Iama Roman Catholic Priest. AMAA.

Does your father call you father? Just curious...

No! But I have teased them on occasion about it.

No! But I have teased them on occasion about it.

Err...them?

Parents! I was thinking of my parents. Ha!

It's like that "they have become like one of us" quote in Genesis. Who was the "us" in that statement? The world may never know....

We like to speak in the first person plural, we do.

Would you rather baptize 100 baby-sized adults or 1 adult-sized baby?

Is the adult sized baby accompanied by gigantic sized parents?

Where do you get your black socks? You see, ordinary shops sell what look like black socks, but if you look closely, you'll see that they're very, very, very, very, very, very, very dark blue.

Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.

From Kohl's and anywhere they're on sale. Pretty boring of me. And they sometimes turn blue over time. I may need to go to a podiatrist.

I used to be Catholic, don't believe anymore, yet I still find myself defending you guys from people who seem to misunderstand a great deal about what Catholics actually believe. My question is, can I get my sainthood before I die or are they still pretty solid about that being a requirement?

First you have to call a crusade. We need one against reddit and the SPCA. Did you know that they wouldn't accept my amoebas at their shelters?

Heretics! That is profiling!

They are literally kitler!

literally kitler

Redditor for 4 years

Just what I suspected; there are Catholic priests on the Internet.

There are dozens of us! Dozens!

What's your opinion about the long spate of sexual scandals associated with the Roman Catholic church?

Any kind of abuse is horrific and child abuse is the worst form. I'm glad that we have taken steps to curtail it and that abuse has become almost nonexistent in the past 10-20 years (in the US, the only country I have read statistics for). I think that other countries' bishops conferences around the world should face the situation head on rather than waiting like the US and Ireland did. I'm glad that our popes have been encouraging us to fight abuse, too.

I'm an atheist who is in love with a cafeteria catholic... He wants to get married in the church (his family is very devout, but he's more relaxed) but I hear this can be problematic given my lack of... well... being catholic.

What steps will I have to take to marry a catholic?

First you talk to your priest. Then, depending on whether you're baptized or not, he fills out some paperwork. Then you do pre-cana classes to get prepared for marriage. Finally, you get married.

The criteria will differ for each diocese, but that should be roughly what you will be asked to do. I have done marriages similar to this and the Catholic Church is definitely familiar with cases like yours.

Thank you so much! This is extremely helpful. I was worried I would have to do things religiously that I wasn't comfortable with. This makes me feel much better. Thanks again!

Side question, I was baptized in a christian baptist church (before I left)... does that make a difference? Also, do they allow outdoor weddings, or is that a big no-no?

You're welcome. We don't force non-Catholics to be Catholic in order to marry in the Church. We do have other requirements.

The prior baptism does make a difference, but it should only speed things up, if I remember my canon law correctly. Your local priest will know and will help you out.

No outdoor weddings. Catholic weddings happen in Catholic churches. We're fine with outdoor receptions.

Just talked to him, apparently it's important to him to have a mass at the wedding... I'm sure that makes it much harder :(

Nope. You can have a Mass with only 1 Catholic spouse. The priest will just ask that you don't receive the Eucharist (because only Catholics in good standing are allowed to receive the Eucharist).

What's your favorite fictional film about Catholicism?

Good question. I really liked The Exorcism of Emily Rose because I enjoy a good scare now and then and because it portrayed us Catholics well. I feel the same way about The Conjuring, too.

Another one I found entertaining was the movie Priest with the priests killing the monsters. I saw that with some priest friends and the theology made us laugh.

You should totally see 'Hell Baby'. The best terrible portrayal of catholic priests I have ever seen.

Are we really, really ridiculously good looking in that movie? Do we teach people to read good?

Good picks, loved those movies for the same reasons. Although... they were allegedly based on a true story.

Which makes them even more frightening!

Doesn't it bother you when the theology, and even the churches are portrayed incorrectly on film? I was a Catholic School teacher, and, am a perfectionist. So, I find the portrayal of the Churches as Pre-Vatican II, frustrating, (candles, icons, excessive statuary, etc.)

