I read your article with great interest. You see, I know this man who is not so young who, in looking back, realizes he heard the call but ignored it due to fear, selfishness, laziness and all that secular stuff. Lets call him a 'friend'. So this friend marries a wonderful wife, raises a beautiful family, is showered with countless blessings and the most amazing Catholic volunteer work imaginable. Yet through it all is a lingering guilt over a call unheeded.
What advise would you give to my friend and those who may be busily ignoring their call today?

Dearest Fr. Rob,

I stumbled onto your site quite by accident; I was thrilled to see you here since I also see you at Mass from time to time; I have family in Valley Stream.

I've read your columns with great interest; I'm SO happy to know that this sort of open dialogue is available to everyone so easily.

However, I have one bone to pick with you (of course, it's my nature, as they'd say around me...) It is that of the "importance of the priest". While I have ALWAYS been Roman Catholic, and I love my faith practice, you have written your "essay" in the light of the importance of the priest in being connected to The Body of Christ, and the only way to be freed of mortal sin, and the connection with the anointing of the sick.

Forgive me, please, for what I am about to say: From having heard (and LOVED) your passionate homilies from time to time, I don't believe YOU believe what you've just written; in fact, I believe it's because your pastor is there (I've heard him, too).

Jesus says: those who do the will of My Father are my sisters and brothers, my family. We need NOT be connected to the Church; we need NOT receive His Grace from a priest; we need NOT be anointed by a priest to die in the peace of God. That is a fallacy created by Roman Catholic men, also the same men who have created the fallacy that women cannot be priests.

I'm gonna pay for this one, but, hey, The Celebration of the Cross is only one month away. So go ahead and condemn me; I believe I'm correct and I believe you know I am, too.

The choice to be a priest is NOT the choice to "be special and have special gifts". It is to recognize that Christ is our Master; Christ is our First Passion and Love; Christ is The One to whom we owe all our gratitude for His Sacrifice; and Christ is the one we model in Loving Others--and that includes letting women into "their realm" and letting go of "minor dogmatic principles"---just as the Jews-turned-Christians had to let go of some of their rites when accepting in the non-Jews. Just because we Love Christ in this manner does NOT entitle us to suggest that it is the ONLY way to find forgiveness of mortal sin; the only way to be anointed in sickness; nor the only way to be connected to God and the Body of Christ as FAMILY and CHILDREN OF GOD. It is this very arrogance that turn so many people AWAY from The Church; case in point, the reaction to the scandal several decades ago!

And I believe you know this.
Sorry for my bluntness.
I just hate when I know someone's heart is in the right place and their obedience to God is tainted by those who "look over their shoulder".

May you forgive me for challenging you up front.
I just want you to confess what I am fairly certain you believe but cannot state, thanks to Roman Catholic protocol.

I've heard you too many times to let you get away with what you have said here.
If I am wrong in my thoughts about who you are; forgive me. Then Please consider all I have said.
I love your spirit and there is not a Christmas homily of yours which has not made my Celebration perfect.

God strengthen you in what you must do to come to fruition as the great priest I know you are.

much love, and in His Peace and Justice,
Regina

PS--If your Pastor desires to build up his Church, as the letter signifies which he'd sent out to his congregation, then he should open up his grip some on his faith walk and allow some Good News to come in: we're all freed in Christ, whether or not a priest blesses us so. To remark about the concept of "obedience" of which you have written in another column; THIS is the trouble with "obedience" in the Church. It's not obedience to GOD that's the problem; it's obedience to the man who sayeth we must be obedient to himself. Nothing has changed in 2000 years!

I'm sorry again for my bluntness...
Boy am I going to pay for this one if my identity is found out!

Dear Regina:

There are a number of citations of the Catechism and Sacred Scripture in the blog to which you are reacting. It was my hope that they might prevent this kind of misunderstanding. Please take the time to reference them in prayer.

Just quickly: The teachings of the Catholic Church are, all of them, true. And all priests who preach the truth do so not because they feel forced to, but because they want to and love to; they live to preach the Truth. Remember, we priests promised obedience to the Bishop knowingly, willingly and lovingly. Still, because there is only one Truth, I can understand how it may sometimes seem that priests are only parroting one another. In reality, of course, it is the one, same Christ whom you hear in the voice of any priest who preaches the Truth.

As for the male priesthood, you say it well: "nothing has changed in 2000 years". To think that Christ would have ordained women if the Incarnation had occurred in this century is comparable to denying his divinity, since no God could rightly claim to be all-powerful while at the same time unable to overcome the ebb of merely cultural tide. We must always think these things through with a spirit of docility and trust.

I know some teachings of the Church are harder than others to accept. But, I promise: if you read those paragraphs from the Catechism and those passages from Scripture, you're heart will find rest.

In Jesus and Mary,
Father Robert

Dear Fr. Rob,

Thank you for dignifying me with a most gentle answer. I shall look up those references as you have requested. I believe I've already read some of them, but I shall go back and reread them once again on your behalf; however, it is, once again, written by men. It will never be indicative of the whole of God's Creation. However, I shall honor your presence in my life.

