Category: Sacrament

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Where does our soul go after death?

The Church teaches us that the immortal soul of the human being receives a particular judgment where it can begin its purification process before being able to be before the presence of God, or either enter directly into the blessedness of Heaven, or immediately condemn itself forever (CCC 1022).

Although our destiny as Catholics who follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ is that dwelling in the Kingdom of Heaven that our Lord has prepared for us (John 14:2). We gain that dwelling by following His teachings and fulfilling the sacraments that our Lord left us, especially with the sacrament of holy communion, through the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, truly present in the consecrated host and wine, through which we will have eternal life. (John 6:53-54). If our sins do not allow us to fulfill this sacrament, let us first go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, so that after sincere repentance they are forgiven, without forgetting to also comply with penance or reparation for them.

It is this last part that we must firmly comply with, since it is what allows us to enter directly into the presence of God when the time of our judgment arrives; failure to do so will lead our soul to a process of purification after death, in order to obtain the holiness necessary to be able to enter the joy of Heaven (CCC 1030).

It is also important to honor the memory of the deceased and offer suffrages in their favor, so that once purified, they can reach the beatific vision of God (CCC 1032). We can do this by dedicating masses and works of penance to them, as well as obtaining indulgences for the sanctification of the souls in purgatory.

Let us frequently participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, let us repent of all our sins, and faithfully carry out our penance so that we can share the glory with our Lord. Let us dedicate masses, works of penance and indulgences for the blessed souls in purgatory for their complete sanctification.

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Can I celebrate mass at home?

A special occasion is coming up in my family, and we would like to celebrate it with a mass. Can mass be celebrated at my house? Although celebrating a mass in our home can be considered an honor and a great blessing, there are conditions for this to be done. The documents of the Catholic Church tell us that the celebration of the Eucharist must take place in a sacred place, for example, a cathedral, a church, a chapel or a shrine; unless a case of particular necessity requires otherwise, and in that case, it must be done in a decent place (Canon 932 § 1).

But what could be these situations of particular need? For example: there is no Catholic church nearby, such as in places of armed conflict or trapped on the road after a snow storm. Another special occasion is when the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is celebrated when a faithful is seriously ill, since it is recommended that this sacrament be celebrated within the Eucharist (CCC 1517). Or when the existing church is too small for the community, it can be celebrated in another appropriate place that is worthy of such a great mystery (GIRM 288).

The diocesan Bishop shall be the judge for his diocese concerning this necessity, on a case-by-case basis (Redemptionis Sacramentum 108)

Once permission has been obtained from the diocesan Bishop to celebrate a mass outside a sacred place, there are conditions that must be met:

Instead of a consecrated altar, a suitable table can be used for the Eucharistic Sacrifice, always with a cloth and corporal (Canon 932 § 2).

The celebration of Holy Mass is not to be inserted in any way into the setting of a common meal, nor joined with this kind of banquet. Mass is not to be celebrated on a dinner table nor in a dining room or banquet hall, nor in a room where food is present, nor in a place where the participants during the celebration itself are seated at tables. If out of grave necessity Mass must be celebrated in the same place where eating will later take place, there is to be a clear interval of time between the conclusion of Mass and the beginning of the meal, and ordinary food is not to be set before the faithful during the celebration of Mass. (RS 77)

Let us have reverence for the sacramentality of the great mystery that is the Holy Eucharist, let us go to our local church to celebrate and bless those special occasions in our lives and by being surrounded by holiness in such a sacred place, may this allow us to advance further in our own calling to holiness. (Matthew 5:48)

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What must I do to be ready for the Second Coming of Christ?

I regularly come to mass and support with the offering, is this enough to be admitted to the kingdom of heaven? Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us through parables the importance of being ready for the end of times (Matthew 13:47-50, Matthew 25:1-13, Luke 16:19-31), he also tells us that we do not know neither the day nor the hour in which it will arrive (Matthew 25:13).

