An Atheist ex-witch serving you the Eucharist.

[Leela]

Let us suppose that the OP is doing this for attention and/or “fun”.

The OP is a very sick person to even conceive of such an idea!

:bigyikes::bigyikes::bigyikes::bigyikes::bigyikes:

No good and beautiful person can conceive of such ugliness - only a distorted and ugly mind

I don’t doubt Abbadon’s claim. She as been on this forum for a long time, and has never shown a desire to make up stpries to scandalize others. Plus, you must realize that there are even priests conducting services right now who do not actually believe in God. How could you ever know whether the person administering communion believes or not? Does it even matter?

 

[elizabeth22]

I am a Eucharistic minister and I take my job very seriously. I always say a little prayer that God will stand by me and bless those that I distribute the body or blood to. I feel honored to be able to do this, and more than once I’ve gone to confession beforehand to be as right as I can with God. I feel that to be able to minister to my fellow parishioners in this way is a sacred duty, and one that is not taken lightly.

Abbadon…magic? try supernatural.

 

[Seatuck]

A Eucharistic Minister is a Priest or Deacon. A lay person who assists with the distribution of communion is called an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
C’mon now guys and gals use the correct terminology.

usccb.org/liturgy/girm/lit4.shtml

 

[elizabeth22]

I stand corrected.

 

[bksumm]

I don’t doubt Abbadon’s claim. She as been on this forum for a long time, and has never shown a desire to make up stpries to scandalize others. Plus, you must realize that there are even priests conducting services right now who do not actually believe in God. How could you ever know whether the person administering communion believes or not? Does it even matter?

How well can you know someone via an internet forum To me Abbandon sounds like many atheists on the internet who post a lot of nonsense (mostly on other forums) to get a rise out of the believers. My opinion is that those atheists’ lack of respect is part of their belief system. Also, she doesn’t sound like she knows Catholicism real well so that hurts the credibility of her story.

 

[Cinette]

I am a Eucharistic minister and I take my job very seriously. I always say a little prayer that God will stand by me and bless those that I distribute the body or blood to. I feel honored to be able to do this, and more than once I’ve gone to confession beforehand to be as right as I can with God. I feel that to be able to minister to my fellow parishioners in this way is a sacred duty, and one that is not taken lightly.

Abbadon…magic? try supernatural.

I understand you fully and agree that to be a Eucharist Minister is something that you cannot take lightly - it is an honour and a responsibility.

We are commanded to love one another and as I see it this means that we must care about each other - reaching out, helping, comforting, protecting, assisting… but who are these people we are to love and care about? What if your neighbour is possessed…?

I think most people strive to do good and be good, to be lovable and to love. I would be worried about myself if I thought like the OP. I have known many atheists. My husband was an atheist - we are married for 42 years and he converted to Catholicism 4 years ago. I can tell you that he has always been an angel - good, kind, faithful, beautiful. My father-in-law died an atheist and lived his life like a Christian - he was caring, always reaching out to those less fortunate. I am convinced that our loving and merciful God must reveal Himself to these people at the time of death. I am convinced that we will find atheists in heaven one day.

“To thine own self be true” says Shakespeare. To the OP I say be true to yourself. Don’t live a lie. Strive for beauty and truth and you will find happiness.

Are you happy?

 

[Leela]

How well can you know someone via an internet forum To me Abbandon sounds like many atheists on the internet who post a lot of nonsense (mostly on other forums) to get a rise out of the believers. My opinion is that those atheists’ lack of respect is part of their belief system. Also, she doesn’t sound like she knows Catholicism real well so that hurts the credibility of her story.

But whether or not Abbadon really is an example of someone who administers the sacrament while not believing in God, you still know that some actual priests are doing this since we have the stories of Catholic priests who lost their faith, continued in their proffession for a time and later left the priesthood and every reason to believe that others are doing the same thing today.

