Answers…to your Burning Questions
Here are some answers to your Burning Questions submitted through the survey on the home page :). If you have further questions, keep them coming in the survey and/or bring them with you to the retreat :).
How often should I go to confession?
Is it a sin to be homosexual?
When are you supposed to start dating?
Is it morally acceptable to conduct scientific research on a deceased embryo that was voluntarily aborted by individuals who have nothing to do with the scientific research?
Answers listed above are in separate threads with the appropriate links :).
What are the Memorize Knowledge Items that we need to memorize?
I posted them here for you :).
https://itinerantmayors.squarespace.com/mandatory-knowledge-items
What will we be doing during the retreat?
There will be a fun combination of talks, events (dynamic activities), prayer, and the sacraments. For the events and talks (the small group breakout portions), we’ll put you into teams. There will be a bit of a competitive aspect to the events/retreat, with a running tally/score. Winners will get a plaque with their names inscribed prior to confirmation in May :).
The purpose of the retreat is three-fold:
1. Give you answers to your burning questions and help you know where to find the Church’s answer to these questions in the future
2. Provide you an opportunity to experience a personal encounter with Christ that you can refer back to in the future
3. Provide an experience of community in your shared Catholic Faith
Is it ok if I didn’t include my saint name in the letter to the Bishop?
You should include your Saint Name in the letter to the Bishop; but if you didn’t, just be ready to share that info with him at the retreat when you see him :).
What other Burning Questions will you be addressing at the retreat?
Disclaimer: these are questions exactly as they were posted on the survey. Though their wording may be problematic, we will address some of the nuances when we talk about them.
Here are a few that we have received so far:
Why do I really need God in my life? What is the point of him?
Why are 7 books not in the Protestant Bible?
We talked about how Catholicism is the only religion who can make you truly happy. How are other people happy then?
Why does the Bible have so many book types?
Why can’t priests get married?
Does prayer affect your lifestyle?
Why is Catholicism against being gay?
Why do people decide to go against the Bible and be trans or gay or a cat or whatever they identify as?
Why did Christians kill people if they didn’t believe in God?
How is time in purgatory determined?
If there are so many other religions why should we trust this one?
Should you read the Bible daily?
Why do protestants not have saints?
Why is there other religions if ours is the “right” one.
Is it a sin to kill people if you were just protecting someone. Or are fighting for a right.
Are we expected to see LGBTQ+ people as wrong and sinful?
What grants us heaven
If God made you the way you were supposed to me, then why are some people trying to disobey him like trans people?
Why is it important to know the rosary?
Sometimes, I am not able to get to my confession time. What can I do instead?
I’d like to understand why the Catholic Church doesn’t seem to be supportive of lgbtq?
In God’s eyes, is killing in combat like the military still considered a sin?
What happens when you go to heaven, and how are you accepted into it.
How does purgatory work? I've always been confused about what it is. Is it almost like a waiting room for Heaven?
How do we know if we are on the right path? Does God have this preplanned for us, or does He make it up as we go along?
How do we know if God was helping us or it just happened, like a close call or a good test for example?
Sometimes, I am not able to get to my confession time. What can I do instead?
What if we don’t have an encounter with Christ? How do we create a similar opportunity in the future?
- Has anyone had an encounter with Christ?
How often is Confession offered at our church?
Looking forward to seeing you all this weekend!!
-Mike