Sacred Host, Bread of Angels, Given to Animals

[Luz_Maria]

There is no actual universal prohibition against animals at Mass. This is only cultural. Some diocese might have policies (ie particular law) against pets at Mass, some might not see a need for that. Generally speaking, in Western society, we consider pets at Mass inappropriate, while making exceptions for service animals.

In the Middle Ages, it was quite common for people to bring animals into the cathedrals as they went to/from the marketplace (just for example).

Even today, in some non-Western societies, livestock forms part of the Sunday collection. A family might donate a chicken or a goat either to help fund the church or to feed the poor. People who live in those societies would find it strange to be told “no, you cannot bring a chicken to give to a poor family.” Again, this is cultural and it varies.

Realize that if there were an absolute prohibition against animals at Mass, then it would apply to service animals as much as to pets. If there was something objectively wrong about bringing a dog into the church building, then it would make no difference as to the ‘why.’ We know this is not the case.

Thank you, Father David. You are very insightful, as always.

Yes, I know a Priest in Africa whose parishioners bring goats, chickens, and other farm animals for himself and the poor. Indeed, in those countries/locations people know how to slaughter an animal or kill a chicken, and everything that is involved in preparing the carcass (correct word?) for human consumption. I imagine that if a goat or calf were brought to give to the Priest, etc., the animal would be tied outside the church building. I know that the Priest in Africa did have “difficulties” with farm animals getting into the church building during a storm . He told me he shooed them out before Mass and cleaned up. That is why there are no carpets or rugs on the floor of the church . These animals given to Father are quite a blessing for him.

Obedience to the Bishop or Pastor is what matters, I think. I remember my Pastor, with whom I have a good relationship, asking me to do something that made no sense to me. After discussing it a little, I told him if that is what he wanted, I would obey - had nothing to do with me personally. He wanted it. After he told me how he wanted it done, I obeyed. A few months later I saw Father’s wisdom and discernment. I cannot remember what on earth it was, but I do remember the lesson I learned.

Thank you again, Father. :curtsey:

 

[Luz_Maria]

TMC, thank you for posting. That is a completely different topic which we are not discussing here at all..

God bless you.

 

[Luz_Maria]

Friday, January 13, 2017

Re: Previous Posts
Thank you each for responding and for having kept this thread limited to only the two very specific topics.

The topic that has been “settled” is having animals at Mass. Father David has the last word on it.

Re: Future Posts
Thank you for doing nonjudgmental and charitable posts. Let us keep this thread to the one remaining topic without derailing the thread.

Our Lady of Charity, pray for us.

**Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)**
.

 

[TMC]

Re: Future Posts
Thank you for doing nonjudgmental and charitable posts. Let us keep this thread to the one remaining topic without derailing the thread.

I’m sorry, what is the one remaining topic - the propriety of giving the consecrated host to animals? I think there is unanimity that doing so is improper. There is probably a wide range of thoughts on the seriousness of the issue and the proper response, but I really doubt anyone here thinks it is OK. If you google “giving eucharist to animals” you will find a number of news stories. It seems it does happen from time to time, but (again) I think most serious Catholics would agree it is not to be done.

 

[Luz_Maria]

TMC, there is no religion noted on your “header” (cannot remember the name of that thing right now). Yes, that is the remaining topic for now and I do not want to derail the thread in any way by going off topic. Thanks for your answer.

Good thoughts going your way.

 

[FrDavid96]

Friday, January 13, 2017

Re: Previous Posts
Thank you each for responding and for having kept this thread limited to only the two very specific topics.

The topic that has been “settled” is having animals at Mass. Father David has the last word on it.

Re: Future Posts
Thank you for doing nonjudgmental and charitable posts. Let us keep this thread to the one remaining topic without derailing the thread.

Our Lady of Charity, pray for us.

Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)
.

OK. So you consider your first question “answered.”

You still have your second question, and you would like the thread to be limited to your second question. Do I have that right?

If so, can you tell precisely what is your second question?

 

[Peebo]

I am not so sure that animals don’t have souls. Pope Francis has suggested that animals can go to heaven, and I seem to recall Pope John Paul saying something similar.

forums.catholic-questions.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23659&stc=1&d=1484341555

 

[Luz_Maria]

Peebo, kindly do not derail the thread. That was neither ever the topic nor is it now. See post #41. Thank you.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Let me put it this way: how would you handle “it” if this “person” were your brother, sister, friend? You do not have to answer that. It is only here to make us (including me) think. We are learning from each other. A teaching (catechizing) moment for us. That is all.

Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

This must be your second question?

First , I would absolutely ecstatic if any of my family or friends went to Mass and took communion. It would be great cause for celebration.
If one of them KNEW and UNDERSTOOD the protocols and violated them , and was of sound mind, I would suggest a little chat with the Priest.

When I came back to the church I had no idea i should confess decades of mortal sins before Communion. But hey, the Cathedral is still standing. And no one judge me , which would have made me think, at that point, quite negative thoughts.
Whats the saying
’ come as you are, thats how I want you’

If the person sharing communion with their dog was affected by mental illness, or had a drug history, then what can you do, except again inform the Priest to ensure the Eucharist is consumed at the alter.
We are called to be loving, forgiving, accepting, not judgemental. At least that person is at Mass. A great start!

I volunteer in a facility that holds Mass where the residents remain seated, the Priest comes to each person and gives Communion. We still have accidents where the Eucharist might fall out of hands or mouths. Its handled with Love.

Heres a question, a person brings their seeing eye dog, they drop the Eucharist, their dog picks it up, or eats it, is Jesus really going to be judgemental, strike that person down with thunderbolts? or forgive and move on? Or a person afflicted with a disease that causes trembles etc.
The dog may be trained to pick up what is dropped. The good Lord connected service dog with person needing it , so…

Can you tell us the full story about this? We might be able to give more beneficial advice.
I can think of many variables regarding an incident such as this.

Peace

 

[Luz_Maria]

OK. So you consider your first question “answered.”

You still have your second question, and you would like the thread to be limited to your second question. Do I have that right?

If so, can you tell precisely what is your second question?

Greetings, Father David. I am so very glad you are here!

Yes, Father. You answered the first question very thoroughly. You have it right.

Here are sections from some of my previous posts with questions about how/what to do (if anything) if we see a person giving Holy Communion to an animal. For this am “talking” about a lay person. Of course, since you are [an? Questioning word usage!] Ordained Priest, you may tell/write how you would like it to be handled or how it should be handled.

There is one question within my first quote about the Priest-celebrant. With all due respect, I leave answering that one question entirely up to you, the Priest. You would know whether it would be beneficial to answer it at an Internet forum or not.

…]

If you found someone giving Holy Communion to an animal, what would you do?
Would you try to stop the person?
How would you stop the person from giving Communion to an animal?

Does it matter whether the person is doing it at Mass or outside the church? [You can see the Sacred Host]
Would you act differently at either?

If someone else is trying to stop the person from giving Holy Communion to an animal, would you try to help the person trying to stop it?

If this whole episode is happening during Mass, may the Priest-Celebrant do something or must he continue with the Mass as if nothing is happening?

What is the role of the ushers in all this in the United States? In other countries?

How may we catechize in order to avoid all this?

…]

Sacred Host, Bread of angels, given to animals, Have mercy on us.
from the Litany of Reparation [to the Lord] In the Blessed Sacrament. This Litany could be a translation from another language.

…]
Let me put it this way: how would you handle “it” if this “person” were your brother, sister, friend? You do not have to answer that. It is only here to make us (including me) think. We are learning from each other. A teaching (catechizing) moment for us. That is all.

…]

Our Lady of Charity, pray for us.

Thank you again, Father David, for your (name removed by moderator)ut here. You are in my prayers that Our Heavenly Father give you discernment & wisdom, and may Our Blessed Mother cover (we say protect) you with her mantle.

**Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)**

 

[FrDavid96]

Greetings, Father David. I am so very glad you are here!

Yes, Father. You answered the first question very thoroughly. You have it right.

Here are sections from some of my previous posts with questions about how/what to do (if anything) if we see a person giving Holy Communion to an animal. For this am “talking” about a lay person. Of course, since you are [an? Questioning word usage!] Ordained Priest, you may tell/write how you would like it to be handled or how it should be handled.

There is one question within my first quote about the Priest-celebrant. With all due respect, I leave answering that one question entirely up to you, the Priest. You would know whether it would be beneficial to answer it at an Internet forum or not.

