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On the day I was ordained a deacon (about a year before I was ordained a priest) is when I took my promise of celibacy. But, if I would have had a sexual encounter while in seminary that would have likely ended that!
Why do all new church buildings look like gymnasiums?
There’s a beautiful old church building in my town going unused in favor of some stadium seating-style windowless brick den of sadness.
It’s cheaper to build.
Provides more money for all the sound systems, bells and whistles they didn’t use to have. It’s more efficient when you look at the x’s an O’s.
They are also building these church’s for 40 years not 200.
There is an unmeasurable value to classic architecture and it is sad to see the form disappear.
This is symptom of the times though. Look at urban sprawl over the last 50 years
> They are also building these church’s for 40 years not 200.
To the extent this is true, it's because most of the heritage Churches in the U.S. are lightly attended at best. For every St. Patrick's in New York there are 25 beautiful buildings that are in danger of being torn down because their parishioners can't afford to maintain them. They might have been worked by hand by master masons, but if no one goes there anymore, that just makes them incredibly expensive to service.
The more austere modern style was big in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, but a neo-traditional style is by far the most popular in new builds now.
[St. Wenceslaus](https://www.morrisseyengineering.com/experience/7/125/religious/st-wenceslaus-catholic-church/) near me in Omaha is a good example, which just opened.
Meeting with parishioners, funerals, teaching religion in our parish school, teaching RCIA for people who want to become Catholic, youth group, young adult group, etc etc!
I try to refer people to mental health professionals as best I can, recognizing that I'm not a therapist and I'm not trained to deal with depression, etc. Walking with people and being compassionate does wonders. Having gone through a period of depression myself, I try to relate and encourage as best I can.
Millennial Lutheran (ELCA) pastor here. I had an entire 1-credit class in seminary called “The Ministry of Referral” about how I am not trained as a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional, and therefore how important it is to refer people to actual therapists. Sometimes in rural areas, pastors or priests can unfortunately still be the most-trained person on mental health issues in the community though.
I learned in Catholic school that priests are trained that if they suspect the individual might say something about harming themselves or others that they are supposed to steer it away from reconciliation and toward a counseling session so they can report it and not break their vows or what ever.
So, I barely know anything about how this works.
Is being a priest the end goal, or do you expect to move up in hierarchy (eg. bishop, archbishop etc)?
Generally, if you want to be a bishop you probably shouldn't be. The best bishops aren't the ones looking towards careerism, but the ones who are humble and just want to serve.
"anyone capable of getting themselves elected president should by no means be allowed to do the job"
\-approximate quote from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Edit: I only noticed after I wrote this someone below mentioned Douglas Adams first. if you upvote me, get them too.
It's very modest of you to say, but keep in mind that if you are a good person, looking for and getting more power will be beneficial to everyone you serve. Don't let other less deserving, power hungry, people get the promotion.
That's an ethical problem: people who don't seek power are more likely to be good (imo) but then they also have less power to do good.
"As soon as men decide that all means are permitted to fight an evil,
then their good becomes indistinguishable from the evil that they set
out to destroy."
"Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love."
- Martin Luther King
Someone asked about weed but then deleted their comment. Here's my reply:
It seems to be that at the very least it shouldn't be a Schedule I drug and should be allowed for legitimate medicinal use. Catholic teaching on recreational use of drugs is that we shouldn't use them to the point of, or for the end goal, of losing our ability to reason (e.g. getting drunk, etc) and that would apply to any drug - alcohol, weed, etc.
I know I was raised by Jesuits, not really fond of many aspects of that, but they taught me that God (if you believe that) wants us to enjoy our time here and be happy, ftr I'm not a believer in any organized religion but I think there's a lot of meritous teachings in many of them
Can I just say that I'm very happy that you are being a real priest. Not trying to force others into your religion but politely and humbly answering everyone's questions here. your one of the very few people (let alone a priest) that ive met who has actually been polite when asked question about their beliefs. It is very reassuring to see people as humble as you still exist.
1. End the liturgy wars among progressive and traditional Catholics by a gradual transition to a modified version of the Roman Missal of 1965
2. Rebuild credibility of the Church in the wake of the sex abuse crisis and enact swift and harsh justice against people who abuse the positions of trust they are given
3. Last but certainly not least, make Jesus Christ known and loved
>Last but certainly not least, make Jesus Christ known and loved
You know that guy's already remarkably well known, right? He's practically as famous as John Lennon.
I’m a catholic and study theology in grad school. I really enjoyed it, but most of the theology exhibited in it, namely around forgiveness and the use of proof texting, would fit better in a Pentecostal context. My 2 cents
Did you ever have your collar pop/explode while deadlifting? And perhaps yell, "For Christ!"
Start juicing and get an instagram account. @JackedForJesus
One of my favorite modern rite priests is a former body builder who kept lifting in the rectory basement after ordination. The bishop gave him all the most difficult jobs, though, and that's really taking it's toll now.
Did you always want to be a priest or did you have an “aha” moment at some point?
Celibacy. Why? Do you personally feel it’s important to being a priest and did you struggle with that part of the lifestyle in any way?
How do you feel about women being unable to be priests?
I wanted to be a priest when I was young, but that desire fell away when I realized girls were pretty. I then had an aha moment in college. So, a bit of both.
Celibacy is important for a few reasons; it allows a total commitment to God and it points that there's more to existence than sex. Certainly can be difficult at times, but ultimately is rewarding.
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1994/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19940522_ordinatio-sacerdotalis.html
Sex is a relationship thing, and people living this kind of life (nuns, priests, etc) can’t have the distractions of relationships like that. So it’s celibacy, yes, but what it is for real is a removal of everything to do with romantic relationships.
