Here is the first instalment of "Five Questions with Fr. Joe." Thank you to those who have submitted a question and thanks to Fr. Joe Mamich for his responses. The subject matter covered vocations, the Bible, the forgiveness of sins, Saints, and Christ's message to the world. Enjoy!
1) What is a good, non-threatening way to talk to a young man or woman about their call to holy orders? Did anyone ever approach you when you were younger? How? 
This is easy! Just approach the person. When I was younger, people did in fact approach me and say things such as “hey, have you ever thought of being a priest” or “as a teen, you seem to have an active faith life; have you ever thought about being a priest?” It might seem weird at first to approach someone and say something like this, but it’s worth a shot. Most of the priests that I know, mention being asked a question similar to that…and for others, one person’s question began a lifetime of priestly ministry!
This is easy! Just approach the person. When I was younger, people did in fact approach me and say things such as “hey, have you ever thought of being a priest” or “as a teen, you seem to have an active faith life; have you ever thought about being a priest?” It might seem weird at first to approach someone and say something like this, but it’s worth a shot. Most of the priests that I know, mention being asked a question similar to that…and for others, one person’s question began a lifetime of priestly ministry!
2) How do we answer skeptics questions regarding the discrepancies in the Bible? (i.e. If the Bible is without error, why do the gospels at certain points conflict?)
As Catholics, we say that the Bible is true in matters of faith and morals. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the writers were kept free from error in these matters. As Catholics, we do not believe that the Bible is meant to be taken literally, as if it was a social studies book, but seen as a book of truths for faith and morals. As you mentioned, there are incidents within the four Gospels that offer differing accounts of the same event. One of the main reasons for this is because each one of the Evangelists were writing from his own perspective. In much the same way, if four people were to witness an accident; all four would have a different perspective on the same event.
3) In this day of age, it is very difficult to have a serious relationship without being intimate. The fact is morals in society have changed drastically. So can we be forgiven for having premarital sex?
I think we
need to define what we mean by “being intimate”. Very commonly, this is used to refer to sexual relations, but “being intimate” really means much more. It’s about sharing one’s life, love, hopes, and dreams with another person. It’s not just about physical intimacy. While it seems to be true that society’s norms have changed, yet what Jesus asks and expects of us as Catholic-Christians has not. We are called to respect the dignity of ourselves and others by seeing physical intimacy as the outflow of the emotional intimacy that married couples are called to possess. In terms of being able to be forgiven for premarital sex; of course, we can. There is only one sin that cannot be forgiven…that is a sin against the Holy Spirit. Premarital sex is not that.
I think we
need to define what we mean by “being intimate”. Very commonly, this is used to refer to sexual relations, but “being intimate” really means much more. It’s about sharing one’s life, love, hopes, and dreams with another person. It’s not just about physical intimacy. While it seems to be true that society’s norms have changed, yet what Jesus asks and expects of us as Catholic-Christians has not. We are called to respect the dignity of ourselves and others by seeing physical intimacy as the outflow of the emotional intimacy that married couples are called to possess. In terms of being able to be forgiven for premarital sex; of course, we can. There is only one sin that cannot be forgiven…that is a sin against the Holy Spirit. Premarital sex is not that.4) In the Apostles Creed we profess our belief in the "The Communion of Saints." What is, or who are, The Communion of Saints and why they such a big deal in the Catholic faith?
As you said the Communion of Saints is a big deal in the Catholic faith. This term refers to the “holy men and women of all places and times” (Opening Prayer from All Saints Day). These are the believers who have been faithful to Christ – both on earth and in heaven – that help to urge us on our own journey through life. As Catholics, we believe that Baptism brings a person into the body of Christ. As such, we join with this group of believers, or as we find in Hebrews, “this great cloud of witnesses”, that try each and every day to live out Christ’s commands to love God and our neighbor as he taught. Therefore, the Communion of Saints is somewhat like a team – in which all of us are teammates – striving towards one goal – unity with God forever in heaven.
5) Lots of people watch the Super Bowl. Not everyone reads the Bible. If Jesus had a commercial during the Super Bowl I bet he would tell us all something really important but he would have to be concise. If Jesus had a 30 second commercial during the Super Bowl, what would he say?
This is a really good question and a very applicable one to our lives. While it’s hard to imagine what Jesus would want to say, I believe it would be something very simple. He would probably invite those watching to “come and see” how he lives, what he does, and how he makes a difference in people’s life. Then, he’d probably encourage us to remember two things – love God above all things and your neighbor as yourself. And finally, end the commercial by saying, what you have seen…go…and do likewise…for this will secure your place in heaven! Something along those lines – simple yet when lived truly – so profound!
If you have questions for Fr. Joe, please send them to me at blog.of.daniel@gmail.com
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