“We have to be ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be really attentive to the Gospels; makes us ready, the messages we hear in the Gospels at every Mass constantly remind us to be kind, to be charitable, to speak well of one another, to be ready in the presence of Jesus with our actions, to go to the table of the Lord, because there is where we get the food we need to get ready. Let us also remember that at the end of the Mass, we are told to go and be Eucharist for others, to go in peace to share what we have seen and heard at Mass. It is our job at the end of the mass to bring the good news to others, to be ready, to live honest and morally correct lives.” i

To be ready we must follow the example of Christ, love God above all things and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40), do everything possible to be able to participate in the Lord’s supper, and fulfill our mission to evangelize.

To follow Jesus Christ implies following his teachings, commemorating the paschal sacrifice, and above all participating in said sacrifice, which is the Holy Eucharist, since we have to eat the body of Christ because He is the living bread that came down from heaven, and the one who eats from that bread you will have eternal life. (John 6:51)

I Poth, Thomas “Homily” 8:00 AM Mass, 1 Sep. 2023, The Parish of Saint Patrick, Bay Shore

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Who can receive communion at mass?

Jesus Christ said “Whoever feeds upon my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 6:54), therefore it is necessary as a Catholic to receive communion of the body of Christ, but what are the requirements to receive communion at mass?

The Church tells us that there are conditions to be able to receive communion: being a baptized Catholic and having made First Communion, since as part of our initiation into the Catholic Church we must have been baptized and practice our faith.

Not being aware of having committed a serious sin; he who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must first make a perfect contrition, that is, repent of the sin committed, moved by love for God, by the pain of having offended him (CCC 1451,1452); and then go to the sacrament of reconciliation (CCC 1456). In the case of venial sins, these will be absolved after the penitential act if we are truly sorry for having committed them (GIRM 51).

Do not live in an irregular situation; that is to say, living as a couple in a free or only civil union; having divorced after a Catholic marriage and remarrying or living with a new partner. (Familiaris Consortio 80, 81, 82, 84)

Practice Eucharistic fast, that is, not having eaten or drunk one hour before Holy Communion (Canon 919 §1)

Receive communion devoutly and respectfully, holy communion within the Catholic Church is a sacrament, that is, a visible sign of an invisible truth, we as Catholics, unlike other Christian denominations, believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated host and wine (CCC 1374), and it is by showing due respect to God-Son that we receive him in communion.

Let us then receive Holy Communion acknowledging in the Eucharist the real presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us fast for purification before attending mass, let us go to the sacrament of reconciliation if we are aware of having committed a serious sin and confess it together with any other venial sin that we have committed, and let us do everything possible to solve any irregularity that prevents us from enjoying the paschal banquet that brings us eternal life

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What is the Role of Godparents and Sponsors for Confirmation According to Catholic Teaching?

According to Catholic teaching, the role of godparents and sponsors for Confirmation is to provide spiritual support and guidance to the candidate as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Here are the key aspects of their roles:

  1. Godparents/Sponsors Selection: Godparents are typically chosen at the time of Baptism, while sponsors are chosen specifically for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Both godparents and sponsors should be practicing Catholics who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist.
  2. Spiritual Guidance: Godparents and sponsors are expected to provide ongoing spiritual guidance and support to the candidate. They should serve as role models of faith and encourage the candidate to deepen their relationship with God and the Church.
  3. Faith Formation: Godparents and sponsors have a responsibility to help the candidate grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith. They may assist in preparing the candidate for the sacrament by teaching them about the significance of Confirmation, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and the responsibilities of living as a confirmed Catholic.
  4. Prayer and Encouragement: Godparents and sponsors should pray for the candidate regularly, both individually and together. They should also offer words of encouragement and provide a listening ear when the candidate has questions or concerns about their faith journey.
  5. Representation and Support: During the Confirmation ceremony, godparents or sponsors often stand with the candidate as they make their profession of faith. They represent the Catholic community and offer their support and encouragement as the candidate receives the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
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How important is the celebration of Pentecost for Catholics?

