What is excommunication? - Catholic Straight Answers The penitents were liturgically excommunicated from the Church and assigned to perform a penance, which usually lasted weeks, even months Once the penance was completed, the bishop formally lifted the excommunication, absolved the sinners, and welcomed them back into full communion with the Church
Ive been told the Masons have changed. Can Catholics join the Masons . . . Since the decree “In Eminenti” of Pope Clement XII in 1738, Catholics have been forbidden to join the Masons, and until 1983, under pain of excommunication (Please note that Freemasonry originated in England in 1717 ) Scanning official documents, the Church … Continued
If a priest leaves the priesthood, is he still able to perform the . . . In addressing this question, we must first remember that the Sacrament of Holy Orders, like Baptism and Confirmation, is a character sacrament Each character sacrament confers an indelible spiritual character upon the recipient These sacraments are not repeated and are … Continued
Can a Pope retire? Has a Pope ever retired in history? He also decreed that anyone guilty of simony (the selling of Church offices) would be excommunicated After Henry III returned to Germany, guess who appears again wanting to be Pope?
Can the seal of confession be broken or the secrets ever be revealed by . . . The mystery of the Sacrament of Penance causes much intrigue and curiosity People wonder, “Can the priest ever reveal what is said in confession?” The simple, straight answer is “no ” The standard of secrecy protecting a confession outweighs any form … Continued
If a priest is in the state of mortal sin, can he still offer the Mass . . . Donatus was condemned and excommunicated, not only for his heretical teaching but also for rebaptizing and ordaining apostates However, the heresy continued to plague the Church until Emperor Honorius renewed the condemnation of the Donatists and imposed severe civil sanctions against them in 411
What does the Church teach about fortunetellers, psychic counselors . . . As Catholics, we remember that the first commandment states, “I am the Lord thy God Thou shalt not have any gods before me ” When asked what was the greatest commandment, our Lord Jesus Christ, repeating the precept found in Deuteronomy, … Continued
Can I attend a same-sex wedding ceremony? The simple answer is as follows: If invited to such a ceremony, as stated above, one should decline, responding, “My religious beliefs hold that marriage is between a man and woman, and therefore I will not be able to attend,” … Continued
Is there any truth about the legend of “Pope Joan?” There was some controversy because the Byzantine Emperor attempted to have his own excommunicated son, Anastasius, installed as Pope The imperial forces with Anastasius invaded Rome, seized the Lateran palace, and imprisoned Pope Benedict The faithful of Rome, however, refused to accept Anastasius and rebelled
Can you tell me more about the Inquisition? Part 2 Wherefore if forgers of money and other evil-doers are forthwith condemned to death by the secular authority, much more reason is there for heretics, as soon as they are convicted of heresy, to be not only excommunicated but even put to death