I feel it’s time for some explanation. I started writing this blog post about two years ago with the intention of smoothing over the rough edges of my Catholic faith by adding some humor to the subject. The more I wrote, the more I realized I was treading on thin ice concerning some topics. To set the record straight, I did try my best to stay clear of controversial issues, even though, they’re what people love to read. I also publish these blog posts on a site called Medium. Writers who delve into political issues have thousands of followers. I have a little over 400. Fine with me. I’ll stick with what I enjoy writing. Back to Catholicism: I’m not poking fun at the church, I’m just having a good time with it, and in doing so, after all these decades, I’m finally and truly enjoying being Catholic. However, I still have questions.
The Catholic Church has seven sacraments. What are they, and why do they exist? You’ll probably scratch your head over their meaning, according to Google. Catholics just accept the steps we take during our life in the Church. One explanation I found seems the best:
The seven sacraments are God’s gift to each of us. They allow us to grow closer to Him and deepen our faith and commitment to the Church. (Emphasis mine—more later.)
1. Baptism is the first sacrament; we receive it only once. It’s our ticket to Heaven unless we screw up along the way, which we always do. Luckily, there’s the second sacrament.
2. Penance (Confession or Reconciliation) is where we admit we screwed up and are instantly forgiven. This sacrament can be received as many times as we need it. I often wonder why the confession line is so short.
3. Eucharist (Communion)
is receiving the body and blood of Christ. We can receive this every time we go to Mass as long as we are in a state of grace, meaning no sins on our souls.
4. Confirmation, like Baptism, is received only once. I remember preparing for this sacrament. We were told that once we were Confirmed, we became soldiers of Christ. I look at it as a Baptism booster.
5. Anointing of the Sick: When I was growing up, it was called Extreme Unction. We receive it when we are too ill to confess and possibly on our deathbed. The priest anoints us and gives us absolution before we die. If you’re in a car wreck or a coma, you can still be saved.
6. Matrimony: this sacrament unites a man and woman spiritually, allowing them to make babies and multiply the human race. We’ve perfected it.
7. Holy Orders: This allows men to become priests or deacons, administer the sacraments, and act as public administrators of the Church.
The Catholic church deals with many issues. One is the shortage of priests. One solution would be to allow priests to marry, but I don’t think that would work because of all the responsibilities that come with the job. (Although one young priest I encountered told me he spent most of his free time playing video games.) Another would be to allow women to become priests. Seems fair. Back to each. The seven sacraments are God’s gift to each of us. They are given to us to deepen our faith and grow closer to God.
Since we are all God’s children, he loves us all equally. Why can men receive all seven sacraments and women only six? If a man marries and his wife dies, he can become a priest. But when a woman dedicates her life to the Church, she does so without receiving the Holy Orders. Why? Because she isn’t allowed to. Why? Because she’s a woman. So, she’s not allowed to grow as close to God as a man?
The Catholic Church is holding a worldwide synod. It’s in session now and will conclude in October 2024. Thanks to Pope Francis, there are now female members on the governing councils. He wants to focus on the laity and how they can contribute more to the Church. To me, the solution to the shortage of priests is a no-brainer.