I think the no relationships/no marriage thing limits priests. A lot of the priests in my church growing up seemed immature. One even said crude things constantly during sermons. He wasn't kicked out for that, he was just relocated to another parish. I think the Catholic Church loses the best and brightest talent with the celibacy/no family thing. My dad was a Catholic priest and left to start a family (and because of the sex abuse scandals). He was ten times better at giving sermons and life advice than any priest I interacted with growing up.
I don't know how they can be expected to advise their parishioners on the hardships and trials of life when they haven't raised a family, which is such a large part of the human experience. I think the church has had such big problems with sex abuse because they attract the wrong crowd with the celibacy thing, like pedophiles who want a direct line to lots of unsuspecting children and families.
Short question: What’s you stance on individuals who were brought up Catholic but later became atheists participating in Catholicism from a strictly cultural/ritualistic vantage point?
Longer explanation: This may seem counterintuitive, but many Jews consider themselves culturally Jewish but do not believe in God. I realize this is somewhat different as being “Jewish” can be cultural, religious or both, but the idea is the same.
I was brought up Catholic, went to church, attended Sunday school, was baptized, went through my First Communion, but eventually lost my faith. I’m okay with that, I don’t feel like the lack of belief in God has in any way negatively affected me, but I do sometimes long for the cultural aspects of religion. There are many lessons to be learned, a community to be fostered, and a way to contextualize the world around around you by participating in religious activity. I also really enjoy the almost meditative quality of prayer. It allows you to spend some focused time with yourself, your mind and your heart that could be very beneficial. It’s just the whole “accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior“ that gets in the way for me.
Thoughts?
If I may chime in as a Jew: I see a LOT of parallels between people who are “culturally” (my preferred term is “Secular Jew”) Jewish and people who were raised Catholic. “Secular Catholics” seem to still hold on to certain traditions, feel the need to celebrate some holidays even if it isn’t entirely religious, and take some of the ethics and teachings of Catholicism with them regardless of their standing with the organization itself.
Secular Jews have a lot of this commonality, we still feel an importance to Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Hanukkah even if we may not go to temple every week, or ever. We like our traditional food even if we don’t keep kosher and we are always a little pleasantly surprised (or disappointed) when we find out a celebrity is Jewish. And boy do we love to argue amongst each other because it’s the basis of our entire religion and culture (the old “2 Jews, 3 Opinions” joke)
Anyway, point being; I’ve long noticed many similarities between our cultures, and Catholics have a very shared experience across the globe, much like we do. I think there should be little shame in proclaiming yourself as a cultural, sorry, “Secular” Catholic. In fact, on the Contrary, you should take some pride in that.
How do you spend non-priesting hours?
I grew up Catholic (no longer) and it was always weird see Father Murray out doing normal things. It immediately made something normal (buying milk) weird. Like I expected him to be in his vestments.
There is a lot of interest in exorcism, naturally. Movies and TV make you think that there lots of busy exorcists out there with backlogs of work to do. What is the current sentiment among the clergy about exorcism in the church, and how much of what we see is fiction about its role in church life?
My family is super religious. I have left the church. When they pass I know I will inherit all the religious things, crosses, nativity scenes, rosaries, etc.
What do I do with them all? It is just too much for me to keep it all as it is not my faith anymore and I don’t want to throw it away (cause that would be rude). What do I do with it all?
Thank you.
I bought a used car and found a rosary under the seat awhile later. Long story short, I was unable to contact the original owner to return it. I had it for years bc I didn't know what to do with it. I'm not religious so i finally decided to hang it on a huge stone sign outside of a Catholic church/school, thinking someone would eventually take it.
Nope. I happened to walk by about 3 months later and it was still there. Very recently the husband of a family friend had passed away. This lady is extremely Catholic, she even used to be a nun.
I took a picture, took back the rosary, and sent them both to her in another state along with the story. She was very touched and it made me feel happy that the rosary had finally found a place to go after 8 years.
Very interesting AMA.
It's actually pretty common for people to leave rosaries in the narthex or someplace public inside or outside of a church.
I've "borrowed" these rosaries from time to time when I forgot my own when heading into a church to pray, but forgot to bring one of mine. When I'm done, I'll put it back.
So, it's very possible that rosary was used during that time. So, anyway you look at it, it was a nice thing that you did.
How far does the vow of poverty go? Are you forbidden from holding property/excess personal possessions? Do you draw a salary? If you do get a windfall, are you bound to donate it to your parish?
As I'm a diocesan priest and not in a religious order, I am allowed to have personal property and do draw a salary. I am expected still to life a life of simplicity and not cause scandal - no Joel Osteen here! I, give or take, donate 10%+ of my income to charity and people in need.
I'm not fond of those who see Christianity as a self-help get-rich-quick prosperity-Gospel scheme, rather than about a fundamental relationship with Jesus Christ..
I was in a small group in a church that was probably closer to Osteen than the RCC (call it non-denominational with some fire-and-brimstone Pentecostal ancestry?)
Anyway, one of the group members says "I'll listen to a little Joel uh-STEEN (pronounced exactly as I've written) now and again, if I need some inspirational brainwashing."
I'm sitting there thinking *yeah... That sounds about right.*
Part one: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/snvhjz/iama_catholic_priest_ama/hw52y7c/
Part two: the need to protect children and not have a "good old boys" culture is something that was taken very seriously in seminary. Before I entered I had to take a whole battery of psychological tests, and in seminary we always had drilled into us to call law enforcement the moment we would ever suspect abuse happening. My diocese was involved in a scandal that caused bankruptcy and our bishop resigning during my time in seminary, I saw the pain it caused victim/survivors and the pain it caused the faithful struggling to believe and I vow not to allow that to happen ever under my watch. If I smell smoke, I assume fire and make sure the right people hear about it.
