Sun chat Dec 28 at 730 PM: Ecumenism: There has been much talk about ecumenism since the Second Vatican Council. What is ecumenism, and what is its purpose?
The article also talked about Pentecostals and Catholics moving closer together. Why does the Catholic Church now seem more attractive to evangelicals than before?
What can we as Catholics do to foster this coming together? How should we find common ground and yet remain faithful to Catholic teaching? We have an unusual topic for tonight but we can talk about anything else too

 

Anne M: Christmas was wonderful. Church was all decked out

Dec 28 2014, 7:23 PM

Anne M: Ah, ecumenism.

Dec 28 2014, 7:23 PM

 

Dawn L: Is it to early to say topic?

7:25 PM

Carol Ann: Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas

Dec 28 2014, 7:26 PM

Sister Susan Marie: Yes! and we are still celebrating

Dec 28 2014, 7:26 PM

Sister Susan Marie: Today was our first full monastic day after talking at meals since Christmas

Dec 28 2014, 7:26 PM

Carol Ann: It’s fun to tell people my Christmas doesn’t end until Epiphany

Dec 28 2014, 7:26 PM

Sister Susan Marie: We celebrate til the Baptism of the Lord here

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Sister Susan Marie: What prompted the topic was the Humana Conference and also the synod on family

Dec 28 2014, 7:29 PM

Judy K: I saw the interview with Raymond Arroyo and thought it was quite good.

Dec 28 2014, 7:30 PM

Sister Susan Marie: Oh ! That’s great/ Can you give us a pointer?

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Carol Ann: I am so happy to hear more and more Evangelical & Protestants trying to bridge the ecumenical gap as well as Catholics

Dec 28 2014, 7:31 PM

Judy K: Sadly, my memory is not good. I feel that i am paying attention but then can recall little of what was said. I do recall that I had a very positive feeling about what he was saying.

14, 7:32 PM

Dawn L: Sr Susan, I was happy to receive what you sent regarding Pastor Rick Warren. I watched his ewtn interview a time ago

Dec 28 2014, 7:32 PM

Sister Susan Marie: That’s ok- my memory is like that alot-

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Sister Susan Marie: He seems very well known and influential and if he is truly open there can be progress

Anne M: I read an article regarding Rick Warrens support of the Pope. His followers were not very happy. Hope they come around so we can focus on our common ground

Dec 28 2014, 7:33 PM

Judy K: Re: the first question–I was not really surprised that Pastor Warren would defend Catholic teaching. I felt that he had a good comprehension of Catholic teaching and feel that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit

34 PM

Dawn L: He said on interview his favorite channel to watch when he came home was ewtn!

Sister Susan Marie: Which has a solid reputation among many Catholics

Dawn L: yes.yes, his large congregation, he could be very influental. or is

Dec 28 2014, 7:35 PM

Sister Susan Marie: I think that the gap is closing somewhat because we have solid doctrine that has not changed

Dec 28 2014, 7:35 PM

Carol Ann: Have any of you heard of Deacon Jones? He was an Evangelical pastor who converted and then converted his church.

Dec 28 2014, 7:36 PM

Sister Susan Marie: In Texas?

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Carol Ann: He might be. let me see if I can find his book again.

Dec 28 2014, 7:36 PM

Judy K: I think that such people are afraid of any leaning toward Catholicism, perhaps threatened by it. They would be rocked to the core by having to admit that they were mistaken in their beliefs. And the possibility of becoming Catholic is really scarey.l Yep, I have heard of Deacon Jones. He is awesome

 

Sister Susan Marie: It takes a lot to change. Look at all the research Scott Hahn did before converting

Sister Susan Marie: Or Jeff Cavins before reverting

Carol Ann: Yes, I really enjoy Scott Hahn’s Bible study series-he presents both points of view and why they differ.

Dec 28 2014, 7:38 PM

Judy K: I have seen Deacon on EWTN and he is quite a speaker. Having come from a Pentecostal background, he has that Pentecostal flavor when he preaches. I could listen to him for prolonged periods of time.

