Why do catholics ignore Old Test/Hebrew feasts & holidays

[Elizium23]

I would have to agree. Several priests and deacons know my mom is Jewish (therefore technically my kids and I are Jewish) and I would spend Passover (or Yom Kippur or any Shabbat service at synagogue) with my mother. None have had any issue with it and have actually encouraged it for, as our old family rabbi put it shalom bayit, “peace in the home.” The accusation that celebrating Pesach with old friends or family is breaking a Commandment astounds me, and, frankly, makes me angry.

I would encourage folks to ask their own priests or research this before taking a 'blog post’s word on this.

How about checking with a respected apologist from Catholic Answers?

The Church has not approved of a seder as a public ritual or devotion of the Church; therefore, it seems reasonable to assume that the seder should not be celebrated on Church property, at least while there is an open question as to magisterial approval. Hosting such an event on Church property can give the impression of Church approval where it does not, as yet, exist. And that can cause confusion for Jews who object to a Christian seder in a Catholic parish because they may naturally assume that the event has the backing of the Catholic Church. As a matter of prudence then, it might be wise to avoid and discourage a seder held on Church property.

The Church also has not expressly forbidden Catholics to privately celebrate a seder in their own homes, but many disagree over whether or not it is appropriate for Catholics to do so. Some argue that because the seder has been superseded by the Mass, Catholics should limit their commemoration of the Last Supper to the Mass. Others argue that it is disrespectful to the Jewish people to co-opt their sacred ritual. And still others say that the seder, as it is celebrated today, is a non-Christian worship service that Catholics should not participate in as worshippers (as distinguished from those who attend a Jewish seder as a guest).

While I sympathize with those Catholics who want to participate in a Christian seder, I worry that many Catholics do not know enough about Judaism or Jewish ritual to create their own seder so that is both meaningful to Catholics and respectful of Jewish religious practice and belief. If you really want to attend a seder, ask a Jewish friend if you can attend his family’s seder. Many Jews are delighted to have Christian guests at their seder because it is considered a good deed to extend hospitality during the holiday. But, unless you are a convert from Judaism, it might well be better not to try to create your own Christianized seder liturgy.

 

[The_Serpent]

Pentecost was a Jewish festival, that became a Catholic Holy day!

 

[BartholomewB]

Seder meals violate the First Commandment

Here is a short excerpt from that blog you linked to:

“All religious ceremonies are professions of faith in which the interior worship of God exists.” If a man makes a false declaration of faith by taking part in a pagan rite or one of the old Jewish law, he is committing a very grievous sin – this priest describes it as a mortal sin.

That is the view of one priest. He may be right or he may be wrong. Subject to confirmation, I’d say he’s probably wrong. Three or four times my wife and I have attended seder meals held at the local synagogue, as the invited guests of Jewish friends. Our parish priest knows about it and has never made an adverse comment of any kind.

 

[TimothyH]

Seder meals violate the First Commandment

It is difficult for me to take that blog seriously.

Tight pants offend God greatly? The Augustinians are liberal, get drunk and are into money?

It is nothing more than another “New Mass” bashing website which equates conservative politics with sanctity.

-Tim-

 

[BartholomewB]

Dakini Artist:

Elizium23 has helpfully confirmed that you are doing the right thing. This is what you told us (#19 on this thread):

Several priests and deacons know my mom is Jewish (therefore technically my kids and I are Jewish) and I would spend Passover (or Yom Kippur or any Shabbat service at synagogue) with my mother. None have had any issue with it and have actually encouraged it for, as our old family rabbi put it shalom bayit, “peace in the home.” The accusation that celebrating Pesach with old friends or family is breaking a Commandment astounds me, and, frankly, makes me angry.

And this is what Michelle Arnold has to say in reply: the “respected apologist from Catholic Answers,” as Elizium23 recognizes (in his post #21): *

If you really want to attend a seder, ask a Jewish friend if you can attend his family’s seder. Many Jews are delighted to have Christian guests at their seder because it is considered a good deed to extend hospitality during the holiday.*

The Church’s criticisms are aimed at Christian attempts to copy or “Christianize” the seder. Attending an authentic Jewish seder, on the other hand, clearly meets with the Church’s full approval. I suspect that Elizium23 himself (herself?) may not have grasped the full significance of Michelle Arnold’s words.

Shalom!
Bart

 

[phil19034]

Don’t take this personal, but I find it appalling sometimes that any individual can post a web site and make all kinds of wild-eyed accusations and somehow it’s considered valid. The link provided is not from an authoritative source, such as the Vatican. Call me a skeptic.

How does one reconcile this accusation with Hebrew Catholics in Israel who do celebrate Passover, while still being in full communion with the Church? Are you suggesting that Hebrew Catholics are violating the first commandment as well? Pretty bold accusation.

The Hebrew Catholics organization is an approved group with in the Church and was approved by Cardinal Burke.

The Hebrew Catholics group is meant for Catholics from culturally Jewish families who wish to maintain some the Jewish festivals and customs for cultural (not religious) purposes. For example, the prayers at Hanukkah add “in the name of Jesus Christ” to them.

However, there are a few things that Catholics need to be aware of:

1. part of the theology behind the Passover Liturgy is when the father talks about the Passover is to remember bringing “me” out of the wilderness (“not our people”). Religious Jews believe that during the Passover Liturgy they are participating in the original Passover in a way that is similar to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

I recommend listing to “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” by Dr. Brant Pitre
lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/jesus-and-the-jewish-roots-of-the-eucharist?promoCode=104130

I also recommend listing to “The Fourth Cup” by Dr. Scott Hahn
lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-fourth-cup?promoCode=104130

1. Hebrew Catholics need to make sure they do not become Judaizers, however, most Hebrew Catholics today do not run a risk of this because they do not believe that you must first become Jewish in order to become Catholic. They have embraced the Catholic Church and observe parts of the Jewish holidays for cultural reasons.

For more info on the Hebrew Catholics, visit their website at: hebrewcatholic.net/

1. Born Catholics are better off not attempting to celebrate Seders themselves (out of respect of religious Jews) and because the Liturgy is a prayers. One which Christ fulfilled. Participating in the Seder without knowing what’s going on could result in you praying for the Messiah to come, when He as already come.

God Bless