Hi all,

In case you missed my announcement last time, I've decided to take a summer break from the newsletter.  Therefore, I'll be sending older, pre-written material during the next couple of months.  Today's newsletter is comprised of an old paper about Catholic teaching that I wrote for a high school Religion class. 

Please note that while the following contains some opinion, it is largely a "just the facts" view as written by a 17 year old me.  So it shouldn't be assumed that just because I reported that the Catholic Church teaches X, I believe X.  In many cases, I do.  In many cases, I don't.  If you've read most of the Dyeland stories, you can probably make a pretty good guess on which is which.  My reason for sharing this now is because my next story deals with disagreement within the Catholic Church as epitomized by Fr. Mike and an as-yet-unnamed rival priest and the tumult that causes for the Friends (and Joshua).  Before I delve into that, I thought it might be helpful to send this as a kind of primer on Catholic teaching.

God bless,
Jenni


From April 3, 2000...

    I have attended Catholic school for all 13 years of my education.  I have been a member of the Roman Catholic Church for all 17 years of my life.  Yet, there's much I did not know about the Church and still do not know.  Below are the things I have learned in the past 17 years.
   
    The history of the Catholic Church can be traced back to one of the world's oldest religions, Judaism.  It was from this monotheistic, ancient religion that Christianity sprung.  Nearly 2,000 years ago a boy was born who would impact the world in a way no human had before.  His birth was not an ordinary one.  Stories abound of an angelic visitation, a shabby stable, wisemen from afar, shepherds, and a virgin birth. The boy, Jesus, grew up and somewhere near 30 he began to preach.  The words he spoke are among the best known today:

"Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children!"  (Matt. 5: 9)
"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven."  (Matt. 5: 44&45)
"Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest."  (Matt. 11: 28)
"Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  (Matt. 19: 14)

    Jesus would preach for three years until what is considered by many to be the most significant event in human history would occur.  According to the Gospels Jesus had gained the attention of some Jewish priests.  The priests appealed to the Roman officials and Jesus was convicted of blasphemy and sentenced to death.  "He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered died and was buried."  (The Nicene Creed)  On the third day following Jesus' execution a group of women went to his tomb only to find it empty.  Jesus had risen from the dead!  He then remained on the earth for a while longer until he ascended into heaven.  Christianity had begun. 

    ¹In the years following Jesus' death Christianity began to spread even as its followers were persecuted.  Several people in those times became martyrs.  Martyrs are now described as a "witness of Christ, is a person who, though he has never seen nor heard the Divine Founder of the Church, is yet so firmly convinced of the truths of the Christian religion, that he gladly suffers death rather than deny it"  (Catholic Encyclopedia).  Yet, even some of the apostles were martyred in the early days.  As punishment Christians were killed in the following ways, "beheaded, and crucified, and thrown to wild beasts, and chains, and fire, and all other kinds of torture"  (CE²).  Thankfully, this persecution stopped when Emperor Constantine ended persecution in 313 with the Edict of Milan.  Eventually Christianity even became the official religion of the country that had persecuted them, Rome.

    During the Medieval era the Church gained increasingly more power around the world.  One of the most significant events in this period was The Crusades.  They began in 1095 and ended in the 13th century.  For the most part the Crusades began as a way to combat the Muslims who had taken over Jerusalem and reduced the Roman Empire and destroyed Christianity's capitol, Constantinople.  Pope Urban II gave a speech calling for Christians to free Jerusalem and the Crusades began.  Unfortunately, some Crusaders did not stick with the original agenda and some lashed out at Jews living along the Rhine River.  Sadly, this same people who marched on in the name of Christ, who I believe personifies love, massacred several people during the 1099 siege of Jerusalem.  Beyond that point later attempts to further power did not work.  The Crusaders themselves formed various factions and fell apart. 

