Catholic Brides Official Thread

[*Ashley*]

Totally taking the idea from Tanya, LOL, and I liked this thread on UW (Good call Tanya)

Anyhow, who all is having a Catholic ceremony? Are you having a full nuptial mass or not?

We are not because of the time of day of our wedding -- the church doesn't allow it. I'm glad about that because I was only baptized Catholic, I never practiced and my FH is a 2 day holiday Catholic (as are his parents, though all of a sudden they're mad that we're not having a full Catholic mass).

Anyhow, who else?

[*TanyaJeanne*]

I'm here Ash! :)

We are having a full catholic mass. We figure with all of our songs and everything that it will be an hour and a half. Our ceremony starts at 2, and will be till about 3:30 and then will have the receiving line.

[wendy9879]

We're having a Catholic ceremony without a full mass. Both of our families are Catholic so we knew we'd have a Catholic ceremony. My parents never go to church and his parents go to church every Sunday and every holiday. We always say grace before every meal at their house. It was weird for me at first, but it's been 6 years so it's grown on me. :)

I was baptized Catholic and my FH has been confirmed.

[*TanyaJeanne*]

Did you have to go through a Marriage weekend? Our's was in April and I loved it! It was Saturday Morning 9am-Sunday around 3pm...I had so much fun and didn't want to leave. I think going through it made Chris and I a lot closer!

[*Ashley*]

I'm here Ash! :)

We are having a full catholic mass. We figure with all of our songs and everything that it will be an hour and a half. Our ceremony starts at 2, and will be till about 3:30 and then will have the receiving line.


So y'all are doing the whole shebang! Wow! I can't wait to hear about it (not much longer!). Are y'all both Catholic (obviously both baptized, but both practicing?)

And we have classes. I need to call and tell her when we're going to start. It'll take one Sunday a month for 4 months, oye. I think two of those months it's twice! The natural family planning is one I'm not looking forward to -- I take BC, so it's not going to really be something I care about. But, we gotta do it!

[wendy9879]

FH and I only did a one day marriage prep program. We've been together for so long, we realized that we really do know each other backwards and forwards! I enjoyed the day but I'm glad it's over.

[*TanyaJeanne*]

Yes we are both practicing catholics. :)

[*Ashley*]

How long have y'all been together Wendy? Michael and I for almost 6 years!

And Tanya that's awesome! If I was too and he was actually a practicing catholic I think we would, but alas, no.

[kate]

We are having a Catholic ceremony with out mass. I am Catholic and he is not. We still need to take our marriage classes. Another thing to add to the list....

[wendy9879]

How long have y'all been together Wendy? Michael and I for almost 6 years!

And Tanya that's awesome! If I was too and he was actually a practicing catholic I think we would, but alas, no.

6 years for us too! :jump4joy:

[StaceyG]

we had a full catholic mass wedding. it was so long the priest promised only an hour but is homely was so long it was about an hour and 40 min and cut into our picture time. we did a 2 day pre cana thenthe focus test then about 3 sessions with the priest

[Angela]

I'm here as well!

We're having a full Catholic mass.

[*Ashley*]

What made you decided to or not to have a full Catholic mass y'all?

We aren't because we can't with the time of day of our wedding, but I would not want one either because I didn't grow up Catholic so I don't think it's really right IMO. I'd feel hypocritical almost. Sure I was baptized Catholic, but I think if I had practiced all my life a full mass would be the obvious choice. Know what I mean?

[Angela]

FH actually wanted a full mass, I didn't. He said it would mean more to him than just the ceremony. As he hasn't requested much, I said yes.

[wendy9879]

I didn't grow up Catholic so I don't think it's really right IMO. I'd feel hypocritical almost. Sure I was baptized Catholic, but I think if I had practiced all my life a full mass would be the obvious choice. Know what I mean?

This is pretty much how FH and I feel. We knew that having a church wedding was important to our families. Thank goodness everyone was fine with us not having a full mass. It's just not for us.

[Marisa]

Hi All

We're having a nuptial mass - we're both catholic but 95% of our guests aren't. We've done everything we need to do thus far save reconciliation and the rehearsal! Oh yeah, we still haven't chosen an opening hymn.....

[Jules]

DH and I were married in a Catholic church (the one that I had attended since I was very young). We had to go through pre-cana over a span of a day and a half (Friday and Saturday, with a special Saturday Mass for all of the couples in the pre-cana class). A variety of topics were covered, including NFP, finances, family issues, etc.

We had a full Catholic Mass - lots of singing, prayers, and Communion, and the entire ceremony was about an hour and 15 minutes. We had a receiving line immediately after (just us and our parents).

[jrbecca]

:jump4joy:

I'm in! Brian and I are having a full nuptial mass. We decided on a full mass because we wanted a ceremony that reflected our feelings about marriage--its sacred and a life-long committment. Plus, I personally can't stand weddings that are 10 minutes long.

Brian and I are both Catholic. He was raised in the Catholic church, and I completed RCIA in 2004 (best decision ever). We love our priest and have a great relationship with him and other church staff. A little over half of our guests are Catholic, and this will be the first Catholic wedding ceremony ever on my family's side, and the first one in 25 years on his family's side.

We've completed most of our pre-marriage preparation, which included three meetings with our priest and a couples counseling series where we met with two other engaged couples and a married couple from our church. We also have to do an engaged encounter in October...then we'll be done!

[saraw04]

Hi girls! We had a full Catholic mass. It took about 45 minutes. We had to attend a one-day pre-cana retreat and took our FOCUS test.

Sara :)

[Maria 05]

We had a full catholic mass and a pre cana for one day (non demoniational but recognised by the church) I cant remember how long the mass was but it was beautiful

[lizaanne]

Count me in! I'm the one who started the Catholic thread on UW, so you can plan on seeing me here as well. :)

Full Nuptial Mass for us - noon wedding on a Saturday. 69 days and counting!

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Hey Lizanne! I remember you from UW!

[Kristin]

Did you have to go through a Marriage weekend? Our's was in April and I loved it! It was Saturday Morning 9am-Sunday around 3pm...I had so much fun and didn't want to leave. I think going through it made Chris and I a lot closer!
Random Question...Do you get to sleep in the same room at the retreat or do you have separate rooms? Just curious b/c of the whole sex before marrage thing...

[lizaanne]

KMPLUVGUCCI - it would not be appropriate for an unmarried couple to sleep in the same room. So no, you do not share a room.

Ashleybear - I remember you too!!! :) Everyone is using new avatars here, so I need to learn new faces for the same people! :)

~Liza

[Kristin]

KMPLUVGUCCI - it would not be appropriate for an unmarried couple to sleep in the same room. So no, you do not share a room.



Thanks for the info...That's what I thought!

[Angela]

I've got my old avatar! I'm here!!:jump4joy:

So our priest can't make it to our wedding reception. Now the debate on who to ask to give the blessing begins..........

[Kristin]

I have another question...
I was baptised but haven't been practicing at all really. FH has been baptised, confirmed and had 1st communion and wants to get married in the church. Am I going to have to find / get a copy of the baptism certificate to get married inthe church? I appreciate any assistance you girls can provide. I am so lost with all this...

[Angela]

You will need to provide a copy of your baptismal certificate, KMP. I had to, because I wasn't baptized in the church we're getting married in.

[Kristin]

One of my friends just got married in the church. He was Catholic and she was lutheran. I dont understand how they were able to get married in the church. Any ideas?

[njbride06]

Hi, I am Catholic, the whole nine yards of it, and we had a full mass for our ceremony. My DH was raised Methodist, he actually was never baptised. He has been coming with me to church for the past few years and he intends on converting, but I didn't want to push him to do it before the wedding, so he is doing it in his own time.

Our church is pretty moderate from what I understand as far as marrying a non-Catholic. A lot of it also depends on what priest you get. Our Pastor could not do our ceremony b/c he had a charity event. So they assigned us a missionary priest. He was more liberal with my DH and even gave him Communion, he was actually a Methodist convert. Yet, at the same time since the Diocese is doing away with Unity Candles he didn't allow that, but the Pastor would have. I didn't care either way, one less thing to make the mass longer, but its just funny how different churches and priests vary in their opinion. I think it really depends on who you get. If you do have a situation in which you would appreciate some flexibility try finding your own priest.

[lizaanne]

One of my friends just got married in the church. He was Catholic and she was lutheran. I dont understand how they were able to get married in the church. Any ideas?

They were able to marry because they are both Christian, assuming the Lutheran was properly baptized. The Catholic Church allows "mixed marriages" with proper preparation and counseling.

njbride - It is possible for a non-Catholic to receive Holy Communion, but only under extremly regulated circumstances, and only with permission from the Bishop. It sounds like your situation is a case of a priest just not following the rules. They are not entitled to have their "own opinion" on matters of doctrine.

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

Okay, so I finally found the new official Catholic thread. Took me long enough, eh?

Greg and I are having a full Catholic Mass. Both of our families are practicing Catholics, and it was important for us.

We are doing our Pre-Cana this weekend (July 28, 29, and 30), and I'm starting to get a little freaked out about it. I know I shouldn't be, but we're doing the all-weekend Engaged Encounter weekend. The only part I'm really nervous about is sharing a room with a stranger. I am not a fan of sharing hotel rooms with people I know and like, so I'm not thrilled about that part. Although I've heard that you're so busy the whole weekend that you don't spend a lot of time in the room anyway. I live about 45 minutes away from the hotel, and I have seriously considered just driving home at night to sleep in my own bed and take a shower in my own bathroom. (Oh, I'm a little wierd about sharing bathroom space, too.) For the ladies who had to go through a similar Pre-Cana weekend, how did you handle that part? Was it not a big deal?

It's good to see a lot of you ladies from UW. I've missed some of you! (And seen a others of you on other boards.)

[*Ashley*]

You can get married in the Catholic church if one isn't baptized but you can't have a full mass :)

I was baptized Catholic but raised Methodist, FH was baptized and raised Catholic -- we're not having a full mass though.

I don't know what the Pre-Cana stands for. I know it's your classes, but ours are done differently. We have to attend one class, one Sunday a month for 4 months with the exception being one of those months we have to go to two classes.

[purple_octopus]

Ashleybear, I think "Pre-Cana" is a reference to Jesus' first miracle at the Wedding at Cana. I think it's a generic term. I wish we had a Pre-Cana class structured like yours. Our church uses the Engaged Encounter (http://www.engagedencounter.org/) weekend program. I guess it's good because you get it done all at once, but I'm in school this summer and my weekends are usually eaten up with studying.

[*Ashley*]

Ahhh, yes that would make sense! :)

See, I'd almost rather have it all in one weekend like yours! That way we could get it over with all at once instead of having to go for 4 months, oye. I have NO idea how long each session is either. I e-mailed the woman at our church to find out and get some other questions answered, but won't hear back until tomorrow because she's not in the office :)

[lizaanne]

The weekend away is WONDERFUL!!!!! We were fortunate enough to have private rooms, even though we were originally told we would have to share with strangers. But anyway, the weekend itself was so wonderful, we were very glad we went.

You will have an opportunity, so very rare in our hectic lives, to be totally together and talk about nothing but your relationship and upcoming marriage. How can that ever be a bad thing!!

No phones, no appointments, no house to clean or job to go to. Just you and your beloved, talking about your future. Wow - how cool is that!

You will be just fine. We both loved it, and he was Mr. Skeptical before we went. :)

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

Thanks, Liza. I needed a kick in the tush to get positive about this weekend. I am looking forward to the time together, and to the possibility of uncovering topics of conversation that we hadn't yet thought of before.

In a completely unrelated story -- until about a year ago, my mother went to Mass every day. Then my sister and her children moved in with her, and she spent a lot more time taking care of the children while my sister was in school, and didn't really get that opportunity. They recently moved, and my mother is no longer living near the church she loved so much. Last Sunday, I was praying that God would bring my mother to the church in her new neighborhood, and that she would bring the children with her every day. This was a very specific thing I was praying for. I just know how much peace was brought to my mother's life by going to daily Mass.

So my mom called me earlier today so I could talk to the children (I live four hours away, but we talk almost daily), and my niece Abby (the 4-year-old) tells me "We went to Mass today. That's what you call 'church'." She then proceeded to tell me all about it, and how Grandma has taken them twice this week. She was so excited about it! It was so weird, because I never once mentioned anything about this to my mother. My sister doesn't take them to church, and has been claiming that they were too young to sit through it. (Which never sat well with me, but I'm not their mother and that's another thread.) Mom tells me the children can most certainly handle it -- they were attentive and participated through the whole Mass. My nephew already knows most of the responses and the gestures (after two times!).

