Thursday 7 June 2018

Scottish archbishop affirms that missing Sunday Mass is ‘a grave sin’

by Staff Reporter Catholic Herald



Archbishop Leo Cushley has reminded his flock that “attending Mass on Sunday is a solemn and binding obligation”, and that missing Mass is a grave sin.
The Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh made the remarks in a pastoral letter for Sunday’s feast of Corpus Christi, reported by the Catholic News Agency. The Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh said that “If we deliberately fail in this matter, it is a grave sin and we must go to Confession before receiving Communion again.”
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church quotes canon law: “On Sundays and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” But the Church’s teaching that missing Mass is a mortal sin is not always emphasized.

In 1679, Pope Innocent XI officially condemned the idea that missing Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is not a mortal sin.
However, as Archbishop Cushley noted, this does not apply if illness or some other grave cause makes getting to Mass impossible.


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The Six Commandments of the Church

  1. To hear Mass on Sundays and holy days of Obligation.
  2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
  3. To confess at least once a year.
  4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during Easter time.
  5. To contribute to the support of our Pastors.
  6. Not to marry persons who are not Catholics, or who are related to us within three degrees of kindred, nor privately without witnesses, nor to solemnize marriage at forbidden times.
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PAT SAYS:

When I was at school and being beaten black and blue by the "Christian" Brothers the SIX COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH were drummed into me.

At the time, of course, it would never have occurred to me to question them in any way.

I'm afraid that poor Archbishop Cushley, who spent most of his priesthood at a desk in Rome is very out of touch with the realities of church life nowadays.

The majority of Catholics, at least in places like Ireland, England and Scotland no longer go to Mass on a Sunday. 

Does that mean that this majority will burn in Hell for all eternity?

The only authentic reason for going to Mass is that you believe in God and the Eucharist and you go there out of love.

In the past, so many Catholics went to Mass out of fear!

The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is a man-made obligation. In the Ten Commandments of God, we are simply told to "Keep holy the Lord's Day".

Going to church is one way of keeping that day holy. But it is not the only way. 

If we help another human being on the Lord's Day that is also a way of keeping it holy - and often a better way.

FATHER GATES, MAGHERAFELT, AND OTHERS LIKE HIM:



For instance, how does going to a Mass celebrated by John Gates of Magherafelt make the Lord's Day holy when he does not practice what he preaches and shouts at old people and nuns and refuses to sign Mass cards in the sacristy.

A lot of Mass-going is merely a social and cultural habit and not really a practical sign of commitment to God and your fellow man and woman.

As Jesus said: "You will know my disciples by the love that they have for one another".

I love celebrating and attending Mass. I could not miss it. But I like to think that I'm there because I really want to be.

I also like to think that want to leave Mass more determined to help and serve my fellow man and woman from Monday to Saturday.

Genuine Mass going is a very good thing.

Going to Mass out of habit - or fear - and it not affecting how you treat others - is nothing more than modern-day Phariseeism.



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NEW ARRIVAL AT THE ORATORY

BUZZ



Buzz was rehomed from the Assisi Animal Charity Centre in Bangor in County Down. He is 10 months old.
He had been taken there from an animal pound. When he arrived he was in poor condition. There are several wounds on his face and his ear has suffered some trauma, lost its hair and was like black leather.
He will be spoiled and cared for from now on. My Jack Russells live to between 16 and 18 years.
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79 comments:

  1. I’m still laughing at the theatricality of it all.....

    I quite like Pope Francis, he’s got some good things to say. I specifically listened to him when he said that young people should Marry.

    Getting my act together and taking the Pope’s advice I’m getting married to my non-catholic girlfriend .....

    Just realised I’ve effectively taken myself out of good standing with the Church for following the Pope’s advice.... confusing?

    Just as well I don’t take Canon Law that seriously .... when I come to give an account of myself I doubt severely that breaching the interior laws of the Church will feature heavily.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marrying a non-Catholic does not take you out of good standing with anyone (not even what you call 'the Church') if it is done from genuine love.

      Delete
    2. As a priest I have witnessed a number of marriages between a Catholic and a non Catholic.

