Awesome March Areopagus

Salutations Areopagites!

    Thank you Kostiuk family for hosting us in March!  Here are some of the thought-provoking questions that were introduced and discussed by our group as Fr. Ward led us on yet another adventure through the issues and arguments that face us as Catholics.

Is there any value to the practices of the Charismatic Movement?

Does a retired priest have to say daily Mass and read the Breviary?

Is it sinful to do yoga even if you just do it for the exercise and don’t do the spiritual part?

How can one prove to a Protestant that Mary is sinless?

What kind of prayers would be helpful for someone who is discerning his/her state in life?

Is it a sin to make fun of someone’s nose?

If a baby that was just born died, would it go to Heaven?

Is flirting a sin if it is not impure and if you genuinely like the guy/girl?

Is it all right to relax in Lenten penance on Sundays?

What is meant about laughter in the verse “Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep?”  What is the difference between good and bad laughter?  For instance, is it permissible to laugh during movies?

The Peters family has again taken up the torch, and will be hosting the April Areopagus at their house.  Their address is 402 S. 6th Street in St. Clair.  As always, the meeting will begin at 7:00.  Bring your questions, comments, and a snack to share.

In Christ,

Lois Gagnon

Fantastic February Areopagus

Greetings Areopagites,
    We would all like to extend a warm thanks to the Rochon family for hosting the February Areopagus. Fr. Ward started the meeting by reading an excerpt from a book about the life of St. Catherine, and astounded us with her her amazing deeds (don’t try them at home!). After Odysseus-the-Box made his rounds, we began yet another discussion of diverse topics. There were a lot of questions asked, both live and from the box; here are some of them:

Can a priest hear confession over the phone?

How old should someone be to start courting?

What is the rapture, and is it a theory held only by Protestants?

What is the definition of love?

What are the guidelines for modest dress?

When speaking with friends on spiritual matters, what should a Catholic do if his/her mind goes blank?

Why don’t the Chinese have very many children?

Should one celebrate Fat Tuesday by eating a lot of food and going to dances, or by prayer and preparation for Lent?

Are Catholic restaurant owners required to remove meat from the menus on Fridays (especially in Lent) or just provide meatless choices?


The Scourging at the Pillar

The March Areopagus will be hosted by the Kostiuk family. They live at 6503 Sterling Rd. in Yale. The meeting will be at 7:00 pm on the third Friday, which is the 16th. Please come with you questions and concerns. If you know of anyone who might want their email address added to the list, or if you have changed your email address, please let me know. Have a blessed Lent!

In Christ,

Lois Gagnon

Art Credits: http://www.catholicsource.net/rosary/scourging.html