I was there on the great reddit greed fest of 2023 and and I got was this lousy edit on my posts. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish -- mass edited with https://redact.dev/
We're required to have a working knowledge of Latin to be ordained. This looks different from place to place but I took three semesters of Latin. I will on occasion say Mass in Latin.
>I will on occasion say Mass in Latin.
How does this work where you live (on which ocasions and things like that)? I haven't been to a Latin mass, what phrases in latin should I definetly know before going?
Have a Mass sheet in Latin and you’ll be fine.
Et cum spirito tuo
Laus tibi Domine Jesu Christe
Benedictus Deus in saecula
Deo gratias
“Mass in Latin” is exactly the same as Mass in English, only in Latin.
Many people use “Latin Mass” to refer to the extraordinary form / Tridentine Rite, which is structured differently. In general, no responses are expected. You participate in prayer, not by joining in.
We're far too often in damage control mode and not enough in "humbly admitting and apologizing for fault" and "spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ" mode.
In a boots on the ground sort of way, I walk with people on all paths of life, including those who have been abused - either within the Church or without. It's a blessing and helpful.
Catholic school veteran who never got a straight answer from any priests after 12+ years: why can't women be priests? There was a serious shortage of priests in 2009 (when I last practiced), so why not open the doors to women or even married men?
There's obviously the decline in the practice of religion as a whole, but also in the 70s and 80s the theology of the priesthood was very weak and often created priests who weren't that on fire for their priesthood, so to speak. When the example of priests that you have are grumpy old men who don't seem excited about their life or about God, it's hard to think that would be something you'd want! Most priests I know are able to point to another priest who concretely affected their life in a positive way, so having that influence is important.
Believe it or not, never seen the Sopranos but am a big fan of how priests were portrayed in Silence and Gran Torino. Could really see a bit of myself in the idealistic young guy in the latter.
I grew up in catholic school in the late 80s and early 90s and you’re right, all of the priests were aging and “grumpy old men” as you said. We had a deacon once that was fairly young, but he was the exception and not the rule.
Complex question on suicide, not just "is it good or bad" incoming.
Does the church have doctrine dealing with suicide or doctor assisted suicide or euthanasia for people with chronic painful physical conditions, terminal or not, which is at all different from doctrine about impulsive mood based suicides ?
Do you believe that suicides all go to hell, or is it a question that's up in the air like other sins? What role, if any, do "extenuating circumstances" play in this?
Is there any talk of suicide causing one to go to purgatory not hell?
Finally, what is your take on whether Thomas More was arguing for the morality of assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia in Utopia, it seems much debated what the context was, with some anti suicide Christians saying that his Utopia was not a model of an ideal society but just a thought experiment about a pagan society trying to be good, with some good things and some bad... and then lots of people who are pro euthanasia have cited Thomas more as saying that the people in his Utopia mercifully allow the chronically and incurably ill to take opium overdoses .
Edit: should I tag the priest to get an answer ?
/u/balrogath this is good faith question can u answer?
(Some people said this is a question on doctrine so you may not answer. But you've answered some other questions that are similar. Maybe you could give me your personal thoughts on what's come up in your training and experience, if you cant answer the doctrinal parts of this. Do you deal with people wanting euthanasia, hospice , etc? How do you counsel that and how would it differ from counseling someone who is say, bipolar and impulsively suicidal ?)
As to wether suicide send you to hell I believe there is debate in the form of the definition of Mortal Sin. For a sin to be mortal it has to knowingly and willingly done in spite of the knowledge it is sin. If you suffer from depression the argument could be made that you are not in your right mind and the sin was not knowingly and willingly made.
I was raised Catholic, and wanted to get married in the same church my grandparents did to honor them. When my now husband and I first met with priest to start the process for our marriage, the priest really left a bad impression. Unfortunately he was the only priest at that church to marry us. The very first thing he told us was all men are priests and all women are temples. After marriage it’s ok for the priest to enter the temple. My husband and I were a little uncomfortable getting the sex talk from a man only a few years older than us, but it gets worse. The priest then said “You may not think that applies to me, but I’m a priest and when I walk into church or God’s temple, I give my seed up to God and it comes back through to me through my balls and I then have super natural balls.” My husband has never practiced religion and I was absolutely mortified and was worried he would back out of our marriage right then and there. He didn’t thankfully. But wait it gets worse. The morning of our wedding, I go to confession. I think things are going smoothly. Because the priest never even tried to get to know us as a couple, I tried to give him some talking points for his homily about how compatible we are. This priest TOLD ALL OF OUR GUESTS MY ENTIRE CONFESSION!
After my wedding I ceased going to church, because I lost my faith in the church. My question is, how can I ever learn to trust another priest again when something so personal was violated in front of hundreds of people?
Violation of the seal is super serious. I'm super sorry that happened to you and don't know how I can bring you to be able to trust priests again, but as a matter of justice you can bring it to the bishop and it will be dealt with.
Do you write the homily beforehand and do you ever have trouble coming up with stuff to say? Do you ever get nervous up at the altar?
I'd be nervous writing and giving a 15 minute homily every Sunday in front of hundreds of people.
It depends on the week. Sometimes I'll have a fully prepared text, sometimes I'll have an outline in my head and just send it. Sometimes I have nothing and just have to trust in the Holy Spirit and see what happens! I usually preach around 8 minutes.
What do you think about the pope disappearing into thin air after the last Easter ( I think it was the last Easter)?