      Delete
  2. Pat, if you are in touch with reality, the priests who work in parishes are well aware of the huge changes in our country. Most of our parishioners now attend because they want to be there. Our faith communities will be smaller in future and hopefully will be truer and more authentic in giving witness to Christ and his gospel. The smaller congregations is a reality that priests are responding to with creativity, energy and grace filled courage. I don't rejoice, take delight in or mock the changing faith landscape. I try to respond with sympathy, imagination and trust in God. Your story above is repetitive yet again and is tiresome. We priests in the real parishes are moving on to newer realities, not without struggle but we do so in the hooe that we can have parishes that are true leaven. It is a transition we are engaged in for quite some time, so get over your gloating and negativity. I have never preached a gospel of judgment or condemnation. Welcome, care, inclusivity, tolerance, encouragement and respect form part of my approach. The sneering delight you show is contemptible and your harrassment and caricaturing of Fr. Gates at this stage is infantile. Pharisees are found in all religions, even in the Oratory, I'm sure!

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    Replies
    1. You say a lot of sensible things.

      What about Father Gates continual bullying. What can be done about that?

      Delete
  3. You are right about Cushley: he most certainly IS out of touch. But more than this, he's deluded if he thinks that most Catholics today (especially the young) would give the proverbial two wotsits for his transparent attempt to tyranise people into submission.

    Perfect love casts out fear...or so says the First Letter of John. But clerics like Cushley would have Catholics imprisoned by fear...of Jesus himself! This is no basis for authentic relationship, much less one founded on, and animated by, love.

    Love does not seek to dominate, much less to intimidate. But Cushley's 'god' seeks to do both; in fact, this is the 'god' presented to the world, for many centuries, by the Roman w***e.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well said. I couldn't agree more with you here.

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    2. Magna would know a lot about love. Practice what you preach you deranged and deluded Troll fool.

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    3. 12:42: Tell that to Cushley, because he isn't preaching love and reconciliation, but submission, subservience and domination (all through fear), not just to his 'god', but to the Roman w***e.

      Go on; tell that to Cushley, you gutless, Romanist prick!

      Delete
    4. Carta at 13:31, feck off ya mad cow. You are pretty gutless yourself you twisted and vicious old prick.

      Delete
  4. Today, Fri 8th is the Feast of the Sacred Heart and that is always a very special day of prayer and grace for me since it is is the Feast of God's Love for us. What a thought!
    .

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  5. Sure Jaysus only went to Mass once.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jesus is present and active in EVERY Mass.

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    2. @13.23
      You missed the point completely.

      Delete
  6. Woof woof Dogs are more straightforward than some people. There is a difference between sin and law as I have often said. As you point out what apb Leo says is modern Pharisee talk. Law and sin can not be used to control.

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  7. Good old Leo. His clergy can’t stand him and have left in droves. He has already hatched a plan to return to Rome and will be there by 2020. He handled a case against my colleague disgracefully, stopped all financial support and is only interested in his own standing and to becoming a Cardinal (in Rome). Perhaps he can leave behind the designer furniture he has purchased with our money for his grace and favour mansion and give the money to charity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I hear that he isn’t the most personable and loves his luxury palace and soft furnishings

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    2. I hear he is a personable man to approach, a great listener and kind. I’m sure he’s like all of us in that we like our homes too and it’s somewhere we can relax and feel comfortable.

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    3. Initially, he said he would handover St Bennets to a female order. I guess there was no takers, or orders.

      Delete
  8. Fr.Pat, the only wise person of the blog today is Buzz. Beautiful wee dog from god. God help us all with the sins the Catholic church has caused, an trying to learn us from right an wrong. I'm sure missing one Mass is not a grave sin as what Archbishop Cushley states. I can't believe reading about the priest John Gates towards parishioners. Its sounds as though the jungle is the place for him. God help the parish.

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    Replies
    1. The person who reminded us that this is the Feast of the Sacred Heart is the person whose message was most important..

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  9. Leonora strikes again. He has no interest in our Diocese or in the care of our Priests (unless trained in Rome) or lay faithful. He is only interested in getting back to Rome as Cardinal as quickly as possible as promised to him when he accepted the post. No interpersonal skills whatsoever and the way he dealt with the KOB case was an absolute disgrace.

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  10. Its very sad to hear about Christian Brothers. To batter an bruise people like a piece of meat is shocking. What makes me annoyed is to hear Bishop,s,Priests, Nuns down through the years of attacks on God,s Children. You talk about them drilling religion into you an at the same time battering an abusing children it makes me so annoyed to go to church. Above all bishops an priests fathering children. The diocese covering all up. so what does that learn us today about Catholic religion. Very sad..