    In 1517 a German theologian named Martin Luther posted 95 theses challenging the Catholic Church.  The Protestant Reformation had begun.  The theses opposed the Church's use of indulgences and other policies.  As a result Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic Church.  However, his movement grew and in other countries other reformers surfaced.  Eventually Lutherans, Calvinists, and several other Protestant Christian religions were formed.  The Catholic Church did answer back with the Counter (or Catholic) Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries.  The result of the Catholic Reformation was the growth of religious orders like the Jesuits.  In 1545 the Council of Trent met to discuss the questions risen by the Protestants.  Justification (way in which salvation is gained), the sacraments, and other doctrinal issues were discussed.  The beliefs established at the Council of Trent remained largely unchanged until the Second Vatican Council met in 1962-1965.  Some of the Church's views were modernized and re-emphasized. 

    The Catholic Church has a well-established leadership structure.  The Pope, currently Pope John Paul II, is the head of the Catholic Church.  After the Pope are the Cardinals.  They are appointed by the Pope and are the supreme council.  After the death of a Pope the Cardinals name his successor.  The Curia serves as the Pope's assistants in the Church's administration.  Bishops have the highest power within a diocese, groups of Catholics determined by location.  The Bishop can perform the sacraments of Holy Orders and Confirmation.  The Bishop assigns priests to parishes through out his diocese.  Priests are able to perform the sacraments of Eucharist, reconciliation, baptism, and the anointing of the sick.  They also perform marriage ceremonies and act as head of their parish.  Perhaps one of the things that set Catholicism apart from other religions is that none of these men can marry.  Members of religious orders such as monks and nuns also make up the Catholic Church.  Of course, there are the 958.4 million³ members of the Church all over the world.  The Church governs itself through these various offices and through the meetings of councils and the Pope makes decisions on doctrinal issues.  

    Through out the history of the Church countless prayers and creeds have been written.  Perhaps the most notable of the Catholic faith are the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and several creeds.  The two best-known creeds are The Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed.  Others include several written by and to the saints, the Prayer of St. Francis perhaps being the best known, and several dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

        Some basic beliefs for Catholics are the belief in the Trinity.  We view God as one being yet three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Transubstantiation is also one of the cornerstones of Catholic belief.  This belief holds that after being consecrated the bread and wine used during the Eucharist actually become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. "Under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity,"  (Catechism 1413).  Catholics believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and is the Son of God and the second person of the Trinity.  Jesus the Incarnation which means "the Son of God assumed a human nature in order to accomplish our salvation in it,"  (461)⁴.  The beliefs of the Catholic Church are perhaps best expressed in the Nicene Creed, which is recited during Mass.  We believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Catechism furthers this statement in paragraph 499 by stating that Mary remained "ever-virgin".  We believe that Jesus rose on the third day and later ascended into heaven.  The Creed goes on to say that Jesus "will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end."  We believe the Holy Spirit has spoken through the prophets.  We also believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life.

    The seven sacraments are vitally important to the Catholic faith.  They are seen as ways not only to realize Christ's presence but also to bring the parish closer together.  These sacraments include baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, the anointing of the sick, holy orders, matrimony, and reconciliation.  Baptism is the initiation into the Catholic Church.  Baptism is usually performed on small babies.  During the Baptism the priest pours water on the baby's head as the parents and godparents answer dogmatic questions for the infant.  During Confirmation the now grown child answers the same questions their parents answered for them at baptism.  Eucharist is when members of the parish accept the body and blood of Christ.  The anointing of the sick offers comfort to seriously ill Catholics.  Holy orders are taken by seminarians as they are making the final step into entering priesthood.  Matrimony is the union of a man and woman.  During Reconciliation a person goes to a priest and tells their sins and receives penance.  Reconciliation is now seen as realizing not our sins but sinfulness.