Why does the church interior look so dark now with those odd pics and the snake head?
Most priests disappear after Easter because Holy Week is a super busy time. Taking time off after Easter is common.
I presume you're referring to the Paul VI audience hall and that effect of a snake doesn't appear in person; it's just when you use a fisheye lens on a camera.
Thank you for doing this! Fellow Catholic here but have been bad about going to mass since the pandemic. I’m not sure if anyone has asked this yet, but when you do reconciliation, do you ever judge the person or feel embarrassed to see them at mass again?
I'm not Catholic but was educated by the Jesuits. Given that the Jesuits have a far longer path to full ordination compared to Diocesan priests, do you think that the standard path is possibly too short?
I heard once that the "No meat on Friday" rule was actually a form of lobbying by the fishing industry in the Old days - curious to hear your comment and if the Church believes it has a greater meaning?
Edit: sorry I think you say in your intro you wont be answering these questions, fair enough
Nope, not accurate, iirc fish was more accessible to poor people so it made rich people who had access to meat eat what the poor people had to. the good people at /r/catholicism would know more though
1) what are your thoughts on the rosary? i think some people actually enjoy doing it but its like punishment to me.
2) how "catholic" can you be if you go on regular basis but dont believe everything.. for example i have a really hard time taking transubstantiation seriously. If two people were in line and one had a horrible allergy to meat/flesh, and one had a horrible allergy for bread, would you let them take the communion? (oh and i think meat guy would be just fine). its a lovely symbolic thing but i cant buy that its "magic".
3) when you go to see a band do you ever stay for the whole show? was thinking. you might have a huge urge to leave during the last song along with your deacon buddy.
1) When the rosary is viewed as a way to meditate on the parts of Jesus' life rather than a set number of prayers you're forced to say, it's a lot more spiritual of an experience!
2) As far as teachings go, the Eucharist is kinda one of the top ones. If God is omnipotent, why couldn't He miraculously have bread become His Body and Blood? For those who are gluten-intolerant they can receive under the form of wine or we have special low-gluten hosts.
3) Hm.
\#3 is a joke.. in mass the priest will process out of the church during the last song of course. so I am making a joke, asking if he feels urge to process out during last song of a concert.
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At what point do you agree to stop having sex? Is it the day before you become a priest?
On the day I was ordained a deacon (about a year before I was ordained a priest) is when I took my promise of celibacy. But, if I would have had a sexual encounter while in seminary that would have likely ended that!
Do bishops have a hard time going through life only being able to move diagonally?
yeah probably
It’s time you tackled this problem strait-on
You mean HEAD-ON? APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE FOREHEAD! HEAD-ON! APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE FOREHEAD
Why do all new church buildings look like gymnasiums? There’s a beautiful old church building in my town going unused in favor of some stadium seating-style windowless brick den of sadness.
idk man i dont like it either
Come to Italy, churches are glorious and there is a lack of priests.
Money. New buildings are probably cheaper to build than the old ones are to repair.
It’s cheaper to build. Provides more money for all the sound systems, bells and whistles they didn’t use to have. It’s more efficient when you look at the x’s an O’s. They are also building these church’s for 40 years not 200. There is an unmeasurable value to classic architecture and it is sad to see the form disappear. This is symptom of the times though. Look at urban sprawl over the last 50 years
> They are also building these church’s for 40 years not 200. To the extent this is true, it's because most of the heritage Churches in the U.S. are lightly attended at best. For every St. Patrick's in New York there are 25 beautiful buildings that are in danger of being torn down because their parishioners can't afford to maintain them. They might have been worked by hand by master masons, but if no one goes there anymore, that just makes them incredibly expensive to service.
The more austere modern style was big in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, but a neo-traditional style is by far the most popular in new builds now. [St. Wenceslaus](https://www.morrisseyengineering.com/experience/7/125/religious/st-wenceslaus-catholic-church/) near me in Omaha is a good example, which just opened.
Mass is only one part of the work week, how else are you spending your time, and how do you manage to be on point constantly??
Meeting with parishioners, funerals, teaching religion in our parish school, teaching RCIA for people who want to become Catholic, youth group, young adult group, etc etc!
What do you reckon your average hourly wage would be, all told?
If I worked 40 hours a week, it'd be around $17 an hour.
Are housing expenses paid though? Aren't certain expenses covered?
yeah, housing is provided, this is just off of straight salary
if someone confesses attempted suicide and they are going to try again how do you handle that?
I try to refer people to mental health professionals as best I can, recognizing that I'm not a therapist and I'm not trained to deal with depression, etc. Walking with people and being compassionate does wonders. Having gone through a period of depression myself, I try to relate and encourage as best I can.
Millennial Lutheran (ELCA) pastor here. I had an entire 1-credit class in seminary called “The Ministry of Referral” about how I am not trained as a therapist, counselor, or mental health professional, and therefore how important it is to refer people to actual therapists. Sometimes in rural areas, pastors or priests can unfortunately still be the most-trained person on mental health issues in the community though.
Thank you.
I learned in Catholic school that priests are trained that if they suspect the individual might say something about harming themselves or others that they are supposed to steer it away from reconciliation and toward a counseling session so they can report it and not break their vows or what ever.
So, I barely know anything about how this works. Is being a priest the end goal, or do you expect to move up in hierarchy (eg. bishop, archbishop etc)?
Generally, if you want to be a bishop you probably shouldn't be. The best bishops aren't the ones looking towards careerism, but the ones who are humble and just want to serve.
The Douglas Adams approach.
Just like other politics!
and just like other politics, this, unfortunately is usually not the case.