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    1. What does that "teach us.."

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  11. Bishop Pat,Would there be any chance of Father Gates been re-home to a dog Sanctuary.ASAP. Im sure buzz Would have more manners than that rottweiler Gates. His most Holy Reverend Wee John. Celebrity (Celebingo) Gansh... He loves the attention. He loves himself Me,Me,Me, and his Parishioners an barks the bloody hell of them. Today he be late as usual for Mass, in the door while the bell rings. Throws the vestments on will say it's "Give Me Joy" my dear Parishioners. Today is the feast of The Sacred Heart. What a joyful Parish Priest Magherafelt have to suffer with. Never ever punctual for all Masses. Shame on him.

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  12. Fr Brian D’Arcy is a busy man this week after leading the Clogher Clergy retreat at Crossgar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was excellent and inspirational from Fr D'Arcy..

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    2. I thought most of the Clogher clergy couldn't stand D'Arcy?

      Clogher Curate there seeing he has been MIA on here?

      Delete
  13. Cushley may be right. It may be a grave sin to miss Sunday mass. Time usually tells if the person has lost graces that they really need. It's one thing to miss mass, it's another to promote the missing of mass.

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  14. Many people work Sundays nowadays, including Catholics.

    Also, I imagine the Scots College in Rome is a hotbed of homosexuality just like the Irish College.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sat evening Vigil Mass was initiated to facilitate attendance for people who work on Sundays..

      Delete
    2. @17.04
      You might have that confused with Sunday evening mass.

      In Judeo-Christain tradition a new day starts at sunset. Saturday evening is technically Sunday for religious purposes.

      Delete
    3. @21:12

      I am glad we have established that. However, what about any strange goings-on at Scotus, or royal Salamanca for that matter? +Pat can't be everywhere.

      Delete
  15. 13.33 You only “imagine”. Imagining something is no proof of guilt, is not fact and is without any evidence. If you foolishly went into a Court of Law and claimed you had just “imagined” something you would be laughed out of the witness stand. What you claim about the Scots College is something you have conjured up in your own mind and is totally false and without any foundation. There are too many on this blog conjuring up all sorts and imagining things. Lies in other words.

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  16. Pat, that dog is no good, the boys in Maynooth will be slagging you now, you are better off getting some big dog to scare the gays away.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 14.10: A stupid comment and suggestive of a guy still in his prepubescent stage of life. Grow up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know terrible and homofobik

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    2. A dog that only its owner could love...

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  18. Just think, Pat. That dog will likely outlive you. Make sure and provide for it in your will.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. 15.33
      Is your comment a death threat?

      Delete
    2. No. It’s just that Pat’s gettin aul’ and them Jack Russels are living 18 years. Pat could snuff it before the dog. He should make sure in his will the poor thing doesn’t end up on the street if he pops his clogs. Bequeath it to Maggie Carter.

      Delete
  19. The Scottish Church is in a similar state to Ireland. Rapid decline. Awful leadership, sex scandals galore, senior clergy up to all sorts, mismanagement of money, declining attendances, few vocations, Priests retiring early and generally fed up et etc. Leo has zero personality or pastoral sensitivity and the sooner he moves back to Rome the better for his own good and ours!

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  20. O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.. Help me to draw others to You on this, Your special feast day. "Ask you and shall receive.."

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  21. Dear Bishop Pat. During Easter I went to the sacrament of reconciliation at the Mother Church of Glasgow, the Cathedral. After I confessed my sins to the best of my conscience, the Priest asked me if I had sex with my male partner and asked if we lived together. I wasn’t comfortable answering so I was refused absolution on the grounds that there wasn’t any point unless I promised to leave my partner. I don’t know what to do now. Should I try someone else or perhaps write to the Bishop? I have since tried to go to Confession elsewhere but can’t find the confidence. Am I allowed to go to Comminion if I am gay and live with my husband? Can you recommend anyone I can talk to in the Glasgow area? I returned to Church 5 years ago after a long time away and I feel abandoned. I am in my 50’s and feel very upset.

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    Replies
    1. you have every right to feel abandoned. How awful for you. Thoughts and prayers. They wonder why their attendances are dwindling.