Thank you again, Father David, for your (name removed by moderator)ut here. You are in my prayers that Our Heavenly Father give you discernment & wisdom, and may Our Blessed Mother cover (we say protect) you with her mantle.

Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)

You need to be more specific with the question. In your last post, I count at least 9 different questions.

It goes without saying that giving Holy Communion to an animal is unacceptable. However, the way to react to the situation will vary based on the situation itself. I’ve read everything from a priest intentionally giving Communion to a dog to a consecrated Host accidentally falling on the floor.

So much has been said in this thread that I do not know what is your actual question. Can you just post the question itself, so that I might understand.

Who is “giving” Communion, under what circumstances?

 

[Luz_Maria]

First, welcome back home RoseEurekaCross! :extrahappy:

Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut. There is a huge difference between an accident and actively giving. . . . It is “sort of” like being witness to pick-pocketing vs. being the person doing the pick-pocketing.

As I said in previous posts, this has already been resolved. I only want to be “prepared” if there is a “next time”, for other Roman Catholics to think about this and be aware of it all, and for all of us to learn more about our Faith.

**Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)**

Luz María

 

[Luz_Maria]

You need to be more specific with the question. In your last post, I count at least 9 different questions.

It goes without saying that giving Holy Communion to an animal is unacceptable. However, the way to react to the situation will vary based on the situation itself. I’ve read everything from a priest intentionally giving Communion to a dog to a consecrated Host accidentally falling on the floor.

So much has been said in this thread that I do not know what is your actual question. Can you just post the question itself, so that I might understand.

Who is “giving” Communion, under what circumstances?

So sorry, Father.

Is it a sacrilege to give Communion (“The Most Holy”) to an animal?
If it is a sacrilege, then what must that person do to get back with/return to God and to the Church?
May a Priest absolve or must he be a Bishop?
The person “giving” Communion is a lay person at a Mass.

I do not understand the word “circumstances” in this case . The person loves the dog .

Thanks again, Father David.

 

[FrDavid96]

So sorry, Father.

Is it a sacrilege to give Communion (“The Most Holy”) to an animal?

If it is a sacrilege, then what must that person do to get back with/return to God and the Church?
May a Priest absolve or must it be a Bishop?
The person “giving” Communion is a lay person at a Mass.

I do not understand the word “circumstances” . The person loves the dog?

Thanks again, Father David.

The word “sacrilege” is a very specific delict (crime) defined by canon law.
It depends on the circumstances. Which is why I keep asking you to describe what you’re actually asking about.

You keep saying “give Communion to an animal.” That can mean scores of different things.

I don’t know how else to put this: you need to actually describe what is happening.

If you don’t describe what is happening, no one can answer your other questions.

What do you mean by “giving” Communion at Mass. That can mean so many different things that it’s just not possible to answer you.

Do you mean a 7-year old child who slips the Host to a dog when he thinks no one is looking? Do you mean an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who stands in front of the dog and says “Sit. Shake. Roll over. The Body of Christ” then puts the Host right in front of the dog’s mouth, while the priest looks-on smiling?

Obviously, these are very different situations, but they would both fit your words “give Communion to an animal.”

If you won’t describe what is happening, no one can answer the rest of your questions.

 

[Luz_Maria]

The word “sacrilege” is a very specific delict (crime) defined by canon law.
It depends on the circumstances. Which is why I keep asking you to describe what you’re actually asking about.

You keep saying “give Communion to an animal.” That can mean scores of different things.

I don’t know how else to put this: you need to actually describe what is happening.

If you don’t describe what is happening, no one can answer your other questions.

What do you mean by “giving” Communion at Mass. That can mean so many different things that it’s just not possible to answer you.

Do you mean a 7-year old child who slips the Host to a dog when he thinks no one is looking? Do you mean an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who stands in front of the dog and says “Sit. Shake. Roll over. The Body of Christ” then puts the Host right in front of the dog’s mouth, while the priest looks-on smiling?

Obviously, these are very different situations, but they would both fit your words “give Communion to an animal.”

If you won’t describe what is happening, no one can answer the rest of your questions.

O my! I really did not think that phrase could be understood in so many ways! I do not have your experience, Father. You gave so many examples! Thank you, Father. I can see that this can get complicated. Am trying to keep it simple. Get gemeral guidelines. There are, from your examples, a million-and-one ways this desacration of giving the Consecrated Host (CH) to an animal could happen. Am neither a Priest nor as a Lady do I want to be one. No disrespect intended toward Priests at all :curtsey:. We work together. Now, how could this be shared at an RCIA class? How can we (all of us) keep this from happening in the first place? That is the goal.