Here is a seminarian friend of Bernie Law:
ffrf.org/fttoday/2002/junejuly02/reed.php
“Did the church authorities try to talk me out of it? To the contrary, I was outspoken and pretty honest and they were probably relieved to see me go. I had come to realize, while still a priest, that I didn’t believe in God. I was using the bully pulpit I had as a priest to be a teacher, to push the organization to change.”

Were the sins really forgiven for the confessions he heard as a nonbeliever? Were the hosts he administered really substantially the body of Christ?

 

[Leela]

But whether or not Abbadon really is an example of someone who administers the sacrament while not believing in God, you still know that some actual priests are doing this since we have the stories of Catholic priests who lost their faith, continued in their proffession for a time and later left the priesthood and every reason to believe that others are doing the same thing today.

Another example of a priest who stopped believing but not preaching:
thefreelibrary.com/From+catholic+priest+to+atheist+psychologist+a+memoir.-a0173748638

"I saw clearly how Saint Thomas’ strongest “proof” fell short of proving God’s existence; it was based on the unwarranted assumption (taught dogmatically by the Catholic Church) that pure reason, unaided by faith, could logically prove God’s existence. That fateful insight laid the foundation for personal upheaval while loosening the underpinnings of my faith in the church and in the very existence of God.

Over the next two years, I would gradually develop from a strong believer who performed in a manner consistent with my beliefs into an agnostic who was no longer sure of the faith system I had learned so early and so thoroughly…

Outside of matters of faith, I had always taken pride in being logically and intellectually directed rather than emotionally driven. I had drunk my faith with my mother’s milk . Now I faced a challenge I had never envisioned: how could I be true to my intellectual self while doubting Mother’s faith and the church I was so marked to serve?** I continued to preach purely moral sermons (it was still comfortable for me to teach how to “love your neighbor as you love yourself”). I simply avoided sermons on dogmatic matters of faith.**

Though the long hypnotic spell of faith had been broken for me,** I still needed to play the hypocrite for several months **in early 1967, so I could end the academic year’s duties responsibly and without public scandal. Once I had admitted to becoming a sincere agnostic, I had to divorce myself from the monastery, a wealth of good friends, the church, religion, and superstition. This process, like most divorces, was neither simple nor painless.

In June 1967 1 left my monastic family and friends at Marmion. Many of the friends are still unforgettable. After all, I had lived closely with most of this group of men for seventeen years. The attitude of Abbot Gerald, an intelligent gentleman to the end, was rather touching. Shortly after I had signed his proffered form promising “not to sue” for whatever cause, he surprised me. Without any hint or suggestion from me, he opened his office safe and handed me an impressive amount of cash to help me get started in the real world. Frankly, I have always felt that this bright man would have jumped at the chance to follow me to independence and freedom if he had been ten years younger and if he had not enjoyed so much organizational power and comfort. (I think the same is true of many Catholic bishops in powerful and a cushy job."

 

[Cinette]

But whether or not Abbadon really is an example of someone who administers the sacrament while not believing in God, you still know that some actual priests are doing this since we have the stories of Catholic priests who lost their faith, continued in their proffession for a time and later left the priesthood and every reason to believe that others are doing the same thing today.

Here is a seminarian friend of Bernie Law:
ffrf.org/fttoday/2002/junejuly02/reed.php
“Did the church authorities try to talk me out of it? To the contrary, I was outspoken and pretty honest and they were probably relieved to see me go. I had come to realize, while still a priest, that I didn’t believe in God. I was using the bully pulpit I had as a priest to be a teacher, to push the organization to change.”

Were the sins really forgiven for the confessions he heard as a nonbeliever? Were the hosts he administered really substantially the body of Christ?

I would answer Yes to both your last questions. I frown - how can a priest who has been through the seminary, consecrated the bread and wine end up not believing in God? How sad. I feel like unsubscribing from this thread. I don’t belong to this world. I seek something different…

 

[essayons7]

“Were the sins really forgiven for the confessions he heard as a nonbeliever? Were the hosts he administered really substantially the body of Christ?”