 

Sister Susan Marie: I am very attracted to listening about Scripture and the dep faith in miracles

Sister Susan Marie: Did you ever read the Power of Praise by Carothers

Dawn L: I will look for Deacon Jones…someone such as this can really help bridge

Dec 28 2014, 7:40 PM

Carol Ann: i heard the Deacon at SCRC one year. the most impassioned talk on Eucharistic presence I ever heard. And then at lunch he took on the protesters that always picket SCRC and our religious ed congress. He loved every minute of the debate-they had to drag him away to teach

 

 

Judy K: It is also amazing how many formerly Protestant ministers have come home to the Catholic Church. I frequently watch the Journey Home with Marcus Grodi and I am struck by the fact that many of the converts and reverts that many of them were most convinced by reading the Church Fathers and the most convincing point for them is the authority of the Church. They were becoming disillusioned with their own church’s lack of continuity on doctrine and started to search.

Dec 28 2014, 7:42 PM

Carol Ann: http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/deaconsbench/2007/11/alex-jones-the-evangelical-who-became-a-catholic-deacon.html

Alex Jones: the evangelical who became a Catholic deacon – The

 

Sister Susan Marie: Thanks Carol Anne! Judy I get the Coming Home newsletter and recently read also about Jeff Cavins who felt as you describe- lack of authority- like they were inventing their own ChurchM

Carol Ann: Here is his book http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-price-too-high-alex-jones/1100073808?ean=9780898709193

No Price Too High: The Conversion of Alex Jones by Alex Jones |

 

Judy K: There is a DVD available from the EWTN shop called “Dinner with Alex Jones.” Steven Ray is the host and it is a most enlightening conversation with Deacon Jones, Steve Ray and some Protestant ministers. I was really impressed with the Deacon’s discussions. His faith is really deep and he must have done quite a job to have been able to bring a part of his congregation and his whole family with him

Dec 28 2014, 7:45 PM

Dawn L: As a lay Catholic who lives around many different faiths the most helpful things is to have things to share with others

6 PM

Dawn L: with those co habitating?

Dec 28 2014, 7:47 PM

Judy K: A good place to begin would be with the Scripture and the things that Jesus Himself said about marriage.

 

Carol Ann: How would you handle talking about the sacramentality of marriage?

Dec 28 2014, 7:48 PM

 

Judy K: Then ask them what they believe about marriage.

Sister Susan Marie: Good distinction, Carol Anne. But essential

Dec 28 2014, 7:49 PM

Sister Susan Marie: What makes a sacramental marriage different than a civil one or even one between 2 non Catholic Christians

 

Carol Ann: I recently had a conversation with someone who had an annulment in the family (her sister I think) and was still miffed to be told she hadn’t really existed

Dec 28 2014, 7:50 PM

Amy Cochran: a sacramental is a covenant of two people with God

Dec 28 2014, 7:50 PM

Sister Susan Marie: I don’t think people understand annulments

 

Carol Ann: No, and the way this priest explained it left her feeling that the Church thought she was no one. She has never been back.

Dec 28 2014, 7:51 PM

Carol Ann: I did reassure her that she exists and that the annulment was the equivalent of a civil divorce, but deeper because of the sacrament

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Judy K: Especially since many Protestant sects do not recognize marriage as a sacrament. A civil marriage generally does not include God in the great scheme of things. It is a social reality and lacks spiritual dimension. A sacramental marriage is a consecration of the marriage to the Lord and puts Him at the center of the marriage.

Dawn L: nicely said Judy

Dec 28 2014, 7:52 PM

Amy Cochran: nice explanation, Judy

:53 PM

Carol Ann: Judy, what would you say to someone like the woman I was speaking with? 4, 7:53 PM

Judy K: Than you!

Judy K: Carol Ann, I wonder if your friend could have misinterpreted what the priest was saying. Annulment is a declaration that a sacramental marriage did not exist because of some impediment. I can’t imagine a priest telling anyone that he or she is nothing. But annulment does mean that the marriage was, in effect, nothing.

