Cafeteria Catholics?

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[dwheatl]

Yes Mary Magdalene was a women. She was a follower of Jesus - just not a priest. The Catholic Church has lots of followers (both male and female) but only men are priests.

OK, so no priest. Why not deaconesses, then? There certainly were deaconesses in the early days of the Church. I asked one priest (yes, just one, so I don't judge all priests or the Church by this) and he said, "Oh, those women were just tending to the household duties of the early Church."

If you can't guess, I am a cafeteria Catholic, too. I try to study what the Church teaches and why. But I also feel that the Church evolves, slowly to be sure, and one day it will come to some realizations on things like the nature of homosexuality, the place of women in the Church, and I can already see a growing ecumenism that warms my heart. So I won't leave, I do my best, and I pray for the Holy Spirit to bring me wisdom, and to give that gift to our Church leaders as well.

 

[Cool-Beans]

It never bothered me that women couldn't be priests. Or that men couldn't be nuns (which nobody ever gets worked up about.)

If you're a guy and wish to devote your life to God through the church, you become a priest. If you're a girl, a nun. That's just how it is.

It might be sexist, but it doesn't bother me. Maybe because I never wanted to be either, I dunno.

 

[Marie17]

OK, so no priest. Why not deaconesses, then? There certainly were deaconesses in the early days of the Church. I asked one priest (yes, just one, so I don't judge all priests or the Church by this) and he said, "Oh, those women were just tending to the household duties of the early Church."
.

Very simple definition - utter confusion on most people. Difficult to explain but basically a "deaconess" usually works with the women of the congregation. People would confuse that with the role of a male deacon. Again, a deaconess is not the female equivalent of a male deacon. Can I possibly ask you to go to catholic.com and just type in the word deaconess for a whole load of information regarding deaconesses?

What is it that people desire to have a female priest for?

 

[Disney Doll]

What is it that people desire to have a female priest for?

I've often wondered that myself. And often, a lot of the people who have a "problem" with it either aren't practicing Catholics or aren't Catholic at all.

 

[nuke]

Very simple definition - utter confusion on most people. Difficult to explain but basically a "deaconess" usually works with the women of the congregation. People would confuse that with the role of a male deacon. Again, a deaconess is not the female equivalent of a male deacon. Can I possibly ask you to go to catholic.com and just type in the word deaconess for a whole load of information regarding deaconesses?

What is it that people desire to have a female priest for?

What is it about women priests that you find offensive?

Jesus did not appoint priests, he had disciples. It was Paul that founded what we know of the Catholic Church.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

I've often wondered that myself. And often, a lot of the people who have a "problem" with it either aren't practicing Catholics or aren't Catholic at all.

I think what the issue is, at least it is for me, is that women can be just as devoted to God and His teachings as a man could but are still unable to because of a, in my opinion, dumb tradition.

 

[MrsKreamer]

I think what the issue is, at least it is for me, is that women can be just as devoted to God and His teachings as a man could but are still unable to because of a, in my opinion, dumb tradition.

They can be just as devoted...as a nun. Seriously why do people just overgloss nuns like they are second fiddle. Many important people in the Church are/were nuns.

Wasn't it Peter who founded the Church, not Paul???

 

[JunieJay]

I've often wondered that myself. And often, a lot of the people who have a "problem" with it either aren't practicing Catholics or aren't Catholic at all.

I'm a practicing Catholic. I believe if women get the calling to become priests they should not be denied. It bothers me tremendously that women can't be priests, especially because I had two great aunts who were nuns who would have been such wonderful and compassionate priests. That said, its not a deal breaker for me. Its something I hope to see changed in my lifetime. One of the things I do love about the Church is their steadfastness in an ever-changing world. So while I have difficulties with some of the Church's positions I respect those positions just the same. A Church that has stood firm for 2000 years is to be admired. And again, while there's no church/religion that lines up 100% with every single thing I believe, the Catholic Church comes closest in its basic theology. So I put up with those things I don't like and concentrate on those things I do.