That's why I don't watch movies where I know it's going to annoy me. There are some really bad portrayals out there.

I'm not /u/fr-josh, but I thought I would just throw out there that mine is Lord of the Rings. There's a lot of Catholic themes in there, which isn't surprising given Tolkein's beliefs.

Those were great movies. I've seen 'em all and the longer versions, too.

What tips do you have for making a good confession?

Are there any common confessing habits that annoy you?

Be honest and tell the priest if you're nervous or find the process difficult. Carry one of those printed guides with you if you have any difficulty with confession.

It's a little annoying when the person wants spiritual direction instead of confession (because it's not the place and because of the people in line behind the confessee), but other than that I don't find confessions annoying. Each person is different so each confession is different. Some people take a while to get everything out (whether major or minor) and some people take no time at all.

Was there at any time a confession you were really, seriously worried about? Either about the person him/herself or about the consequences of their actions? How did you feel, what did you do?

Priests are usually sworn not to reveal anything that is said in the confessional, unless there is a life-threatening danger concerning the confessor or another person. I may be mistaken though its been awhile since religion class haha.

No, we're never allowed to tie sins to a person. We are mandated reporters outside of confession.

I can reveal generics, like that I hear about sexual sins pretty frequently.

On the subject of confession, can you often tell who you're talking to? As someone not affiliated with the church, I've always assumed confession was supposed to maintain some anonymity.

In face to face confessions, yes I can. Behind the screen, it depends, but sometimes I can.

What would you like to see Pope Francis do next?

Be a brilliant administrator. He is doing well in other areas (mostly having to do with being charismatic and making us all look good), so I want him to get the 'nuts and bolts' of the papacy right, too.

I love this answer. What are some aspects of being an administrator that the average layman might not know about?

Clearing up the bureaucracy in the Vatican and encouraging sound financial policies worldwide would be two good areas to start in.

What, to you, is the most rewarding aspect of being a priest?

What is the most challenging?

Most rewarding: being involved in someone's life, especially when it's a difficult time for them. Example: going to the hospital late at night because someone is dying and the family needs a priest there. I find that very rewarding, even in the midst of sorrow for someone passing away.

There are many challenging aspects. One of them for me is administration and keeping on top of running a parish (especially with things like maintenance and all the paperwork my diocese asks for). It's also challenging and rewarding to deal with the people of the parish week in and week out. I try to make people happy, but sometimes we have to make difficult decisions that tick people off.

Who is your favourite non-Catholic philosopher?

Good question. I want to say Karl Rahner, but it's probably Socrates. I like the Socratic method and I find it useful in teaching and even a little with preaching.

Aren't you obligated, as a matter of Roman canon law, to say Aristotle?

Your mom is obligated! If she's Catholic.

First of all, thanks for doing this AMA. I have a few questions:

1) What brought you to the decision to become a priest?

2) What is your favorite bible quote(s)?

3) What do you do for fun?

You're welcome.

1) I have been around many priests and the vocation is attractive.

2) Matthew 16 from this past Sunday's Gospel is a favorite. It confounds a lot of people, which is fun.

3) I watch movies and hang out with friends and sometimes play computer games. I don't watch much TV any more outside of my favorite sports teams.

Pardon my ignorance, but what kinds of computer games interest you?

Mount and Blade Warband and Civilization 5 for the most part. I also just bought Torchlight II at the steam sale and it's looking good so far.

I'm so down to play some Civ 5 MP Father

We need to make some virtual holy wars happen asap!

Only if we all agree to kill Gandhi first.

I was hoping you would say World of Warcraft and that you play as a priest

I was a druid!

I am scandalized.

But I was so good at it!

Doesn't that make you a heretic?

DOESN'T YOUR FACE MAKE YOU A HERETIC?

Got 'im!

Probly the Diablo series.

Diablo III was too repetitive and grindy. Boring.