    The basis for Catholic teaching can be found in the Bible.  The Catechism dictates the beliefs of the Catholic Church on several issues.  Among them are abortion, suicide, homosexuality, divorce and several others.  On the topic of abortion the church has taken a Pro-Life stance.  According to paragraph 2271 of the Catechism there exists moral evil in every abortion.  Cooperation in an abortion is a grave offense and could lead to excommunication.  Catholic Charities, however, is reaching out to mothers, fathers, and anyone else who has been affected by an abortion.  This wonderful program, Project Rachel will be discussed later.  Suicide is also seen as an offense.  However, "Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide,"  (Catechism 2282).  Furthermore, "We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives,"  (2283).  That last statement means a lot to me.  A few years back a cousin of mine committed suicide.  I had never met him but simply to see the pain it brought to other family members was enough.  Great healing comes in knowing that he is probably feeling God's love right now.  Assisted suicide or euthanasia is also addressed.  According to paragraph 2277 this act "must always be forbidden and excluded."  No matter what the motives behind the act the Church finds it morally wrong. 

    From the above you can imagine that the Church is adamantly against the taking of human life.  In some circumstances it may be warranted though.  The Church dictates that in times of self-defense if an aggressor is killed the victim is not guilty of murder.  St. Thomas Aquinas backs up this statement, "If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful."  The death penalty is always a controversial topic.  Catholic teaching on it is while there may be circumstances where it is warranted those circumstances are rare and possibly even nonexistent in today's world.  Non-lethal means are "more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person,"  (2267).  On the subject of war the Church states that everyone must work to avoid war.  (2308)  Sometimes military force may be acceptable according to paragraph 2309.  Damage from the aggressor must be "lasting, grave, and certain", all other means of stopping the aggressor must have failed, success must be possible, and "the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated."  If war is initiated "Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely,"  (2313) 

    The Church also has a firm stance on sexual morality.  "The sexual act must take place exclusively within marriage. Outside of marriage it always constitutes a grave sin and excludes one from sacramental communion,"  (2390).  Marriage, itself is discussed with in the Catechism.  For a marriage to be valid, according to paragraphs 1628 and 1629, consent must be given freely by both bride and groom.  If this is not true an annulment can be sought.  An annulment is a declaration that the marriage never existed (1629).  Unless an annulment is granted people are not allowed to remarry and receive the sacraments.  Whether an annulment is granted or not is decided by a council with in the Church.  On the subject of homosexuality the Catechism makes it very clear that discrimination against homosexuals is not morally correct.  "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity,"  (2358).  It is the act that is unapproved and not the people.  Homosexuals are called to live a chaste life.

    On the subject of smoking and drinking the Church is not as strict as some other Christian religions.  The use of alcohol and tobacco is not forbidden but excess of these products is wrong.  Especially grave are those who under the influence of these drugs endanger their lives or the lives of others.  (2290)

    The Church is very involved in the realm of Social Justice.  Several parishes have food and clothes drives to help the poor.  The Pro- Life stance is also very important to them.  One of my favorite organizations is Project Rachel, which helps those who have been touched by abortion.  It helps offer forgiveness, peace, and understanding.  The organization has its own toll free number making it easy for those grieving to get help.  Another way the Catholic Church stays involved in Social Justice is through the many schools it runs.  From small children through college these schools teach the values of charity and giving.  Students are made aware of the injustices around them and given ideas on how to help whether it is volunteering at the local shelter, writing letters against the death penalty, or running food drives. 

    It may be the role of women in the Church that strikes up the most controversy today.  Many Catholic churches allow women to serve as lectors and Eucharistic ministers and altar servers.  However, in some dioceses even that is forbidden.  Women are not allowed to become priests, either.  There are several religious orders for women, though.  Among these are the Poor Clares, the Servites, and the Carmelites. 

