'Call No Man Father': Can Catholics call Priests 'Father'?

This Bible Study is one of several ‘shorter’ studies that will address some of the 'everyday' questions/objections brought up against our faith. These issues, big or small, can sometimes be MONUMENTAL blocks in the mind of a non-catholic considering coming to the FULLNESS of TRUTH in the Catholic Church.

In the hope of bringing non-Christians to Christ and our separated protestant brethren into full unity with the Catholic Church (UR 24) it is important that we are prepared to explicate our Catholic Faith in its 'full purity and consistency' (Ut Unum Sint 3) so that, like it says in 1 Pet 3:15, we will "be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you" We do this in charity for benefit of souls and in honor of God and His Truth.

In this study we will address the question: “Why do Catholics call priests “father,” since Jesus says “call no man your father” in Matthew 23:9?”

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Mt 23:1-12; 1 Cor 4:15; Rom 4:16

*Thank you to Tiffany Mina for sharing her insight during the study*

image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons.

P. BATONI PINXIT ROMAE 1773'

Gleichnis vom verlorenen Sohn' (The Prodigal Son)

The Holy Angels: 'Protectors and Shepherds'

The word 'angel' itself is from a greek word meaning ‘messenger’ It important to know that though Scripture is FULL of angels and though there is A LOT of theological speculation about angels very little has been declared and defined by the Church with regard to details. But of course some has. And that ‘SOME’ is packed with insight.

CCC 328, CCC 336, CCC 330, & CCC 391

So what does Scripture say about them? A LOT! In our Bible Study we will see what the scriptures say about their functions, characteristics, and what role they play in salvation history and in our lives

Click Here to Download the Mp3

Rev 4:8; Gen. 3:24; Rev. 12:7 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Mt 13:49; Dan. 10:13 ; Acts 16:6 Tobit 12:12, Tobit 12:14-16; Hebrew 1:14; Mt 18:10; Judges 13:3 – 7; Acts 6:15; Heb 13:2; 1 Cor. 13:1; Luke 2:10; 15:10; Jude: 1:9; Rev. 12:7; Dan. 8:16; Luke 1:26; Col 1:16; Eph 1:21; Is 6:6; 1 Thess. 4:16;

image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons. William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) - Song of the Angels (1881)

Bible Study Prep: 'The Holy Angels'

The word 'Angel' itself is from a Greek Word meaning ‘messenger’ It important to know that though Scripture is FULL of angels and though there is A LOT of theological speculation about angels very little has been declared and defined by the Church with regard to details. But of course some has. And that ‘SOME’ is packed of stuff.

CCC 328, CCC 336, CCC 330, & CCC 391

So what does Scripture say about them? A LOT! In our Bible Study we will see what the scriptures say about their functions, characteristics, and what role they play in salvation history and in our lives

Ps 96:7; Dan 7:9-10; Ps 102:20; Gen. 3:24; Rev. 12:7 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Mt 13:49; Dan. 10:13 ; Acts 16:6 Tobit 12:12, Tobit 12:14-16; Hebrew 1:14; Mt 18:10; Judges 13:3 – 7; Acts 6:15; Heb 13:2; 1 Cor. 13:1; Luke 2:10; 15:10; Jude: 1:9; Rev. 12:7; Dan. 8:16; Luke 1:26; Col 1:16; Eph 1:21; Ezekiel 1:14, Is 6:6; 1 Thess. 4:16; Ps 99:1

image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons. William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) - Song of the Angels (1881)

Baptism now Saves! (A Biblical Defense & Lenten Mission)

A sacrament is an outward and visible sign instituted by Christ to impart an inward and invisible grace. Jesus Christ himself is the sacrament, as he gave his life to save mankind and gave us these sacraments to help us lead a A Christian Life.

The sacrament of Baptism makes us part of the mystical body of Christ (CCC 1272), cleanses us from original sin through the regeneration by water (CCC 1213), and is necessary for Salvation (CCC 1257). In this Bible Study we will take a further look at the Catholic understanding of this important sacrament and find the clear teachings of Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture that support this understanding.