 

[MrsKreamer]

Wow, I've never heard of the term Cafeteria Catholic but I'm glad I know about it because that is 100% what I am! I have several problems with the Catholic Church:
their stand on gay marriage (I'm just very for it for reasons that I don't have time to explain here), their stand on divorce [when my mom's aunt got divorced they told the kid's Godparents to take them away and not associate with their 'sinning' parents any further (which of course they didn't do)], and the inability of women to be part of the clergy. I also don't go to chuch every Sunday, just Christmas and Easter [and the rare occasions like marriage, funerals, and religious milestones for my family (baptism, first communion, etc.)] because I feel like if God is everywhere, you can worship in your time. I get sick of going to church and seeing people fixing their hair and picking at their finger nails (mind you, this is obviously not everyone but a vast and ever growning percentage). I hate how those types of people feel that they are then superior to me because they go to church every week but then couldn't tell me one thing that was said. I once told someone "Tell me five things that you did for someone in the past 2 or 3 weeks that would be nice and approved of by God. I guarantee that that tast would be easier than explaining to me the significance of the past two masses that you have attended." I just think that it is much more efficient and personal for me to pray on my own. I'm proud to call myself a Cafeteria Catholic!

ETA: I forgot about the Lent thing. I don't believe in it really. There is no way, imo, that right before Jesus died on the cross he said "In the 40 days before Easter (not including Sundays of course) you shall not do one thing that you give up. You will not eat meat on Fridays, Good Friday, or Ash Wed." I hate those kind of things that are "Church rules". I suppose I am pretty hypocritical in this sense because I do give something up every year because my great-grandmother believes in it and we are in Florida every year visiting her around Easter time. So, for her sake, I do practice the Lent tradition because I believe that that was the real point that Jesus was making, to be nice, loving, compassionate, and respectful for those around us.

I will now step down from my soap box to let you carry on with your tread.

Gay marriage is not allowed for the simple fact that a gay couple cannot produce children naturally. The Church believes that the FIRST purpose of sex is to create life. The second purpose is to bring a husband and wife closer together.I think gay people should get married if that is what they want(civil service), however don't expect the Catholic Church to change one of its core beliefs.

The Church's stance on divorce is simple...marriage is a sacrament and should be treated as such. IF there are other circumstances such as abuse or adultery, then the marriage can be annuled. What was said to your family was wrong, but itis not the official stance.

Lent is a time of penance and personal sacrifice. It is a mourning time after Jesus died and before He rose. Sundays are not included because Mass is a celebration not something to be mourned.

 

[desperate housewife]

I too am a cafeteria Catholic, raised by a cafeteria Catholic mother and a cafeteria Methodist father. My DH went to all Catholic schools, including college. He entertained the idea of becoming a Priest and he too has become a cafeteria Catholic.

I believe most religions have a wonderful foundation, the belief in a higher, loving being. It's when man gets involved that things become confusing and subjective. That's why I believe in spiritually and I am comfortable with my relationship with G_d and my relationship with the Catholic Church. I have found Priests to differ and be subjective. also. Why not, they are human.

One example, after having been absent from the Catholic Church for a few years, I confessed my husband had a vasectormy, I was told by my Priest "Oh well, there's nothing we can do about that, so let's move on". There are Priests who would make you feel guilty or try to make you believe you could never redeem yourself.

I truly believe faith is believing without knowing. Do your best and really try to be a better person. Have faith and be comfortable that G_d is in control, not man. Perhaps the reason some priests leave the church is they have trouble enforcing some things they do not embrace.

I've really enjoyed reading this thread - It is really thought provoking.

Thank you.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

Gay marriage is not allowed for the simple fact that a gay couple cannot produce children naturally. The Church believes that the FIRST purpose of sex is to create life. The second purpose is to bring a husband and wife closer together.I think gay people should get married if that is what they want(civil service), however don't expect the Catholic Church to change one of its core beliefs.

The Church's stance on divorce is simple...marriage is a sacrament and should be treated as such. IF there are other circumstances such as abuse or adultery, then the marriage can be annuled. What was said to your family was wrong, but itis not the official stance.

Lent is a time of penance and personal sacrifice. It is a mourning time after Jesus died and before He rose. Sundays are not included because Mass is a celebration not something to be mourned.