Is there nothing morally wrong with playing a game with such demonic themes? I was raised Christian and at different times was told things like pokemon, digimon, demonic themed things like wigi boards, tarot cards, video games, were not appropriate/sins.

I'm able to keep it separate from real life. Some people cannot, so those people shouldn't play Diablo.

Would you rather reason against 1 Thomas Aquinas sized Duns Scotus or 100 Duns Scotus sized Thomas Aquinas's?

The first one! I couldn't deal with one Thomas Aquinas, never mind 100 of them. Duns Scotus, even Thomistic size, just doesn't compare.

Father Josh, What type of gifts is the most appropriate for priests? Is it cash? giftcard? Do I give it after Mass personally, or do I hand it to the secretary? Thanks

We like money! And booze, usually. After Mass is fine (though we're rushed) and to the secretary is fine, too. Most people just give it to me directly after Mass or at the rectory some time during the week.

Priesthood = free booze? Where's the nearest seminary??

That would be like becoming a doctor to meet nurses. There are quicker ways that aren't as expensive or as time consuming.

Have you ever been verbally assaulted by anyone because of being a priest? If so, how did you handle the situation?

I think so, but obviously it didn't bother me enough that I remember it in detail. Most people either treat me well or ignore me if they don't care for Catholics.

When I receive abuse like that, then I try to pray for them and not let it bother me. I try to give everyone a lot of slack, so it would take some work to get me angry and make me do something I would regret.

What's the weirdest thing you've had to do as a priest?

I once did a memorial service in a bar. That was weird (and a lot of fun). They liked that I had a beer afterwards, too, and that I didn't mind going to where the people gathered.

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Yes, as long as it's the cheapest version of Chimay and the most expensive Chartreuse you can find. The media tends to have a story and then find quotes to back it up with regards to the popes, so I'm not holding my breath for a repeal of the discipline of celibacy for Roman Catholic priests.

The phrasing ("not holding my breath") made me wonder, and maybe this is a question best suited for an entirely new comment, or indeed too personal, but how do you feel about celibacy for yourself personally? How did it affect your decision to become a priest, if at all? And finally (although of course feel free to ignore this part) what are your personal sexual feelings/orientation, if any?

I discerned celibacy before and during seminary. It works for me and it works for my fellow Roman Catholic priests (and other Catholic priests, too). It affected my decision in that I had to make a real choice of it and had to realize that I wouldn't have a biological family.

I won't be clear about the last part (probably answered in a past AMA, anyways), but some of us priests are straight and some are gay.

What's the most disturbing thing you've ever had someone confess to you?

Reposting! I gave him 15 OC submissions as penance.

Honestly, they start to run together. I've heard most things and I've only been a priest for 5 years. No murder or abortion, yet, so those would probably disturb me the most. No child abuse, either, so I'm hoping I never hear any of those three.

This might be obvious to most people, but if you are told about a murder or child abuse, are you required to tell the police? If you do, do you feel guilty for doing so?

I cannot tie sins to any individual. I am a mandated reporter outside of confession, so if it happened in spiritual direction I would have to tell the police.

The Catholic Church's stance on Freemasons is pretty well established. If a known member of your congregation went up to receive communion and you noticed a Masonic ring on his hand, how would you react?

I don't know what those rings look like, but I would speak with him afterwards. It may be the case that it's a family heirloom and he's not a Freemason.

Fun story- a few weeks ago I had a guy shake my hand and he used the Freemason handshake (pinky finger a little higher than normal). I made a big deal of it in my mind until the following Sunday, when I noticed that it was permanent. Oops.

Permanent?

Like broken a long time ago and always kind of bent funny, so his handshakes are a little funny.

What do you think of Westboro Baptist Church ?

They're teaching incorrect things in a mean-spirited way. They're wrong and they're loud about it.

Do priests still perform exorcisms these days? Have you ever performed an exorcism and what was that like? If no, do you personally know someone who has

Yes. I don't, because I'm not an exorcist.

No I haven't. I have talked with an exorcist and it's a long process that's usually unlike Hollywood in every way.

