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The Perpetual Virginity of Mary

Q: My mother and I have written many time to bishops and archdioceses on the subject of the newer Gospels Mathew ch. 1 verse 25 it states that Joseph and Mary didn't have relations UNTIL she gave birth to Jesus. All other gospels from the past just state he took her into his home some don't even say that. Who decided to add the RELATIONS UNTIL. That is suggesting she THE VIRGIN MOTHER had sex after she had Jesus I wish someone out there would omit the UNTIL. I know they say is it’s the translation there’s no translation in the word UNTIL it still means it happened no matter what languages you speak. Very upset Catholic how dare they desecrate the blessed Mother like that. (From L.S.)

A: I’m sorry the bishops you wrote to did not reply. This is an excellent question for Bible scholars. The Navarre Bible Commentary addresses this question this way: “The [Greek] word donec (until) of itself does not direct our attention to what happened afterwards; it simply points out what has happened up to that moment, that is, the virginal conception of Jesus Christ by a unique intervention of God. We find the same word in John 9:18, where it says that the Pharisees did not believe in the miraculous cure of the man blind from birth "until" (donec) they called his parents. However, neither did they believe afterwards. Consequently, the word "until" does not refer to what happens later.

“The Vulgate [the Latin text of the Bible] adds after “filium” the words “ suum primogentium”, which in the Bible simply means “the first son”, without implying that there are any other children (cf. Ex 13:2). The Latin variant gives no ground whatsoever for thinking that Our Lady had other children later.

“The Church has always taught that the perpetual virginity of Our Lady is a truth to be held by all Catholics.”

- The Navarre Bible: St. Matthew, Texts and Commentaries; pg. 32

The Deterioration of the Liturgy Since Vatican II

Q: Perhaps I am too young or just unaware but can you explain how the liturgy deteriorated--how it has changed since the 40s and 50s because in the quote below you speak of the degradation of the liturgy. “In other words, they never had the proper formation in Catholic character and morals that the old system provided. This lack of foundation, combined with the degradation of the liturgy in the same time period, was a fatal combination and has led to the dissolution of strong Catholic families over the course of several decades.” (From M.N.)

A: There was a great deal of upheaval and confusion after the Second Vatican Council and many priests and bishops whose job it was to implement the Council teachings shared this confusion. Many people seized the situation to introduce their own ideas of what the Council taught or what they felt the Council should have taught. In the past it took centuries for the teachings of an ecumenical council to be fully spread and implemented. But in an age of modern communication there was much misinformation spread in a short amount of time. The 1960s, when the Council occurred also happened to be a time of great moral and social upheaval in the secular world. Notions of “the New Morality” arose and many felt the Church should adapt. This confusion remains even today and is the reason why we have legal abortion and other grave sins treated as acceptable normal life.

In the Church, nowhere was this confusion more evident to the average Catholic than in the liturgy. Suddenly altars were turned around to face the people and the vernacular replaced Latin. Some priests began using the Mass as their own platform or even stage, where they and their personalities were on display rather the focus being on the Lord and His Eucharistic Sacrifice. Some placed the “authority” of the so-called “New Morality” above the authority of the Church—namely God and His revealed Word—and we are suffering from that today. Catholics have a right to the Mass the Church gives us, not the improvisations of a given priest.

That the Mass be celebrated properly is vitally important because of the truth of the Latin phrase, "lex orandi, lex credere" — as the Church prays, so it believes. Distortions in the liturgy have created distortions and errors in the beliefs of many Catholics, which we see every day with Catholics who use contraception, Catholic politicians who support abortion and Catholics who vote for them. These Catholics are in grave error, yet defend themselves according to a faulty understanding of what the Church teaches or the error that one can pick and choose what teachings they will follow.

Animal Unborn Captured by 4-D Ultrasounds

Q: Recently on Good Morning America, (this week in fact), they air a special about 4-D ultrasounds. (Not 3-D) Except that they were of baby elephants. Why can't we present to the people of the world 4-D pictures of human babies. As in the case of the elephants, I am almost positive that it will show that humans are far more developed than was previously thought. This is a visual aid that I truly believe would be of great help, if, available. (From M.)