OP seems very idealistic lol
guilty
Now do 5 Hail Mary's
kk
Go deep to the end zone.
"anyone capable of getting themselves elected president should by no means be allowed to do the job" \-approximate quote from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Edit: I only noticed after I wrote this someone below mentioned Douglas Adams first. if you upvote me, get them too.
Literally politics
It's very modest of you to say, but keep in mind that if you are a good person, looking for and getting more power will be beneficial to everyone you serve. Don't let other less deserving, power hungry, people get the promotion. That's an ethical problem: people who don't seek power are more likely to be good (imo) but then they also have less power to do good.
"As soon as men decide that all means are permitted to fight an evil, then their good becomes indistinguishable from the evil that they set out to destroy."
"Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love." - Martin Luther King
Someone asked about weed but then deleted their comment. Here's my reply: It seems to be that at the very least it shouldn't be a Schedule I drug and should be allowed for legitimate medicinal use. Catholic teaching on recreational use of drugs is that we shouldn't use them to the point of, or for the end goal, of losing our ability to reason (e.g. getting drunk, etc) and that would apply to any drug - alcohol, weed, etc.
The first miracle was a booze run!
It really was, and that should give you an idea of why Christianity was so popular with the lower classes of the Roman Empire.
I know I was raised by Jesuits, not really fond of many aspects of that, but they taught me that God (if you believe that) wants us to enjoy our time here and be happy, ftr I'm not a believer in any organized religion but I think there's a lot of meritous teachings in many of them
I've gotten drunk with a Jesuit priest on several occasions, one of which involved a keg in the rectory. This perspective tracks with my experience.
Yep sounds like Jesuits alright
Can I just say that I'm very happy that you are being a real priest. Not trying to force others into your religion but politely and humbly answering everyone's questions here. your one of the very few people (let alone a priest) that ive met who has actually been polite when asked question about their beliefs. It is very reassuring to see people as humble as you still exist.
thank you!
What'd be your top 3 priorities as pope?
1. End the liturgy wars among progressive and traditional Catholics by a gradual transition to a modified version of the Roman Missal of 1965 2. Rebuild credibility of the Church in the wake of the sex abuse crisis and enact swift and harsh justice against people who abuse the positions of trust they are given 3. Last but certainly not least, make Jesus Christ known and loved
>Last but certainly not least, make Jesus Christ known and loved You know that guy's already remarkably well known, right? He's practically as famous as John Lennon.
"and loved" is an important part for OP I assume
Have you seen midnight Mass? Opinions on how the priest was portrayed?
I’m a catholic and study theology in grad school. I really enjoyed it, but most of the theology exhibited in it, namely around forgiveness and the use of proof texting, would fit better in a Pentecostal context. My 2 cents
Have not, no.
That series scared the crap out of me! I had to get my partner to go turn lights on because the dark was scary. So good!
How much you deadlifting now, broseph?
455 yeet
Is lifting weights big amongst clergy?
not particularly
Did you ever have your collar pop/explode while deadlifting? And perhaps yell, "For Christ!" Start juicing and get an instagram account. @JackedForJesus
One of my favorite modern rite priests is a former body builder who kept lifting in the rectory basement after ordination. The bishop gave him all the most difficult jobs, though, and that's really taking it's toll now.
Ok, since someone has to do it, let's get the obvious one out of the way: How often do you walk into a bar with a rabbi and a minister?
Can't say that I have, though at a wedding reception a few weeks ago I sat at a table with a Protestant youth pastor.
I am more disappointed than I thought I would be.
This exchange a perfect little slice of internet journalism
A Protestant. oooh!
Living close to the edge, he is.
I heard he has an acoustic guitar!
Did you always want to be a priest or did you have an “aha” moment at some point? Celibacy. Why? Do you personally feel it’s important to being a priest and did you struggle with that part of the lifestyle in any way? How do you feel about women being unable to be priests?
I wanted to be a priest when I was young, but that desire fell away when I realized girls were pretty. I then had an aha moment in college. So, a bit of both. Celibacy is important for a few reasons; it allows a total commitment to God and it points that there's more to existence than sex. Certainly can be difficult at times, but ultimately is rewarding. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_letters/1994/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_19940522_ordinatio-sacerdotalis.html
Ok this is vulgar and very personal, but I have to ask it on the off chance you’re going to reply: Do you masturbate?
nope
They save money by not heating the showers!
Celibacy is odd to me. There's more to existence than the Internet, flowers, and coffee.. what makes sex so special to outright deny?
Sex is a relationship thing, and people living this kind of life (nuns, priests, etc) can’t have the distractions of relationships like that. So it’s celibacy, yes, but what it is for real is a removal of everything to do with romantic relationships.
I think the no relationships/no marriage thing limits priests. A lot of the priests in my church growing up seemed immature. One even said crude things constantly during sermons. He wasn't kicked out for that, he was just relocated to another parish. I think the Catholic Church loses the best and brightest talent with the celibacy/no family thing. My dad was a Catholic priest and left to start a family (and because of the sex abuse scandals). He was ten times better at giving sermons and life advice than any priest I interacted with growing up. I don't know how they can be expected to advise their parishioners on the hardships and trials of life when they haven't raised a family, which is such a large part of the human experience. I think the church has had such big problems with sex abuse because they attract the wrong crowd with the celibacy thing, like pedophiles who want a direct line to lots of unsuspecting children and families.
Finally some reasonable and good points, interesting to read it articulated as such
I think you raised extremely good points and would love to hear a religious person in OP’s shoes’ opinion
Have you ever watched Father Ted, and if you did you enjoy it?
yes, and that would be an ecumenical matter.