I don't know who the local exorcist is, sorry.

What would be the procedure, then, if you don't know who the local exorcist is? Do you just, like, pick up the phone and call your boss?

I would call the diocese (chancery) and refer the person to them. They'll know who the local exorcist is.

How does someone get in line to become a pope? Or even a bishop or cardinal? Is it a matter of impressing your superiors? Or is there an application of sorts?

Being a cardinal is the usual way nowadays, though the only requirement is to be Catholic and male and not married, if I remember correctly. You could try wearing red feathers and eating bugs.

I think it is actually just any baptized Catholic male. Universi Dominici Gregis does not preclude a married man, and that makes sense as a married Catholic priest from an Eastern Rite that does not follow priestly celibacy could then theoretically be elected. It would also be difficult to justify a rule prohibiting married Popes since Peter himself was married (See Matthew 8:14).

Good point. The married man part might be more recent, seeing as we Roman Catholics are and the bishops in the East are celibate, too.

Father, what are some liturgical traditions that have fallen away in recent years (e.g. chanting responses) would you like to see brought back, and what are some you are glad are largely gone?

I'm glad that walking across the aisle to hold hands is mostly gone and I'd like to bring back some traditional hymns, but without driving people away or dumping every modern hymn.

How far can you punt a football?

20 yards, maybe. Will you pay me to punt further?

this will never get answered, way too controversial of a topic...

PROVED YOU WRONG, CHEESEHEAD.

Hello Father, it's that time of the year in my diocese where all of our priests begin their new assignments, and this never fails to cause controversy as people see their favorite priest move 50 miles away and get a new priest who's not exactly like the old one. What's the shuffle like for the priests?

It depends on how long a priest has been in the parish. I like starting fresh, but it's tough to leave friends behind. It's also tough moving further away from family and priest friends. It's always an adjustment, but it can be good for the priest and the parish.

How does being a priest effect your relationship with your family?

It seems like most of the priests I know ended up in parishes pretty far away from their families and I wonder how much time there is to see eachother and all that.

(My son is still very young but he had said a couple times that he'd like to be a priest - part of me thinks it'd be really great if he is called to the priesthood, but I also worry about not getting to see him much and not having grandkids if he is).

Many of us priests have siblings who aren't Catholic or who are actively Catholic, so that's a factor. As to my family, I am close with them, despite being some distance from their parish. I call my folks at least every week and I stay updated on their lives and they mine.

It depends on the diocese and the priest as to how much he'll see his family. It helps if you're close.

You would probably get to see him more than you fear, especially during the week (it's hard for us to get away on weekends).

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Just to hop in, while the Church doesn't require that we take the entirety of the Adam/Eve/Eden story literally, the important part is that there was a Fall, a first sin that led to our first parents' loss of sanctifying grace.

Exactly. We don't deem whole swathes as only literal or only metaphorical.

The Church has only ruled infallibly on a few verses of the Bible. If you'd like to know how verses are interpreted, then I encourage you to check out the Church Fathers and their views.

What is the best way to get rid of corruption in the church?

And what is your favorite music genre? and least favorite? and what is your favorite band/performer?

Face it head on and don't be afraid of conflict. Don't accept "business as usual" or "this is how we've always done it" and ordain bishops who are pastoral and will fight corruption.

I like country a lot right now. Least would be hardcore rap or metal. Favorite performer right now would be Billy Currington or Josh Turner. I like how Josh Turner sings.

Do you wear your collar and cassock everyday?

My family's priest has what I believe to be an endless supply of Hawaiian shirts

For me it's polo shirts.

I'm too fat for my cassock :(

I do wear my collar for every official event. It's my uniform, so I had better wear it.

What's the best thing you've seen people do during mass?

What's the worst thing someone can do during mass?

1. Pray and actively participate.

2. Liturgical dance. It looks ridiculous when it's three 50-something people in front of everyone doing interpretive dance. There are worse things to do, but that's one of the most annoying, in my opinion.