The person doing giving a CH to an animal is a full-fledged adult, normal, fully lay person, not ordained, not an EMHC, and not in any religious order (like Franciscans, et al.).

“At Mass” - of course, after the consecration, after the distribution of the CH, during the times that a CH may be obtained, before the end of the Mass.

I just thought, does it really make a difference whether the adult, above-referenced person, gave the CH to the animal at any other time or place? If giving the animal a CH is wrong, then it is wrong any-where and at any time. Correct?

Describe how the person did it? The simple gesture of holding the CH, and giving the animal the CH. No fuss. Simple actions.

I read somewhere (a website about understandable Canon Law) that giving Communion to an animal is a sacrilege that brings forth automatic excommunication. If the person is not mentally ill, etc., and knows that giving a CH to an animal does the above, and still gives the animal the CH, is that an automatic excommunication as above-stated? Did I understand it wrong?
If a person gave an animal a CH as above-stated, then what must that person do to get back with/return to God and the Church?
May a Priest absolve or must it be a Bishop?
It was also noted in that canon law that if a Priest gives CH to an animal, the Priest is removed from ministry. If this is really so, then this “thing” of giving CH to animals is extremely serious. O my! I found the above canon law/s by accident and have not found them again after several searches.

Please note that I am not even trying at all to derail this thread into a confession thread.

This whole thing of giving CH to animals could possibly be “cultural” thinking and idiosyncrasies of the people of the United States. Just the way different cultures do things; however, I remember what parishes did (in an area I visited years ago in the USA) to protect The Most Holy during the distribution of the CH. That was to:
have an Usher posted very noticeably at each of the exit doors
have an Usher at each Communion Station
then if there was a person with an animal at the Mass, an additional Usher (not one from the above posts) would escort the person to the pew and stay…
These above precautions made me feel extremely great!

:curtsey:

**Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)**

 

[rcwitness]

forums.catholic-questions.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=23659&stc=1&d=1484341555

I don’t believe animals will be resurrected unto eternal life. If Pope Francis really said this, I’m sure it was his private belief, as opposed to a formal Teaching.

If I witnessed a pet owner giving His Eucharist to their animal, I would confront them to try and stop it. If they persisted, I would speak with the Parish Preist. If the Preist did nothing, I would contact the Bishop. If the Bishop demanded information, I’d try to find out the information. If I could not obtain the info, then I’d let it go.

 

[Mintaka]

If the person is known to be giving Communion to the animal instead of eating it, obviously the person should be asked to swallow the Host before leaving the priest or EMHC. If they won’t, then Communion will have to be refused that person.

But first, the priest needs to talk to the person. He is the primary teacher of the faithful in his parish. Letting such a thing go on knowingly is a danger to his soul and the souls of others.

And if the priest does not know, he must be told.

If the priest is doing nothing after being told, it is your job to counsel the person yourself. Get a couple of other people to do it with you.

If you do that and the person persists, it is time to use the power of video, to get the person’s contact info, and to send the info and footage to the bishop.

 

[FrDavid96]

O my! I really did not think that phrase could be understood in so many ways! I do not have your experience, Father. You gave so many examples! Thank you, Father. I can see that this can get complicated. Am trying to keep it simple. Get gemeral guidelines. There are, from your examples, a million-and-one ways this desacration of giving the Consecrated Host (CH) to an animal could happen. Am neither a Priest nor as a Lady do I want to be one. No disrespect intended toward Priests at all :curtsey:. We work together. Now, how could this be shared at an RCIA class? How can we (all of us) keep this from happening in the first place? That is the goal.

The person doing giving a CH to an animal is a full-fledged adult, normal, fully lay person, not ordained, not an EMHC, and not in any religious order (like Franciscans, et al.).

“At Mass” - of course, after the consecration, after the distribution of the CH, during the times that a CH may be obtained, before the end of the Mass.

I just thought, does it really make a difference whether the adult, above-referenced person, gave the CH to the animal at any other time or place? If giving the animal a CH is wrong, then it is wrong any-where and at any time. Correct?

Describe how the person did it? The simple gesture of holding the CH, and giving the animal the CH. No fuss. Simple actions.