Fifty days after Good Friday, the Catholic Church celebrates Pentecost Sunday. Where does this celebration come from and how important is it for us Catholics? To find the origins of Pentecost we must go back to the day when the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt finally took place, specifically on Passover day, since it was the next day that Pharaoh finally allowed them to leave Egypt, after traveling through the desert for seven weeks, Moses climbs Mount Sinai and receives the ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), these two dates are still important for our older brothers in faith, the Jewish people.

That is why on that day of Pentecost there were gathered in Jerusalem many Jews and converts to Judaism whose regular language was not Hebrew or Aramaic, since they had been born outside the kingdom of Judah, since this was one of the Jewish religious festivals that required pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

It is on this date, and just as Jesus Christ had announced to His disciples (John 14:15-17), it happened that while they were meeting in secret for fear of the authorities, the Holy Spirit enters the house where they were and fills it completely, all the disciples were then filled with the Holy Spirit and went out to proclaim the good news, the Gospel, to everyone; and all who heard them, heard them in their own languages (Acts 2:1-11).

The reception of the Holy Spirit by the disciples and the revelation of the Gospel to all peoples marks the birth of the Universal Church: the Catholic Church. The disciples received the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit just as we received them through the Sacrament of Confirmation, and it is by using these gifts that they can communicate the good news to all who are willing to listen, just as it is our mission to take the Gospel to those around us.

Let us cultivate the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit strengthened in us through the Sacrament of Confirmation, in which we are sealed to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ.

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Why do I have to get married by the Church?

When we start to reflect when Jesus explains the alliance that a marriage means, an alliance for life (Matthew 19:4-9). We may have been tempted to think the same as his disciples the first time they heard His words, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry” (Matthew 19:10). So why should we seek the sacrament of marriage?

Although we can establish a union through a legal contract, this does not take us far from the days when marriage was simply a consent between the groom and the father of the one who would be the wife. We as children of God and heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven by the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, are called to ask God to bless our union, as Tobias
recognized before consummating his marriage (Tobit 8:4-8).

Once blessed by the sacrament of marriage, consecrated by the grace of our baptism, and following the call to holiness that Jesus Christ gave us (Matthew 5:48), our mutual mission as a married couple is now, through our actions, that a once the time of the final judgment has arrived, our spouse is deserving of the Kingdom of Heaven, work for our mutual sanctification, because now we are no longer two but one. One in our walk of faith, one in the formation of our children, one alone in the example we set for others. Jesus Christ himself has told us that we are to be known by our fruits (Matthew 7:16-20).

Jesus Christ elevated the ceremony of marriage to a sacrament at the wedding at Cana, performing the miracle of turning water into wine; so also Jesus Christ has turned us into new wine through the purifying water of our baptism, let us accept the call of Jesus Christ to live in holiness, and if we ever have problems in our marriage let us turn to Mary, our mother, who with her wise words always is going to advise us: “Do everything He tells you” (John 2:5).

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When should I receive the anointing of the sick?

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, often referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for those in immediate danger of death but also for those suffering from physical, mental, or spiritual sickness. Jesus Christ establishes this sacrament through his ministry healing the sick, and entrusting His disciples that they also do it (Mark 6:12-13).

This is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived (CCC 1514).  If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case grave illness receive this sacrament again. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced (CCC 1515).

Like all the sacraments the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single sick person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s Passover. If circumstances suggest it, the celebration of the sacrament can be preceded by the sacrament of Penance and followed by the sacrament of the Eucharist. As the sacrament of Christ’s Passover the Eucharist should always be the last sacrament of the earthly journey, the “viaticum” for “passing over” to eternal life (CCC 1517).