Does this include the hand motions to "Our God is an Awesome God"???

Never. Point at the ceiling until your heart is content.

What would you say the biggest sin in the world right now is, and what should Christians be doing to stop it?

Tough question. I would say that, here in the US, the biggest problem is selfishness and not wanting to accept responsibility. That might just be my area, though, and I'm mostly referring to people I see every week.

Sins such as murder and abuse and such are worse, but as a prevailing problem among the millions of Americans, selfishness is quite prevalent.

Jesuits or Dominicans?

Which ones drink more? Tough question. I'd go with Diocesan.

When have you been most tempted to leave the clergy? Or at least thought about doing it?

I haven't been strongly tempted since I've been a priest, but I did think seriously about it in seminary. If I didn't have doubts, then I don't think I would have been discerning correctly. Most seminarians have doubts just like I did because we all try to take the process seriously.

I have difficult days like everyone else does, but God has made it clear to me that priesthood is my vocation. I'm glad for it, too, because it's an awesome vocation.

As someone who was raised in the Catholic church, I've got a few questions for you.

How come new churches are being consecrated without a relic in the alter? Happened at a church near me recently, couldn't get any answers about it. They also decided to put cameras almost behind the alter. Yay.

How do you feel about the papacy moving in a more liberal direction?

How come the phrasing in the prayers was changed? I view it as pandering to make the language more explicit to avoid some of the hazy phrasing, but it destroyed the cadence of many of them, and honestly is a put off.

I have a handful of other questions that I've posed to a myriad of bishops and cardinals as well that still remain unanswered, but I don't want to be the person hurling questions that can only really be answered in a poor fashion.

How come new churches are being consecrated without a relic in the alter?

The most recent one I went to had a relic in there. I don't know about the others. Maybe they hate prayer.

They also decided to put cameras almost behind the alter.

They definitely hate it!!!1!

How do you feel about the papacy moving in a more liberal direction?

I don't think it is. I think most of that is misinterpretation and lack of knowledge about what the Church actually teaches (especially with regards to priestly celibacy).

How come the phrasing in the prayers was changed?

The original interpretation of the Latin wasn't accurate enough. Now it's much closer to what the Latin actually says.

but I don't want to be the person hurling questions that can only really be answered in a poor fashion

Well, I don't make much money, so all I have to offer are poor answers.

Hello, Fr.!

I'm a teenaged Roman Catholic of 17 years. My question is this:

Obviously there is not any theological problem with believing in a greater reality than our universe, such as a proposed multiverse. But if a multiverse allows for infinite universes, in which one of them contains copies of us, does that affect free will?

Hello!

I don't think it would affect our free will because we're still individuals and persons, even if copies might exist. We each have our intelligence (or not- I'm looking at you, moderators of /r/Catholicism) and free will. Even if other universes existed, that would only mean they went through history, too, rather than choices having no effects. That's how I see it. Good question!

Hey Father,

As a person born and raised Catholic, and who became disenfranchised with the church after JPII passed, I have once again found myself coming back to the church since the election of Francis I have a few questions.

1) Have you noticed yourself a rise in attendance, especially by the younger generations since Francis was elected?

2) How do you feel about the rumblings within the church about allowing priests to get married? Do you think it will bring more fresh faces to the cloth?

3) Do you have any beliefs not influenced by Catholicism that you hold to be 100% true? (ie Twizzlers are better than redvines)

Hello!

1) No. But, then again, we don't have that many young people to start with in my parish.

2) Priests cannot get married in our church or the Orthodox church. Some men get married before ordination, but that's primarily in the eastern Church. Anything with regards to the Roman Catholic Church is part of the "pastoral provision" or wishful thinking on the part of a reporter.

3) Vanilla is better than chocolate. Always.

Why would an omnibenevolent, omniscient, omnipotent (perfectly good,loving, all-knowing, all-powerful) god allow evil (satan, demons, etc) to torment (or have any interaction whatsoever) with - humankind? Furthermore, why would this god allow these entirely evil beings to exist at all?

