Hardly much need for confession on that one. Your father is probably lucky he’s never had to sit in a box and hear my confession. (Though that absolution thing is very grand!)

You were probably correct in thinking some of your RC friends were in real trouble; just probably for the wrong reason.

Your prayer is much appreciated. Thank you!

From the Mormon website:

Salvation is made possible by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, everyone will overcome the effects of death.

From a Christian science lecture on the belief net website:

To show mankind how to gain salvation was the mission of the Master, Christ Jesus. He will be to us the way of salvation only as we accept his words and follow his leadings in our daily living.

From Wikipedia concerning Jehovah’s Witnesses:

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus’ death was necessary to atone for the sin brought into the world by the first man, Adam , opening the way for the hope of everlasting life for mankind,

About 10 years ago, my dad, who was a pastor in that tradition just described (though he was a bit of a trail-blazer) said to me that he would be very happy in the Catholic church, but God had him where he currently was (at this point my dad was an ordained Lutheran pastor). Hearing my dad say that sent my thoughts in overdrive. My dad??? A Catholic!!?? Say it ain’t so!!

That was a watershed moment for me and began to open my eyes to many things about our life of faith. I am now, obviously, 180 degrees from where I was 10 years ago in my thinking and I thank God for that. And I find myself apologizing now to random Catholics I meet for the animosity I so long harbored towards them.
(how’s that for a journey into a confession booth?)

peace,
Chad

Your parish must see some real gifts in your to ask you to lead in the way you are. I pray God blesses your ministry and those you minister to.

“Definitely, I would say the sacraments were given to us by Christ himself, to nourish us.”

Every good gift comes from our Father in heaven.

grace and peace,
Chad

OK, you’re free to believe what you want about the Mormons, JW’s etc. I really don’t spend much time studying their theology. I have a hard enough time figuring out the correct doctrine that my church teaches.

On No! I’m a husband/dad and a fellow member of the priesthood of all believers.
I do volunteer catechesis currently with jr high kids. I had the dubious honor/penance of being asked to join the religious education committee as my parish last year. Church committee meetings generally leave me pulling my hair out; but luckily I see a real hunger for truth and authentic faith among the youth. Our parish like most in the American church is SLOWLY struggling to correct some real problems with catechesis over the last few decades.

Definitely, I would say the sacraments were given to us by Christ himself, to nourish us.

How would you characterize the general understanding of faith at your local parish?

Thank you for pointing out my use of Mass. You are right, and thankfully so – it only further gives credence to the point that the Mass itself does not save but rather nourishes us for mission. Would you agree?

peace,
Chad

I wish we could get more volunteer catechists at my local parish with your understanding of the faith.

One semantic correction I would make though: Nobody’s Taking Mass anywhere. The Mass is a Sending. That’s where the word “Mass” in the roman rite comes from. [Ita Missa Est]