Sorry for the momentary derailment. I know it probably sounds silly, but that really made my day.

[lizaanne]

Be very very careful what you ask God for - you may just get it!!!

That is such a wonderful story!! And how fantastic that the children are starting with a good foundation for the rest of their lives. My grandpa always took me to mass when I was little, I will never forget that, and I know it is the foundation for my Faith today.

(so glad you found us here, btw. :) )

~Liza

[Angela]

Our Pre-Cana was 4 Sundays in a row for 2 hours each.....but 4 months--wow!!

[*TanyaJeanne*]

Our Marriage weekend was awesome! I wish we could do another one.
They have some Married Couples weekends around our area every couple months. So maybe in a year or 2 we could do that.

[*Ashley*]

It's 4 months, one Sunday a month with the exception of it being 2 one month. UGH. I'd rather just get it all over with at once!! Or do 4 Sundays in a row.

We might start next month, just to get it all out of the way by the end of the year and not have to worry about it. It's going to be strange for me -- I take birth control and I don't believe in the NFP and the class isn't going to change my mind, so it's going to be something very new for me to say the very least! All of it. I wasn't raised Catholic, and although my family is more religious than Michael's and I would rather a Methodist wedding, his parents would flip. That bugs me too because they haven't been to mass in about 2 years. His entire family is Catholic and I feel like we're just putting on a show. But then, we're uniting our lives before God so I don't think it matters if we have a Catholic or Methodist ceremony, it's about our bond with God.

His family is going to be shocked we're not having a full mass, but at the time of our wedding we can't have one but wouldn't anyway :)

[Angela]

I guess I was tired when I read your original post, Ashley. I thought it was 4 months of Pre-Cana!

Yeah, FH's grandmother almost broke my hand the other day asking if we were having a full mass or not.......she literally grabbed me and squeezed until I answered her!! What if we were just having the ceremony--would she have broken my hand?!? She's a little pyscho (not just for that reason, there are plenty of others).

[*Ashley*]

Haha! Noooo Angela! Oh my GOSH -- could you imagine?!

And LOL about your FH's grandmother. See luckily we have the excuse that we can't have it during the time that way we won't be confronted on it. Were we able to, we'd run into a problem because his parents would push and push and push until we relented -- but we wouldn't. That's the one thing I'm standing my ground on (just luckily I don't have to). I wasn't raised Catholic, and while I was baptized, I feel hypocritical going through a full mass ceremony. I'm sure his family in New York will talk about us but I really don't care at all :)

[Angela]

Tom is the one who wanted a full mass. He hasn't asked for much, so I said yes. And really, an hour isn't so bad. :)

[*Ashley*]

Nah, not bad at all :) Very short in fact, didn't one say theirs lasted an hour and 40?!

Michael wanted one but when he realized how much I didn't, he didn't push it. We're getting married downtown, which is what he wanted, so we're both getting what we want. And we're getting married at a church I don't like as much as another but he likes better :) AND, above all, we're having a Catholic wedding -- something I didn't want :p (no offense ladies!) Michael got basically everything he asked for except a full mass and I don't think HE really wanted a full mass -- he just didn't want to argue with his parents but it's a non-issue because we can only have the Liturgy of the word during our ceremony time which lasts about 35 minutes :)

[Julie]

[QUOTE=Ashleybear]You can get married in the Catholic church if one isn't baptized but you can't have a full mass :)
QUOTE]
I'm just now joining in so I'm behind a bit. I thought you could still have a full mass if you chose to, I know not all priests like to do that though, but you can right?

[Baconsmom]

[QUOTE=Ashleybear]You can get married in the Catholic church if one isn't baptized but you can't have a full mass :)
QUOTE]
I'm just now joining in so I'm behind a bit. I thought you could still have a full mass if you chose to, I know not all priests like to do that though, but you can right?

Hi, all! Another UW girl here.

If both partners are baptised Christians, then yes, a Mass is permissible per the Vatican. If one partner is a baptised Catholic but the other is not a baptised Christian - or baptised in a sect not recognised by the Church - a Mass is not permitted, and the couple can only have the Rite of Marriage.

I know this one by heart, 'cuz I'm marrying a heathen. :hehe:

[purple_octopus]

I'm just now joining in so I'm behind a bit. I thought you could still have a full mass if you chose to, I know not all priests like to do that though, but you can right?
I think it's discouraged because it outlines the differences between you rather the union. I've heard of it being done, but the non-Catholic (but still Christian) party would not receive Communion. I don't think it can be done at all if one person is not Christian (the Church recognizes a difference between inter-denomination and inter-faith marriages). I could be wrong about that, I'll have to fact check. (Or someone else please feel free to correct that if they know otherwise.)

[Julie]

[QUOTE=jt555]

Hi, all! Another UW girl here.

If both partners are baptised Christians, then yes, a Mass is permissible per the Vatican. If one partner is a baptised Catholic but the other is not a baptised Christian - or baptised in a sect not recognised by the Church - a Mass is not permitted, and the couple can only have the Rite of Marriage.

I know this one by heart, 'cuz I'm marrying a heathen. :hehe:

Thanks, I am too! Well, just a guy who fell off the wagon so to speak, lol. He used to go to a Methodist church and really liked it, just stopped going for some reason (we all have excuses). Anyway, I'm pretty excited he's talked about coming to church with me this Sunday so we'll see. He wants to see what it's like because he's talked about maybe becoming Catholic.

[lizaanne]

Question -

Are any of you planning to carry a rosary with your flowers on wedding day? I think I am. I do pray my rosary before mass when I can get there early enough, and I think I would like to have it with me that day.

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

Hello Ladies! FH and I got back from Engaged Encounter, and I don't know what I was so worked up about. The girl I shared a room with was a total sweetheart. We gave her and her FH our contact info and hope to hang out with them in the future. (It turned out they are getting married the same day we are.)

As for the weekend itself, it was fantastic. I was surprised that they completely skipped the NFP talk, instead passing out brochures on where we could find detailed information about it. (Apparently both couples leading the weekend wanted multiple children, and wanted them right away. So they were always open to children and never used any form of birth control, even NFP.) At least they did talk about the Church's position on the matter, and made sure people knew where to find the details. I could see how it would be stupid to have a big Q&A since neither of the couples had used it in practice. FH and I got a *lot* of time to be on our own or just the two of us (I'd say two thirds of the weekend was spent just concentrating on us). I don't think we learned anything new, but it was nice to spend the time together and confirm that we've not overlooked anything major in terms of discussion topics.

There were also a lot of inter-denominational couples there, and the EE couples were very good about respecting people's differences. They said right off the bat that they wouldn't be trying to convert anyone, but they wanted to give the couples tools to help them in their marriage and in overcoming future challenges. They believe in Marriage, and they want yours to last. They don't care if both people are Catholic. They kept to their word, too. About half the couples (at least) were inter-denominational, and no one seemed excluded or out of place. Everyone got along really well, and we had an open circle discussion where a lot of the non-Catholic members of the couples really jumped in and asked great questions. I would highly recommend the weekend to anyone, and I will be trying to talk my sister into going (who is marrying a Pentecostal man). Most of the topics covered were relevant even if neither prospective spouse were Catholic (or even Christian for that matter).

Sorry that was long. I just wanted to put that out there for couples who have yet to experience Engaged Encounter, or aren't sure they want to go. Also, it is a little costly ($230 is what we paid), but at the end of the weekend, they told everyone about their scholarship fund, and to tell people we knew that even if they can't afford to go, they should contact their priest about it. They want everyone to have the opportunity to go, and cost shouldn't be a factor.

[purple_octopus]

Question -

Are any of you planning to carry a rosary with your flowers on wedding day? I think I am. I do pray my rosary before mass when I can get there early enough, and I think I would like to have it with me that day.

~Liza
I am still deciding what to carry down the aisle, as I'm not that into flowers. I had considered carrying a rosary with flowers. I would like to have a rosary on me, preferably my grandmother's. I guess I need to figure out what I'm carrying in my hands first.

[lizaanne]

Heather -

So glad you have a wonderful weekend! I knew you would love it, and I'm glad you did!

~Liza

[njbride06]

They were able to marry because they are both Christian, assuming the Lutheran was properly baptized. The Catholic Church allows "mixed marriages" with proper preparation and counseling.

njbride - It is possible for a non-Catholic to receive Holy Communion, but only under extremly regulated circumstances, and only with permission from the Bishop. It sounds like your situation is a case of a priest just not following the rules. They are not entitled to have their "own opinion" on matters of doctrine.

~Liza


Like I said before, every Catholic church is different, and many priests are different too. Yes, they all follow the general rules, but from being on here and talking with others, it varies everywhere. Especially by regions.

The Pastor at our church would not have given DH communion, but the priest we had did. And we didn't ask, he just said that with how he felt about it and knowing my DH's intentions, he wanted to allow him that. Then on the other hand, our Pastor would have allowed a unity candle, but our priest did not. So there can be instances where they differ.

We also were allowed a full mass, even though DH is non-Catholic, b/c we did go thru all the preparations and planning for it. Again, another instance in which our Pastor/Church used their own judgment based on what they saw in us. I think between the Deacon that helped us prepare and our Priest, they just knew that we were in it seriously and not just going thru the motions. They were able to reflect on that and make decisions.

Even though our priest was open-minded, he was very traditional, spiritual and professional about everything. He performed a beautiful ceremony and a moving homily. We received so many compliments on our ceremony and even many of the non-Catholics who usually dread the long ceremonies, were saying it was the most beautiful ceremony they ever went to.

I appreciate the fact that our church/priest looked at the individual situation and put some faith in us. Sometimes that strict following is what turns many people away from the Catholic church. I say, if someone is a believer, then good enough for me.

[purple_octopus]

njbride, no offense, but the Church has very specific rules about this. What Liza is mentioning comes straight from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, and from Canon Law. This is called "intercommunion", and the Church is strict about it.

The Vatican's website (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P42.HTM) has the catechism published online, along with many other documents.

1400 Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church, "have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders."236 It is for this reason that Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible for the Catholic Church. However these ecclesial communities, "when they commemorate the Lord's death and resurrection in the Holy Supper . . . profess that it signifies life in communion with Christ and await his coming in glory."

1401 When, in the Ordinary's judgment, a grave necessity arises, Catholic ministers may give the sacraments of Eucharist, Penance, and Anointing of the Sick to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church, who ask for them of their own will, provided they give evidence of holding the Catholic faith regarding these sacraments and possess the required dispositions.

And from the Code of Canon Law (http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2T.HTM):

Can. 841 Since the sacraments are the same for the whole Church and belong to the divine deposit, it is only for the supreme authority of the Church to approve or define the requirements for their validity; it is for the same or another competent authority according to the norm of ⇒ can. 838 §§3 and 4 to decide what pertains to their licit celebration, administration, and reception and to the order to be observed in their celebration.

Can. 842 §1. A person who has not received baptism cannot be admitted validly to the other sacraments.

Can. 843 §1. Sacred ministers cannot deny the sacraments to those who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.

§2. Pastors of souls and other members of the Christian faithful, according to their respective ecclesiastical function, have the duty to take care that those who seek the sacraments are prepared to receive them by proper evangelization and catechetical instruction, attentive to the norms issued by competent authority.

Can. 844 §1. Catholic ministers administer the sacraments licitly to Catholic members of the Christian faithful alone, who likewise receive them licitly from Catholic ministers alone, without prejudice to the prescripts of §§2, 3, and 4 of this canon, and ⇒ can. 861, §2.

§2. Whenever necessity requires it or true spiritual advantage suggests it, and provided that danger of error or of indifferentism is avoided, the Christian faithful for whom it is physically or morally impossible to approach a Catholic minister are permitted to receive the sacraments of penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick from non-

Catholic ministers in whose Churches these sacraments are valid.

§3. Catholic ministers administer the sacraments of penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick licitly to members of Eastern Churches which do not have full communion with the Catholic Church if they seek such on their own accord and are properly disposed. This is also valid for members of other Churches which in the judgment of the Apostolic See are in the same condition in regard to the sacraments as these Eastern Churches.

