I heard that the reason that Catholics cannot be Free Masons
is because of the Masonic oaths. Is this true?
This is not one of the
principal reasons why being a Free Mason, a member of a false pseudo-religion,
is forbidden to a Catholic, but it is a significant contributingreason.
Before Free Masons may go from one degree to another in their lodge, they
have to swear a blood-curdling oath each time, consenting to their own mutilation
and death if they reveal any masonic secrets, such oaths are immoral. Some
Masons consider their oaths to be school-boy nonsense, but in such cases,
their oaths are blasphemous. Also, any oaths are immoral when they require
the one swearing to forego informing officials of Church or State about illegal
or immoral happenings in a group.
Reprinted October 15, 1999
Are Catholics of the Lincoln Diocese still forbidden to belong to certain
groups and organizations?
The legislation of the Diocesan Synod, which is in full force, states, "The faithful are prohibited from maintaining membership in any condemned, prohibited from maintaining membership in any condemned, prohibited, or disapproved societies or organizations. These include the Masons (and their auxiliary organizations), Planned Parenthood, Society of Pius X, Call to Action (in its various forms), Catholics for a Free Choice, the Hemlock Society." Catholics who would disobey this legislation commit mortal sins of disobedience and endangering their faith and they also incur sever ecclesiastical censures which the Synod sets forth in Article 177. Your parish priest can give you a copy of the Synodal laws if you ask him for one.
Reprinted March 5, 1999
Is there any organization for Catholics who are of the Jewish nationality
or who formerly practiced the Jewish Religion?
Yes, there is such an organization called "The Remnant of Israel." It can be reached by writing to it at New Hope, Kentucky, 40052. The director is Mark Drogin. They publish various books and periodicals.
Reprinted from January 22, 1999
I have received, unbidden, in the mail, a magazine "A
Voice Crying in the Wilderness," put out by a "Most Holy Family
Monastery" in Fillmore, New York. It seems to be anti-Catholic. What
is your view on this?
You are correct. That magazine, slick and expensive, is very anti-Catholic, and seems to have the purpose of luring unsuspecting Catholics into grave error and schism. There is no "Most Holy Family Monastery" in Fillmore, New York, listed in the official Catholic Directory. Therefore, it is not authentically Catholic at all. Fillmore is located in the Diocese of Buffalo, New York, and the bishop there has announced that the magazine and "Monastery" have no connection with the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, there are many anti-Catholic tricks abroad, some disguised one way and some another. Always check with your parish priest about "new magazines" claiming to be Catholic or religious.
Reprinted from January 22, 1999
Where could I get more information about the wickedness of the Call-to-Action
organization?
Dr. Brian Clowes has written a book entitled "Call to Action or Call to Apostasy?" It reveals a great deal about the evil working of that sect. It can be obtained from any Catholic bookseller or by writing to: Human Life International, 4 Family life, Front Royal, VA 22630
Reprinted from January 22, 1999
How can a person
become a member of the Legion of Mary or at least learn something about that
organization?
The best way to learn something about the Legion of Mary or to join is to ask your parish priest about this. Also, I am sure that any present members of the Legion of Mary would be happy to assist you. The priest of the Diocese of Lincoln who is the spiritual director of the Legion of Mary is Father Peter Gadient, who lives in Bee. You could write or call him directly or send him a letter at the same address as "Ask the Register" and we will forward it to him.
Reprinted from April 10, 1998