Because of the value God puts in free will. God allows us to freely make choices, which often results in sin and evil, all for the sake of us choosing God and the good. Demons exist because they are angels that made a free choice of evil.

/u/fr-josh, I have a question for you. Why is Catholicism the best religion, and what makes it so cool and awesome? In how many dozens of ways do the teachings of the Catholic Church make our lives so much happier?

It's the best because we have St. John Paul II and he was the best. Ever.

Matthew 6 (particularly 6:5-8) would indicate that prayer should be a solitary and private thing, not something of public spectacle. How do you reconcile large masses with the admonishment not to pray to be seen by others, babbling on in many words. Doesn't Matthew instruct that that is not necessary for God to hear you?

Jesus prayed in the Temple and in synagogues in public. The apostles prayed in common, too. Both kinds are necessary. Catholicism is a "both/and" religion, so we like saying yes to both forms of prayer.

Jesus taught us to say "Our Father", not "my Father" and not just by ourselves.

Dominus vobiscum!

Do you belong to an order? If so, which one and why?

Do you foresee any 'death of 1000 exceptions' to the indissolubility of marriage coming from Rome during our lifetimes?

Et cum spiritu tuo! Or maybe I should be saying Dominus vobiscum.

I am a diocesan priest. I did discern some religious orders, but they weren't for me.

Do you foresee any 'death of 1000 exceptions' to the indissolubility of marriage coming from Rome during our lifetimes?

No. Some people talk about how the Orthodox define marriage, but it's intrinsically different our theology, so I don't see it happening.

Orthodoxy members, at least those I have talked to, indicate that the separation was the "fault" of the Western church and that if the Bishop of Rome were to recant the doctrine of infallibility, that the Eastern church we be open for reunification. Do you think that the 2 churches will ever reunite? (I personally think they have diverged too far apart for any real headway to be made on this front.)

There have been some reunifications, but infallibility was only explicit centuries after the Schism. Ecumenism is with individual Orthodox churches, so I think it's possible that we'll unite with some more but not all.

I would like to see Pope Francis achieve unity with the other Christian churches, but because we're all human I don't see it happening soon. I don't think we're too far because the Eastern Catholic churches are very similar to the Orthodox.

What is the most challenging part of being a priest?

Check out my answer up above.

I guess the biggie is... how do you feel about the fact that in many parts of the world the term Catholic Priest or Nun is now tainted by the sins of the sexual and physical abuse conducted by many people from your church (and indeed most others too) over the past decades? I'm 50 and when I was a young kid the term Priest was a 'safe' concept. Now its far more dangerous one. We all know it was only some, but I feel that things have changed for the worst.

And how do you feel, or even accept its true, about the reactions of the church to these rogue members, which was mainly to deny, hide and obfuscate before they were pulled kicking and screaming into acceptance?

I have answered about child abuse a couple of times already. As to your particular questions, around where I live it's not tied to abuse. People are usually either respectful or indifferent.

I don't know what you mean by "these rogue members." Who are you referring to?

I have this lingering question in mind. How can a sinful person like me (and many others here in reddit) become a decent christian?

The same way that the rest of us sinners do- try our best and rely on God for the rest. Reconcile after sinning and resolve to do better (and follow up on it).

Favourite catholic rock band?

Critical Mass, maybe? I don't listen to Christian or Catholic music much any more. I got burned out on it and switched to Country.

What diocese do you serve in? I'm Irish; do you feel like the church still holds responsibility for what it did in this country? Not just the child sex abuse, but the physical abuse that went on in church-run schools, the oppression of women, and the church's overwhelming influence on political policies and artistic censorship. My grandfather also used to talk about how as a child, he and his family grew up in squalor, along with many other working class families in Dublin, while the Archbishop McQuaid lived in what amounted to a palace.

I'm in the mid-atlantic region of the US.

We, as humans, are responsible for all of our actions. The Church in the US has been clear about this and has taken that responsibility. For more information, see my previous comments about it.

