I hope no one finds this offensive,but because of some past threads which referred to real anxiety and fear over the outcome of events at the first of the year, I think it is important for those of us of the Catholic Faith to remember that we have several means of allaying such fears. They are the sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession) and the Holy Eucharist. I remember reading an article quite some time ago in the secular press which stated some official conclusion that Catholics have more positive results in going to Confession than they would seeing a psychiatrist. I realize it's probably not wise to make a general statement like that, but I believe there is much truth to it. As we come to the end of this year, this century and this millennium, with all the unknowns, I certainly don't want to neglect preparing for the ultimate end of my life by forgetting to get my soul right with God. I know others have different opinions, but I hope you Catholics will think about this. Thank's for the opportunity to express my belief. God bless. Mary

-- Mary (SWEEP6@prodigy.net), November 19, 1999

Answers

Mary,

One of the best things I have seen in years is the signing of Chuck Colson's "SOLA FIDES" letter by members of the Church Heirarchy. Finally, my Catholicism and my Christianity can be reconciled.

Chuck

-- Chuck, a night driver (rienzoo@en.com), November 19, 1999.

And God bless you and yours, Mary. The unburdening of the soul which occurs during the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the comfort the believer takes from trusting in Jesus through the agency of His Priest, is difficult to measure, but many observers have noted the lower rates of depression and suicide among Catholics. Of course, even the curative powers of confession pale in significance to the miracle of the Eucharist. Here Christ humbles himself in the form of Bread, as promised at the Last Supper. O triune God! We turn to you in joy, in confidence, knowing full well that this world is passing, that all material things are fleeting, and that only You are the Author of Time and Creation. What hope there is in Jesus Christ! Turn to Him in complete confidence! No one who has will ever be disappointed. This world, with its weaknesses and foibles, hatreds and lies? It is a passing mirage.

-- John Howard (oldtower@mittel.europa), November 19, 1999.

Mary,

May God bless you for your love of Truth and your brave and bold evangelistic zeal. May grace lead many to follow your suggestion.

Chuck,

I recommend a book by Fr. William Most (avail from Christendom Press - but can also be read online at Trincomm.org, or the library at EWTN.com) "The Thought of St. Paul".

-- cl@sky.com (cl_sky@excite.com), November 19, 1999.

John,

Thank you so very much. You expressed much more beautifully exactly what I was trying to convey. I pray that those who have neglected the Sacrament of Reconciliation out of fear or embarrassment will be inspired soon to seek this means of peace of mind and soul. If it has been some years since your last confession, just pick up a telephone book and call any Catholic Church. I'm sure the priest would be very happy to help you. Mary

-- Mary (SWEEP6@prodigy.net), November 19, 1999.

To any Cath. out there who is already participating in the sacraments: May I suggest tha you also consider picking up the rosary again. Visionaries claim that Mary has offered special protection to those that pray this way.

Gee, that's what, five posts in a row w/o some anti-religious scoffing..? What gives?

-- ave maria (say@your.beads), November 19, 1999.

Mary,

Thanks for your wonderful post. I think this is an especially perfect time to be reminded to renew our faith - just a week before Thanksgiving. God bless you and yours.

-- Scarlett (creolady@aol.com), November 19, 1999.

Forum Catholics:

Here is a website for some good Catholic links:

www.apparitions.org/links.html#other

-- Scarlett (creolady@aol.com), November 19, 1999.

Lane's World CatholicPage

David Palm's "What Will You Do When the Chips Are Down?"

-- Lane Core Jr. (elcore@sgi.net), November 19, 1999.

Mary, Just when I was getting ready to completely write off this forum, along comes your post. I have lurked for about 6 months, only posting one time before this. Thank you for bringing to mind once again the Sacraments we have at our disposal. I also appreciated the responses from John, Chuck, ave maria and Scarlett. Hopefully Lane Core Jr. can add a few thoughts as well. I came back to the faith in '99 after a twelve year absence. It's good to know that there are Catholics out there who are other than nominal and obtuse. Too bad this forum has to be inundated with the inane banal rantings, profanities and ad hominen attacks of juveniles in arrested states of cognitive development. It really is an annoying phenomenon. Perhaps we could start a little Catholic 2000 group in the remaining 40-some days before rollover. pax Christi tecum, -PF P.S. The first time I started to take the Y2K problem seriously was after coming across an article in Envoy magazine. It was written in '98 (oops, there I go using only 2 digits), but is still relevant today. I actually sent it to every email address in my book in hopes that some might give it some serious reflection. If any of you are interested you can read it at: http://envoymagazine.com/samplearticles/november_december98/coverstory .html

-- PF (pf@sk.sympatico.ca), November 19, 1999.

Lane! There you are. Thanks for posting that URL. I was off line when I was writing my email and didn't see your response. Good work. pax, -PF

-- PF (pf@sk.sympatico.ca), November 19, 1999.

