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
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 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
Whatever happened to St. Christopher? Is he still a saint? Yes, St Christopher is still a saint Tradition holds that he died at Lycia on the southern coast of Asia Minor about the year 251 Various legends surround his life The most popular is that he was a rather ugly, … 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