§4. If the danger of death is present or if, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or conference of bishops, some other grave necessity urges it, Catholic ministers administer these same sacraments licitly also to other Christians not having full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who seek such on their own accord, provided that they manifest Catholic faith in respect to these sacraments and are properly disposed.

§5. For the cases mentioned in §§2, 3, and 4, the diocesan bishop or conference of bishops is not to issue general norms except after consultation at least with the local competent authority of the interested non-Catholic Church or community.

It is possible that your husband is an Eastern Catholic, in which case it would be okay. Or it is also possible that your priest was acting outside of Canon Law. This is not one of those things that the Church is flexible on. Weddings are not generally considered to be "grave necessities", especially considering all of the other planning that is required and all of the time that must be committed to having a Catholic wedding in the first place.

[saraw04]

I agree that all priests are different. We had the full mass even though 3/4's of our guests were not Catholic (mostly Lutheran). When we met with our priest he mentioned in a round about way that he was not against our Lutheran guests receiving communion, of course he cannot say that directly. During our ceremony before communion he invited all of our guests to come up for communion and for those who were not Catholic he would give them a special blessing. I think almost all of our guests went up. There were a few Lutherans who took communion and the rest received the blessing.

My grandmother is a very devout Lutheran, but when she attends mass with my family at the Catholic Church she always takes communion as well. I think that as long as someone is a Christian they should be welcomed by the Church. It all depends on a persons beliefs, how open they are and how strictly the follow their Church's teachings.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

I think that as long as someone is a Christian they should be welcomed by the Church. It all depends on a persons beliefs, how open they are and how strictly the follow their Church's teachings.

Sara :)

What you "think" and what is right and correct, and not necessarily the same thing.

The Catholic Church has rules for good reason. Just because a priest chooses to go against those rules does not make them invalid. Heather posted excellent information above regarding why the Church has these rules in place.

One thing that most people do not realize, or prefer not to accept. Being Catholic is not easy. It is not meant to be easy, nor is it meant to be all warm and fuzzy, hold hands and be happy. It is difficult, and hard, and it is exactly what Christ said it would be.

Just because there are rules does not mean the Church is not caring or not welcoming. On the contrary - the Church will welcome all who choose to believe in the One True Faith, and that is the Faith held by the Catholic Church.

Yep - hard and nasty to hear, but it is what it is. Sorry.

This does not mean we do not love our separated brethren any less, it means we pray for the Church to once again become one as it was when Christ and his Apostles walked the Earth. Sadly, that is not the case, but we can pray that one day it will be.

Bottom line is, if someone is receiving Holy Communion and is not a Catholic in a state of grace, then they are violating Church law. Period. There really is no argument against this. It is very clear cut, as stated in Heather's post above.

Just believing in Jesus is not enough. One must accept Christ's Church as He left it to us, not as some men have torn it into pieces to suit their wishes.

I will apologize only for upsetting anyone - I will never apologize for my Church and what she teaches.

~Liza

[saraw04]

I completely agree that the Church has rules and those are the rules (I should know since I attended Catholic schools my entire life :) ). The Catechism shows that. I truly admire anyone that can completely follow every rule in it. It would be interesting to see how many Catholics would be left if the Church made all its members who broke a rule leave. I just don't think that my grandmother who is at her church every day should be punished for wanting to participate in the Catholic mass and becoming closer with God.

DH and I love to discuss these things because he grew up in a very strict Catholic family and even though my family attended mass every weekend and I attended Catholic schools my parents were not as strict with the teachings since my mom grew up Lutheran and she basically converted just so we could all attend mass together as a family. We both agree that some of our beliefs differ and we respect them.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

I just don't think that my grandmother who is at her church every day should be punished for wanting to participate in the Catholic mass and becoming closer with God.

With all due respect to your grandmother, and I do not wish to make this personal at all, if she wants to participate as a Catholic, why is she Lutheran?

No one is punishing your grandmother, or anyone else for that matter. It is not punishment - it is adherance to rules. "Becoming closer to God" is all just warm fuzzy rhetoric. It does not give one license to break the rules.

And yes - it is very hard sometimes to be a Catholic. But again, it all comes down to where we will spend eternity. I'm not willing to take chances with this by just doing "my own thing" because of how I think things should be. But I happen to agree 100% with my Church's teaching so it's not an issue for me.

~Liza

[saraw04]

And yes - it is very hard sometimes to be a Catholic. But again, it all comes down to where we will spend eternity. I'm not willing to take chances with this by just doing "my own thing" because of how I think things should be. But I happen to agree 100% with my Church's teaching so it's not an issue for me.

~Liza

I admire you for this! Everyone is different. Just like each church is different. My church back home doesn't have kneelers, so I have never had to kneel in Church. The tabernacle is not kept in the Church so we didn't have to genuflect when you enter. Our Church also doesn't have any statues. I never even knew about laying the flowers at Mary's feet before my SIL's wedding.

As for my grandmother, the only times she attends the Catholic Church is when she is visiting and is not able to attend her own church.

Any ways, how is the planning going for everyone? I know I mentioned this over on UW, but is anyone going to sign their marriage license during the mass? I saw this done at my friend's wedding this summer for the first time.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

I want to sign our license during mass, but I've been to two weddings at my Church so far and they did not do it. I forgot to ask Father the last time I was there.

(btw - your home church is in grave violation... ;) ) I'm done picking on you. :) You can't help it that you were not taught the Church's teachings, this is not a slam on your family, but on the local church you must have attended. Shame on them for leading Catholics to think it is "ok" to just do away with reverence to Christ in the Eucharist. Liberal parishes are a blight on the Church ... ok, done now. :)

~Liza

[Marisa]

Any ways, how is the planning going for everyone? I know I mentioned this over on UW, but is anyone going to sign their marriage license during the mass? I saw this done at my friend's wedding this summer for the first time.

We're signing our license during the ceremony. It promises to be interesting. We'll do it while we have a violinist plays with the organist. We've also finally settled on the music for the ceremony. It seems like it took forever but we're happy with it. I now need to put the hymns and the Gospel Acclamation into the program for the wedding.

[saraw04]

No problem! I love hearing other's opinions.

I never even thought about signing the license during mass until I saw it. We ended up signing ours on the altar right after the ceremony. I think it would have been neat to do it during mass. My friend did it after their vows and right before they lit their unity candle.

Sara :)

[purple_octopus]

We've also finally settled on the music for the ceremony. It seems like it took forever but we're happy with it. I now need to put the hymns and the Gospel Acclamation into the program for the wedding.
What music did you pick, Marisa? (And everyone else, since I know that was something we lost with the UW thread.)

[lizaanne]

We've also finally settled on the music for the ceremony.

I sure do wish my pianist would return my emails!!!!!! I know it's two months out, but still, it's making me crazy that I've not heard from him!!

Need to call him on the phone tomorrow. I just prefer email so I can have a trail of things if I ever have to go back and look something up. Grrrrr....

~Liza

[Marisa]

The Hymns are 'Immortal Invisible' and 'Love Divine All Loves Excelling'. We're going to have 'Arioso' by Bach for the signing of the license. We're using 'St. Anthony's Chorale' by Haydn for the processional and 'Allegra Maestoso (from Water Music)' by Handel for the recessional.

[Baconsmom]

What you "think" and what is right and correct, and not necessarily the same thing.

The Catholic Church has rules for good reason. Just because a priest chooses to go against those rules does not make them invalid. Heather posted excellent information above regarding why the Church has these rules in place.

One thing that most people do not realize, or prefer not to accept. Being Catholic is not easy. It is not meant to be easy, nor is it meant to be all warm and fuzzy, hold hands and be happy. It is difficult, and hard, and it is exactly what Christ said it would be.

Just because there are rules does not mean the Church is not caring or not welcoming. On the contrary - the Church will welcome all who choose to believe in the One True Faith, and that is the Faith held by the Catholic Church.

Yep - hard and nasty to hear, but it is what it is. Sorry.

This does not mean we do not love our separated brethren any less, it means we pray for the Church to once again become one as it was when Christ and his Apostles walked the Earth. Sadly, that is not the case, but we can pray that one day it will be.

Bottom line is, if someone is receiving Holy Communion and is not a Catholic in a state of grace, then they are violating Church law. Period. There really is no argument against this. It is very clear cut, as stated in Heather's post above.

Just believing in Jesus is not enough. One must accept Christ's Church as He left it to us, not as some men have torn it into pieces to suit their wishes.

I will apologize only for upsetting anyone - I will never apologize for my Church and what she teaches.

~Liza


:clap: :clap: :clap:
Thank you!

[Baconsmom]

We're signing the license during the ceremony - right after the vows and rings, I think, but I could be wrong.

And for music, we have:
Processional: The Servant Song
Psalm 103, setting by my friend
License signing: There Is Love
Recessional: Lord Reign In Me

[*Ashley*]

In the church we're being married in, as long as we're both baptized Catholics we can have the full mass :)

But the time we're getting married at, we can't, so it doesn't matter much :)

As for the Catholic debate and what is and isn't Christ's church who is and isn't Catholic, etc. -- I'd prefer to stay neutral on it. We all believe what we believe and we are all entitled to it :) I respect everyone's opinions whether I agree with them or not (not saying I don't, just saying).

[*Ashley*]

You know what I was thinking? I'm gonna go one further than you Lizaanne -- being a Catholic is hard -- I think that just being a Christian is hard. A Jew as well. We're taught to be tolerant of all other religions, yet so-called "peaceful" religions (the extremists, not all) hate us just for believing in our Savior, Jesus Christ. Because we believe in Him, we're hated...

I don't understand it quite honestly, but I agree being a Catholic has to be hard -- Catholicism is the church everyone broke away from, so you're bound to catch some crud from that! I've thought of converting fully and practicing, but I think that's a BIG decision and I think I'll wait till after our classes to make that decision :)

By the way, the Pope is the man -- Prada shoes?! I love him.

[saraw04]

As for the Catholic debate and what is and isn't Christ's church who is and isn't Catholic, etc. -- I'd prefer to stay neutral on it. We all believe what we believe and we are all entitled to it :) I respect everyone's opinions whether I agree with them or not (not saying I don't, just saying).

Ashley, this is exactly what I was trying to say. I just couldn't come up with the right words!

Speaking of the Pope, has anyone else received or are you going to receive the blessing of your marriage from Him? My MIL got it for us. It is really neat. It comes from the Vatican and is blessed by the Pope. I forget what exactly it says, but it has both my maiden and DH's names on it along with our wedding date. It also has a fairly large picture of the Pope. My in-laws have one from when they got married but theirs is a lot smaller than ours. MIL had it framed and we have it hanging in our bedroom.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

That's a very cool idea! I would love something like that! I'll have to look into it and see what I can find out.

As for the other comments:

We all believe what we believe and we are all entitled to it

This is all fine and good - if you are a Protestant.

If you are a Catholic, there is no opinion but that of the Church (on positions of Faith and Morals and Teaching). :) The belief that we are all entitled to our own opinion is what ripped the Catholic Church at the seams to begin with. Be very careful about what society tells you about not offending anyone, and we all have our opinions, and it really doesn't matter anyway. It DOES matter. I matters so much that it will determine where you spend eternity. Don't be wishy washy about your Faith - it's not just something Catholics do, it's what we are.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Haha Sara -- you just need the "I have no idea what the heck anyone is talking about so I'll keep my mouth shut" mentality like me, LOL! I wasn't raised Catholic so I don't have a clue what half the stuff everyone is talking about means. I know Hail Mary and the Rosary and then whatever I learned as a Methodist growing up :) I was baptized Catholic, that's about all!

But glad I could help, :p

Sara -- is your blessed marriage from the current Pope or John Paul II?

This is all fine and good - if you are a Protestant.

Yeppers, that's me!

And just for the record, just because I believe one thing doesn't mean I care if everyone else believes it or agrees with me -- that's their problem, not mine :) Though I will be tolerant of them as long as they extend the exact same courtesy to me :)

[saraw04]

Here is a link that explains more about the papal blessing:

http://www.foreverwed1.com/articles/ceremony/catholic/45628pm.html

I wasn't sure how my MIL went about getting it, but according to this site you can contact your Diocese and they can help you with it.

Sara :)

[saraw04]

We got married in 2004, so ours is from Pope John Paul II. DH and I were just talking about it the other day and said it would be even more special that we have it if he becomes a saint!