Hello-

I'm not here to be a pain, because I happen to adore Mary, but some of us who love Jesus understand that even HE sweat drops of blood over the FEAR of His imminent death. He stoically kept His mouth shut when they were cursing Him and spitting on Him and beating Him and shoving thorns into His head , and shoving Him in the back to make Him walk faster even though He was dragging a cross -

But Prior to that, He pled with God: "I don't WANT to do this. Please, God... let there be some other way...Nevertheless...Your will...not mine."

Which makes me love Him all the more. We WILL have fear in(of) this world. Cause God the Son Himself experienced it. If we think we're any stronger than Him we're greatly fooling ourselves. But, like Jesus, we ultimately have to say: "Nevertheless, your will, not mine."

And I know all the 'teachings' on fear, I know all the WORDS - but I also know that Jesus - the Man - was afraid of dying. And there AIN'T anybody stronger than Jesus. They don't GET any stronger. Jesus is the ultimate strongman. What makes Jesus so fantastic is that when He came to earth, as a Man, He CHOSE not to be superhuman. He CHOSE to feel pain. And when you know what Pain feels like, it's hard not to be afraid. Sometimes I think the people who say they aren't afraid have never felt pain. And when the rubber meets the road the people who have experienced pain are going to be the ones less likely to freak out if things go Bad Wrong. They will be the ones most able to say"Your will, not mine."

But I agree with you heartily that Jesus gives the PEACE - even in the midst of tribulation - that passes understanding. Maybe that was the gist of what you were saying. No matter How much money is paid to a shrink - he will Never give the peace of mind that Jesus gives for Free.

-- Doorbaby (templeofmyGod@heaven.com), November 19, 1999.

There's a regular Catholic email listserv at CatholiCity . Actually, there's two, a prep list and a technical list, I've been a subscriber to the prep list since it began last year. I like to remember that Mass was said for 1900 years before electricity became widespread. The Catholic Church has a long institutional memory, and this won't be the first time it has had to deal with multiple crises.

-- robert waldrop (rmwj@soonernet.com), November 19, 1999.

Would one of you explain why you think that it is necessary to confess your sins to a priest. Why not go directly to God?

Also, if Mary is neither omnipotent, omnipresent or omniscient, how is it possible that millions of prayers are heard by her?

Just a couple of questions from an ex-Roman Catholic that finally saw the Light. (that would be Jesus)

-- Believer (layit@thecrossofJesus.calm), November 19, 1999.

Believer,

This was an OT thread that was specifically addressed to Catholics, already beyond the scope of this forum, but greatfully left here by the sysops. Beyond being terribly rude, your polemics take this even further from the mission of the forum.

Rather than degrade from the rather beautiful gesture this thread has turned into, why don't you post a real e-mail address and I'll be glad to discuss the errors and dangers of personal interpretation of the Scriptures an a more appropriate, private venue. My e-mail address works, look forward to hearing from you.

In the likely event you aren't interested in a private discussion seeking Truth, the short answer to your questions: 1. Because Christ wills us to, and commanded the Apostles to hear confessions and forgive sins. You got a concern about it - ask Jesus why HE established it that way. 2. How? The same way she was conceived without sin, became pregnant without knowing man, the same way fallible creatures penned infallible texts, by the will of God and power of the Holy Spirit.

Peace

-- cl@sky.com (cl_sky@excite.com), November 19, 1999.

Mary,

What you have started with this thread is AMAZING. I always thought that perhaps all of society has fallen away from thinking about what God and the wonderful role the Christian religion (Catholic or otherwise) can do for us in the modern world. Rarely are such topics presented in public conversations, forums, etc. But as evidenced here, the people haven't turned from God and the great instituition of Christianity. Rather, it has become a bit politically incorrect and even self-defacing to claim to know and love some "Silly Jesus". But when one brave soul, like yourself, proclaims to know and love the Trinity and the gifts from heaven without fear of ridicule, then a majority come out of the woodwork feeling vindicated about their own similar beliefs and subsequently speak of similar beliefs. I think it is wonderful to witness this in cyberspace and I hope to see more of it. It gives me such great hope for the world. God Bless you Mary and all of those who spoke here for the billions of Christians worldwide, you are all truly "lights of the world".

Jack

P.S. I have been saying the rosary since I was 5 years old and boy what a weapon. I have a really nice 12 gauge shotgun but it is like a pea shooter compared to the power in the prayer of Our Lady's rosary.

-- Jack (mercer@usa.net), November 19, 1999.

I just went to Confession a couple weeks ago, and I believe I will make it a point to do so again before year's end. Who knows how easy it will be to go to Mass regularly during any Troubles? Fact, I'll go down to the Latin Mass on Christmas. Even wear good clothes!

-- Scarecrow (Somewhere@over.rainbow), November 19, 1999.

Doorbaby,

Thanks for the post. Remember also Jesus words to Peter after his agony in the Garden, where he indicated to Peter that if he so indicated his angels would fight on his behalf. If He wished, when He was being spit upon, whipped, beaten or crucified He could have destroyed his accusers (and all humanity) forever. What a fearful challenge and unimaginable depth of Love.

-- PD (PaulDMaher@att.worldnet.com), November 20, 1999.