Dec 28 2014, 7:56 PM

Carol Ann: That’s always good to do, Dawn

 

Judy K: People also object to annulments because they feel that the decree makes “bastards” of the children. But that is not true

Carol Ann: Judy, I think it has to do with the children, what their status is after the annulment. She thought that children of an annulled marriage did not “exist” in the eyes of the church, whicu is not true. I think she might have been somewhat mollified by the explanation, but she didn’t mention it agai8 PM

Sister Susan Marie: If a “sacramental” marriage did not exist, meaning the vocation of matrimony, it does not mean that a civil marriage never existed

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Dec 28 2014, 7:59 PM

Amy Cochran: that’s a great point, Sister

Dec 28 2014, 7:59 PM

Sister Susan Marie: You can’t get annulled without a divorce first I think.

Dec 28 2014, 7:59 PM

Dawn L: I would suggest perhaps she look to talk with another priest?

Dec 28 2014, 8:00 PM

Sister Susan Marie: Can’t divorce what did not exist

Dec 28 2014, 8:00 PM

Judy K: It is amazing how many objections to practices or doctrines could be avoided if only people had the correct information, eg, people believing that Catholics worship the Blessed Mother, or statues.

 

Dawn L: and the secular information is deeply instilled in somes hearts and minds

Dec 28 2014, 8:01 PM

Sister Susan Marie: I can see how it would be difficult to bridge the gap without clear knowledge here!

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Dawn L: Yes Sr Susan

Judy K: And sometimes Church people use language that adds nothing to the comprehension of the situation. Ecclesiastical legalese it might be called. 3 PM

Anne M: There are two women in the parish who are divorced one remarried withouth annulment. One says she would not get an annulment because of the status of her children. She does not, though, talk to the pastor for correct information. And she wouldn’t listen to me. PM

Judy K: That’s a shame. There is, I am sure, a book that explains the details of annulment, but I cannot think of the title. Perhaps it would be good for her to read such a book.

Dec 28 2014, 8:05 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I am sorry to be late- couldn’t log on.

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Amy Cochran: I think sometimes you can tell people the truth and when they say no, the only thing that works is prayer

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Is there such a thing as evangelical Catholics? If so- in NYPM

Dawn L: along this topic of divorce and marriage, and being told something by a priest…when I ws 8 yrs old my parents ( Catholics) divorced. My mothers was incorrectly told we…her and my sister and I, could never come to church again. I went 50+ years believing this. and never questioned. So these things that are not truth can have a real stronghold.

Dec 28 2014, 8:07 PM

Sister Susan Marie: I think charismatics Catholics are the closest

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Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, those questions about divorced Catholics definitely need to be clarified – for all concerned.

Dec 28 2014, 8:08 PM

Judy K: If you check a web site called Spirit Daily, they have a long list of links and I think that I recall seeing one for Evangelical Catholics.

Dec 28 2014, 8:08 PM

Carol Ann: Dawn, I know of a similar experience. I wonder if it was common misinterpretation right after Vatican II?

Dec 28 2014, 8:08 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thanks Judy

Dec 28 2014, 8:09 PM

Amy Cochran: Dawn, after 50 plus years, what drew you back into the church?

Dec 28 2014, 8:09 PM

Dawn L: Thinking about Pope Francis speaking with the evangelicals wonderful!

:11 PM

Dawn L: I had a very strong conversion I guess I would say….began reading the Bible, then going to differnt churches, then one morning I woke with the strongest calling to call a priest. On a Saturday morning. one finally answered and said come.. PM

Judy K: I think that that is the answer to question 3–why does the Catholic Church now seem more attractive to evangelicals than before. I do think that it is Pope Francis who is stimulating this appeal. He is so accepting of people. I think that feel that he has a listening ear. 2 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: True, Judy. It makes me wonder how I can be more accepting – still staying true to my Catholic faith.