The celebration of the sacrament includes the following principal elements: the “priests of the Church” —in silence— lay hands on the sick; they pray over them in the faith of the Church (James 5:14-15), this is the epiclesis proper to this sacrament; they then anoint them with oil blessed, if possible, by the bishop. These liturgical actions indicate what grace this sacrament confers upon the sick (CCC 1519).

The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties that go with the condition of serious illness or the frailty of old age. This grace is a gift of the Holy Spirit, who renews trust and faith in God and strengthens against the temptations of the evil one, the temptation to discouragement and anguish in the face of death (Hebrews 2:15). This assistance from the Lord by the power of his Spirit is meant to lead the sick person to healing of the soul, but also of the body if such is God’s will. Furthermore, “if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (CCC 1520).

Let us go without fear to receive this sacrament when we are sick, or already advanced in age, let us entrust ourselves to our Lord Jesus Christ before any major surgery and let us unite ourselves with the suffering and glorified Lord to relieve us and save us, let us surrender our suffering to join the Passion and Death of Christ; and thus contribute to the good of the People of God (CCC 1499)

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How should I prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ?

Advent is a time of preparation, to make us remember that we must be prepared for the moment that our Lord Jesus Christ returns to reign again victor over sin and death, He himself told us to be prepared, because we do not know what day is He coming, since He will come when we least expect it (Matthew 24:42-44).

What should we do then to be ready? Jesus Christ himself through all his ministry has taught us what to do, but He especially left us a guide in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6 and 7), the works of mercy (Matthew 25:35-40), and the sacraments (CCC 1210).

A very important part of our preparation involves receiving the sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ, to be completely part of His Church through the sacraments of initiation, namely; baptism, which frees us from all sins (CCC 1263); confirmation, which roots us more deeply as children of God and increases in us the gifts of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1303) and communion, through which we will have eternal life and are one with Christ (John 6:54-56). Blessing our unions through the sacrament of marriage, because the sanctification of our spouse is our mission (CCC 1661), and thus we love our spouse as Christ loves his Church (Ephesians 5:25). Cleanse our soul from sins committed by going to the sacrament of reconciliation, since, through repentance, confession and penance, we are reconciled again with God and His Church (CCC 1468).

Let us listen to the call made to us by John the Baptist, let us repent and confess our sins, receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit brought to us by Jesus Christ, let us practice the works of mercy, let us feed on the scriptures and on the Body and Blood of our Lord, in order to achieve eternal life.

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What must I do to inherit eternal life?

This is the question we must always keep in mind to evaluate our actions, our Lord Jesus Christ himself tells us: we must comply with the commandments, and abandon ourselves to the Lord (Mark 10:17-22). He was also very clear when he spoke with his disciples telling them that: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life ” (John 6:35-58). Our Lord also teaches us how we can eat his flesh and drink his blood, through the consecrated bread and wine in the mass (Luke 22:19). Jesus Christ is the spotless lamb who frees us from the slavery of sin (Exodus 12:3,5), the lamb who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). So, we already know what we must do to be able to get to heaven, we must be in communion with Jesus whenever we can and when are in the grace of the Lord.

But, what do I have to do to be in grace and thus be able to take communion? Jesus Christ also indicates which path we must follow, since He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6-7), we must follow the example of Christ, love God above all things and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40).

Jesus Christ knows that we want to be perfect, but that we have flaws and that many times we succumb to sin, that is why He left us a way to be able to purify ourselves in life from our sins and that is why he gave authority to the apostles (John 20:22-23) and their successors to be able to forgive our sins (CCC 1461), by means of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Jesus left us these sacraments, so that as pilgrim people to the new Jerusalem where we have the abode that our Lord has prepared for us (John 14:2), we can battle against earthly temptations, and to be able to heal the wounds of our soul the times when sin takes its toll on us.

Let us be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, Therefore let’s put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground, with the belt of truth buckled around our waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, let’s take up the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  (Ephesians 6:10-18)