A: If I am not mistaken what you saw on Good Morning America was a promotion for a series being shown on the National Geographic cable channel. The good news is that it is a three part series, so far. I don’t know if they plan any more, but the first In the Womb documentary did in fact follow the gestation of a human baby in its mother’s womb, following the process from conception to birth. It is very beautiful and a strong pro-life message. Perhaps due to the interest in the program the second film in the series featured animals in the womb, a puppy, and elephant and a dolphin. The third film is called In the Womb: Multiples, and features footage of human twins, triplets and so on. The film shows the babies interacting with each other. Whatever the filmmaker’s intent, all three films showcase the wonder of God’s creation and should move anyone with an open mind and heart to have sympathy with the pro-life cause. You can find out more about these beautiful films at www.nationalgeographic.com. The DVDs of the three shows are also offered for sale at this website.

Essentials of Faith Formation

Q: My husband and I teach Faith Formation. He teaches 5th grade, I teach 6th. Most of the students in our classes are Hispanic, but they speak, read and understand English VERY well. We use the "We Believe" series. My main concern is: while the book is great, most of the kids don't have even a basic grasp of the fundamentals of the Catholic Church. Some don't even know the "Our Father." What are some basic nuts and bolts of the Faith that we can give them, now? What is absolutely imperative that they learn at this point in their lives and Faith Formation? Thank you for your advice! (From S. and L.)

A: What is absolutely imperative for them to know is that the Catholic faith is not mere “subject matter” or “curricula,” A few more hours of class work and homework in their busy little lives. What they need to know is that the Catholic Faith is a Person, Jesus Christ, who loves them unconditionally. They need to know and experience that Jesus Christ is a living breathing Person who is always with them and always there for them. For children this is best learned in the home, and if they are not receiving this in the home it places you in a very unfair position, because, in a sense you are charged with catechizing children who have not been evangelized; who don’t already have a personal relationship with Jesus. There is no reason you can’t evangelize them with your loving witness, teaching them to pray and so forth, but primarily it is the parents job. I understand that many parents may shirk this responsibility and essentially dump them on you, or the priests or nuns, but it really is their job, the rest of us can supplement it. Certainly there is “subject matter” that has to be learned in the Faith but without that central love relationship with Jesus, it all too often comes off as just more sterile rules they have to learn and may grow up to see as an imposition. We see the products of this “catechesis” without evangelization everywhere among adults subjected to this tragic failure to pass on the faith merely as “subject matter” full of rules and regulations. Dissent, legal abortion supported by Catholic politicians, and the rest of the crises in the Church and world. Trying to “be Catholic” without a personal relationship with Jesus is like trying to swim without water. It is an unfair expectation. If only you can convey, teach, love, witness and pray so that they have a personal relationship of love and friendship with Jesus, He can teach them everything else.

Speaking to Women Going into Abortion Mills

Q: If you had only 15 to 20 seconds to try to change a woman's mind about going through with an abortion, what would you tell her? Presuming she is a stranger to you, walking from her car into an abortion clinic. (From N.R.)

A: It is vitally important that your first words be not to the woman but to the Holy Spirit in a quick prayer that He, who knows her heart, speak through you with His words. This can be done in a split second, but it is just as vitally important that any such direct action pro-life work be utterly saturated in prayer. Ideally by a supportive intercessory community in front of the Blessed Sacrament simultaneously with your work on the street, but it is also that those directly engaged in this work prepare themselves spiritually before going to the abortuary by deep prayer. Praying for protection but also to be God’s presence and voice to these suffering people. Due to the many dangers involved—legal, spiritual and even physical dangers—I don’t recommend ever doing this work alone in front of an abortion mill but with a community of people. Don’t forget you are directly facing the power of satanic evil, and one must be covered in prayer. Thus prepared, in love for the woman and her baby, trust God to speak through you the words of life that will touch her heart.

Prayer and Sacrifice

Q: Is God more pleased with prayers that are accompanied with sacrifice than those that are only spoken in words? (From A.H.)

A: God is pleased with all prayers, but He also says, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.” (Lk 11:9) This usually means that “asking” is just the first stage of prayer. It is certainly necessary because it helps us to put into words and define what we actually want or need. The sacrifices that accompany “seeking” and “knocking” give the prayer a depth and strength beyond mere words, and when those sacrifices are heroic and persevering, they are powerful indeed. We need only think of the prayers, tears and supplications of St. Monica for many years to know that this type of sacrificial prayer is very fruitful.

Keep in mind that the prayer of Jesus was not just the ritual words offered at the Last Supper. His prayer had to be offered in distinct words that described His intent, “Take this all of you and eat it. This is my Body which will be given up for you.” But He also offered the sacrifice of His Body in the cross the next day to consummate the prayer. This is a pattern for our prayer. We must define the prayer with words such as, “I offer this for so-and-so to be healed from cancer…to get a job…to overcome his addiction…,” but then we unite our words to sacrifices such as daily frustrations and physical pains and problems to give substance to our words. These are prayers which reflect the one great prayer of Our Lord.