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

That's the same site I found too! :) I already have the number for the Chancellor's office - trying to fix a mess with FH's paperwork coming over from England, so the lady there already knows me!! ---not sure that's exactly a good thing!! ;)

~Liza

[mswordwiz]

Question -

Are any of you planning to carry a rosary with your flowers on wedding day? I think I am. I do pray my rosary before mass when I can get there early enough, and I think I would like to have it with me that day.

~Liza

Yes I will have my great granmothers Rosary in my bouquet.

[lizaanne]

Though I will be tolerant of them as long as they extend the exact same courtesy to me :)

Oh - I'm very tolerant of those who are wrong! :) But I will always do my best to educate those who are interested in hearing the Truth, and correct those who are misinformed about the Catholic Faith. :)

~liza

[lizaanne]

Yes I will have my great granmothers Rosary in my bouquet.

The more I think about it, I think I will carry mine too. I don't think I'll make it part of my flowers though, but will carry it separately, so when I hand over or put my flowers down, it's not getting banged around or lost. After the ceremony I can put it away in its little case and not have to worry about it.

But they do look very pretty when fixed in with the flowers too!

~Liza

[mswordwiz]

The Florist assured me that these will be anchored in the flowers and after the ceremony, I can remove it and place it in a safe place. We are having a convalidation, since we got married in May.

What gets me about the Catholic Church is sometimes the policies of different dioceses are interpeted differently with slightly different requirements and rules. Pre Cana for us was meeting with other long time married couples in our parish, instead of the engagement encounter, because we are older and faimly planning is a non issue with me. We do not have to go to a convalidation class, our priest told us we have adaquate marriage prep.

Since we had to postpone the wedding, we had a minister friend of ours marry us in a barebones make it legal ceremony, so I could add him on my health insurance plan when he lost his job in June.

I was born Irish protestant and raised polish catholic. I am married to a Baptist Bama Bubba who converted this past year so I could have a full wedding mass for the convalidation. He did a full conversion since he was never baptised.

[*Ashley*]

Oh - I'm very tolerant of those who are wrong! :) But I will always do my best to educate those who are interested in hearing the Truth, and correct those who are misinformed about the Catholic Faith. :)

~liza

Okay but wait -- are you saying everyone who doesn't believe the Catholic faith is wrong or saying others are wrong because they're misinformed about your faith?

I think you mean the first part (from what my Mom's Best friend has told me) and that's where I just don't get the Catholic religion to be quite honest. Do you also believe that if your children don't practice Catholocism YOU will go to hell? I'm asking because Christine was telling me that a while back in the church there was something along those lines so there are still a lot of people within the church who believe that -- basically you're responsible for the actions of your children -- make sense?

I'm just curious :) I'm not trying to be rude, so please don't take it as such!

[lizaanne]

Okay but wait -- are you saying everyone who doesn't believe the Catholic faith is wrong or saying others are wrong because they're misinformed about your faith?

I think you mean the first part (from what my Mom's Best friend has told me) and that's where I just don't get the Catholic religion to be quite honest. Do you also believe that if your children don't practice Catholocism YOU will go to hell? I'm asking because Christine was telling me that a while back in the church there was something along those lines so there are still a lot of people within the church who believe that -- basically you're responsible for the actions of your children -- make sense?

I'm just curious :) I'm not trying to be rude, so please don't take it as such!

Oh don't worry - I don't take it that way at all! There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions. :)

First - I am saying that everyone who does not believe what the Catholic Church teaches when it comes to the Faith that Christ gave us, is indeed wrong. Also - there are those who are just simply misinformed, that is a different situation. If someone knows the Truth and still chooses to not believe, then they are making an informed decision to reject Christ's Church.

As for the whole children thing - no one knows who goes to hell and who doesn't -- that's just silly assumption. And I have never heard of anyone being held responsible for another person's actions. Now, a couple married in the Catholic Church (mixed marriage or not) is required to raise their children in the Catholic Faith. What they (the children) do as adults is not the fault of the parents, assuming they did their best to raise the children in the Faith as they are required.

No one knows who goes to hell - that's God's job, and frankly, I'm glad I don't know!!! :)

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Thank you for clearing that up about the second part. My mom's friend (who also does our nails because she owns the salon we go to) is Vietnamese and a very devout Catholic -- she actually got married in the same church I'm being married in. She had said that a long time ago there was a particular priest that brought that up about people going to hell if their children go to hell and that many today still believe it.

I understand what you mean with the first part, it makes sense to me!

[saraw04]

I am interested to hear your thoughts about this situation.

One of DH's friends got married three years ago in the Catholic Church. Both husband and wife grew up Catholic. They moved to Iowa after they got married and didn't like the Catholic Church in their town. They didn't feel welcomed, etc. I don't know quite what all the reasons were. So then they started attending the Lutheran Church in town and really got involved with it. They go to church groups, pot lucks and other functions and really like the services. They just had a baby in April and decided to baptize it in the Lutheran church since that's where they have been attending. Their minister even visited them in the hospital.

What about this? I know this is wrong, since as Liza said when you marry in the Catholic Church you promise to raise your children Catholic. Also, since they are basically Lutheran now, is there something you have to do to leave the Catholic Church, especially before you have children?

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

Hi Sara - I'm looking into a full answer for you, I will never guess about such things, because it's too important to have the facts.

I could give you the short answer, which is that they are never NOT Catholic, but only "lapsed". But I want to learn more about the details of this before speaking on it any more.

Stay tuned... :)

~Liza

[Baconsmom]

Liza, this isn't about weddings, but I'm curious how you would react.

I go to Mass at my diocese's Cathedral. About a year ago, we got a new pastor who, under orders from the Bishop, is implementing a lot of changes that make it clear we're the Cathedral, with a capital C. We've instituted a new solemn liturgy every week with a Gregorian Schola chanting; we have seminarians on the altar at every Mass as acolytes instead of a gaggle of young altar servers. There's a lot more incense and plans to make the actual building grander, but mostly we're following the Vatican's rules and procedures to make the Mass the celebration it is intended to be.

That's the background. A new woman has joined our contemporary choir, and while we were waiting for our director last week, she was complaining about Father, about the music, about how there's fewer girls serving on the altar - basically, she was complaining about all the doctrine-ly correct things we're now doing. She told me she'd had a meeting with Father about the "missing" altar girls, and how she doesn't want her daughters to - quote - "fight a battle I won thirty years ago!"

Now. I corrected her about the music - she thought that the Vatican was calling for no more hymns in the vernacular, that everything was going to be Latin chant from now on. It's not the case - the chant is supposed to have precedence over everything else, and we're restoring that, but that's it.

But I didn't know how to politely say, "If you don't like the rules, you don't have to be Catholic". Is there any polite way to say that? I felt weird just keeping my mouth shut and making non-committal noises - I feel I should have said something, I'm just not sure how to go about doing that kindly.

So I thought I'd ask you! Any helpful hints for me?

[purple_octopus]

Catholicism is not a democracy, that's for sure. Personally, I miss seeing alter boys and acolytes. Our alter girls have started showing up wearing high heels that they trip over as they walk around, mostly because they are entirely too young to be wearing them, and these children have no idea how to walk in pumps. (I couldn't walk in pumps when I was 12 or 13 either.) I'm not sure if this is an improvement over the flip flops that were en vogue a little while ago.

Honestly, the music and ligurgical abuses are some of the reasons that FH and I are attending Latin Mass now when it is available to us.

[lizaanne]

Sara -
As I though, once a Catholic always a Catholic, unless a person actually goes through a process to separate themselves from the Church. They would basically write a letter to the Church of their baptism stating that the wish to be considered "apostate", that is to say that they never want any connection or ties with the Catholic Church. They may, however, at any time, come back to the Church by formally recanting their declaration of apostasy.

In the case of just attending a Lutheran church, they remain a Catholic but it doesn't mean much if they are not practicing. They can always return to the Catholic Church after receiving the sacrament of Confession.

In both cases, the Church will gladly welcome them back with open arms.

~Liza

[lizaanne]

something, [/I]I'm just not sure how to go about doing that kindly.

So I thought I'd ask you! Any helpful hints for me?

This is only my personal opinion based on what little I know, but I think the best approach may not be to tell her "our way or the highway" :) but to try and educate her WHY the changes are taking place, and the good it will bring to the Church as a whole. I think it's wonderful to hear that your parish is doing this!!! I attend a National Shrine, and even we are not going to that level, though I wish we would.

Keeping your mouth shut when you are angry is always best. Think about it, pray on it, and then go back to her and say, "You know, I was thinking about what you said last week, and....." You don't have to let it go, but you don't have to react either. There is always a way to "speak the truth in love" as they say.

As for the feminist part - that's tough. The role of altar boy was always a precursor to the priesthood - that's why girls were never alter servers. Makes sense to me. And I personally have no problem with, and support the all male priesthood. ---different topic for a different day--- :)

Good luck with her! She sounds like she might be a tough cookie!!

~Liza

[lizaanne]

Catholicism is not a democracy, that's for sure. Personally, I miss seeing alter boys and acolytes. Our alter girls have started showing up wearing high heels that they trip over as they walk around, mostly because they are entirely too young to be wearing them, and these children have no idea how to walk in pumps. (I couldn't walk in pumps when I was 12 or 13 either.) I'm not sure if this is an improvement over the flip flops that were en vogue a little while ago.

Honestly, the music and ligurgical abuses are some of the reasons that FH and I are attending Latin Mass now when it is available to us.

I agree Heather, if there are altar servers - BOYS & GIRLS - there needs to be a dress code.

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

...I miss seeing alter boys and acolytes. Our alter girls...
What was I thinking when I typed this? What is an alter boy anyway? Is he the kid who helps my seamstress when she's putting the finishing touches on my dress? I need to take a break from this wedding stuff.:laugh3:

[lizaanne]

Too funny!!!!! hehehe

~Liza

[saraw04]

Thanks Liza! I knew you would get me the correct answer. I just never thought about that before and was wondering how it worked.

I agree with the dress code for altar servers. Actually, I can't believe the way the entire congregation dresses at our parish. Half of them look like they just rolled out of bed. They wear sweats, flip flops, t-shirts with ridiculous sayings on them, tank tops, etc. DH and I always dress up and we feel like we are the outcasts for looking so nice.

Our Church just started allowing girls to be altar servers not too long ago. I know when I was around that age only boys were allowed. I would say it was about maybe 8 - 10 years ago that they began to allow girls.

Sara :)

[*Ashley*]

Just for the record, the way "the Church" is being thrown around it makes me think of the Mafia, LOL -- I'm not sure why -- it's just constantly used and I know that's not a good analogy, but I thought it was funny and wanted to share.

Well then I am Catholic no matter whether I like it or not according to the Church -- Baptized Catholic, always Catholic. I don't see a need to separate myself entirely from the religion.

It was my understanding you have to promise to TRY to raise your children Catholic. See this is a problem a bit for me because I'm not sure I want to raise them Catholic (don't flame me!). I think Episcopal is a nice happy-medium between Methodist and Catholic so I've considered that would be a good alternative. I know this is hard, if not impossible for y'all to understand though :)

And I hate the "PC-ness" of todays world. Altar boys are altar boys -- that's the way it's always been, that's the way it should stay -- I don't think girls should be allowed to do it if it's not tradition and I don't care if that's anti-feminist of me. I also don't think that women should be fighting to be priests. That's not the way the church is. Had they wanted female priests when the church began, they would have let them. There is a reason they aren't priests. Also, nuns -- they were the alternative for priests (sort of) and women should stay with that. I'm so sick and tired of people creating an uproar about that. I would flat out tell the woman if she wanted modern rules, she shouldn't be Catholic. Religion isn't an argument. We follow God's law because it is His word -- end of story. So, if you choose to follow what is considered His Church then the rules are there for a reason, not interpretation.

I dunno. I'm just really tired of everything having to cater to everyone else at this point -- the world is screwed up enough as it is.

[saraw04]

Ashely, I agree, they shouldn't change it just so they can be "PC".

If this is not right, please correct me, but technically the rules about women not being priests is not according to God's Word. There is nothing in the Bible that says only men can be priests. It is just the rules that were made many years ago and the tradition has continued.