John 1:32 ; Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16; John 3:5; 1 Cor 12:13; Col 2:11-12;

1 Pet 3:21; G

en. 17:12, Lev. 12:3, Col 2:11-12; Matt. 18:2-5, Matt 19:14; Acts 16:15

Click Here to Download the Mp3

The presentation on Baptism was given in the context of the Lenten Mission held by the St. Damien's Parish (formerly St. Sophia's church) on Molokai. To listen to the entire day's presentation, which including the biblical basis for Lent, Confession, Baptism, Suffering, Fasting, and Indulgences, listen to the Mp3 below.

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image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons. (From the Book: 'La Cappella Brancacci a Santa Maria del Carmine, in AA.VV.')

'I shall prepare Him my heart' - Our Lenten Sacrifice

According to Church documents, "Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Easter. For the Lenten liturgy disposes both catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery: catechumens, through the several stages of Christian initiation; the faithful through reminders of their own baptism and through penitential practices" (General Norms 27). and The CCC states, "'By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert" (CCC 540).

In this Bible Study we will visit the biblical foundations and principles surrounding Lent as we prepare our hearts for Easter

Click Here to Download the Mp3

Ex. 24:18, 34:28, Jonah 3:4; Matt. 4:2; 1 Cor. 1:23; Luke 9:23, 14:27; 1 Peter 4:1-2, 13, 16, 5:10; Phil. 3:10; 2 Thess. 1:5; Col. 1:24; Joel 1:14; 2:12,15; Psalm 35:13 , Esther 4:3,16 , Jonah 3:5,10 ; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2-3; Mt 17:21; Luke 5:35; Mt 6: 16 – 18; Dan. 10:1-3

image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons. Temptation of Christ (mosaic in basilica di San Marco)

From Hardship to Hope at ROL march 21st

Dear Friends,

We are very pleased and excited to be hosting a special guest speaker coming to us from Ghana, Africa.

Mr. Thomas Awiapo works for Catholic Relief Services in Ghana and visits the U.S. during the Lenten Season to address parishioners about Global Solidarity, Operation Rice Bowl and most of all to thank U.S. Catholics for supporting programs that care for the poor. Every day, he witnesses the saving grace of CRS dollars and can personally attest to how Operation Rice Bowl saved HIS LIFE!

Please join us for an hour with Thomas and let it be part of your Lenten observance as we PRAY and LEARN with this witness of God’s goodness. Last month, Thomas had an opportunity to visit Haiti. He will also be sharing with us an update on how they’re recovering since the earthquake that devastated parts of their country.

I hope to see you next Monday! Bring your friends!

Peace and Blessings,

Iwie

Bible Study Prep: 'I shall prepare Him my heart' - A study of our Lenten Sacrifice

According to Church documents, "Lent is a preparation for the celebration of Easter. For the Lenten liturgy disposes both catechumens and the faithful to celebrate the paschal mystery: catechumens, through the several stages of Christian initiation; the faithful through reminders of their own baptism and through penitential practices" (General Norms 27). and The CCC states, "'By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert" (CCC 540).

In this Bible Study we will visit the biblical foundations and principles surrounding Lent as we prepare our hearts for Easter

Ex. 24:18, 34:28, Jonah 3:4; Matt. 4:2; 1 Cor. 1:23; Luke 9:23, 14:27; 1 Peter 4:1-2, 13, 16, 5:10; Phil. 3:10; 2 Thess. 1:5; Col. 1:24; Joel 1:14; 2:12,15; Psalm 35:13 , Esther 4:3,16 , Jonah 3:5,10 ; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2-3; Mt 17:21; Luke 5:35; Mt 6: 16 – 18; Dan. 10:1-3

image from the 'Public domain' via wikimedia commons. Temptation of Christ (mosaic in basilica di San Marco)

'Catholic without Compromise' Bible Study

What makes the Catholic Church so beautiful and so attractive to many Young Adults is the stability and consistency of the TRUTH maintained by the Church. In an unstable world, the Church is Stable. It says in Hebrews 13:8 that "Christ is the same Yesterday, Today, and forever".