Divorce

Q: If one is divorced, how can an annulment make one eligible to receive Holy Communion again? How does an annulment allow for this? I am a happily married woman (14 years and counting), but have friends that are in marriage 2. I was raised to believe that "divorce" was only physical, not spiritual - meaning: we only marry once, physical death being the only way one can remarry. Since even Catholics divorce for stupid reasons, I wonder how an annulment can be granted in any situation other than abuse. Thank you for helping me understand the process better. Blessings! (From S.O.)

A: First of all divorce in itself is not an impediment to receiving Holy Communion, but rather it is divorce and remarriage without an annulment that is the problem. Jesus said this would be adultery (Mt 5:22).

A divorce is not an annulment. An annulment is the judgment of the Church after a careful investigation that no marriage actually took place or existed. Like any other sacrament there are certain elements that must be present in order to be valid. For example, in the case of the Holy Eucharist there must be the proper bread and wine. If the proper elements are not used the sacrament does not take place. In the case of Matrimony the man and woman are not merely receivers of the sacrament they are the sacramental matter, like bread and wine are matter for the Eucharist and our sins are matter for confession. Certain conditions must be present for the Sacrament of Matrimony to take place. For example, there must be freedom from coercion on the part of both parties, they must be open to life as a gift of God, and there must be no concealment or deception on the part of either party—for example, if a man had been married before, without a divorce or annulment, and keeps that from the woman he is allegedly marrying, it would not be a valid marriage. One impediment, which probably occurs often, is immaturity. Before entering into a marriage both parties must know what they are undertaking and their duties towards each other, God and the community. There are various other impediments to marriage listed in the Code of Canon Law.

An annulment does not dissolve a marriage, but declares that no marriage actually existed in the eyes of the Church.

Islam

Q: What should a Catholic's attitude toward Islam be?

A: Our primary attitude towards all the major non-Christian world religions should be respect, without, of course, compromising our own faith.

Here is what the Second Vatican Council said in the Declaration On The Relation Of The Church To Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate No.2-3):

The Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions. She has a high regard for the manner of life and conduct, the precepts and doctrines which, although differing in many ways from her own teaching, nevertheless often reflect a ray of that truth which enlightens all men Yet she proclaims and is in duty bound to proclaim without fail, Christ who is the way, the truth and the life (Jn. 1:6). In him, in whom God reconciled all things to himself (2 Cor. 5:18-19), men find the fullness of their religious life.

The Church therefore, urges her sons to enter with prudence and charity into discussion and collaboration with members of other religious. Let Christians, while witnessing to their own faith and way of life, acknowledge, preserve and encourage the spiritual and moral truths found among non-Christians also their social life and culture.

The Church has also a high regard for the Muslims. They worship God, who is one, living and subsistent, merciful and almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, [1] who has also spoken to men. They strive to submit themselves without reserve to the bidden decrees of God, just as Abraham submitted himself to God's plan, to whose faith Muslims eagerly link their own. Although not acknowledging him as God, they worship Jesus as a prophet, his virgin Mother they also honor, and even at times devoutly invoke. Further, they await the Day of Judgment and the reward of God following the resurrection of the dead. For this reason they highly esteem an upright life and worship God, especially by way of prayer, alms-deeds and fasting.

Over the centuries many quarrels and dissensions have arisen between Christians and Muslims. The sacred Council now pleads with all to forget the past, and urges that a sincere effort be made to achieve mutual understanding; for the benefit of all men, let them together preserve and promote peace, liberty, social justice and moral values.

Living Together for Civil Benefits

Q: I know you can have a civil marriage which is not recognized by the Church, but is it possible to have a Catholic marriage which is not recognized by civil authorities? This question came up when discussing the options of widowed people on pensions. Upon remarriage, some pensioners lose their income and choose to live together instead of marrying and cutting their income by half. (From R.W.)

A: It is possible for people to have an ecclesiastical marriage without benefit of civil sanction, but it is not wise! It would be an illegal marriage according to the laws of most if not all states, and any priest who would do that would literally risk his ability to perform any marriages as representative of the state in the future. Remember that here in the US the minister of an ecclesiastical marriage is also the functionary of the state to legitimize the civil aspects of a marriage (i.e., he signs the marriage certificate and sends it in to the county, etc.).

