night. Thank you.
[29/Jan/2002:22:53:34] <joev> Good night, Cathy. Thanks for stopping
in. See you Thursday.
[29/Jan/2002:22:54:04] <joev> and then there was one. Does that
mean me?
[29/Jan/2002:22:55:09] <joev> I'm signing off for our live session
this week. Please submit any questions you have during the week. And join us
again live next Tuesday night from 9-11pm EST.