I read somewhere (a website about understandable Canon Law) that giving Communion to an animal is a sacrilege that brings forth automatic excommunication. If the person is not mentally ill, etc., and knows that giving a CH to an animal does the above, and still gives the animal the CH, is that an automatic excommunication as above-stated? Did I understand it wrong?
If a person gave an animal a CH as above-stated, then what must that person do to get back with/return to God and the Church?
May a Priest absolve or must it be a Bishop?
It was also noted in that canon law that if a Priest gives CH to an animal, the Priest is removed from ministry. If this is really so, then this “thing” of giving CH to animals is extremely serious. O my! I found the above canon law/s by accident and have not found them again after several searches.

Please note that I am not even trying at all to derail this thread into a confession thread.

This whole thing of giving CH to animals could possibly be “cultural” thinking and idiosyncrasies of the people of the United States. Just the way different cultures do things; however, I remember what parishes did (in an area I visited years ago in the USA) to protect The Most Holy during the distribution of the CH. That was to:
have an Usher posted very noticeably at each of the exit doors
have an Usher at each Communion Station
then if there was a person with an animal at the Mass, an additional Usher (not one from the above posts) would escort the person to the pew and stay…
These above precautions made me feel extremely great!

:curtsey:

Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)

Let’s try a different approach…

The person doing this is a layperson. We know that.

Is the person an EMHC at this particular Mass?

Is this person a child or adult?

Is this person in possession of his faculties (maybe have Alzheimer’s or dementia, etc)?

Is this happening in a “public” way—meaning is it clear to everyone in the church that it’s happening, or is it happening when the person thinks no one is watching?

Is the animal being brought forth in the Communion line just as if it were a person?

Why is this person giving Communion to an animal? Do you even know why?

The “why” is the most important question.

There are all sorts of reasons why someone might do this that I can imagine. In one extreme, someone might be unable to consume the Host, but doesn’t know what to do, so gives it to the animal rather than take it outside and throw It way. In the other extreme, someone might think that giving the Host to an animal somehow benefits the animal. Another motivation could be a way of mocking the Eucharist, by giving It to an animal. Another motivation could be the thinking “I always share everything with Fido, so I give him half of my Communion Host.” So, again, do you know why this is happening?

**Yes, sacrilege is a delict under canon 1367, which incurs a latae sentenciae penalty of excommunication. However (and this is absolutely critical) whether or not sacrilege occurs (or is the purpose of the act) depends on the exact circumstances and the person’s motivation. ** In order for the word sacrilege to apply, the person must have some anti-Christian motivation, or some hatred of the faith.

That’s why I keep asking you for circumstances and motivation.

For example, and just for example, if I return to the rectory after having visited the hospital, and I open the pyx containing the consecrated Hosts, I fumble with the clasp, several Hosts fall to the floor, my pet runs over and grabs one, that would not be “sacrilegious purpose.” Canon 1367 would not apply.

 

[Luz_Maria]

Let’s try a different approach…

The person doing this is a layperson. We know that.
**Correct. **

Is the person an EMHC at this particular Mass?
As stated, no. The person is not at all an EMHC at this or any Mass (any-where).

Is this person a child or adult?
An adult (over 21).

Is this person in possession of his faculties (maybe have Alzheimer’s or dementia, etc.)?
The person is in possession of his faculties. That is what I meant by “normal”. I did not want to write “faculties” because I know that means something else in “Catholic lingo”. Sorry, I do not know how to convey the words “Catholic lingo” in another way. No disrespect intended.

Is this happening in a “public” way—meaning is it clear to everyone in the church that it’s happening, or is it happening when the person thinks no one is watching?
Second instance – not much escapes me, though .

Is the animal being brought forth in the Communion line just as if it were a person?
That would make it “public”. No per above.

Why is this person giving Communion to an animal? Do you even know why?
Well, Father, I was specifically told, “The dog is more pure than I am and is more worthy than I [to Receive]. The dog needs graces. Who better to receive the Lord? The dog has never sinned, and I want him/her to go to heaven. S/he is God’s creature and God loves him/her.” Is this the “why” you are asking? Other animal lovers have told me the same thing, but when I ask these other people if they give CH to the pet, they look at me with shock and tell me no.

The “why” is the most important question.