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    2. My dear friend. If you were at confession in Clyde street and you were asked that question you should have told him to go and take a good f*** to himself! None of his business. He was probably wanting to get off on a fantasy at the expense of you domestic situation. I could take up a full night on this blog listing the goings on of clergy who have served in there over the years. Few of them paragons of virtue.
      Go to Garnethill instead. The oul J’s are much less nosey

      Delete
    3. Sin rarely brings happiness in the long run .. But there are plenty of people around only too happy to tell you that wrong is right.. You mark my words..

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    4. Hi. In my opinion you can go to any priest in confession. You do not have to accept what they say. If they refuse you absolution, then just accept that Jesus forgives any sins you have committed and you are fine. You don't need a priest to say so, and mutter a few words from the church.

      Also, when you go to Mass, walking up to communion, how will any priest know you are gay and have a husband. They do not stop everyone at the altar and ask their personal status before giving communion. I know many gay friends who walked up the aisle and receive communion, it has nothing to do with whether the priest wants to give you communion or not. Jesus would never turn anyone away.

      Stop worrying about what an institution says, like the Roman church. They preach one thing and then practice another. Like a vegan telling you off for eating cheese, whilst they sit there eating a McDonalds burger. Hypocrites.

      So, stop worrying, enjoy your personal faith, take communion when you want, and if you feel you need to go to confession, then am sure there are many liberal minded clergy around to hear it.

      You are never abandoned. Jesus is there with you always "yes, until the end of time" Matthew 28:20.

      If you feel really excluded by the Roman church, then attend an Anglican communion service where everyone is welcome, and there is no judgement.

      Now, I know my comment will anger many on here, but I don't care. Jesus wouldn't care either. God Bless You.

      Delete
    5. A good priest would have blessed your relationship and wished you both well.

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    6. 15.47 What a horrible story. It is God who forgives. Not the priest. Absolution and forgiveness is not the same thing. I remember my mother being refused absolution cause she ate a sausage on Friday. Best of luck to you and your husband. Sometimes the way our minds work is not logical but emotional. You and your husband are good people. Don't let anyone take that from you. As for these gobshites priests who absolves them. Is it an in house arrangement. What a load of boll*x

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    7. I believe that the fundamental error here is the belief that there is something to confess. You have maintained a loyal relationship for 30 years. This is a beautiful thing. Next time you are near the confessional walk over to the candles, light one and say a prayer of thanksgiving to God for bringing ye together, ask him to continue blessing you with such great love and pray that you may always reflect his love within your relationship.

      I am in a traditional marriage. I shall pray tonight that God will continue to bless myself and my wife for the decades to come, just as he has blessed ye. Ye are an inspiration to faithfulness. Thank you for being a beacon of God's love in a messed up world.

      Delete
  22. 15.47: I suggest you continue going to mass. If confession gives you peace of mind, avail of it by finding a more understanding confessor, but remember there are more serious sins than those of a sexual nature. Remember too Pope Francis's words - "Who am I to judge..". Jesus does not condemn you but invites you, as he does of all followers, to live well, do good for others and seek to imitate him. I make my peace and reconciliation with God at beginning of every mass and before communion. I hope you find peace.

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  23. Hi everyone. Thanks very much for all your words of support and encouragement. Very kind of you. I will go to the Jesuits and try there. I do love Mass but have stopped going again because of him. I do now wonder if the elderly Priest was asking for other reasons. I told him that he had left me upset and his reply was that being gay is a choice and I had chosen a path that God had not intended for me. I begged for absolution and he said no, never and I must leave my partner of 30 years immediately. He said that God is upset with me.

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    1. If you, and your partner, love (truly love) each other, you will sacrifice for each other, and feel the cost.

      If this kind of love characterises your relationship more often than not, then I believe that not only is God not upset with you both, but thst he is with you both, blessing all that is good in your love for each other, and calling you to deepen this love, for in its depths abides God himself.

      Delete
  24. The same person has been busy at 17.01, 17.02, 17.04, 17.06 and 17.10. All comments made in quick succession, your comments stick out like a sore thumb.

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  25. 18.58 You’ve already explained your situation once and you don’t need to go over it all again in further detail with chapter and verse.