I think it is a shame that there not many men willing to be priests anymore. There is going to come a time when the Church is going to have to do something to fill in for the priest shortage. There are so many congregations that are already being closed and combined due to the shortage. I think if worse comes to worse they are going to have to allow priests to marry or allow women to be priests. I don't like either option, but it may come down to that.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

I don't think either situation will be needed actually. I think we can weather this storm, and will come through it in the end with a leaner more effecient Church, where the lay people do what they CAN do, and with priests who are not so liberal and trying to change things. We are seeing the impact of the baby boom generation. So many men escaped the draft by becoming priests - I'm not commenting on the good or bad of that, only to say that it inflated the numbers of priests. I think we will be ok - the Church - The Bride of Christ - is not going anywhere. She will be here for Him when He comes again.

Ashley - if this is not too personal (tell me to shut up if it is) why would you not want to raise your children in the Catholic Church? Why do you feel the need for a "happy medium"? I'm just curious. :) And I don't flame, that's just not productive. :)

~Liza

[Baconsmom]

Liza, thanks. I knew you'd have some advice for me!

As for altar girls - well, I turned up at an altar boys' meeting when I was 11, and my church instituted female crossbearers. I think mostly I wanted to be more involved in the Mass - my brothers could serve, and an adult could be involved in another ministry, but an 11-year-old girl could only attend. It was probably selfish, but I wanted more than that. (And fwiw, I did seriously consider entering religious life, but God pointed me in another direction, obviously.)

So I do think there should be a ministry opportunity for young women, because we need sisters as well as priests, but I don't think it's a feminist issue. Christ considered us all equals, and the Church does, too - it's just that men and women have separate talents, and really shouldn't be considered identical and interchangeable.

[lizaanne]

... it's just that men and women have separate talents, and really shouldn't be considered identical and interchangeable.

I absolutely agree!! :)

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

I was not raised Catholic :) It's simple. I wasn't raised Catholic and I don't think I want to raise my children Catholic. It's nothing against the church. Michael wasn't REALLY raised Catholic -- he was never confirmed nor did he go through CCD, etc. as far as I know. (and I know you're not flaming, don't worry!). I think a happy medium with how I was raised and what I believe vs. how Michael was raised and what he believes would be the proper way to do it. It's unfair for me to totally ignore the way I have worshipped my entire life just to accommodate what his parents believe is good and right when they're once a year Catholics (Christmas, if that even) and when he is not religious much at all. I have a closer bond to God than Michael does :)

I had a GREAT time at my church when I was younger. I loved all the plays, activities, etc. and I'm sure that the Catholic church has those, but in a Catholic church I'm a fish out of water. Yes, I was baptized Catholic, but I never practiced it and don't know much about it.

Does it make sense? I know it's hard to understand...

[lizaanne]

That's actually very easy to understand - you don't want to be where you don't feel comfortable!

Just a suggestion - learn more about it so it's not so new or different. Go to mass on your own once and just see what it's all about. No pressure, no hard sell. You might just like it! :)

~Liza

[jrbecca]

Wow! I've missed a lot in this thread. I personally lean toward Ashley's more conservative viewpoint on gender and roles within the Catholic Church; however, in my experience, the Catholic Church has so much more to offer it's members in the way of activities, ministry opportunities, and more, that I can think of no better church in which to raise our children.

That being said, masses vary in terms of atmosphere from parish to parish. While the mass at my home parish is very much a celebration, complete with a lot of singing, and upbeat homilies, the mass I attend while visiting my family in California is much more somber, with less singing, more chanting, and the homily comes across more like a diatribe. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but it does pay to "shop around" for a church that meets your needs and wants for your desired spiritual life.

[saraw04]

I agree Jenny. Each church has a different atmosphere. The church I attended until I was married was much larger and has a modern feel to it. They had a wonderful musical ministry. Our current church is very small and more traditional. I do love the fact that it is only a block from our house so we can walk! :p

Sara :)

[*Ashley*]

My viewpoints on most things are conservative, :p

Lizaanne -- raising them catholic isn't totally ruled out, have no fear! Once we take our classes I think I'll have a better feeling of it. I've been to mass and while I like it, I just don't understand a lot of it, LOL! (couldn't reciteyou the Apostle's Creed if I wanted to, etc.)

[purple_octopus]

I think no matter what faith someone chooses to raise their children, it's a good idea to do research and learn. :)

[jrbecca]

I've been to mass and while I like it, I just don't understand a lot of it, LOL! (couldn't reciteyou the Apostle's Creed if I wanted to, etc.)

:rofl: I couldn't recite that either! When I was going to mass regularly, we sang the Apostle's Creed, so I was getting it down pretty well. When I go to mass somewhere else, I've found that they chant it. Uh, without the music, I'm lost. Something about Pontius Pilate and crucificying and rising again...right?

:laugh3:

[lizaanne]

My viewpoints on most things are conservative, :p

Lizaanne -- raising them catholic isn't totally ruled out, have no fear! Once we take our classes I think I'll have a better feeling of it. I've been to mass and while I like it, I just don't understand a lot of it, LOL! (couldn't reciteyou the Apostle's Creed if I wanted to, etc.)

If you ever have any questions about the mass, please ask! We will do our best to answer, and no questions off limits! :)

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

If you ever have any questions about the mass, please ask! We will do our best to answer, and no questions off limits! :)

~Liza
Absolutely! The Mass is so chock full of symbolism. There isn't anything that we do in Mass that doesn't mean something. To me, that is such a beautiful thing. But I could see how someone who isn't used to it all might say, "What in the world is all of this about?" It's daunting if you're not sure what it's about, but in my opinion, once you really learn it, it's one of the most exquisite things a human can participate in. And even most cradle Catholics don't know it all -- I love learning things about my faith.

[mswordwiz]

The neat part about Tom converting, was I got a chance to learn more by reading his materials, and thinking back whoooaa, this was not in my catechism way back when I was younger and everyone was still in shock over V2 changes and experiementing with what the changes really were.

I much prefer the parish down I attend now in a different state vs the parish I grew up in, it is more modern, and the music is pheonominal.

The first time I brought his Heineness to mass, I told him follow me cross your arms get the blessing and be nice....

After receiving communion, I heard him crunching the host, and then he said in a stage whisper where Fr Ed heard him, these need flavor, and a few chocolate chips......I wanted to crawl under a pew and HIDE.....

[lizaanne]

...I can't even comment....better I keep my mouth shut this time.

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

The neat part about Tom converting, was I got a chance to learn more by reading his materials, and thinking back whoooaa, this was not in my catechism way back when I was younger and everyone was still in shock over V2 changes and experiementing with what the changes really were.
I'm glad you've had a chance to learn more about your faith through your husband's experience with RCIA.

The first time I brought his Heineness to mass, I told him follow me cross your arms get the blessing and be nice....

After receiving communion, I heard him crunching the host, and then he said in a stage whisper where Fr Ed heard him, these need flavor, and a few chocolate chips......I wanted to crawl under a pew and HIDE.....
But this part made me cry. :(

[lizaanne]

I will say that I am glad he will be obtaining proper catechesis to understand why his behavior is so disturbing and inappropriate. And not even close to humorous.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

mswordwiz -- your FH sounds like a lot of fun to be around -- reminds me of my fiance :)

I would have wanted to crawl under my pew too, I at least know that much, LOL!

[mswordwiz]

He knows now Liza, at the time I was mortified that he would even think to do that. We both attend mass once a week, we try to work our shifts so we can go together, and he goes if I am not available on his own. He had very little religious exposure growing up in the rural south, and like he explained to Fr Ed, he was whatever the chaplian in the navy was that week.

[*Ashley*]

Okay, questions!

1. If your FH was say, Jewish, would you have to have him convert or would you be able to have a wedding liturgy and a jewish ceremony then raise children catholic and allow for jewish cultures?

2. How often do you go to mass?

(I'm seriously bored at work, LOL)

Also, since y'all have probably never had anything else, in the methodist church at least, communion is that hawaiian bread broken off and then you dip it into grape juice to represent the bread and wine from the last supper aka body and blood of Christ. They don't pass a cup like in the Catholic church for all to drink from :)

[Maria 05]

]Okay, questions!

1. If your FH was say, Jewish, would you have to have him convert or would you be able to have a wedding liturgy and a jewish ceremony then raise children catholic and allow for jewish cultures?

Well seeing as He was Jewish I would not factor that in at all. As for the children they could decide for themselves if they wanted Catholic or Jewish fate or whatever but I would raise them with a knowledge of both

2. How often do you go to mass?
very seldom

[lizaanne]

Answers -

1 - I would never even consider marrying someone who was not fully Catholic and feels the same way about the Faith as I do. So no worry there about converting.

2 - Every Sunday, holy days when I can get there from work, and often on Saturday if I'm volunteering at www.catholictelevision.org and there is mass after a show.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Very cool that you volunteer for that Liza!

[lizaanne]

I have SOOOO much fun there! They are an amazing group of people, and their mission is so very important to me. I would work there full time if I could, but they can't afford me ;) and I need benefits and stability right now.

~Liza

[*TanyaJeanne*]

Hi everyone...I haven't been in here for awhile. On Wed I will be bringing our program to our church to get it approved before we print them. I am so excited...everything is coming so quickly!

[mswordwiz]

Tom is the first non-catholic I have ever dated, and when our relationship got to the point of long term, he was the one who volunteered to convert I never ever brought this up to him. That blew me away that out of the blue he wanted to make this life changing committment.

I do go at least once a week, and sometimes after a bad shift I will catch a daily mass in the morning. Tom does go once a week, and with our occupations we cannot schedule going to lets say 10:00 mass every Sunday.

[lizaanne]

Hi everyone...I haven't been in here for awhile. On Wed I will be bringing our program to our church to get it approved before we print them. I am so excited...everything is coming so quickly!

I would love to get to this stage! I hope to have them totally done by the end of the month and take them when we meet with Father in early September. Will be SO happy to have them printed and DONE!!

~Liza

[*TanyaJeanne*]

ITA!!!! I want them done like 2 months ago....lol

[*Ashley*]

Michael has never asked me to convert and actually the only reason we're having the Catholic ceremony is because of his parents. It's funny because back when we first talked about marriage he said "I thought that you always had a wedding in the soon to be wife's church" Of course, when it came down to it all of a sudden he just HAD to have a Catholic ceremony, oye. *smacks head* This all goes back to my "wedding extravaganza" theory from my journal, LOL!

That's too bad you can't do it full-time Liza, it looks like fun!

Congrats Tanya! It's so close!

[saraw04]

1. If your FH was say, Jewish, would you have to have him convert or would you be able to have a wedding liturgy and a jewish ceremony then raise children catholic and allow for jewish cultures?

I don't think I would make him convert. I would probably push more for a Catholic wedding, but if that was the case would probably have had an outdoor wedding that was non-denominational. I actually think the jewish culture is fascinating. When I was in 6th grade we took a field trip to a Synagogue. It was neat to hear about their faith. I think I would choose to raise my children in one religion - probably Catholic. My mother converted when she got married so that we could attend mass as a family. My dad's father was Catholic and his mom was Lutheran and my dad ended up attending Catholic masses. DH's dad converted to Catholic when he got married as well, so both of us come from families of converters.

2. How often do you go to mass?

I try to go every week, but sometimes it doesn't happen. DH works most weekends, so I end up attending mass alone a lot of times. :(

Sara :)

[purple_octopus]

1. If your FH was say, Jewish, would you have to have him convert or would you be able to have a wedding liturgy and a jewish ceremony then raise children catholic and allow for jewish cultures?
I would probably not date a non-Catholic.

2. How often do you go to mass?
We usually go once a week. I go on Holy Days of Obligation, but FH's work schedule usually prevents him from going. This fall I won't have any morning classes, so I might try to go to weekday Mass a little more. I usually enjoy them the most.

[Baconsmom]

1. If your FH was say, Jewish, would you have to have him convert or would you be able to have a wedding liturgy and a jewish ceremony then raise children catholic and allow for jewish cultures? Well, I wouldn't have anyone convert - if he wanted to, I'd support him in the process, obviously. I'm pretty sure we'd have a con-celebrated ceremony - I don't see why that wouldn't be possible with a Jew, because Catholics are "directly descended" from Jews, if you will. And we'd probably celebrate all the holidays and send the kids to Hebrew School and CCD, knowing me!

2. How often do you go to mass? At least twice a week, but one of those is a working Mass - I'm employed as a vocalist on Sunday mornings, and attend a different Mass on Sunday afternoons for which I'm not monetarily compensated. It's always interesting to me to hear the differences in the translations the two churches are using, and to see the differences in how they celebrate.