Cinette:

I wouldn’t let this trouble you, nor the original posting.

Although a supposed atheist heard confession, it is not the priest himself that forgives your sins, it is God. And God alone chooses who to work through.

The same thing with communion. It is made into the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through the priest himself.

And this also applies to Abbadon, the original poster. If he/she chooses to be used in a religious ceremony that he/she has absolutely no belief in, then so be it. The species of communion are just as holy, no matter who distributes it.

It does make me wonder why someone who doesn’t believe would do this “just to make her Mom happy”. It doesn’t make sense to participate if you don’t believe.

Just my 2 cents worth…

 

[jazzbass981]

Priests that lost their faith perhaps didn’t have it in the first place. They went through the motions of faith; or, there is a very real possibility of the devil at work! Diabolical indeed! These priests, as well as athiests, are arrogant, ignorant, or both. If they really took a look around, they would KNOW that something MUCH greater than us created the universe and all life within it. How can anyone NOT believe in God?! Talk to an exorcist. They will tell you things that will make your hair stand on end! The devil loves to manifest himself during exorcisms and black masses. God manifests Himself in ways that are incredibly subtle.

I have had personal miracles occur in my life that have no explanation. My wife and I were told by 3 doctors to abort my third son because he was so mangled with spina bifida. You could see it in the ultrasound pics! We prayed intently for a miracle. And we got one. My son was born with an ever so slight case of spina bifida. His hands, feet - everything were normal!! The ultrasound showed otherwise! Today he is a normal, healthy boy (and a star 1st baseman)! God? You bet!

 

[Cinette]

“Were the sins really forgiven for the confessions he heard as a nonbeliever? Were the hosts he administered really substantially the body of Christ?”

Cinette:

I wouldn’t let this trouble you, nor the original posting.

Although a supposed atheist heard confession, it is not the priest himself that forgives your sins, it is God. And God alone chooses who to work through.

The same thing with communion. It is made into the body and blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through the priest himself.

And this also applies to Abbadon, the original poster. If he/she chooses to be used in a religious ceremony that he/she has absolutely no belief in, then so be it. The species of communion are just as holy, no matter who distributes it.

It does make me wonder why someone who doesn’t believe would do this “just to make her Mom happy”. It doesn’t make sense to participate if you don’t believe.

Just my 2 cents worth…

All that you say is true - thank you!

I read part of the Tom Reed (link above) the priest who became atheist. You can clearly see that his formation was shallow - that he drifted into the priesthood, that there was no real substance, no real conviction, no faith. It is extremely sad really.

I look at my husband who went from atheist to Catholicism (converted to belief in God by a Jewish scientist) - we attend Mass daily, we are so happy, we have always loved each other intensely. I watch him go up to Holy Communion with me and when I am unable to attend Mass he goes on his own. I have no fear of death - life has such meaning. Life is good for us. How sad for Tom Reed to have nothing but superficiality.

I shall pray for him.

Thank you essayons for your post. Vous etes francais?

Cinette

 

[Leela]

Priests that lost their faith perhaps didn’t have it in the first place. They went through the motions of faith; or, there is a very real possibility of the devil at work! Diabolical indeed! These priests, as well as athiests, are arrogant, ignorant, or both.

What sounds arrogant, ignorant, or both to me is to think that you already know the stories of these priests and other atheists before even hearing them. Many of these people talk about the terrible anguish that they went through in losing their faith. I guess the above is another example of the Christian compassion I hear so much about? It was the devil’s work! There you go, maybe you can write off my post is the devil’s work, too.

I have had personal miracles occur in my life that have no explanation. My wife and I were told by 3 doctors to abort my third son because he was so mangled with spina bifida. You could see it in the ultrasound pics! We prayed intently for a miracle. And we got one. My son was born with an ever so slight case of spina bifida. His hands, feet - everything were normal!! The ultrasound showed otherwise! Today he is a normal, healthy boy (and a star 1st baseman)! God? You bet!