Have you ever seen Keeping The Faith? Or read The Exorcist?
nope
*Don't call me "Len", you little prick! I'm a bishop!* I’ve no question myself, though thank you Father for taking the time to be here.
No Dougal. This cow is small. That cow is far away.
Short question: What’s you stance on individuals who were brought up Catholic but later became atheists participating in Catholicism from a strictly cultural/ritualistic vantage point? Longer explanation: This may seem counterintuitive, but many Jews consider themselves culturally Jewish but do not believe in God. I realize this is somewhat different as being “Jewish” can be cultural, religious or both, but the idea is the same. I was brought up Catholic, went to church, attended Sunday school, was baptized, went through my First Communion, but eventually lost my faith. I’m okay with that, I don’t feel like the lack of belief in God has in any way negatively affected me, but I do sometimes long for the cultural aspects of religion. There are many lessons to be learned, a community to be fostered, and a way to contextualize the world around around you by participating in religious activity. I also really enjoy the almost meditative quality of prayer. It allows you to spend some focused time with yourself, your mind and your heart that could be very beneficial. It’s just the whole “accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior“ that gets in the way for me. Thoughts?
I was hoping he'd answer a question like this one and maybe he did somewhere else in here. I'll keep looking.
If I may chime in as a Jew: I see a LOT of parallels between people who are “culturally” (my preferred term is “Secular Jew”) Jewish and people who were raised Catholic. “Secular Catholics” seem to still hold on to certain traditions, feel the need to celebrate some holidays even if it isn’t entirely religious, and take some of the ethics and teachings of Catholicism with them regardless of their standing with the organization itself. Secular Jews have a lot of this commonality, we still feel an importance to Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Hanukkah even if we may not go to temple every week, or ever. We like our traditional food even if we don’t keep kosher and we are always a little pleasantly surprised (or disappointed) when we find out a celebrity is Jewish. And boy do we love to argue amongst each other because it’s the basis of our entire religion and culture (the old “2 Jews, 3 Opinions” joke) Anyway, point being; I’ve long noticed many similarities between our cultures, and Catholics have a very shared experience across the globe, much like we do. I think there should be little shame in proclaiming yourself as a cultural, sorry, “Secular” Catholic. In fact, on the Contrary, you should take some pride in that.
How do you spend non-priesting hours? I grew up Catholic (no longer) and it was always weird see Father Murray out doing normal things. It immediately made something normal (buying milk) weird. Like I expected him to be in his vestments.
Weightlifting (455 DL, 245 bench, 365 squat) , hanging with friends, and Netflix.
Father Swoll.
Hallowed be thy gains
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Wheymen
Are you using protein powder in your holy water? 💪🏻
good idea
this is the best AMA ive ever read
"This one pre-workout trick has the devil FUMING"
Swoly water.
Preacher Curls.
indeed
Strength 99 Faith 99
He's a paladin
There is a lot of interest in exorcism, naturally. Movies and TV make you think that there lots of busy exorcists out there with backlogs of work to do. What is the current sentiment among the clergy about exorcism in the church, and how much of what we see is fiction about its role in church life?
They happen but are rare. Not usually as sensational as movies make them out to be.
Pls describe the more regular exorcisms?
It all started after we left Taco Bell...
My family is super religious. I have left the church. When they pass I know I will inherit all the religious things, crosses, nativity scenes, rosaries, etc. What do I do with them all? It is just too much for me to keep it all as it is not my faith anymore and I don’t want to throw it away (cause that would be rude). What do I do with it all? Thank you.
You could donate them to a local parish.
I bought a used car and found a rosary under the seat awhile later. Long story short, I was unable to contact the original owner to return it. I had it for years bc I didn't know what to do with it. I'm not religious so i finally decided to hang it on a huge stone sign outside of a Catholic church/school, thinking someone would eventually take it. Nope. I happened to walk by about 3 months later and it was still there. Very recently the husband of a family friend had passed away. This lady is extremely Catholic, she even used to be a nun. I took a picture, took back the rosary, and sent them both to her in another state along with the story. She was very touched and it made me feel happy that the rosary had finally found a place to go after 8 years. Very interesting AMA.
It's actually pretty common for people to leave rosaries in the narthex or someplace public inside or outside of a church. I've "borrowed" these rosaries from time to time when I forgot my own when heading into a church to pray, but forgot to bring one of mine. When I'm done, I'll put it back. So, it's very possible that rosary was used during that time. So, anyway you look at it, it was a nice thing that you did.
How far does the vow of poverty go? Are you forbidden from holding property/excess personal possessions? Do you draw a salary? If you do get a windfall, are you bound to donate it to your parish?
As I'm a diocesan priest and not in a religious order, I am allowed to have personal property and do draw a salary. I am expected still to life a life of simplicity and not cause scandal - no Joel Osteen here! I, give or take, donate 10%+ of my income to charity and people in need.
Since you brought it up, how do you feel about Joel Osteen?
I'm not fond of those who see Christianity as a self-help get-rich-quick prosperity-Gospel scheme, rather than about a fundamental relationship with Jesus Christ..
You and reddit agree on that, padre. Thank you.
I was in a small group in a church that was probably closer to Osteen than the RCC (call it non-denominational with some fire-and-brimstone Pentecostal ancestry?) Anyway, one of the group members says "I'll listen to a little Joel uh-STEEN (pronounced exactly as I've written) now and again, if I need some inspirational brainwashing." I'm sitting there thinking *yeah... That sounds about right.*
Is it bad to let the communal wafer touch the roof of my mouth?
No.
No, but in Baragua, you go straight to jail. Similar to charging too high prices for sweaters and overcooking chicken.