[jrbecca]

Hi Ladies! I'm wondering if anyone has a great resource for clear crystal rosary bracelets for adults? I'd love to wear one for the wedding, but can't find one anywhere. Any help would be appreciated--I'm sure some of my fellow Catholic brides have a great idea on resource. :)

[saraw04]

Hi Ladies! I'm wondering if anyone has a great resource for clear crystal rosary bracelets for adults? I'd love to wear one for the wedding, but can't find one anywhere. Any help would be appreciated--I'm sure some of my fellow Catholic brides have a great idea on resource. :)

I haven't bought from these places but I found some:

Here is a frosted crystal rosary:
http://www.catholicshopper.com/products/RosaryBracelets.html

Here are some nice ones as well:
http://www.catholicsupply.com/christmas/jewelbrac.html

Hope these help!

Sara :)

[Angela]

[QUOTE=Ashleybear]Okay, questions!

1. If your FH was say, Jewish, would you have to have him convert or would you be able to have a wedding liturgy and a jewish ceremony then raise children catholic and allow for jewish cultures?

I don't think I could ask someone to give up their faith for me, just as I wouldn't expect anyone to ask that of me. In regards to the whole wedding ceremony/children thing, I don't know. It's not an issue anyway. :)

2. How often do you go to mass?

Once a week, usually on Saturday afternoons....we've been so busy this past month with moving, babysitting, etc., that we haven't gone since right after the 4th of July, which I'm not too happy about....things are STILL crazy, but we WILL be going this Saturday!

[lizaanne]

Hi Ladies! I'm wondering if anyone has a great resource for clear crystal rosary bracelets for adults? I'd love to wear one for the wedding, but can't find one anywhere. Any help would be appreciated--I'm sure some of my fellow Catholic brides have a great idea on resource. :)

Try eBay as well - I was looking for rosary bracelets lately and found a zillion there! Just search on "rosary bracelet".

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Isn't it a sin to wear a rosary around your neck? Like, an actual rosary.

[lizaanne]

While I don't think it is sinful, I believe it may be disrespectful of a religious article.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

That's what I was raised to think, so I always thought it was a sin. I never really knew what the rosary was though, I just knew you weren't supposed to wear it :) (no rosaries in the Methodist religion)

[rowanmayfairs]

I'm NOT religious..and don't attend a church... James went to a Catholic grade school and was raised Catholic but hasn't attended hardly at all since HS.

I have never been sure what to believe in.. (but don't believe in being evil or bad either).. 99% of my family isn't religious, while the other 1% take their religion too seriously and push it on anyone and everyone they meet.

I attended Catholic Mass and Sunday Services for the first time last month. I went with James and the rest of his cousins, aunts,uncles, etc to surprise Grandma for her 80th bday.

His mom and Grandma attend Mass and Sunday services every sunday.

I found it all very interesting.. I had never been in a catholic church and I understood very little of the services. Like half of the other relatives i just sat/stood when necessary and was polite about it all. James attempted to translate most of the services & my questions afterward.

The Young Father (he was in his early 30's) attended Grandma's Birthday party/Family Reunion later that afternoon. He was very nice and never said much about religion. Held a prayer before eating,but otherwise was just part of the "Family" the rest of the time.

My point..I have been lurking in this thread and actually find it fasinating.. I actually find alot of religions interesting :)

We are getting married in a non demontial church in our area.

I hope I am not intruding :) Just wanted to delurk briefly in this thread :)

[*Ashley*]

If you want to know anything about the Catholic religion, ask Lizaanne! She is amazing and I've learned a lot (it's actually made me feel better about having a Catholic ceremony since I didn't want one). Anyhow, glad you posted!

[rowanmayfairs]

Thank you :) I love learning new things and various religions I find interesting.

I don't have any questions in general at this moment :) When i first found this thread, I had to look up Catholic Wedding on google. I thought it was interesting :)

[lizaanne]

Here's an idea - go to mass again, and take notes. :) Questions you might have and stuff you don't understand. Between me and the others on the thread, I'm sure we can get answers for you.

Welcome!

~Liza

[MsJessica07]

Hi girls,

So I'm not a Catholic Bride (I'm Jewish!), but I find this thread interesting so I was reading and I came across the question about having a Jewish significant other and how that would work.

While it's become very common now, more traditional Jews believe that a marriage between a Jew and non-Jew (including all versions of Christianity, even Catholicism) as invalid, because the marriage ceremony is a religious ceremony and contract, bound by Jewish law, which doesn't apply to non-Jews. Sort of like the discussion earlier about participation in Catholic communion by a non-Catholic.

Of course, this view is held by those who are traditional Jews (Orthodox), and for the most part, while Jews (like Catholics, I'm sure) are encouraged to marry other Jews, in reality many more liberal (Reform) Jews marry non-Jews in non-denominational Christian services or a service in which a liberal rabbi and a minister of some kind officiate together, and depends on the officiant and couple.

Just my .02 cents, hope no one minds!

[*Ashley*]

Not at all Jessica, I LOVE learning about the Jewish religion from you so I love hearing your take on it! I love learning about the Catholic religion from lizaanne as well so y'all are going to have me on religion learning overload, wahoo! I love learning about it, it's all fascinating :)

[Marisa]

Hi everyone - just catching up. Fascinating discussion as ever!

Oh, the QOD - I go to mass once a week.

[lizaanne]

Wow! Guess we need a new one!

QOD: Why are you Catholic?

I'll answer after some others have. :)

~Liza

[Maria 05]

I am a cradle catholic and am trying to return to the fold but it is not easy. I went to confession for the first time in ages and will really try to go back to church but its a struggle

[purple_octopus]

QOD: I am a Catholic becuase it is the Church that Christ founded. It is also very embedded in my family and culture, and it is where I feel at home and where my faith is the most nurtured.

I'm visiting family in Cincinnati this week, and I went to Mass on Tuesday with my mom, sister, and sister's kids. They were soooo good in Mass. I'm so proud of them! The five year old boy reads out of the missalette and participates so well. It was so sweet. I had a couple tears in my eyes. :)

[Angela]

I've been wondering where everyone has been!

I'm Catholic mainly because it is the religion I was raised in. I've been to services at other churches (Baptist and Methodist), but I always go back to the Catholic Church. There are some man-made laws of the church that I don't agree with, but everything that Christ taught, I believe. I had some serious issues with the priests and church I grew up in, but I'm so glad we've found a good priest, finally, after so many years of looking! I hate that we've moved further away though :(

[saraw04]

I am Catholic because that is how I was raised and it is what I believe. I love being able to attend mass and listen to God's Word and be filled with God's love through the Eucharist.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

Ok - my turn. :)

I am Catholic because it makes sense, and it is the Church that Christ founded. The Church that was in place and unchanged for over 1,500 years, until some men came along and decided they would pick and choose what THEY wanted to believe from Christ's teaching. Everything the Church teaches and believes makes sense, and it can all be supported through scripture or tradition. Why in the world would anyone want to believe only a partial truth? Why would you want to take such a beautiful thing as Christ's Bride, and rip her apart to suit your own desires, just because as a whole she is not pleasing or comfortable to you? I will never understand this.

Catholic is not what I do, it's who I am. It defines me as a human being. And it just makes sense.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

I'm not sure what you're talking about with Christ's bride Liza -- Mary Magdalene? If so, I'm not sure if she is his bride, but I like to think so -- it makes me feel more connected to Christ knowing not only is he my savior but also he's a "normal" person. I mean that in the sense that he too lived the lives that we're living -- had a wife, just like I'll be a wife, etc.

I'm not Catholic, but Michael is. Well, I am -- baptized so I'm always considered Catholic unless I choose to fully leave the church and the only way to do that is to write the letter (I believe Liza posted that before, am I right?) and I don't see a need to do that as I am still considered fully converting to/going back to the Catholic religion. Still 50/50 for me though, as most of you have read :)

I am a Christian because Jesus Christ is my savior :p

(Have y'all ever seen the shirts "Jesus is my homeboy" -- I think that t-shirt is too cute!)

[Maria 05]

Christ's bride is the Church as refered to in some of the scripture readings

[lizaanne]

OH NOOOO!!! You have been reading way too much popular media/culture crap!

The Holy Catholic Church is the Bride of Christ. See here for the best explaination: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p2.htm Scroll about half way down the page.

Christ was absolutely NOT married to anyone. He did not have children, he did not have brothers and sisters. This is all garbage that popular culture has made up to make people feel all warm and fuzzy, and to make Christ less than what He really was/is - God and Man. Not just the guy down the street who happend to be divine.

~Liza

[Maria 05]

, he did not have brothers and sisters.
~Liza

He had half brothers and sisters though wasnt St Joesph married twice and The Virgin was his second wife?

[lizaanne]

No - Christ would not have any half-siblings for two reasons. A half-sibling would mean that they shared at least half the genetic heritage by having one parent in common. Christ only had Mary, Joseph did not contribute to his conception. Also, I do not believe there is any proof that St. Joseph ever married again, and Chruch teaching is that he never did, he remained the chaste spouse until his death.

~Liza

[Maria 05]

I meant before he married the Virgin I dont want to fight with you but in one of the Gospels it states "your Mother and your Brothers" That would mean that St Joesph could have been married previously Jesus only had Mary that was why he was known as the Son of Mary to distingush him from the Sons of Joesph who would have been older than him.

[lizaanne]

Oh goodness - I'm not fighting!! Sorry if it came off that way. :)

From Wikipedia:

Non-Gospel Accounts and Anecdotes

In the canonical Gospel accounts Jesus is described as being the brother of James, Joses (Matthew has the spelling: Joseph, Mark has Joses), Judas, and Simon, and of sisters whose names however are not mentioned (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3). A tradition at least as early as the second century, still adopted by Eastern Orthodoxy, explains that these "brothers and sisters" were from Joseph's marriage to an unnamed woman, before Joseph married Mary, thus making them Jesus's step-brothers and step-sisters. This version of events is related in the apocryphal History of Joseph the Carpenter. The Roman Catholic tradition is unclear, and either the explanation above, or the explanation that these "brothers and sisters" are the cousins of Christ are both considered equally possible by the Church, but it affirms strongly that Joseph remained chaste while married to Mary. Some Protestant denominations (including many Evangelical or Fundamental Protestant traditions) no longer espouse strong views on the subject.

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Right I knew I wasnt going barmy :hug99: but it affirms strongly that Joseph remained chaste while married to Mary. I was never arguing that point. Sorry if it sounded like I was.

[Angela]

And if I'm remembering some of my readings correctly (and I WILL check when I get home from work--not trying to start any fights!!), Mary did have other children. She didn't remain a Virgin her whole life, but was a Virgin when she had Christ. In that case, then Christ did have half-siblings.

[lizaanne]

Mary: Ever Virgin

http://www.catholic.com/library/Mary_Ever_Virgin.asp

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

I think you're just very passionate Liza, so sometimes it comes off as if you might be fighting when you aren't :)

Thank you for the clarification, I didn't know what you meant by bride :p

[lizaanne]

I am very passionate about it, and I do hate it when I come across as being nasty. But there are times when I get so very tired about all the mis-information in the world about Catholics and what we believe and don't believe. So sometimes I may get a bit - um - vocal about it. :)

But it really comes down to only wanting people to know the Truth. And yep - that with a big "T". Because there is only one. And we got is sistahs!!!! :bliss:

~Liza

[mswordwiz]

Back to the QOD:

I am Catholic, because that is what mum and my dad who raised me agreed upon when he married mum (who was a widow at age 19), and she converted to the Catholic faith. It also defines to an extent of who I am.

[Angela]

Just a LITTLE Liza (just kidding!).

Thank you for that link--it has quite a lot of really good info (all of your links do!). And the whole thing about Joseph makes sense. He's one person I hadn't thought much of!

[lizaanne]

Poor little forgotten St. Joseph!! :( You are right though, I don't think he gets the attention he probably should.

Consider this - he agreed to marry a young pregnant girl, on the direction of an angel, endured the scrutiny and I'm sure sneers from those around him. He then lived as her chaste spouse, raising his foster son, who just so happened to be the Son of God. No pressure there! He was just as obedient and faithful as Mary. I think he is a fantastic role model for men - if they would only pay him more attention.

Go St. Joe! :) He needs a fan club.