I do believe that what priests preach is normally from the heart of Christ. I do not believe they parrot one another, but I know for a fact that some of them believe in female priests and have gotten kicked out; additionally, it is well known that popes in the past have made great mistakes. Of course, this dialogue would be too large to have on email.

As for my heart being put to rest...I'm not so sure...

Think about this: Is it not possible that Christ came as a man and utilized men for preaching because, at that time, men were the ones who would be listened to by the population? After all, was it not Scriptural that Peter--I believe it was--told Mary that she was "not being realistic" when she'd approached him to tell him that The Lord has risen? I've heard people say how the "women were the brave ones" because they "stuck by Christ". Well, they stuck by Christ because THEY were NOT the ones threatened with Death! (Of course, His Mother would have stayed either way, I would think.)

No one cared what women did; THEY were the ones stoned to death if adulterous; THEY were the ones ignored, divorced, and the like, when men felt like it. Men wrote the Scripture and left out a good many details in regard to women--of course, Luke was not so biased. Why would God send a WOMAN at that time if God felt that women would not be heard? Do you not credit GOD with knowing how to be effective in the world? Maybe it's NOT CHRIST I'm questioning; maybe it's our INTERPRETATION of what Christ did and why. And it is OUR interpretation--just look at how things have changed over the years through scholarship.

Be my thoughts right or wrong, I thank you for your reply and I'm deeply sorry for being so bluntly angry; it comes from pain and I'm sure you know that. None-the-less, I disappointed myself by not acting as I would have liked in the name of Christ's Love. At the same time, was Christ docile in the Temple when he'd felt the people were creating an environment which betrayed God?

What I'd rather have said is, "Why don't you 'call' men to the priesthood by writing a love story for Christ on here?" Tell others how meaningful it is to love as Christ loved, so much so that you'd give up your sexual potential; how meaningful it is to be The One who is "right there" when someone has an "awakening", a "freeing moment", a baby born and baptized into the Lord and then their reception of The Eucharist----knowing that, someday, your presence as Christ's Witness and Sacrament as a Priest might have been the very thing which offered the influence or inspiration to save a soul---in a way that the rest of us cannot because you are seen as Christ's face in this world.

Tell them that they can take this Love of Christ to the Third World; to young adults in need of help and hope in our culture so filled with meaningless endeavors. Tell them how you suffer for Christ's lack in the world and how wonderful it is to share the hopes,joys and values with your world Church community; that the great dignity and intimate relationship with Christ fills your soul with everything truly meaningful in this life that comes from being a Roman Catholic priest; and, most of all, how wonderfully fulfilling to your soul it is to stand up on the altar and say the prayers of Thanks to Christ, as you consecrate the world (as said above).

Do you know how many times I've longed to stand up there and say The Eucharistic Prayer, but can't?

I only wish you could know the heartbreak of we women who so wish to not only Celebrate The Eucharist as you men can do, and, as well, to see ourselves reflected on the altar as Daughters of God in the very same way as you men can see yourselves as Sons...fully formed, fully present, fully Sacramental.

in His Peace and Love,
... I'm sorry if I put you and Mnsgr. Tom on the spot. I had not meant to do so. I'd forgotten others might be reading it. You really cannot imagine how much suffering is on my soul. In fact, I'm stifling tears which you cannot now see, and truly cannot understand. I can only hear Christ saying, "They know not what they do".
If I am wrong, then may Christ show it to me.
Regina

Hello, Fr. Rob,

I'm back...

I've done the reading... I've offered it up to God... I've found a renewed appreciation and importance within the priesthood which warmed my soul...But, I still stand on what I believe...even moreso than before in fact, for the contemplation reminded me of many things forgotten which fortified my viewpoint--the fate of Galileo, the way the "locals" in Jesus' town could not be healed because of their lack of faith (it had nothing to do with Jesus' Divinity, just as the election of men and not women in the priesthood--in my opinion--had nothing to do with Jesus' Divinity), and many other points which I cannot bring to light here.

I shall not argue them any longer, however, for those are about Doctrine and not about the importance of the Priesthood. I love The Priesthood; I believe in The Priesthood; the last thing I would want is for my own upset with particular principles in our practice to turn young men away from moving into the priesthood. We need the priesthood, desperately. Having the priesthood be present does matter!

The big difference for me is that I am no longer angry or suffering; I realize I can offer my heart as The Lord's Table any moment of the day or night I wish, in order to praise and glorify Him sacrificially--for it is my behavior and attitude toward God and my fellow human beings with which Christ is most concerned--He wishes to consecrate my heart. It matters not what role I play, though I'm sure it matters to God whether or not His Body is treating all members fairly. He will be happy, I'm sure, with my sacrifice of praise and love toward Himself, and I shall love all members of His Church well, whether or not they treat me fairly in the afore-to-mentioned manner.