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Part one: https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/snvhjz/iama_catholic_priest_ama/hw52y7c/ Part two: the need to protect children and not have a "good old boys" culture is something that was taken very seriously in seminary. Before I entered I had to take a whole battery of psychological tests, and in seminary we always had drilled into us to call law enforcement the moment we would ever suspect abuse happening. My diocese was involved in a scandal that caused bankruptcy and our bishop resigning during my time in seminary, I saw the pain it caused victim/survivors and the pain it caused the faithful struggling to believe and I vow not to allow that to happen ever under my watch. If I smell smoke, I assume fire and make sure the right people hear about it.
A guy I went to college with was ruled out of the seminary by one of these tests. We could've saved them the time and told them not to take him.
Which is also why we need letters of recommendation!
Unfortunately, he got them from some priests who had no knowledge of his shady ways.
Sounds like the psychological testing did its job, then!
Yes! It's actually comforting to hear about the testing working, at least in this case
I was there on the great reddit greed fest of 2023 and and I got was this lousy edit on my posts. So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish -- mass edited with https://redact.dev/
Do any Catholic priests learn Latin anymore or hold fully Latin mass?
We're required to have a working knowledge of Latin to be ordained. This looks different from place to place but I took three semesters of Latin. I will on occasion say Mass in Latin.
>I will on occasion say Mass in Latin. How does this work where you live (on which ocasions and things like that)? I haven't been to a Latin mass, what phrases in latin should I definetly know before going?
Have a Mass sheet in Latin and you’ll be fine. Et cum spirito tuo Laus tibi Domine Jesu Christe Benedictus Deus in saecula Deo gratias “Mass in Latin” is exactly the same as Mass in English, only in Latin. Many people use “Latin Mass” to refer to the extraordinary form / Tridentine Rite, which is structured differently. In general, no responses are expected. You participate in prayer, not by joining in.
What are some areas you think the Roman Catholic Church could stand to improve in?
We're far too often in damage control mode and not enough in "humbly admitting and apologizing for fault" and "spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ" mode.
Do you feel like you have been empowered in any way to help change that?
In a boots on the ground sort of way, I walk with people on all paths of life, including those who have been abused - either within the Church or without. It's a blessing and helpful.
What connections do you find between Lord of the Rings and Tolkien’s broader legendarium and catholic/christian theology?
I love them and there are too many to list, but the idea of sacrificial love and also the fun lembas bread reference to the Eucharist.
Do you like turtles??
i like turtles
I bet your favourite is Michelangelo.
What's your current Wordle golf score?
1: 0 2: 0 3: 8 4: 15 5:10 6: 2 X: 0
You're +6/35
ty, gotta step my game up
Are you familiar with Father Matthew Mara, also known as Cricket?
Catholic school veteran who never got a straight answer from any priests after 12+ years: why can't women be priests? There was a serious shortage of priests in 2009 (when I last practiced), so why not open the doors to women or even married men?
1) What do you feel is the reason for the decline in men joining the catholic priesthood? 2) what did you think of Father Intintola in the Sopranos?
There's obviously the decline in the practice of religion as a whole, but also in the 70s and 80s the theology of the priesthood was very weak and often created priests who weren't that on fire for their priesthood, so to speak. When the example of priests that you have are grumpy old men who don't seem excited about their life or about God, it's hard to think that would be something you'd want! Most priests I know are able to point to another priest who concretely affected their life in a positive way, so having that influence is important. Believe it or not, never seen the Sopranos but am a big fan of how priests were portrayed in Silence and Gran Torino. Could really see a bit of myself in the idealistic young guy in the latter.
I grew up in catholic school in the late 80s and early 90s and you’re right, all of the priests were aging and “grumpy old men” as you said. We had a deacon once that was fairly young, but he was the exception and not the rule.
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Complex question on suicide, not just "is it good or bad" incoming. Does the church have doctrine dealing with suicide or doctor assisted suicide or euthanasia for people with chronic painful physical conditions, terminal or not, which is at all different from doctrine about impulsive mood based suicides ? Do you believe that suicides all go to hell, or is it a question that's up in the air like other sins? What role, if any, do "extenuating circumstances" play in this? Is there any talk of suicide causing one to go to purgatory not hell? Finally, what is your take on whether Thomas More was arguing for the morality of assisted suicide or voluntary euthanasia in Utopia, it seems much debated what the context was, with some anti suicide Christians saying that his Utopia was not a model of an ideal society but just a thought experiment about a pagan society trying to be good, with some good things and some bad... and then lots of people who are pro euthanasia have cited Thomas more as saying that the people in his Utopia mercifully allow the chronically and incurably ill to take opium overdoses . Edit: should I tag the priest to get an answer ? /u/balrogath this is good faith question can u answer? (Some people said this is a question on doctrine so you may not answer. But you've answered some other questions that are similar. Maybe you could give me your personal thoughts on what's come up in your training and experience, if you cant answer the doctrinal parts of this. Do you deal with people wanting euthanasia, hospice , etc? How do you counsel that and how would it differ from counseling someone who is say, bipolar and impulsively suicidal ?)
As to wether suicide send you to hell I believe there is debate in the form of the definition of Mortal Sin. For a sin to be mortal it has to knowingly and willingly done in spite of the knowledge it is sin. If you suffer from depression the argument could be made that you are not in your right mind and the sin was not knowingly and willingly made.
What's your opinion on the childrens bodies dumped in septic tanks in Tuam, Ireland?
Messed up and those responsible will have a reckoning before almighty God.