~Liza

[saraw04]

That is true Liza! It's not a fan club, but I did attend St. Joseph Middle School! ;)

I am going to help out with our religious education at our Church this year. I am excited for it. We don't know many people in our town and our Church so I am hoping this will help to get to know more people. I am going to be a helper with the fourth grade. Since this is my first year I didn't want to jump right and be a teacher.

Sara :)

[lizaanne]

That is so wonderful!!! Good for you! I wouldn't have the patience for other people's children - I know, crummy, but at least I'm honest. :) There are very few kids I can stand being around, good thing they are the ones closest to me. I will be a horribly strict mom, my own mom has told me she would not want to be my kid. hehehe :)

Sounds like you will have a wonderful time though, and it is a great way to become part of the community.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

New Question!

Ever considered being a nun? Know anyone who has become a nun?

(and this question is derived from the fact that I ADORE Audrey Hepburn and was thinking of the movie "A Nun's Story" earlier today, LOL)

[Angela]

Ashley,

No, and no. I know I couldn't do it, and I don't know anyone who would be willing to either.

[lizaanne]

Yes - I've considered it. But I like boys too much. ;) I have thought that if anything were to ever happen to FH and I was alone, I would seriously consider becoming a religious, but it would have to be for the right reasons, and not just to escape a life without him.

I think I've read A Nun's Story three times - the book is wonderful!!

~Liza

[Marisa]

QOD #1 - I was confirmed Catholic in 2004 but was Anglican until that point. I took RCIA classes to learn more about the faith and decided that it was the right place for me to be. I therefore went through all of the Rites. Some people say that I did it for Aidan (who is Catholic) or my future kids but I always correct them and say I did it for me. If I didn't feel that it was right for me I would have remained Anglican. I honestly believe that the only reason to change in such a manner is for yourself and not anyone else.

QOD #2 - The thought has never crossed my mind!

[saraw04]

New Question!

Ever considered being a nun? Know anyone who has become a nun?


No and No. But, when DH was little he always told his mom he wanted to be a marine biologist during the week and a priest on the weekends. :lol:

Sara :)

[purple_octopus]

QOD: I would consider becoming a nun if I were ever widowed a second time.

[lizaanne]

New QOD: What do you think happens to you after you die? Not necessarily what the Church teaches, we can talk about that too, but what do YOU think happens?

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Oooo interesting question Liza.

I without a doubt think that we are judged and then sent to Heaven or hell depending on how we've lived our life. I do wonder though if we have an option to live again -- if there really is such a thing as past lives. I could see that, but I'm not so sure -- I would think it would an option from God.

Whatever happens I'm happy as long as my family is there with me. I know they will be though, so I'm good :) I love Jesus and the Lord and I know that we will be richly rewarded when we ascend to Heaven :)

[Maria 05]

New QOD: What do you think happens to you after you die? Not necessarily what the Church teaches, we can talk about that too, but what do YOU think happens?

~Liza
I think I am screwed. I think I am a candate for pergatory at least thats where I am aiming I am not good enough for heaven but I am praying to be saved from the fires fo hell

[lizaanne]

Purgatory is not as bad as it sounds! Think of it this way. You would never go to meet your husband, or someone else you love, for an important date, without getting all cleaned up and presentable. Purgatory does that to your soul - it is an opportunity for you to get your soul all scrubbed up and cleaned and shiny before you are presentable before God!

Way better than hell.

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Thats the way I look at it Liza to be honest I think thats where the majority of people end up we are all guilty of venial sins and you can get out of there

[lizaanne]

I think you are right on, Maria. I don't know anyone who is perfect enough to go straight to heaven, perhaps maybe JPII, or Mother Teresa, but no "normal" folks. It's why it's so important that we pray for those poor souls in purgatory, and hope to reduce their time there. We will all be there at some point, if we don't end up in hell.

Hmm - guess I just answered my question! :)

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Happy are those who can laugh at themselves one of my friends a trainee priest sent me this

A man dies and goes to heaven and he is amazed by God's Grace he sees many creeds and races and is totally humbled and awed by God's Goodness and as he makes his way around Heaven he comes to a wall and is very distraught and goes to St Peter and says
"Forgive me for been so forward but I have seen how Great God is and now I see that there is a wall in Heaven? Surely there is no division."
"That my son is for the Catholics they think they are the only ones up here."

[lizaanne]

That's cute!! :)

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

So I'm going to have to believe that the Catholic religion teaches of Purgatory...?

[Maria 05]

Pergatory was always a Catholic belief from what I can remember

Limbo is thankfully gone that was cruel

[*Ashley*]

LOL, I never learned any of that, so I was seriously curious! I went to Methodist Sunday School -- we sang song and painted fish :p

[Maria 05]

This is only my own thoughts on it and I could be totally wrong but
Jesus said to the good theif "I promise you this day, thou shall be with me in paradise"
In other words heaven was on the cards but the theif was not necessarly getting straight in


Maybe Liza will know a little better

[lizaanne]

Purgatory is not just something the Church believes on its own, it is very strongly rooted in scripture and tradition. Not only Christian tradition, but Jewish as well. The idea of praying for the dead is not a new or made up concept.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12575a.htm

Scripture and tradition, as seen in the link above, both support the teaching of praying for the dead. Think of it this way - why would the dead need our prayers? If they are in heaven they certainly don't need any help from us, they are already there and with God. If they are in hell, no one can help them, they are there for eternity. So it makes sense that we would pray for those who have died, but have just not made it all the way to heaven because they still need to be cleansed of their sins - because none of us are perfect. And so we pray to God for Him to lessen their time in purgatory, and bring them to Him with no delay.

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

As long as they have Diet Coke while I'm waiting in Purgatory, I'll be good to go :p

In all seriousness though, that makes sense :)

[lizaanne]

Diet Coke is way too good for purgatory! God will surely keep that in heaven for the final reward! :) I think we will be stuck with Pepsi for our sins. ;)


~Liza

[Angela]

Oh, see, I like Pepsi....I hate Coke :hehe:

[*Ashley*]

Haha, I'll survive I suppose then Liza -- it'll give me something to look even more forward to!

Angela -- then you'll go in the other side where you Pepsi drinkers will only have coke!

[Angela]

Sounds like a plan, Ashley :)

[lizaanne]

Ok - new QOD:

What Catholic-y thing have you always wondered about or been most curious? Something in the mass, something people do, whatever.

~Liza

[Maria 05]

How not to turn this into a debate I dont want to come across as a hertic here.

Celbacy I think if a priest wished to he could marry after all it would make it easier to talk about children and marital problems if the priest actually could empathise but thats just me and I understand St Pauls idea that if they are celebate they can spend more time devoted to matters of faith as they do not have outside interference.

[*Ashley*]

QOD -- A lot of it I don't understand but when I think about most of it it makes sense :)

I'm not sure about the celibacy Maria -- maybe because Jesus was? Maybe because of the virgin Mary? No idea why it is how it is. The Episcopal church (which is basically a church that wanted almost all Catholic principles just changed to suit them) allows their priests to marry as well as women to be priests I think...

[lizaanne]

This is an excellent explaination and history of celibacy in the Catholic Church: http://www.catholic.com/library/Celibacy_and_the_Priesthood.asp

No debate here - it is probably one of the most widely debated issues in the Church. I personally feel that a man can not serve two vocations. Marriage is a vocation, just as the priesthood is. And if wearing two hats, at some point, one hat has to come off so the other can go on, and in that division, someone looses. Either the Church looses a priest so he can go be father and husband, or a wife looses her spouse so he can go be priest to his parish or order. It's not fair to the man, or to the respective vocations. But as I said, this is just how I feel about it, and I totally understand that others have differing opinions on this. As you can see by the link above, celibacy is not always the case given certain circumstances. It's interesting, I think, to see how the Church does allow some men to be priests and still married, but these situations and requirements make total sense to me.

I think it goes without saying that if they are not married they are absolutely celibate, there is no other option outside of marriage.

This is one of those things that having an opinion on is not a big issue. This is not a totally unchangable thing, it is a disciplinary rule, and can be changed. This would not make someone a heretic the same as not believing that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist would. However, that being said, I think it is important still to understand WHY the Church does things the way she does and learn the history and reasoning for the decision before making a judgement. (not saying you are doing this, Maria, just sayin' :) )

~Liza

[Maria 05]

I understand that Liza but thanks for the calrification. Definitely I would agree that if they are not married they are absolutely celibate, there is no other option outside of marriage.

After all they have to practise what the church preaches even if members of their flock fail they should not they should set the example hard as it may be.

[purple_octopus]

We actually have a married Deacon in our Diocese who is going to seminary next year. He falls under that rule about married pastors of other denominations who convert to Catholicism. There aren't that many of them around. (If I remember the article in the East Tennessee Catholic correctly, there are only a handful in the country.)

[lizaanne]

Just thought some of you might be interested in this who are not completely comfortable with the responses during the mass:

http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/Mass.htm

I found this while looking for something else for a Catholic message board I belong to, and thought some of you might appreciate it. :)

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Nicene Creed is used so often that for the The Apostles' Creed I have to read it because otherwise I mix the two of them up :blush:

[lizaanne]

I can NEVER get the Apostle's Creed right after saying the Nicene Creed! I always sound like a dolt during a rosary. :caught:

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Yeah thats where I get muddled too and sometimes I lose track of how many hail mary's have been said so I always whisper.

[Vanessaness]

:wavey:

Another cathlic bride checking in. I went through RCIA about 5 years ago so I'm a cathlic pretty much because I chose to as an adult after looking into it. I believe its the Church that Christ founded, so why would I want to be anywhere else? :dunno:

BTW we are having a mass with out communion. Mainly because I'm Catholic and my FH isn't, yet :) Also because most of our guest aren't Catholic either. I would also like to have us sign our marriage licence during the ceremony at some point. I'm really liking that idea!

I love all the question and answers in here. I'm learning a lot! Thank you Liza! :bow:

I'm curious what reading's are you having or had during your ceremony?

What about music?

[Angela]

I'll give you what I can off of the top of my head, Vanessa :)

Readings: OT from Song of Songs; NT from 1 Corinthians (the reading about love being patient and kind that everyone seems to use!); Gospel from Mark

Music: I can't even remember what I chose for Preludes; Mothers and BM's, Schubert's Ave Maria; Bridal Processional, Trumpet Voluntary; and I don't remember when we're using the following songs, but we're using them: A Gaelic Blessing, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, and The Unity Candle Song. We're using Handel's Hornpipe for our recessional.

Welcome to the boards!

[lizaanne]

Hello Vanessa! Welcome to the boards! I too did not become Catholic until 1994, but was always raised in the Church. Congrats on your conversion, and prayers for your FH.

Glad you like the questions! We need a new one - do you want to ask it for us? :)

~Liza

[lizaanne]

Hey!!! Where did the little dude in the bottom of my signature come from!!?? I'm not into mohawks, but he's cute!! hehehe

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

Ugh to the readings -- I picked out two I really liked from my choices and Michael doesn't like one -- 1 Corinthians I believe it is about the son leaving his parents?

I'll let you know once I know for sure :)

[Vanessaness]

Hey!!! Where did the little dude in the bottom of my signature come from!!??

:dunno:

[lizaanne]

Now THAT little guy looks all guilty! Was it HIM!!?? ;)

~Liza

[Vanessaness]

Yup blame it on the little dude :lol:

[lizaanne]

I spent 20 minutes last night trying to post our readings and accidentally closed the darn window before saving!!!! AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!

I'll try again today if I have time. Grrrr...

~Liza

[Uma]

Hi there! My Hindu husband and I are going to have a Catholic wedding in three weeks. We haven't met the priest yet, but these are the chosen readings:

Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16a; 8:6-7a Hark! My lover--here he comes Springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills. My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices. My lover speaks; he says to me, 'Arise my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! O my dove in the clefts of the rock, in the secret recesses of teh cliff, Let me see you, let me hear your voice, For your voice is sweet, and you are lovely.' My lover belongs to me and I to him. He says to me: 'Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; For strern as death is love, relentless as the nether-world in devotion; its flames are a blazing fire. Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away.'

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a Brothers and Sisters: Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tonques but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

[*Ashley*]

Heyyyyy Liza.

It's almost Friday! It's almost Friday!

:twirl: :twirl: :twirl: :twirl: :twirl:

Everyday this week you're one day closer to your Brit being here!!

[Uma]

Hehe, that's so funny! My husband is coming on Friday too. I haven't seen him in 7 months, how long has it been for you, Lizaanne?