Dec 28 2014, 8:12 PM

Dawn L: this is when I felt the mercy of our Lord

Dec 28 2014, 8:12 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Dawn- wow! Awesome story. So sorry you had to wait so long

Dec 28 2014, 8:12 PM

Amy Cochran: I found out that Pope Francis has a degree in chemistry! A man of my own heart

Dec 28 2014, 8:13 PM

Judy K: Also he is much less a pomp and circumstance person.

:13 PM

Amy Cochran: beautiful conversion, Dawn

Mary Roberta Viano: Please pray for the conversions of my sons, one of whom is visiting me right now, and has no interest whatsoever in Mass and prayer. Sad!

Dec 28 2014, 8:14 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: I will Sister

Dec 28 2014, 8:14 PM

Amy Cochran: I will

Dec 28 2014, 8:14 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: He just wants a place to stay near the airport that will take him to where he really wants to go.

Dec 28 2014, 8:14 PM

Judy K: I think, Sister, it is to develop that listening ear, to question the other about his or her beliefs and point out the errors being prepared to substantiate your position.

 

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Alice Lewis-Eckardt: And also for my children please. 0 out of 6 attend Mass

Dec 28 2014, 8:15 PM

Dawn L: It came in the midst of a big storm! Sr Mary, I will pray for them. But I would say him needing to stay there is perhaps deeper than what he thinks

Dec 28 2014, 8:15 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: My son considers himself an intellectual, who know better than his silly mother!

15 PM

Carol Ann: Some day he will remember how wise you are and wish he could speak to you again. I will pray too.

Dec 28 2014, 8:16 PM

Judy K: He might profit from exposure to Deacon Jones.

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Mary Roberta Viano: I found it especially hard to talk to him since he doesn’t at all care about the things that are closest to my heart – Our Lord, for instance.

Dec 28 2014, 8:16 PM

Amy Cochran: St. Monica prayed for her son for so many years

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Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, St. Monica is my heroine and intercessor! 7 PM

Amy Cochran: mine too

Dec 28 2014, 8:17 PM

Dawn L: And I have three sons who do not believe, this must be common…yes, St Monica!

Dec 28 2014, 8:17 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Maybe that’s just a front Sister

Dec 28 2014, 8:18 PM

Judy K: So often people who draw away from the Lord do so because they angry with Him for something that they feel He did not do for them. Or perhaps they were turned off by something a clergyman said to them. That’s hard to undo.

Dec 28 2014, 8:18 PM

Amy Cochran: I agree, Alice, guys sometimes have to put on the “I don’t care” attitude. Think of how many Women were at the foot of the cross versus men

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Mary Roberta Viano: I’m not a good apologist for the faith, and since he was on his debate team in school, he’s good at cutting off discussion with what he considers a perfect comeback.

Dec 28 2014, 8:19 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Since I was last here and judy suggested our lady of good remedy- I have had many prayers answered

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Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, a supernatural intervention is the only thing that will bring him back to the Church now.

Dec 28 2014, 8:20 PM

Carol Ann: there is Our Lady to help us, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Dec 28 2014, 8:20 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Judy so true about anger. My one daughter said she can’t believe in a God that would take her dad

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Mary Roberta Viano: and, of course, He took my son’s dad (my husband) before his time, as my son sees it.

Dec 28 2014, 8:22 PM

Anne M: Oh, tell me about what Our Lady of Good Remedy did? She’s a powerhouse.

Dec 28 2014, 8:22 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Yes Sister, we have that in common also

Amy Cochran: ah, that’s how we humans view death, as a taking from us, instead of a calling home

3 PM

Dawn L: so I feel its important to pray very much for my children and then place them in the Sacred Heart of Jesus….for the devil can do us much harm by worry. But God loves them more than I do and He shed his precious blood for them

Dec 28 2014, 8:23 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: When my son was in middle school, he told me he wanted to be a priest…he’s shifted far from that now that he’s 44!

 

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Anne I prayed for full time work as I was part time- got an answer immediately and another job offer

Dec 28 2014, 8:23 PM

Judy K: As to the question about finding common ground. I came up with 6 points: 1. pray 2. help others to know what the Church really teaches; 3. help others to understand what the Church really teaches; 4. Come to understand what they believe; 5. see what beliefs we hold in common; 6. hold fast to Catholic dogma.

