Orthodox Christians and Catholic Rites, Music in Mass, and the Necessity of Baptism
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Fr. Josh answers questions about orthodox christians and the different Catholic rites, the purpose of music in the Mass, and the necessity of Baptism for the salvation of our souls.
Snippet of the Show
"The fruit of Baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit."- CCC 1226
Questions
Orthodox Christians and Different Catholic Rites
Praise God for you, Fr. Josh! I very much look forward to your podcasts and other media. I am constantly learning from you, and blossoming into a more open, loving, and meaningful relationship with God. I have a two part question. First, how are Roman Catholics and Greek Orthodox (Melkite Catholics) related to each other? Second, a Melkite Catholic friend of mine invited me to attend their mass service and also receive the sacrament of reconciliation from their Priest. I desire to receive the sacrament of reconciliation before receiving the Eucharist, and my friend offered this suggestion to me with love in his heart. I am Roman Catholic and do not yet have a church that I belong to where I live. Will the sacrament of reconciliation be valid if not heard by a Roman Catholic Priest?
Thank you!
Vanessa
Music in Mass
Father Josh, thank you for all you do. May god give you strength to continue this ministry. Father Josh, I have a question about choir ministry and it's importance in the role of the church – the music inside the church and during mass. Why is it important?
-Jose from the Island of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
The Necessity of Baptism
Hello Father Josh. Hope this meets you well!
My question is as follows:
How will you explain to someone, catholic or not that the importance and necessity of the sacrament of Baptism. I had a conversation with some of my protestant sisters who were saying that to be "born again" (John 3:3) is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and is not as a result of baptism (John 3:5).
Also since we all receive the Holy Spirit when we get baptized, one question asked was whether those people who do not get baptized cannot receive the Holy Spirit? Now I think it is possible and to the discretion of God, He can pour out His grace, whenever He sees fit and as He so pleases. But I don't think that this means that the sacrament should be neglected or belittled since it was instituted by Christ himself and we enter in the Kingdom of God and are adopted by Him when we receive it.
How will you explain that we are "born again" when we get baptized to our protestant and catholic brothers and sisters? hence why the Church baptizes infants because of its necessity.
Thank you Father Josh! God Bless!
Brenda
Resources
- Submit your questions and feedback to Fr. Josh by filling out a form at www.ascensionpress.com/askfatherjosh
- Broken and Blessed by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson
- Pocket Guide to Reconciliation by Fr. Josh Johnson & Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ascension is pleased to offer our new and improved online bible study programs and sacramental preparation programs digitally to help you minister with flexibility. Go to ascensionpress.com to view all our offerings.