Regretfully the loathsome break-down of family structure leads many elderly people into compromises that are reflected in the above scenario. The situation where two people live together without benefit of marriage in order not to lose benefits is one where people have to make some hard decisions about their moral integrity. I am sure it is possible for people to live in such a situation as brother and sister with no compromise of morals, but it is not recommended that anyone put himself in an occasion of sin. Furthermore, it could be regarded as scandalous to others who are not aware of the decision to remain chaste and is not the kind of example that elderly people want to give. They should be setting an even greater example of moral probity to the younger generations who are shacking up in droves for the same economic cop-outs. I would never recommend that anyone live in such a compromise situation.

Spirit-Filled Church

Q: I left the Catholic church for some time & thought I would never go back to it again. I had joined a Spirit-filled church where you could actually feel the presence of the Holy Ghost. Why don't the Catholic churches have a praise service as this? It would be so nice. I am now back in the Catholic Church. I feel I learned much from the little church I belonged to. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks! (From C.B.)

A: The Catholic Church is the original Spirit-filled Church! What you describe certainly is available in the Catholic Church in the form of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. I suggest contacting your diocese to see if there are any Catholic Charismatic prayer groups in your area. They are not as plentiful as they were years ago but some parishes still have them. Both Pope Paul VI and John Paul II called the Catholic Charismatic Renewal “A chance for the Church.” You can look for a prayer group in your area here: http://www.nsc-chariscenter.org/search.asp

Catholic Communion

Q: When a Catholic has left the Church, I know they are not to receive communion in our Church until they have made the steps to return such as confession as they are not in "communion" with the Church.

I have friend in this position--still out of the Church. However, when she comes to mass with her aunt, my friend receives communion. I have mentioned that to her and she says "Aren't we all invited to the 'table'?" I tried to explain but she said "it was between her and God." Which it is but I would like to have the right words to say to her. Most likely she will not hear them now but at least I have said what I should and she might think about them later.

Also can you give me Bible verses to back-up the reasons she shouldn't receive communion especially since she is a "good Protestant" and can quote the Bible verses readily? (From P.M.)

A: This is a difficult question when someone has their mind made up and doesn’t want facts to intrude. Perhaps you could mention that it is not so much a matter of being “unwelcome at the table” so much as honesty. If one is “out of communion” with the Church, that is they have absented themselves from the community and obedience to God’s teaching in the Church why would they want to receive Communion when they have chosen to be “out of communion” Receiving Holy Communion effects and signifies being in communion with the Church, something she has chosen not to be.

She has chosen to be outside the Body of Christ, the Church, so why then would she want to receive the Body of Christ in the Eucharist? It is an appeal to her honesty.

Another point is that is it not simply between her and God. Communion involves the entire Body of Christ, the body of believers. What one does affects all. For a Scripture verse you might try this: 1Cor. 11:26-29.

It might be more helpful to try to find out from her why she has left the Church. Most people do so out of some kind of misunderstanding that can be easily set right, and are greatly relieved when they find out it was all through some mistaken understanding. By showing you genuinely care about her and are not judging her perhaps you can find out from her just what the real issue is.

Indulgences

Q: I heard on Catholic Radio, that there is a PLENARY INDULGENCE given to those who are at Mass on Sunday, feast of Christ the King...if the Priest reads aloud the special prayer. and they carry out the rest of the requirements for obtaining a PLENARY INDULGENCE. If however, the Priest doesn't say the PRAYER... then an individual can obtain a PARTIAL INDULGENCE if they recite the prayer themselves on that day. Do you have a copy of that prayer...could you possibly send it to me...and even to those on your newsletter list.... (From R.M.)

A: By all means give your priest a copy of the indulgenced prayer and ask him to lead the congregation in it on the Feast of Christ the King. A Plenary indulgence is not something to miss!

Here is the indulgenced prayer:

Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King (Iesu dulcissime, Redemptor)

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King. A plenary indulgence is granted, if it is recited publicly on the feast of our Lord Jesus Christ King.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before you. We are yours, and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never known you; many, too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever. Amen.

Prayer Source: Enchiridion of Indulgences , June 29, 1968

Church Militant (two questions)

Q: I was with you until the end of your letter when you mentioned "the Church Militant". What does that mean? Thank you. You should know that I do not like the "sound" of that term. (From J.M.)

You keep referring to the "Church Militant". What does that mean? It is such a negative sounding term, certainly not a hopeful, peaceful and joyous Church that I believe we are. Please explain. Thank you. (From Mrs. M.)