There are all sorts of reasons why someone might do this that I can imagine. In one extreme, someone might be unable to consume the Host, but doesn’t know what to do, so gives it to the animal rather than take it outside and throw It way. In the other extreme, someone might think that giving the Host to an animal somehow benefits the animal. Another motivation could be a way of mocking the Eucharist, by giving It to an animal. Another motivation could be the thinking “I always share everything with Fido, so I give him half of my Communion Host.” So, again, do you know why this is happening?

Yes, sacrilege is a delict under canon 1367, which incurs a latae sentenciae penalty of excommunication. However (and this is absolutely critical) whether or not sacrilege occurs (or is the purpose of the act) depends on the exact circumstances and the person’s motivation. In order for the word sacrilege to apply, the person must have some anti-Christian motivation, or some hatred of the faith.

That’s why I keep asking you for circumstances and motivation.

For example, and just for example, if I return to the rectory after having visited the hospital, and I open the pyx containing the consecrated Hosts, I fumble with the clasp, several Hosts fall to the floor, my pet runs over and grabs one, that would not be “sacrilegious purpose.” Canon 1367 would not apply.

Thank you, Father. I am not meaning to give you a difficult time at all. It could be a language (meaning English) thing that I was not quite getting it. Thank you for your patience, not taking it personally, and not assuming that I understood. Thank you. You are a good teacher.

Please see in bold within your post, above…

Father David, now that I have given you the information, and since I have already handled it all, as my Pastor said, “very lovingly and with fidelity (loyalty) to the teachings of the Church” [No, it did not happen at our parish], my real questions now are:

Preface: Since this “whole thing” appears to be from a lack of knowledge, and as the refrain states, “El que no sabe es como el que no ve.” S/he who does not know is like s/he who does not see. This refers to ignorance may isolate a human being and keep him/her from enjoying life, but I think it is appropriate here. Then, therefore:

1. How can catechists (religion teachers) better “transmit” or inculcate (culturally for me, it is the Parents who inculcate) the Faith to/for (which is the word?) those in RCIA/RICA?
2. How may the laity/faithful/parishioners be encouraged to do Continued Religious Education (CRE) after the Sacraments of Initiation have been received? Am referring to mature adults say 30+.
3. How may those who are “not interested” in being catechists take CRE classes to delve deeper in the “teachings” (what is the word? I do not want to call “it” laws) of the Church?
4. What can/may be done so that information about the CRE “courses” be publicized and its/their availability is easily known – without being “an insider”?

Yes, being very aware of the language “it” is offered in, I do invite others to conferences, lectures, courses I attend because the “personal touch” is many times better. Of course, if the person is bilingual, there is no problem at all. However, am only one person.

Some people say leave it to the Priest or to the Pastor. Why should everything be thrown at the Priest’s lap? There are many things only a Priest may do, but there are others with which the laity can help or do with the Priest’s or Pastor’s direction.

Thanks again, Father. Sure hope am expressing myself better.

**Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)**

 

[Luz_Maria]

…

If I witnessed a pet owner giving His Eucharist to their animal, I would confront them to try and stop it. If they persisted, I would speak with the Parish Preist. If the Preist did nothing, I would contact the Bishop. If the Bishop demanded information, I’d try to find out the information. If I could not obtain the info, then I’d let it go.

Greetings, rcwitness. Thanks for posting.

Just a couple of points. 1) Things can happen fairly fast. There might not be time to “stop” it. 2) The word “confront” gives me the impression of harshness. This person might not know that doing this is wrong and being harsh could do harm to the person. You may need to explain it to the person. Am not a Priest or any kind of psychologist; therefore, my question to myself in difficult situations (like this one) is “how would I like a loved one to be treated?”

The parish Priest or the Pastor should be informed about what happened and, if something was done, what it was that was done. The Priest or Pastor are the spiritual leaders and the ones responsible for the parishioners. They may be able to do some parish-wide catechesis if you let him know.

Yes, very wise. Like you stated, if after doing all that, there is no more that may be done, then one has to let it go.

That is why I started this thread. I want people to think about the what and the how of handling this situation and the proper catechizing.

Let us see what Father David says.

Thanks again.

**Let Nothing Disturb You

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.

Patience,
Obtains all things,
Whoever has God
Lacks nothing:
God alone suffices.

Santa Teresa de Jesús `
(Santa Teresa de Ávila
España: 1515—1582)**