Thanks for doing this AMA!! One question: Have you seen this documentary about the Catholic Church by Louis C.K?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VABSoHYQr6k (Its a short 4 min)

What are your reactions to his criticisms? Where is he 100% wrong, if any at all?

You're welcome. No I haven't seen it. My experience with people who were Catholic until a certain age tend to have that age's understanding (e.g. left at 10, so have a 10 year old's understanding).

I stopped at 0:55 because it's obviously not an indepth understanding.

Do you (the Church)believe that miracles and spiritual gifts are still present today?

Yes. That's why we still require miracles to canonize saints.

Thank you so much for being a priest!

How do you try and encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life in your parish?

You're welcome! I talk about vocations and I interact with people as much as possible in the parish and outside the parish church and hall. I pray for vocations and I have gone to Catholic high schools to talk about vocations.

Have you seen the film Philomena? Any thoughts on it?

It portrayed Catholics in a very negative light.

I have not. I usually watch big budget movies for entertainment. I don't usually watch movies to be offended.

How many of your fellow priests/people working in the church do you know for a fact that doesn't truly believe in god?

Zero. They leave in seminary or shortly afterwards, in my experience. And the ones who do get ordain tend to have serious doubts, not actual atheism. It's tough enough to go through years of formation without relying on God.

Do you sympathize with why so many may think that the Catholic church is bad?

I understand that the church does a lot of good as well and has many great individuals, but man... the torturing, the hording, the murders, the hiding of the child molesters. Bullies can sometimes grow up to be great adults, but as far as I can tell the Catholic church - as a collective - still has a lot of bully in it.

I understand why people don't care for the Church. The Church is full of humans and we humans do terrible things (in addition to doing great things).

Much of what people think bad about the Church is misinformation, by the way. There's bad in plenty without making things up, as some have done.

Roman Catholicism, broadly speaking, is a mystery religion. However upon closer review, having been baptized and going through confirmation, I've yet to be inducted into any further mysteries beyond the Trinity and The Mystery of Faith (by which I mean the Memorial Acclimation, Christ has died...).

How does one go about having the other Mysteries revealed? Is this a priest only thing or did I miss something in the catechism?

We have mysteries, but we're far from a typical mystery religion.

Do you mean mysteries in a sense like the Orthodox might use them? Are you talking about Sacraments?

While some things are ultimately mysteries, one can find knowledge and understanding in a pursuit of philosophy and theology.

Did you see the Southpark episode about sexual abuse and if so what did you think of it? Obviously their satire is extreme, but they've been lauded for their understanding of complicated issues like this, the message of the episode being that if the church isn't open to change it will surely die.

I didn't. I don't watch Southpark, or even much TV any more.

The Church is open to change. We have enacted progressive policies with regards to child abuse here in the US and the popes have encouraged everyone else to do so, too.

Are you pleased with how the church seems to have become (marginally) more open to scientific/medical ideas recently (i.e. promoting the use of condoms)? On a tangential note, I'd be curious to know what your opinion is on gay marriage.

As far as I know the Church doesn't promote condom use. Also, we have always been open to scienfitic ideas (see: Msgr. Georges Lemaitre and countless others), though not when it encroaches upon what is properly the Church's (faith and morals).

As for gay marriage, I stand with the Church. I would be classified as a proponent of traditional marriage.

Thanks for the reply! Please allow me to rephrase. I shouldn't have said "promote the use of condoms". I was actually referring to Pope Benedict's (well, actually his spokesperson's) comments regarding the use of condoms being morally acceptable to combat AIDS.

From this NY Times article:

The Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican’s spokesman, said that for Benedict, the use of condoms by people infected with H.I.V. could be “the first step of responsibility, of taking into consideration the risk to the life of the person with whom there are relations.”

You're welcome. The use of condoms was extremely restricted and, if I remember correctly, more about "if they're going to sin then they might use condoms" than "go ahead and use them."

Do you think that we will ever see female priests in the Catholic church?

No. The Church has said, in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, that it cannot happen.