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    Replies
    1. 19.27. The blog should be a place of welcome and encouragement. Back off

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    2. Yes back off 1858. Support and encourage please

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  26. Gates motto is always me me,even at christmas time he cut the bonus to all the workers in half.They all christened him mr scrooge but he made sure and took all his money which was a hefty sum ������

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  27. Rather surprised Fr.Gates missed celebrating Mass today in Magherafelt. Especially the feast of The Sacred Heart. I Wonder what his excuse was today. Alot of chat today about him. He will be all prepared for glenshane jungle on Sunday. So hopefully the celebrity gates will be left on the peak of the glenshane.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Gates was conspicuous by his absence today. He only had help from the slow talking Priest from Balinderry. Let's face it, there are not too many Priests willing to help him and some have even refused. He doesn't even take that hint.

      Delete
  28. The inanity of Catholics really is beyond me.
    Born and educated Catholic, an altar boy at 12 to 14, i am married to a man. When i go to confession list my sins, including lust/concupiscence. I receive absolution and leave.
    Maybe it's my northern accent, but i have never had a priest ask me to elaborate on what i mean by lust. If he did, be would get the end of my tongue alright.i have always found confession to be ineffably good, and at times priests have offered insights which i would never have thought of. I find it laughable, yes laughable, that a grown man would feel 'Upset' at the clear shortcomings of a priest, and then braodcast this to the four corners of the world rather than going back to that priest and giving him a good dressing down on basic human proprieties.
    Could we Catholics please quit playing the crying game, and cop ourselves on.
    (Ps being gay and gay sex are, for me, theologically and intrinsically
    Wrong. I don't need to be educated out of this perspective, and neither do i feel a petit bourgeois need to 'reconcile' anything. We live in a theologically flawed existence. Deal with it)

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    Replies
    1. On the other hand giving the priest the end of your tongue could lead to unexpected places...

      Delete
  29. McConnell finally admits we've had enough of him as nobody likes his FB posts, go away Jamie Mmmm and move to Armagh or somewhere further afield please!
    You've exhausted every avenue of us local folk and now we've just had enough of you, police, parish and whole Middletown community!

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    1. 20:59 There's a field with a deep pit in Madden up for rent Luke and a wee birdle told me its much less expensive than your current monthly rent!

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    2. Who cares. Sounds like Middletown is best avoided by people if you shower of judgemental sh*ts are anything to go by.

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    3. 21:48 guess you don't know or have any insight to Jamie, we've had enough of him!

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  30. First week of June: traditionally the week that seminarians get their end of year eviction/please come back meetings with their bishops.

    Please spare a prayer that good seminarians come back.

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  31. Would be interesting to see if there is a decrease in Sunday collection in Magherafelt. Would be less pocket mone for Fr.John.

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  32. Celebrity big chief Gates, is gone to the jungle with his great big ape McEniffe. Hip,hip hooray...

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  33. 15.47 It looks like the priest in the confessional was right to ask those questions, as gay sex and gay marriage are forbidden by Jesus and therefore seriously detrimental to you and the community. You had a choice to face your sins or ridicule the priest. It seems that you choose the latter. Enlightening someone's conscience is actually a great mercy. The confessors words were valuable to you and still are should you choose to listen.

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    1. What planet are you on 2157? He isn’t ridiculing the Priest. So you are telling me that a Priest has a right to ask someone about their sex life? You seriously think that being gay and with a partner for 30 odd years is detrimental to them and the community? You think that Jesus would withhold absolution? You clearly worship a God that nobody else recognises. I suspect that you are in the closet yourself.

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    2. I know many gay couples who are great assets to the community. In fact a person's sexual orientation is nothing to do with how they contribute to the community.

      The hate language written by 21.55 is like something from the dark ages. It is detrimental to the community and to the commentator. They have a choice to face their sins...now or later.

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    3. Well said! 2320 speaks well

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    4. 21.55
      Gay/homosexual are adjectives which would not have had any currence at ghe time of Jesus. There was no voncept of orientation then. The presumption was that it was the nature of every human being to be attracted to the other sex and that some/many people engaged in sexual activity with their own and/or both sexes.

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  34. Someone made a statement about Jesus would never turn anyone away. That's correct Jesus always will show mercy to the repentant sinner. Read John 14.23 if anyone loves me he will keep my word

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  35. In the jungle the mighty jungle John Gates is lying tonight. In the jungle the mighty jungle the lions will catch the jumped up wee fart tonight.

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  36. His Grace’s remark was quite a hit on Pray, Tell yesterday.

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