In my teaching, catechetical, and apologetical work the thing that breaks my heart more than anything else is meeting Catholics, especially intelligent and well studied catholics, who blatantly disregard Catholic teaching. When it comes to being Catholic, its all or nothing. Period. There is no middle ground. It doesnt mean you wont have involuntary doubts, or even struggle. But in the end. The truth is NOT a democracy. Thats what makes the Church beautiful and strong. It carries the light ofTRUTH. Those who dont accept it entirely do not accept it PERIOD. We are called to be faithful to Christ and to the sacrament of salvation which he left for us, the Church. We are called to be Catholics without compromise.

The Bible is very clear that dissenters would come and spread heresy, that the faithful are called to be faifthful to the Church, that dissent is evil and can affect one's salvation, that the faithful are warned not to associate with such dissenters, that dissenters must be corrected , that obedience is praised and desirable to God, and that disobedience has grave consequences

Matthew 12:30, 2 John 1:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Matthew 18:15-17, Mark 9:42, Galatians 5:19-21, Titus 3:8-9. 1 Corinthians 12:20. 1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 1 Tim 4:1-8, Romans 16:17-18, Romans 1:28-3, Sirach 3:1, 2 Corinthians 9:13, Philippians 2:12, Genesis 2:17, 3:17-19

Click Here to Download the Mp3

image from Jjensen used with permission via wikimedia commons. Icon from the Mégalo Metéoron Monastery in Greece, representing the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea 325 A.D., with the condemned Arius in the bottom of the icon.

Bible Study TONIGHT! Prep: 'Catholic without compromise'

What makes the Catholic Church so beautiful and so attractive to many Young Adults is the stability and consistency of the TRUTH maintained by the Church. In an unstable world, the Church is Stable. It says in Hebrews 13:8 that "Christ is the same Yesterday, Today, and forever".

In my teaching, catechetical, and apologetical work the thing that breaks my heart more than anything else is meeting Catholics, especially intelligent and well studied catholics, who blatantly disregard Catholic teaching. When it comes to being Catholic, its all or nothing. Period. There is no middle ground. It doesnt mean you wont have involuntary doubts, or even struggle. But in the end. The truth is NOT a democracy. Thats what makes the Church beautiful and strong. It carries the light of TRUTH. Those who dont accept it entirely do not accept it PERIOD. We are called to be faithful to Christ and to the sacrament of salvation which he left for us, the Church. We are called to be Catholics without compromise.

The Bible is very very clear that dissenters would come and spread heresy. The bible also has grave warnings for such people.

Matthew 12:30, 2 John 1:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Matthew 18:15-17, Mark 9:42

The Bible is also clear on the Evils of Dissenting from the truth and that it even affects one’s salvation.

Galatians 5:19-21, Titus 3:8-9. 1 Corinthians 12:20. 1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Furthermore, the faithful are called to be faifthful to the Church, warned not to associate with such dissenters, that dissenters must be corrected , that obedience is praised and desirable to God, and that disobedience has grave consequences

1 Tim 4:1-8, Romans 16:17-18, Romans 1:28-3, Sirach 3:1, 2 Corinthians 9:13, Philippians 2:12

, Genesis 2:17, 3:17-19

image from Jjensen used with permission via wikimedia commons. Icon from the Mégalo Metéoron Monastery in Greece, representing the First Ecumenical Council of Nikea 325 A.D., with the condemned Arius in the bottom of the icon.

Diocesan E-Newsletter March 8th, 2011

Aloha Everyone!

This weeks eNewsLetter is packed with exciting news and events throughout the diocese.

Click on this link to visit the Office of Social Ministry’s new website: www.officeforsocialministry.org, and while you’re still out surfing the web, another must see is www.hictv.com, Hawaii Catholic’s very own faith based media outlet operated by John Fielding, CEO/President; Rodney Amian, CIO/Vice President; and Rodney Spradinger, Treasurer/Secretary. Check it out and post a comment.