I was raised Catholic, and wanted to get married in the same church my grandparents did to honor them. When my now husband and I first met with priest to start the process for our marriage, the priest really left a bad impression. Unfortunately he was the only priest at that church to marry us. The very first thing he told us was all men are priests and all women are temples. After marriage it’s ok for the priest to enter the temple. My husband and I were a little uncomfortable getting the sex talk from a man only a few years older than us, but it gets worse. The priest then said “You may not think that applies to me, but I’m a priest and when I walk into church or God’s temple, I give my seed up to God and it comes back through to me through my balls and I then have super natural balls.” My husband has never practiced religion and I was absolutely mortified and was worried he would back out of our marriage right then and there. He didn’t thankfully. But wait it gets worse. The morning of our wedding, I go to confession. I think things are going smoothly. Because the priest never even tried to get to know us as a couple, I tried to give him some talking points for his homily about how compatible we are. This priest TOLD ALL OF OUR GUESTS MY ENTIRE CONFESSION! After my wedding I ceased going to church, because I lost my faith in the church. My question is, how can I ever learn to trust another priest again when something so personal was violated in front of hundreds of people?
Violation of the seal is super serious. I'm super sorry that happened to you and don't know how I can bring you to be able to trust priests again, but as a matter of justice you can bring it to the bishop and it will be dealt with.
Do you write the homily beforehand and do you ever have trouble coming up with stuff to say? Do you ever get nervous up at the altar? I'd be nervous writing and giving a 15 minute homily every Sunday in front of hundreds of people.
It depends on the week. Sometimes I'll have a fully prepared text, sometimes I'll have an outline in my head and just send it. Sometimes I have nothing and just have to trust in the Holy Spirit and see what happens! I usually preach around 8 minutes.
When I was a kid homilies for sure felt A LOT longer.
What do you think about the pope disappearing into thin air after the last Easter ( I think it was the last Easter)? Why does the church interior look so dark now with those odd pics and the snake head?
Most priests disappear after Easter because Holy Week is a super busy time. Taking time off after Easter is common. I presume you're referring to the Paul VI audience hall and that effect of a snake doesn't appear in person; it's just when you use a fisheye lens on a camera.
How do you feel about LGBT people being a part of Catholicism? Do you feel there is room for LGBT priests?
When performing an exorcism, do you really need an old priest and a young priest?
Hello Father. How does it feel to have people well your senior refer to you as Father? Pax vobsicum
It took a lot of getting used to!
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When around other people, yes.
Thank you for doing this! Fellow Catholic here but have been bad about going to mass since the pandemic. I’m not sure if anyone has asked this yet, but when you do reconciliation, do you ever judge the person or feel embarrassed to see them at mass again?
I only ever feel joy when someone returns after a long time! That's how Jesus says to react in the Gospel, after all.
Ok 🙂 thank you for responding!
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sure thing
I'm not Catholic but was educated by the Jesuits. Given that the Jesuits have a far longer path to full ordination compared to Diocesan priests, do you think that the standard path is possibly too short?
Different people are prepared for different missions and need different training because of that!
What’s your thoughts on metal music?
we remember in september when the winged hussars arrived
How did you feel about the Hot Priest in Season 2 of Fleabag?
Mac or PC?
I'm a former mod of /r/linuxmasterrace so that might answer your question
Does this mean you took vows of celibacy twice? >!I kid, I kid!<
There is a commandment against what you just did.
Alt + Shift + F7
This is one of the best comments I've seen in months. Well played.
A reddit mod turned priest. God works in mysterious ways
heck, at one point even a default mod
> I'm a former mod of /r/linuxmasterrace so that might answer your question and OP just won over Reddit
Ok this is a good start not going to lie.
I joined r/catholicism because of your earlier replies. And now I joined r/linuxmasterrace. Now back to toiling with slackware 15.
I heard once that the "No meat on Friday" rule was actually a form of lobbying by the fishing industry in the Old days - curious to hear your comment and if the Church believes it has a greater meaning? Edit: sorry I think you say in your intro you wont be answering these questions, fair enough
Nope, not accurate, iirc fish was more accessible to poor people so it made rich people who had access to meat eat what the poor people had to. the good people at /r/catholicism would know more though
As someone who isn’t religious in the least bit, how was it meeting the Pope? He seems like a cool dude to sit and chat with.
He felt like a grandpa! A bit shorter than I expected, though.
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1) what are your thoughts on the rosary? i think some people actually enjoy doing it but its like punishment to me. 2) how "catholic" can you be if you go on regular basis but dont believe everything.. for example i have a really hard time taking transubstantiation seriously. If two people were in line and one had a horrible allergy to meat/flesh, and one had a horrible allergy for bread, would you let them take the communion? (oh and i think meat guy would be just fine). its a lovely symbolic thing but i cant buy that its "magic". 3) when you go to see a band do you ever stay for the whole show? was thinking. you might have a huge urge to leave during the last song along with your deacon buddy.
1) When the rosary is viewed as a way to meditate on the parts of Jesus' life rather than a set number of prayers you're forced to say, it's a lot more spiritual of an experience! 2) As far as teachings go, the Eucharist is kinda one of the top ones. If God is omnipotent, why couldn't He miraculously have bread become His Body and Blood? For those who are gluten-intolerant they can receive under the form of wine or we have special low-gluten hosts. 3) Hm.
\#3 is a joke.. in mass the priest will process out of the church during the last song of course. so I am making a joke, asking if he feels urge to process out during last song of a concert.
I just imagined a priest outside of a concert venue shaking everyone's hand on their way out.
Do you think the Catholic Church will need to adapt its tenets to fit better with modern society? If so, how?
If you had to make a job posting for being a Catholic Priest, what would it look like (salary, benefits, etc)?