Christ has united myself to Him on The Cross today, and I am one with him; I believe that, someday, The Ruling Body of The Church will "see" that it is in error. Until then, I will offer myself at the service of His People in the ways which I am called to do right now. I will be grateful and satisfied with this, I'm sure; I have plenty to do in my own role as is.

I leave you in His Peace.
I pray that you find your every need met in His Grace and that you are not offended by my fervent beliefs.

I'll say "hello" someday when I'm visiting in Valley Stream.

Yours, In His Spirit,
Regina

Hi, Fr. Rob...

I was SO surprised, upon revisiting this site, to see you had posted my last letter, as it had taken some time to be posted, and I'd thought I had been rejected in my feelings.

Thank You for dignifying my difference of opinion by posting my thoughts! May God reward your willingness to be open to my thoughts and feelings with an understanding by your readers that Our Church has changed from its past ways...in that all are welcomed to God's Table, all are heard and respected, and none are turned away in Christ's Love. We are here to learn from one another, love one another, and help one another on our journey back to God through Christ and the Holy Spirit who never leaves us alone.

It is True that Truth often comes about in ways which are mysterious...and as you have been so kind to me, I shall take this moment to offer you my own confession of faith this week, which should delight you in your passion to awaken the "call" in others who hear and desire to become priests...

This very past week, a priest in my parish opened to my need in such a manner as to free me from a psychological obstacle which has plagued me all of my life. Because I strive to be faithful to God, because this priest is faithful to Christ, my soul was set free! This priest's words and heart changed my whole life...

I have walked in the fullness of Joy since...and I understand God's Love in ways I could never understand before...not only that, but His Peace reigns in my soul in ways I could never have fathomed before this! I am on my way into ministry with a heart so loving and pure--compared to before!--that I can't help but feel God has called me ever more deeply into His Presence in ways that are beyond my wildest imaginings! This process has taken many years, but it was surely worth the Passions of The Cross and the process of dying and rising we all must go through psychologically in order to become whole and holy in this lifetime.

I will be indebted to this priest for the rest of my life, even as I am more greatly indebted to God, and Christ, for having him pass my way...and calling him into the priesthood that I might find my OWN way back to God.

The Priesthood Certainly Does Matter!!!
I pray you are well.
Much Love and Peace,
Regina

Dearest Fr. Rob,

I attended a funeral Mass at Holy Name this past Monday, Fr. Tom served. His seeking touched my soul; I've been there so many times. As I have moved through great suffering and trials in my life, I have now come to a place where "I understand that message which Christ came to offer us" and this, I now know, is all for which we are seeking. It is the "Shalom" of Jewish Tradition: that Peace in which "all might be made 'right with God'". This is what Heaven is, this is for what we are all longing and seeking.

Having recently read a book by a professor of mine, a book exploring and explaining the discovery of a method to cure cancer with one's mind--no medication, no surgery, nothing but one's mind, I could see, in the writing of this man's story, how we are truly coming into greatness as God's Expression of Love within Humanity. My soul's unrest was calmed immediately as I began "to understand", as I'd realized Our Greatness in God, and, as I'd suddenly understood that Humanity is truly destined to do all that Christ did-if we only but trust, believe and act on His Word.

This understanding goes way beyond those hopes of which most human beings ever dream.

The book is called, "Chasing The Cure", by Dr. Bengston. He is hostile toward religious belief, as a consequence of his witnessing great ignorance and suffering at the hands of Our Church in so many ways. I pray God secures his soul in Christ so that his work might be placed properly in the Light of Christ, as God's Will for us...

The healings he describes in his book MUST be used in Good Spirit and Love, or they can harm others. The reason I suggest reading the book? Because it exemplifies where the human race is going...and how wonderful we shall be when we arrive!

But, one thing never, ever changes...We MUST do ALL things in love...or, the gifts God has bestowed upon us, as we come into the inheritance saved for Human Life alone, will be cast into the fires of Hell--for without His Love, we are as one who is SO psychologically deprived as to cast off the very thing which shall save oneself, Christ's Way of Living, and Christ's Way alone.

Healing cancer is not going to save us, knowing The Love of God shall. And it is then that we shall have friendship with Christ, as Fr. Tom proposed--AND the "Shalom" of the Israelite Covenant with God. It is ALSO then that we shall be able to dream of the possibilities that, when we arrive at this epitome of human fullness, we shall then be able to supply ourselves, through the Holy Spirit within the human race, with all that we need to cure our illnesses and provide for the poor, in whatever way we are poor---for God shall TRULY reign WITHIN US, then, and we shall be His People, the Human Race, His Creation, His True Expression of Love within this Universal Reality--and this surely would be Heaven... the place where God reigns over all.

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow!
And Happy Anniversary, Diocese of Rockville Center.

with the Pentecostal peace, love and joys of Christ's Spirit within us all,
Regina

PS--Please show this to Fr. Tom and tell him I really appreciated his homily on Monday during the funeral Mass for Salvatore. I was truly blessed...