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kalikshama -> RE: Judge upholds birth control rules (10/2/2012 6:33:02 AM)
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CatholicView welcomes Father Phil Bloom, pastor of Holy Family Church in Seattle, Washington who is speaking on the timeless issue “The Roman Catholic Stance on Birth Control” Father Bloom has been a priest of the Archdiocese of Seattle for 30 years, having served seven of those years (1987-94) as a Maryknoll Associate in Peru. Father Bloom received his religious education at public elementary & secondary schools, B.A. in Philosophy from St. Thomas Seminary, Kenmore, WA; S.T.B. from Gregorian University, Rome and S.T.L. from Angelicum in Rome. He was ordained at St Peter’s Basilica, Rome in 1971. He is a diocesan priest, not belonging to a religious order, but is directly under the authority of the bishop. Unlike a religious order priest, a diocesan priest does not take a vow of poverty.
...CatholicView: If a couple practices a form of birth control other than NFP, are they excommunicated from the Church?
Fr Bloom: They are not excommunicated, but, objectively, they are committing mortal sin. The fact that people react so strongly against the Catholic teaching on birth control indicates some level of discomfort. The Catechism says, “no one is deemed to be ignorant of the principles of the moral law, which are written in the conscience of every man.” (#1860)
CatholicView: If not excommunicated for this, are they allowed to receive Holy Communion?
Fr Bloom: They must first seek the sacrament of reconciliation, which of course implies a sincere desire to amend ones life. The fact that so many Catholics have poorly formed consciences concerning birth control, cohabitation, etc. does not make these practices right – nor does it take away the harmful consequences. I know couples, who for whatever reason are not following this teaching, that go to Mass, but refrain from communion. That is hard, but better than receiving communion outside the state of Grace. (See I Cor 11:27)
CatholicView: Fr Bloom, do you believe that Catholics will, should they die and are using birth control other than NFP, lose their immortal souls?
Fr Bloom: If they are doing so knowingly and deliberately, yes. Of course, no matter what the weaknesses and compromises, one should always pray for the grace of final repentance – both for one’s own self and others.
CatholicView: If a couple does use another form of birth control and feel it is right for them, would the church accept their decision and let their conscience guide them?
Fr Bloom: People do a lot of wrong things and feel it is right for them. I mentioned cohabitation. A more extreme example might be someone joining the KKK or Aryan Nation. Would anyone tell a racist or an anti-Semite to just let their conscience be their guide? We need to help young people form correct consciences.
CatholicView: Realizing that many have left the Church under the weight of this ruling and knowing that some Catholics do not adhere to NFP, do you think in time the Church will approve of other means of non-abortive birth control measures?
Fr Bloom: The Church will probably be smaller in the future. Already the majority of our young people have drifted away or joined Bible churches. My conviction is we need to teach the fullness of Jesus’ teaching (which includes marital fecundity) and let people decide for themselves. It’s not fair – nor does it work in the long run – to try to keep people in by watering things down. Jesus offers unlimited mercy, but also heroic sacrifice – and the grace to do it.
Cardinal George made an important observation in his Lenten retreat to the Holy Father and Roman Curia. He said we must be like the early Christians. They recognized they were a small minority, but “they spoke as if they were a majority” because they were already conscious of the Church’s universal mission. Even if only a small number listen, we must proclaim Jesus’ message to all. The Internet is a good vehicle for that.
CatholicView: If it is dangerous for a woman to become pregnant, is she then excused from NFP?
Fr Bloom: She needs more support from trained NFP instructors and knowledgeable medical professionals, as well as a very loving husband. According to the World Health Organization, when used correctly, NFP is as effective as the Pill.
Read more: http://catholicvu.com/newpage30.htm
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