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Elina B. Simon

Executive Assistant to the Vicar General

1184 Bishop Street

Honolulu, HI 96813-2859

Direct: 808.585.3346

Toll Free: 800.530.1790 X346 (neighbor islands)

Fax: 808.537.1860

email: esimon@rcchawaii.org

Click Here for the Newsletter

Marcos Brackins on 'Good vs Evil'

Marcos Brackins, founder of 'In Him ministries' here in Hawaii gave a wonderful lesson on 'Good vs. Evil' at a recent 'On Fire' youth event for the diocese of Honolulu. 'In Him' is a powerful and effective ministry, seeking to bring youth and young adults closer to the foot of the cross through the Sacrament of Salvation which is Christ's Church here on Earth (1 Tim 3:15)

Click Here to Download the Mp3

Verses to read: Isaiah 14:12-15 and Revelation 12:7 - 12

Thank you to Fr. Rey Lim , Youth Coordinator Richard Medeiros, and the Sacred Hearts Waianae parish for hosting the event. To learn more about 'In Him' ministries visit their website at http://www.inhimhawaii.org/

Traditional Image taken from http://makemeasaint.blogspot.com

It's in the Little Things

I have the pleasure of working at a Catholic school. More specifically, I'm happy to have the opportunity to learn every day as I print the worksheets for the teachers. I came across a great prayer that will help me read my bible every day and learn more about my faith.

Dear God,
Thank You for loving us. Thank You for giving us the Bible so we can learn about Your love. Thank You for Your plan to show love to everyone all over the world. We are glad You love us so much that You sent Jesus. Please help us to learn more about You and to trust You more.
In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Sola Scriptura? Is the Bible the exclusive means by which God's Word is transmitted?

As Catholics we love and revere the Sacred Word of God handed down to us through the Scriptures, the written Word of God. We also equally accept and love the Word of God handed down to us throughout history through the Sacred Traditions of Jesus and the Apostles, either orally or by letter.

Our protestant friends do not accept the latter precept. They believe that God transmitted His Revelation through Scripture alone. That is, they see the scriptures as formally sufficient and so any and all teachings of the Christian faith MUST be explicitly in the Bible. This protestant doctrine is called Sola Scriptura THIS IS A BIG DEAL! It is one of the ESSENTIAL pillars on which protestantism stands. UNFORTUNATELY the problems with this doctrine are MANY. Logic, History, Tradition, and even Scripture itself show clearly that Sola Scriptura is an unscriptural doctrine and was not taught by the early Christians, by the Apostles, nor by Christ Himself. In this study we will look at what is said in the written transmission of the Word of God and develop a concise way to help in our apologetic and evangelistic efforts to our non-catholic friends.

Click Here to Download the Audio Mp3

Please read 1 Tim 3:15, 2 Tim 3:16-17, Titus 3:8, Mt 4:1-11, John 5:39-40, 2 Tess 2:15 , 1 Thess 2:13, 1 Pet 1:25, Heb 13:8, 1 Cor 15: 1-4 , 2 Thess 3:6, 1 Cor 11:2, Phil 4:9, and 2 Tim 2:2

http://www.nativecatholic.com

Image from LabyrinthX via a creative commons license

Preparation for tomorrow's Bible Study. Topic: Sola Scriptura?

As Catholics we love and revere the Sacred Word of God handed down to us through the Scriptures, the written Word of God. We also equally accept and love the Word of God handed down to us throughout history through the Sacred Traditions of Jesus and the Apostles, either orally or by letter.

Our protestant friends do not accept the latter precept. They believe that God transmitted His Revelation through Scripture alone. That is, they see the scriptures as formally sufficient and so any and all teachings of the Christian faith MUST be explicitly in the Bible. This protestant doctrine is called Sola Scriptura THIS IS A BIG DEAL! It is one of the ESSENTIAL pillars on which protestantism stands. UNFORTUNATELY the problems with this doctrine are MANY. Logic, History, Tradition, and even Scripture itself show clearly that Sola Scriptura is an unscriptural doctrine and was not taught by the early Christians, by the Apostles, nor by Christ Himself. In this study we will look at what is said in the written transmission of the Word of God and develop a concise way to help in our apologetic and evangelistic efforts to our non-catholic friends.

Please read 1 Tim 3:15, 2 Tim 3:16-17, Titus 3:8, Mt 4:1-11, John 5:39-40, 2 Tess 2:15 , 1 Thess 2:13, 1 Pet 1:25, Heb 13:8, 1 Cor 15: 1-4 , 2 Thess 3:6, 1 Cor 11:2, Phil 4:9, and 2 Tim 2:2

Image from LabyrinthX via a creative commons license