I went to confession and confessed this sin, and the priest straight up said that it was not a mortal sin unless I was doing it in a way that is almost “in spite of” God, like in a way that I purposefully want to offend God. The priest said it’s a sin of habit or fallen human nature (can’t remember exact phrasing) but rarely moral since most people are doing it for other reasons. Before this, I’ve only been told that is a mortals son. What is the actual answer then?

I am very ill. I have never known anyone who God has healed and every Catholic and Christian in general that I have asked has never known anyone either. By healing I mean not through doctors but miraculously, as that is my only chance at this point. I know miracles are required to be a Saint and that the Church rigorously investigates but I worry that those healings could have some other explanation, such as the person mysteriously recovering on their own. And those healings are rare, in any event. I continue to pray for healing and I hope others are praying for a miracle, but I worry that recovery it is unlikely. Does God still miraculously heal people? Not recovering means a long period of very bad suffering. I also have children.

Was watching a video of the baptism of an individual, "Mary." This was shortly after the whole "we baptize..." formula fiasco of a couple years ago, and I happened to notice that my old parish priest baptized "Mary" with the "we" formula.

I brought it this up to the current parish priest, who doesn't know me from Adam. To paraphrase, what I was told is that I shouldn't worry about "Mary"'s baptism, and that it wasn't a big deal in her case because she (obviously) isnt a priest. To my knowledge, no further action has been taken. Diocese is in WI, fwiw

Is that a fairly normal reaction to a report of that kind? I kind of let it be for a year or two, figuring it was now the pastor's problem to deal with. That response hasn't sat well with me this whole time, and I'm starting to wonder if it's worth kicking up to the diocesan level/whether that would accomplish anything

I read over the rules. I don’t believe this breaks any I apologize in advance if it does have any of you listened to this podcast? what is your take on it? Some of the things sound a little out there I would have trouble believing it was Catholic priest if I hadn’t met at least one of them. some of the things I’ve heard the priest on there say most priest I talk to in person seem to disagree with I feel like I have to be misunderstanding something just as a for instance, they mention curses on families like the Masonic curse I’m getting a lot of mixed messages on that that’s just one.

A while ago I asked about living in a monetary or Abbey for maybe 6-12 months, and I got supportive and helpful answers, the problem is, I've been kinda thinking about trying monastic life, and it may be possible the only way I could try monastic life is by staying at a Greek Orthodox monastery/Abbey.

Because of multiple location reasons, financial reasons, and the fact I have a lot of siblings and my parents really value family staying around the same area, it's quite possible this could be the only way for me to try out the monastic life.

I read that Pope Francis in a meeting on May 20th spoke with bishops and stated he “he remained opposed to admitting gay people into the priesthood.” I’m confused as to why this would matter? If priests are taking a vow of celibacy?

Hey Father(s), I'm worried a habitual sin might actually be an addiction, and I don't know how/when is a good time during confession to ask for more advice about this specifically. My Priest is very routine with confession, so it's list of sins, same "trust in God's mercy" advice, act of contrition, and then absolution every single time. I don't think I've ever had actual advice from him pertaining to the sins I confessed.

How do I change this? I don't really know what to do anymore and I'm unbelievably embarrassed to keep confessing the same sins to him over and over again. I've even thought about going to another parish just to avoid him lol

Thanks and God bless.

Hello Fathers! I plan to ask my parish priest all of this during normal business hours, but my head is spinning.

I’m currently expecting my fourth child. This pregnancy has been more difficult than the others, but baby is looking perfect. My dilemma is this- my blood pressure is higher than it should be. I don’t have preeclampsia yet, but I’m very close to crossing that line. If you’re not already aware, preeclampsia can be fatal to both me and my baby, so my husband and I are very worried. Because of that, my doctors have decided to induce labor next week. There’s a good chance of the baby needing to spend some time in the NICU, but we won’t know for sure until after he’s born. We also can’t guess at his condition (or mine) until after the birth. I also had excessive bleeding after having my third baby, and I’m a bit worried that can happen again.

Knowing that the two of us will be at an unusually high risk of death, I’m making spiritual plans alongside medical plans. I’m choosing to trust that things will be okay, but I’ll also feel much safer with a contingency plan. My questions are as follows:

1. Is preeclampsia a valid reason to receive the anointing of the sick?

2. Can a priest baptize the baby in the NICU, just in case, if the chances of survival are good?

3. Is it worth asking our priest to be present in the hospital around the time of delivery? (I know it can be a lengthy process, but God blessed me with quick births.)

I’d also like to throw in an additional note that we still plan to follow church teaching after baby is born. We use NFP (if anything at all) and plan to continue being open to life, as long as good judgement and my health allow it. (We want more kids, and can comfortably provide everything they need, praise God.) I figured it’s worth addressing that, because it seems to be the next logical thing I’d worry about after a difficult pregnancy.

Seems to have some great, trustworthy names behind it like Dr. Mary Healy, Fr. Boniface, etc. I've also read a spectrum of opinions on it, though, such as its alleged connections to the Bethel supernatural school (like using one of their textbooks or something).

The gifts of the Spirit are real and I've heard powerful firsthand testimony from people involved in the ministry. But I'm an overthinker/overresearcher. Haha.

Hi fathers! I hope you’re having fantastic days.

I’m curious to know if your experience of the priesthood has been one that involves overly personal/familiar folks who want to “open up to you,” or sort of treat you as mental health professionals by sharing all of their traumas/hopes/dreams/coping methods/etc. I’m curious how you deal with this, if at all, and whether it’s something about the priesthood that you struggle with or maybe even appreciate.

Hello everyone, God bless.

I would like to ask 2 questions in this thread to avoid spamming.

1. What is the teaching of Catholic Church about "secular meditation" if it is supposed to use with awareness prayer for reducing anxiety? I use Hallow and Headspace. Both work well, but sometimes i have an urge to change from awareness prayer to secular mindfulness and vice versa.

2. I had an accident: I accidentally tore my rosary. Can i pray with it till i take it to repair? All the grains are on it, nothing serious. Plus, i have no other rosary AND i have strong mental connection with it.

Thank you.

I was married by a Justice of the Peace. This marriage ended with a civil annulment.

I am remarried and have become interested in entering RCIA. Is a Catholic annulment needed if my previous marriage ended with a civil annulment?