A: My use of the term “church militant” comes from the Bible and the tradition of the Church itself. Biblically speaking, St. Paul refers to Timothy as a “soldier of Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3) as a proof text to the idea that this Christian life is a constant warfare against the devil and his fallen angels. St. Paul’s sixth chapter to the Galatians describes the armor that one must have on in order to fight against the “wiles of the devil” and to “extinguish his fiery darts.” A cursory reading of the Book of Revelation should be enough for anyone to see that the saints are considered combatants against the principalities and powers of darkness. In short, biblical faith often witnesses to the church militant although the term is not used as such in the scriptures.

Traditional theology describes the Catholic Church as a three-tiered organization spanning heaven and earth. The saints in heaven are referred to as the “Church Triumphant” since they have already won the warfare and entered into blessedness. The souls suffering in Purgatory are referred to as the “Church Suffering” since they are still being purified of their sins through suffering in Purgatory. And finally, the “Church Militant” is that body of believers still here on earth “fighting the good fight” (1 Tim.1:18-19)of faith as St. Paul says. Thus, the Church has always understood herself as embattled. The Catholic Church in this day and age is no different even though the term might sound more “negative” to our politically correct age.

Silence of Christians on Homosexuality

Q: I am deeply disappointed with our culture for pandering to people like Elton John and Rosie O’Donnell that want to silence Christians and promote homosexuality. Elton John recently made a comment that the religious right have no place in society and that we are all bigots! How do we speak out against this outrage in a Christian and also firm way? I would lay down my life for my Catholicism and America! Thank you, (From K.L.)

A: Good for you! We need good women like you in pro-life work, anything you do either professionally or as a volunteer in any capacity is of great help. Find a good pro-life group in your area and get involved. Also keep making your voice heard! Just keep speaking out in a way that is accurate and charitable, keeping the argument on the issues. Never stoop to the level of the other side.

Democrat Washouts

Q: What do I tell my Christian/Catholic friends who are true Democrats and voted that way. (From M.L.)

A:You could cite for them the Church document, Declaration on procured abortion from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, November 18, 1974, No. 22, which states:

“It must in any case be clearly understood that whatever may be laid down by civil law in this matter, man can never obey a law which is in itself immoral, and such is the case of a law which would admit in principle the liceity of abortion. Nor can he take part in a propaganda campaign in favor of such a law, or vote for it. Moreover, he may not collaborate in its application. It is, for instance, inadmissible that doctors or nurses should find themselves obliged to cooperate closely in abortions and have to choose between the law of God and their professional situation.” (Emphasis added.)

The sad fact is, even Vatican documents often fail to move people who hold these positions and claim to be Catholic. But it is always worth a try. Some may not know the Church has said this.

RCIA

Q: I am a practicing Catholic in Columbus Ohio participating in an RCIA program. (I have been asked to be sponsor.) The last two sessions were presented by a "nun" from the local Catholic high school, Bishop Watterson. Her topic was the Bible, the Old Testament and the New. In each session, she began by saying the Bible is a myth, a story that has messages for us...this is just the beginning. As a Catholic who grew up in CCD classes that were mostly a waste of time, I'm surprised that this is what is taught in the Catholic schools. Is this the viewpoint of the Church? While I understand Catholics do not partake in the "rapture" thinking of evangelicals, nor the mantra, "sola scriptura" and "sola fidelis", when did the Church go AWAL on the Bible? I thought it was scripture, tradition and the Magisterium. She said she explains it to her 9th and 12th grade students, as a "love fest". Woodstock was a lovefest and not of the honorable kind. Your feedback is appreciated. (From M.F.)

A: The truth is the Bible is a library, containing many books using many literary forms. Some are eyewitness accounts (the Gospels) yet there are also poems, lyric, and songs (The Psalms, Song of Songs etc.) Yet each of these books in their many forms teach us truths about God. The Church has never gone AWOL on Sacred Scripture, and it is unclear what Sister meant by saying the Bible was a “myth.” Myths are literary devices that are meant to convey truths to us, but in today’s use,, many see the term “myth” as meaning a sort of fairy tail or something not to be taken as true. It is not correct to simply reduce the Bible as a “myth.” It is the revealed Word of God. You are quite right about Scripture, Tradition and Magisterium. Nothing has changed. However, Sister might be showing her age trying to be “relevant” to young people with her misguided references to Woodstock to a generation born 20 years after the event, who may have no idea what she’s talking about!