    A Catholic worship service is called the Mass.  Mass is celebrated every Sunday.  Mass usually begins with a hymn during which the priest, lectors, and altar servers proceed to the altar.  The first part of the Mass is called the Liturgy of the Word.  Typically, this part of the Mass consists of readings from two Bible passages, a responsorial psalm, and the reading of the Gospel.  Petitions for members of the parish and other concerns are read.  The second part of the Mass is called the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  During this part of the Mass preparation for the sacrament of Eucharist begins.  The priest reenacts the Last Supper of Jesus and his apostles.  Then the priest and the Eucharistic ministers distribute the bread and wine, which is the body and blood of Christ, to the parish.  A song is usually sung during this process.  Afterwards, the priest recites a closing prayer, another song is sung, and the assembly departs. 

    Spirituality is not limited merely to the Mass for Catholics.  Many Catholics practice meditation in order to become closer to God.  "Meditation is above all a quest. The mind seeks to understand the why and how of the Christian life, in order to adhere and respond to what the Lord is asking,"  (2705).  Catholicism boasts a group of people very much involved in the spiritual aspect of religion, the mystics.  Among them are Sts. Francis and Clare, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine of Sienna, most recently Thomas Merton, and several more.  Among these mystics a common theme was close, personal talks with Jesus.  Some even became so close they would experience his pain in a phenomenon known as the Stigmata.  They all believed very strongly in contemplation as a way to be closer to God. 

    Catholics have a long list of prayers they can say not counting personal, original reflections and conversations with God.  Even singing can be a prayer.  Many Catholics have favorite Psalms they like to pray.  A common favorite is Psalm 23; The Lord is my Shepherd.  As with any other religion how Catholics show their faith will differ from person to person.  Some show it through Christ-like actions, some share their beliefs with others, others live a life of prayer.  Some even become missionaries traveling all over the world preaching the Gospel. 

    I would think every Catholic views God a bit differently than another.  Most, however, seem to see the first person of the Trinity as a loving Father figure.  Jesus, the Son, is also a loving figure who came to earth to help us and died for us.  Perhaps most confusing for Catholics is the Holy Spirit.  While father and son are every day terms we can relate to in our own lives spirit is more difficult. 

    As I said at the beginning of this paper I've been a Catholic for 17 years.  I may not agree with everything the Church teaches but as I get older I am realizing how much I actually do agree with.  In any case, I know I could not be anything but Christian.  Sometimes, I doubt people realize what they have until it's gone.  Last year my Grandpa passed away.  He was really the first really difficult loss for my family.  Suddenly everyone was looking to me for answers.  No one understood why the end had been so hard and drawn out.  I didn't have the answers.  That was really hard for me.  I can't really say when it happened but slowly I realized I didn't need the answers.  There was suddenly this peace that was there and I knew God was always there for us.  That's when I knew I was in the right place.

The End

   
A couple notes on things that I feel were poorly worded:

It's not entirely true that Catholic priests can't be married.  Currently, if a married man is ordained in an Orthodox Church or the Episcopalian Church and then converts to Catholicism and becomes a priest, he remains married.  Naturally, the Catholic Church would not expect him to get a divorce given they're not fans of divorce.

Mass isn't just celebrated on Sundays.  It's offered daily. 

Footnotes:
1. Encarta Encyclopedia was used to clarify historical information.
2. Catholic Encyclopedia
3. Figure obtained from Encarta.  Early 1990s estimate
4. Numbers in parenthesis denote paragraphs in the Catechism. 
   
Works Cited:
Archdiocese of Milwaukee. "Project Rachel Pittsburgh." Online. Internet.  1 Apr.  2000.
"Crusades"  Encarta 98 Encyclopedia.  1998 Edition.
Good News Bible.  Catholic Bible Press, 18 March 1979.
Hassatt,  Maurice M.  "Martyr."  (1910)  The Catholic Encyclopedia.  (1999) : n. pag.  Online. Internet.  1 April  2000.
"Roman Catholic Church"  Encarta 98 Encyclopedia.  1998 Edition.
U.S. Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church.  Doubleday, May 1995. 


This newsletter is dedicated to John Dye for distracting, inspiring, and comforting me during my high school years for which I remain very, very grateful. 

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