It’s great that your boy is doing so well. It really is, but I can’t see what God has to do with it. If the fact that you prayed and you child was born healthier than expected is evidence that God exist, what does it mean when parents pray for their sick children and they do NOT get better?

 

[essayons7]

It’s great that your boy is doing so well. It really is, but I can’t see what God has to do with it. If the fact that you prayed and you child was born healthier than expected is evidence that God exist, what does it mean when parents pray for their sick children and they do NOT get better?

I don’t think anyone here would be surprised by your position on this, considering that you are listed as having no religion.

Whether born healthy or sick, it is God’s will, and God’s will is his own. We cannot decipher it.

If you are looking for answers, asking us is barking up the wrong tree. I doubt any true believer would confess to knowing the mind of God.

Praying for a healthy child is a sign of belief - one’s prayers are not commands. However, the act of praying itself is a sign of devotion to God, and his will.

 

[essayons7]

“Thank you essayons for your post. Vous etes francais?”

No, I’m American and only have a junior high school student’s mastery of French!

My nickname comes from the motto of the US Army Combat Engineers - "essayons!"

God bless.

 

[jazzbass981]

Leela, spina bifida does NOT ever get better! His little body was twisted and mangled & contorted in every way possible. One does not get better in the womb when it comes to this disease! So God DID have everything to do with it. Even his Buddhist doctor said, “I now believe in Christian miracles!” If you choose to believe, then believe. If you do not, then that, too, is your choice. I KNOW God exists. I have been given very special graces to view God’s existence. My late mother was given very special gifts, too. She saw Christ twice in her life. She was also very devoted to the rosary as well. While saying it, it used to turn into gold, and when she finished it, it would turn back to it’s origional color. My father witnessed this on many occassions.

 

[TerraAngel]

Yes. Funnily enough I am fairly well versed in the bible and Christianity and am rather involved in youth group. I try and do my bit to bring rationality and a modern moral perspective to what I see as a rather dark age irrational situation. I’m also good friends with the local priest and nuns and often have lengthy debates on religion. However I’m not officially “out” as an atheist.

You are now!

And… if you are presenting the truth to us and not just trying to stir up people’s emotions, I do have to tell you that by complying with your mother’s wishes and being concerned for her emotional well being, you ARE keeping one of the Ten Commandments… “Honor your mother and father.” So while you are doing something you deem meaningless, God is taking note of your honoring your mother. However, He is also taking note of your living a lie, so I hope it goes well for you in the future. God bless you!

 

[kage_ar]

If you are a person of integrity, you will step down from any postion of leadership in the Parish out of respect for the faith of others. One does not have to hold a faith to respect it in other people.

If you are a person of no integrity, you will continue to mock and profane the faith of your mother.

Honesty, it is up to you. Are you brave enough to BE honest?

 

[Leela]

I don’t think anyone here would be surprised by your position on this, considering that you are listed as having no religion.

Whether born healthy or sick, it is God’s will, and God’s will is his own. We cannot decipher it.

If you are looking for answers, asking us is barking up the wrong tree. I doubt any true believer would confess to knowing the mind of God.

Does that apply to jazzbass? He just claimed that a miracle was performed for him as a gift from God.

Come on, essayons, you must hear this sort of thing all the time. Someone prays for something to happen, it does, and they attribute it to God. It is proof that God exists. If it doesn’t happen, or if something bad happens, no one mentions God. What you are saying (we cannot decipher God’s will) makes sense in that at least it is consistent, but very few Catholics I talk to on this forum have any problem at all in telling me exactly what God’s will is. Isn’t that the bread and butter of religion?

 

[artist3189]

I don’t think this person is being truthful. Look at how they phrased this, and how they asked the question. This does not sound like a real Catholic, ex or otherwise. It appears to me that someone is trying to elicit a response from us. I’m not falling for it. They are jerking us around here.