[Angela]

Uma, Tom and I are doing the same readings. I've never seen anyone else use the Song of Songs reading :)

Liza, how excited are you?!!

[*Ashley*]

Ooo just saw your readings Uma -- The second one is one I want in our wedding (not sure if the first one is an option, we have only certain ones we can have).

As for readings, I think I'm just going tohave to print them all out and let Mr. Picky aka FH pick out ones' he likes, :disbelief:

[Uma]

Angela, I looked high and low for the most "open-armed" readings I could find, given that we're in an inter-religious relationship. There were many nice readings that emphasized heavily the aspect of being the chosen people and such, so in the end the Song of Songs one was the best choice for us; I agree it's not so common. My husband wouldn't really mind (he went through several hours of precana without a worry!), but it was important to me.

[lizaanne]

Ok - going to try this again. The first two verses from Songs will be read as one reading, but by a man then a woman as in response to each other. Then we will have about four verses of the Psalm, then the next Old Testiment reading, then Psalm again, then New Testiment, then Gospel. The readings build from a romantic love, to the one true sacrafice of love, the love of and for Christ. Our focus in choosing our readings was to emphasize the sacrafice of Love and marriage, while at the same time speaking of the beauty and purity of love in the proper context.

Wedding Readings

Song of Songs 6:9 - 6:10
*My dove Is my only one, perfect and mine. She is the darling of her mother, the favourite of the one who bore her. Girls have seen her and proclaimed her blessed, queens and concubines have sung her praises, "Who is this arising like the dawn, fair as the moon, resplendent as the sun, formidable as an army?"

Song of Songs 3:1-3:4

By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.
The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?
It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
-- The word of the Lord.
*

The Book of Tobit 8:5 - 8:7

She stood up, and they began praying for protection, and this was how he began:
You are blessed, O God of our fathers;
blessed too is your name
for ever and ever.
Let the heavens bless you
and all things you have made
for evermore.
You it was who created Adam,
you who created Eve his wife
to be his help and support;
and from these two the human race was born.
You it was who said,
"It is not right that the man should be alone;
let us make him a helper like him."
And so I take my sister
not for any lustful motive,
but I do it in singleness of heart.
Be kind enough to have pity on her and on me
and bring us to old age together."
-- The word of the Lord.


Psalm 119 (R:"Lord, how I love your law!")

57 Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
129 Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.
130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Romans 5:6 - 5:9

When we were still helpless, at the appointed time, Christ died for the godless. You could hardly find anyone ready to die even for someone upright; though it is just possible that, for a really good person, someone might undertake to die. So it is proof of God's own love for us, that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. How much more can we be sure, therefore, that, now that we have been justified by his death, we shall be saved through him from the retribution of God.
*-- The word of the Lord.

Matthew 10:37-10:39

*"No one who prefers father or mother to me is worthy of me. No one who prefers son or daughter to me is worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it."

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Thats a lot of readings Liza we had the first second psalm and gospel but I do like your readings.

[*Ashley*]

Okay, the Book of Tobit -- I have NEVER heard of that in my life and it's one of our options -- I don't get it. What's the deal with the Book of Tobit? Even when I learned the books of the Bible when I was younger there was NOOOO Tobit.

[Maria 05]

Maybe its another book renamed I always found eccleisasticus (I can not spell) hard as it was renamed in some versions of the bible

[lizaanne]

Ashley - if you happened to attend a Protestant Bible study, you would not have heard of some of the books in the Bible, because they have chosen to exclude them to suit their own beliefs. Only the Catholic Bible has all the books, and Tobit is one of them.

~Liza

[mswordwiz]

Book of Tobias maybe? I have heard of this, but was not given options from here for our readings....

[lizaanne]

See this - it should help clear things up:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Books_of_the_Bible

~Liza

[Maria 05]

I am still a bit muddled but that did help a little

[lizaanne]

Try this Maria: http://forum.catholic.org/viewtopic.php?t=30055&highlight=books+bible+protestant+catholic+differen t

:)

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Thanks Liza.

Oh bythe way I attended mass on Sunday

[lizaanne]

Oh bythe way I attended mass on Sunday

YAY!!!! :jump4joy:

The readings on Sunday were awesome too! I nearly cried when I heard the Epistle about marriage. How appropriate with FH coming on Friday, he commented about it to me as well that he thought it was so perfect for our last Sunday apart.

So glad you went! I'm sure God was even happier to see you there. :)

~Liza

[Maria 05]

They were "Lord who would we go to you have the message of eternal life." I am going to try really hard again next week

[lizaanne]

Ok ladies - if you are looking for some FANTASTIC Catholic novels to read, these are amazing!

I'm reading the first of the three for probably the fourth time now, I love them so much. You can get them free, with only a donation to cover shipping, on this site: http://www.catholicity.com/saintjude/

They are very fast reading, and the charicters and stories are excellent!!

ENJOY!!

~Liza

[Maria 05]

St Jude isnt he the partron saint of Hopeless Causes?

[lizaanne]

Well, Patron of Desperate Causes. :) My grandmother has an enormous devotion to St. Jude.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=127

~Liza

[*Ashley*]

So the King James Bible isn't a Catholic Bible?

Sooo cornfused :huh:

[Maria 05]

The king james isnt it is confusing

[lizaanne]

I don't get it all myself. I know there are prefered translations for use by Catholics, like the New American, or the Jerusalem Bible. Not all Bibles are acceptable, some of the more "modern" translations have inclusive language (calling God "she" and making all the pronouns gender neutral). This is absolutely not acceptable, it changes the intent and meaning of the original.

My FH prefers Jerusalem Bible, he feels it is the best and closest translation from the original texts.

The King James Bible has very pretty poetry, but as a translation it's not that accurate, and it does not include all the books of the Catholic Bible.

Yep - way confusing.

~Liza

[Vanessaness]

Wow I'm learning so much in here! :D

I think more then I did in RCIA! Thanks ladies!

[lizaanne]

Coolness! Keep those questions coming!

Ok Vanessa - you get to ask the next QOD!! :)

~Liza

[Vanessaness]

Thanks Liza!

Ok QOD:

Who's your favorite Saint? And why?

[Poloke]

Hi guys,

Wanted to stop in and say hello to everyone. I'm Catholic, born & raised. Went to Catholic school for most of my education as well.

Nowadays I'm more of a C & E Catholic.... and weddings & funerals.

Just stopping by to see everyone. :)

[lizaanne]

Hi Paula! Welcome! :bliss:

~Liza

[lizaanne]

QOD - Who is your favorite saint and why?

I don't have a particular personal favorite. Though I am currently reading the autobiography of St. Theresa of Avila. I like her attitude, and that she really seems like a real person to me, with all the same spiritual struggles and inadequacies we all have. I can relate to her more than some other saints who just don't feel "real" to me, either because they lived so very long ago, or led such amazing lives I just can't relate.

Take a look at the saint list on www.catholic.org sometime and read the stories, like for your wedding date or birthdate. It's so interesting to read what our good Catholic martyrs endured for their/our Faith. Cutting off of tongues, being burned, torn apart piece by piece. All for professing the Catholic Faith. Amazing. It sure does make being picked on a bit for being Catholic at times a little petty when you think about it. They died so we could have our Faith still. Don't forget to remember them in your prayers! :)

~Liza

[purple_octopus]

I don't know if I really have a "favorite" saint. But St. Anthony and St. Isidore are the two that are called upon the most. :)

[*Ashley*]

Just thought I'd share that my FMIL is driving me crazy about our classes. She assumes she knows everything (when I have spoken to the people at the church and know what we need to do) and is being obnoxious. She told me to make sure I research the priests (we have already been assigned one and he's MAGNIFICENT, he married our friends and went from our church where he is a priest to theirs just to marry them) and ldfga;o itgh;owrg Oh my God she's driving me NUTS!

Our church says our readers SHOULD be practicing Catholics, it doesn't say that they HAVE to be, so 1 is, 2 aren't. She told me not to worry, if we need readers they have plenty of Catholics, HA HA.

I do not want a Catholic wedding right now for principle (I'm sorry y'all don't understand but I need to vent) of the matter. The readers in my ceremony are people who are actually VERY special to me, not just Catholic family members I will meet for the first time at the wedding.

Oh my gosh everytime I think about this it makes me pissed off and raises my blood pressure. She's driving me nuts -- Michael says she'll just wear you down until you give in and that pisses me off even more so it makes me more stubborn and now I want to tell her we're not starting our classes until January, which was our original intent. (6 months prior is all we have to do and it takes only once a month for 4 months).

GAHHH.

Sorry, thanks for listening, carry on about your business.

[Maria 05]

St Patrick
Ignore the myths the parade and the hype and he is a man who often struggled with his faith and tried to do God's will with the Pagan Irish.

I also have to say Thomas I have great respect for him doubts and all this is going to sound strange but I remember been given extra homework for writing about him in a modern court room setting. I had that his testomny of seeing the Risen Lord and not believing what the women and the ten were telling him putting a seed of belief in some of the jurors (course Sister "Ann" was furious and I had to copy out part of the bible for punishment) but I still think Thomas was a brave man and human his heart must have been broken and maybe he thought the ten were playing a very mean trick on him and then his cry "My lord and my God" that must have been from the heart and full of love

[Maria 05]

I don't know if I really have a "favorite" saint. But St. Anthony and St. Isidore are the two that are called upon the most. :)
Who is Isidore I have never heard of him St Anthony is always locating my keys

[lizaanne]

St Patrick
Ignore the myths the parade and the hype and he is a man who often struggled with his faith and tried to do God's will with the Pagan Irish.

I also have to say Thomas I have great respect for him doubts and all this is going to sound strange but I remember been given extra homework for writing about him in a modern court room setting. I had that his testomny of seeing the Risen Lord and not believing what the women and the ten were telling him putting a seed of belief in some of the jurors (course Sister "Ann" was furious and I had to copy out part of the bible for punishment) but I still think Thomas was a brave man and human his heart must have been broken and maybe he thought the ten were playing a very mean trick on him and then his cry "My lord and my God" that must have been from the heart and full of love

Maria - this sounds like a fascinating paper!! I love looking at things from the past in a current context. It brings things that are difficult to understand, into a context that we can relate to. Very cool idea!

~Liza

[Maria 05]

I think I have the orginal somewhere I will type it up and post it just dont give me verses of Revelations to copy out :lol:

[purple_octopus]

Who is Isidore I have never heard of him St Anthony is always locating my keys
He is the patron saint of computers. FH teaches networking (and other computer science classes) at a technical college, and he has a network set up here at home for experimentation purposes. I am constantly asking St. Isidore to intercede whenever FH makes some "changes". :p

St. Isidore (http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainti04.htm)

[lizaanne]

I think I have the orginal somewhere I will type it up and post it just dont give me verses of Revelations to copy out :lol:

Cool!! :heee:

~Liza

[lizaanne]

He is the patron saint of computers. FH teaches networking (and other computer science classes) at a technical college, and he has a network set up here at home for experimentation purposes. I am constantly asking St. Isidore to intercede whenever FH makes some "changes". :p

St. Isidore (http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/sainti04.htm)

Is there a patron saint for husbands who try to fix things they don't know how to fix? I'm sure many of us could use THAT one! :lolroll:

~Liza

[Maria 05]

Wouldnt that be the Desperate cause ie Jude again...poor Jude he seems to have a lot on his plate.

[mswordwiz]

My favorite saints are somewhat occupational related.

I am a firefighter/paramedic with a nursing degree (and work in all 3 occupations) so my favorite saints are:

St. Francis Assisi-I have read his Canticle of the Sun and he would have to be my all time favorite saint
St. Florian-patron saint of Poland and firefighters
Michael the Archangel-patron saint of EMT's and Paramedics
St. Martin de Porres-patron saint of Public Health
St. Catherine of Siena-one of the patron saints of nursing

My favorite saint growing up was the saint for whom our church was named
St. Cyril of Jerusalem

[Poloke]

st. anthony here....

[*Ashley*]

Which Saint is the one you pray to to help you find things you've lost? I tend to need his help quite often, so I would say him (St. Anthony is it?)

[lizaanne]

Ok ladies - please add us to your prayers. My sweet FH is arriving from England on Friday night!! He's currently in Scotland with his parents for a bit, but will leave there tomorrow to go back to Sheffield, England, then down to Gatwick to fly to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :bliss:

~Liza