Dec 28 2014, 8:24 PM

Anne M: Thank you Jesus, through Mary!

Dec 28 2014, 8:24 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Good apologetics judy

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Mary Roberta Viano: and Our Lady is the official Patroness of the Visitation (says SFdS), so I need to lean on her even morePM

Sister Susan Marie: Faith is such a gift- how we must pray others receive it

Dec 28 2014, 8:27 PM

Judy K: Regarding anger at God for taking a loved one to Himself, people often do not realize that death is freedom from whatever suffering they might have been enduring. It is hard when the death sudden, caused by an accident or by murder. Perhaps in the last case it could be helpful to redirect the anger to the person really responsible for the murder, but always encouragement to be forgiving.

Dec 28 2014, 8:27 PM

Amy Cochran: Yes, Sister! Pray, hope, and don’t worry Thank you, st. Pio

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Mary Roberta Viano: If you worry, don’t pray, and if you pray, don’t worry! PM

Anne M: Not to change the subject, but could someone tell me about the Visitation monastery in Toldedo?

Dec 28 2014, 8:30 PM

Dawn L: but does it mean, if we are in worry we have not the heart to pray?

Dec 28 2014, 8:30 PM

Anne M: Toledo

Dec 28 2014, 8:30 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, probably. Holy Father talks about the Heart of Jesus and that of Mother Mary being united, so I simply need to ask her to intercede with Her Son for my son/s.

Dec 28 2014, 8:30 PM

Sister Susan Marie: It is strictly contemplative

:31 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: who entered here in Georgetown and then left for the more cloistered life in Toledo1 PM

Judy K: My own father was killed in a Korean prison camp in 1951, by friendly fire. I hold no animosity toward those who strafed the camp since it was not marked. The prisoners had no clothing appropriate for the 30 degrees below weather in the winter, and subsisted millet and half cooked soy beans. They were all sick from the terrible diet. But oddly, I do not hold this against the Koreans. It is a grace, I suppose, but I have a great love for all Asian people.

Dec 28 2014, 8:32 PM

Amy Cochran: Is Georgetown not cloistered?

Dec 28 2014, 8:32 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Dawn, I think it means that when we pray, we have to really TRUST and not worry so much.

2 PM

Judy K: That could be because Dad lived in Japan for nearly 4 years after WWII and he loved the Japanese people.

Dec 28 2014, 8:32 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Georgetown is semi-cloistered.

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Amy Cochran: Meaning?

Dec 28 2014, 8:33 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Why would someone choose a more cloistered life? More prayer time?

Dec 28 2014, 8:33 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Our apostolate is the school the sisters founded, but we don’t go out to serve elsewhere.

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Amy Cochran: like in Brooklyn?

Dec 28 2014, 8:33 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Thank you for sharing Judy

Dec 28 2014, 8:34 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Yes, like Brooklyn

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Mary Roberta Viano: More cloistered does mean more regular prayer time and also more of a challenge to live 24/7 with one’s sisters.

Dec 28 2014, 8:35 PM

Judy K: I have to say that the older I get, the more I miss my dad, even though I only lived with him for a year and a half of my life.

Dec 28 2014, 8:35 PM

Alice Lewis-Eckardt: Maybe we could talk some week about different types of religious communities

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Amy Cochran: yes

Dec 28 2014, 8:36 PM

Sister Susan Marie: Great idea for the year of consecrated life

Dec 28 2014, 8:36 PM

Carol Ann: That would be great, as there are so many new kinds, as well as the traditional

Dec 28 2014, 8:36 PM

Mary Roberta Viano: Good. In the meantime let’s hold each other in prayer for the beginning of 2015 – a new year full of hope!

Dec 28 2014, 8:37 PM

Sister Susan Marie: Blessed New year

Dec 28 2014, 8:22 PM

Carol Ann: It’s hard to say to someone who is grieving that God did not punish the one who died by taking him or her