Silence of Bishops and Priests

Q: WHAT CAN WE FAITHFUL DO TO GET OUR BISHOPS TO ADDRESS THESE AREAS FROM THE PULPIT? I KNOW THAT THERE ARE A FEW DOING IT. HOWEVER, THE MAJORITY OF THE BISHOPS REMAIN QUIET. THIS ELECTION I HEARD OR SAW NOTHING TO LITTLE FROM THE BISHOPS. MY BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL CHURCH IS LETTING THE FAITHFUL DOWN. AGAIN, WHAT CAN I DO? (From M.D.)

A: Unfortunately what you say is all too true. The first thing to do is pray for the bishops and priests. The second thing you can do is make your feelings known to them, always respectfully, in writing or by speaking to them if you see them at a special function. Whether they act on what you say is up to them but you will have done your duty.

Catholic Participation in Immoral Activities

Q: Thank you for your orthodoxy. Two members of my Catholic school community independently own business' one which offers popular sexually explicit R and PG-13and violent video games the other dispenses contraception. They both employ high school students and both are very influential in the parish holding positions as stewardship chairman and Acolyte. I have followed Christ's example in Matt. 18 talking to the owner. The problem arises when I talked to the pastor. He has accused me of being too rigid and has compared me to Luther, Calvin, Huss and Jansen and others. I talked to other priests in this area including my spiritual advisor and no one is willing to make a moral judgment and support me. I have three children in this school and I am beginning to feel I can't trust any priest. They all want to make me out to be the problem. Any suggestions. I pray many times daily for all involved. (From M.D.)

A: You are certainly not the problem; you are a brave man. Once again this is a case of clergy lacking the moral courage required to look after the good of their people. Furthermore, you are a very good man to be praying for all involved after the injustice done you. Continue to pray and make your voice heard. Write to your bishop naming names, and get your friends to do the same.

Condoms and Uganda

Q: We recently became engaged in a dinner conversation about condom use, and its effectiveness against AIDS. The conversation turned to someone who is attempting to distribute condoms in Uganda. My father-in-law is an adamant believer in the use of condoms, and sees them as the solution to AIDS in Africa. I recalled reading your Newsletter titled "An Open Letter to Melinda Gates." I cited that this is not in conformance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, and secondly that there is no evidence of condoms being used to successfully combat AIDS.I then cited Uganda.

I want to share your newsletter with my extended family, who sees nothing wrong with the use of condoms, so I started "googling" on AIDS in Uganda, and the first link I come across (http://www.avert.org/aidsuganda.htm) cites condom use along with a chastity-based program as the reason for the success in Uganda. I do not know about the accuracy of this information, but I am sure if I continue this discussion with my extended family, they will find this or similar information to counter this success claim.

Can you share with me references that show that the condom is not at least partially responsible for the successes in Uganda?

I guess I am trying to argue against the use of condoms on two fronts: primarily the immorality of it (and I am making no inroads here as of yet), and secondarily that this technology is simply ineffective and in fact makes things worse. Perhaps succeeding in demonstrating the second point is meaningless if the first is not even accepted. (From B.)

A: You may have noticed that in the past few years that the condom pushers stopped talking about “safe sex” and started talking about “safer sex.” One of the reasons for this is a dirty little secret they don’t want your to know, and will deny if you bring it up to them, and that is that condoms are designed to prevent pregnancy, not AIDS. The latex used to make condoms contains microscopic perforations that are 70 times larger than the AIDS virus. In other words, the AIDS virus can pass right through it. It may be safer than no condom at all, but it is not safe.

But the real point, for Catholics is that condoms encourage risky (sinful) behavior rather than discouraging it with a false sense of security. Sinful behavior is dangerous in itself not only physically but it endangers our immortal soul. Promiscuous or adulterous behavior destabilizes society by damaging the family, especially women and children, but also the men who engage in it, with or without condoms. Homosexual behavior, which the Church teaches is gravely disordered, is especially dangerous, as the existence of the AIDS pandemic illustrates.

Conversion of abortionists

Q: I read in a book once about a Christian prayer group that had been praying and fasting for several years for a local abortion clinic to close. They couldn't understand why God hadn't closed the clinic. When one of the women expressed this to a Christian outside of the group, that person said, "Are you sure that God wants you to pray for the abortion clinic to close?" And the response was that, "Well of course it is, certainly God would want the clinic closed!" But she was encouraged to go and ask God what He wanted. So the group took it to prayer, and one of them felt that God was saying "Pray for the conversion of the abortionist". And so they did. And in only a few days, the abortion clinic closed up! :)

A: Fantastic! What a victory! Praise God! God knows best!