I appreciate you explaining this, however; I am fully aware of why these things are why they are. It doesn't change my opinions on them and I still have numerous issues about all of them.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

They can be just as devoted...as a nun. Seriously why do people just overgloss nuns like they are second fiddle. Many important people in the Church are/were nuns.

Wasn't it Peter who founded the Church, not Paul???

Although true, nuns do not play nearly as important of a role in the Church. You don't ever see them in the Church of explaining passages, etc. At least around here (mind you it could easily be different where anyone else is), I could tell you one time that I have EVER seen a nun in the 16 years I've been on this planet. That one time was when we had a substitute religious ed. teacher. Outside of that one class for that one day, I have never come in contact with another.

On the other side, I question why you have a problem with us having a problem with it.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

sorry, duplicate post.

 

[nuke]

They can be just as devoted...as a nun. Seriously why do people just overgloss nuns like they are second fiddle. Many important people in the Church are/were nuns.

Wasn't it Peter who founded the Church, not Paul???

Yes it was Peter. Paul was credited with spreading Christianity.

 

[goofygirl]

She was his wife. Didn't you see the DaVinci code?

And the mother of his child


Count me in as someone who is a little irked at the fact that they'll never be a woman Pope or a woman Dali Lama. I fail to see what one's genatalia have to do with the carrying out the job. Some people balked earlier this year at the fact that the Episcopal Church elected a female Presiding Bishop! My reaction was "It's about time!"

 

[georgina]

What is it that people desire to have a female priest for?

It's not that I have the desire to have a female priest, it is that there are women who feel the call to be priests and are denied their calling.

A nun is not very much like a priest, besides, there is a male equivalent of nuns - they are called brothers.

Jesus was a man of his times - it is only because of the time in which he lived that there were not male priests. If he came around today, he would not exclude half the population. The church does change its mind on issues, very slowly over time, and I do believe this will eventually be changed.

 

[MrsKreamer]

Although true, nuns do not play nearly as important of a role in the Church. You don't ever see them in the Church of explaining passages, etc. At least around here (mind you it could easily be different where anyone else is), I could tell you one time that I have EVER seen a nun in the 16 years I've been on this planet. That one time was when we had a substitute religious ed. teacher. Outside of that one class for that one day, I have never come in contact with another.

On the other side, I question why you have a problem with us having a problem with it.

I don't have a problem per se, it is just that I feel that they are glanced over when people state that women are not allowed to answer God's calling. Around here nuns are extremely important. They founded school, hospitals...etc. At the grade school and high school I went to nuns were teachers, counslers, friends. My grade school has a small convent above the library.

 

[Marie17]

What is it about women priests that you find offensive?

Jesus did not appoint priests, he had disciples. It was Paul that founded what we know of the Catholic Church.

Well - it's just that it is impossible. Holy Orders is a sacrament. For it to be a valid sacrament you need to be a baptized male (not a baptized female). That's it - plain and simple.

Another little lesson.
Paul did not start the Catholic Church. Paul actually was an early persecutor of the Church before he was converted by Jesus. Paul learned everything directly from Jesus. He helped to spread the Church by converting others.

Peter was chosen by Jesus to head the Church - he was given the keys to the Kingdom. That is why he is known as the first Pope. This is why whenever any questions were raised - Peter clarified the reasonings of the teachings - then they were followed accordingly. Even though another apostle might have been closer than Peter.

Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church.

 

[Marie17]

It's not that I have the desire to have a female priest, it is that there are women who feel the call to be priests and are denied their calling.

A nun is not very much like a priest, besides, there is a male equivalent of nuns - they are called brothers.

Jesus was a man of his times - it is only because of the time in which he lived that there were not male priests. If he came around today, he would not exclude half the population. The church does change its mind on issues, very slowly over time, and I do believe this will eventually be changed.

I would have a tendency to believe that there were quite a bit of women in the time that Jesus was around. I don't believe that it was something like 90% men 10% women. Just doesn't jive.

The church can change its way on customs (little "t" traditions). The church cannot, does not, and never will change doctrine.

If the Church teaches it - it is correct. It will not change it's mind just because people want it to change. The Church is not trying to win the popular vote. They are trying to teach the teachings of Jesus Christ - the Truth.