St. Joseph's Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

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Home Catholic Questions & Answers
Catholic Questions & Answers

St. Paul says...

' I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance and I have kept the faith. Jesus says, 'I am the way, the truth and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.'

We are running a race towards God through the way of love and salvation that Jesus has shown holding fast the baton of faith. Salvation is complete only if we reach the finishing point of death with the baton of faith. It is possible that we lose the baton on our way. Turning back we should retain the baton of faith and resume the race to the Father until the last moment of our life.

In order to help you in this journey of faith along with the Catholic Church, the Body of Christ, we present herein some common questions that may arise in your mind or may have to be tackled by you.

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1 "The most high doesn't dwell in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48). Then what is the use of building church? 403
2 Some people comment that in some retreat centers the healing is more preacher-centered than Christ-centered? Is it true? 267
3 Some people comment that some retreat preachers speak out the names of healed, the colour of their dress etc. by the help of demons. Is it true? 301
4 In Cana, Jesus changed water into wine and it was supplied for the wedding party (Jn. 2:1 -1 0). In 1 Tim. 5:23 Paul admonishes Timothy to use a little wine because of his stomach aches and other frequent infirmities? Do these justify addiction to liquor? 292
5 In 1 Pet. 3:1 ff, in his advice to the couples, St. Peter admonishes the bride, "do not let your beauty be that outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel" (V.3). Does this forbid bearing gold ornaments? 261
6 In 1 Tim 3:2 ff., we read, 'A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober minded, of good behaviour, hospitable, able to teach, not given to wine, not violent,... ..... Does this suggest that a Bishop must be a married man? 277
7 Can you cite some quotations from Bible, regarding Holy Trinity? 262
8 What is the use of praying for the dead? What does the Bible teach? 275
9 Why cannot we conduct Bible Conventions without healing ministry which seems to be prime attraction of the people? 231
10 In some retreat centers so much noise is created during the time of praise and worship? Shall we make so much noise to catch the attention of God? 244
11 Why all the sick who attend the retreat are not healed? 247
12 Some people who attended retreats and claimed to have been healed become sick again; some who were converted turn perverted after some time, some who stopped drinking, become addicted to it later. Why do these happen? 249
13 In some centres, the retreat preacher announces that Jesus cures such and such a person by 30%, 50%, 80% etc. Why cannot Jesus give total healing all on a sudden? 250
14 Some say that all the hearings taking place in conventions and retreat centres, are mere phantasies. Is it true? 251
15 When Jesus healed the sick, he instructed them not to publish it. Why do some centres publish these healing incidents? 234
16 Why do so many healings take place in certain retreat centres and in certain Bible Conventions only? Why doesn't God work equally in all centres and in all conventions? 228
17 Is it proper to venerate Mary, mother of Jesus? 318
18 Shall we obey our civil authorities? 244
19 Can we keep hatred towards our enemies? Can we take revenge? 357
20 What is the Christian attitude towards suffering? 757
21 Jesus selected the twelve apostles and established only one church and promised that he will be with her till the end of the world. If so what is the justification for some people to get separated and form different churches? 244
22 Have we got guardian angels? 245
23 Will God answer all our prayers? 231
24 What about people who make false prophecies which are not fulfilled? 247
25 Will only one hundred and forty four thousand people be saved, as claimed by some church denominations? 235
26 Are we allowed to receive those who preach against the traditional beliefs of God's Church? What about their new doctrines? 241
27 Will those who, not because of their fault, couldn't accept Jesus Christ as Saviour, be saved? 269
28 Is it proper that a Christian litigate against his brothers in the court? 218
29 Can we Christians work together with persons and movements dangerous to our faith? 239
30 Did the Apostles handover their authority to their successors by laying their hands? 238
31 Mk 16:17-18 narrates different gifts the believer in Jesus would possess. Why are these not found in all the believers in Christ? 253
32 Are the miracles over with the time of Christ? 246
33 Could you quote a few verses from Bible to prove that Christ is God? 260
34 Is there any need of community prayer ? Is it not enough that we pray alone with God? 237
35 Is it proper that sabbath obligation of OT is substituted by Sunday obligation? 275
36 Jesus said "He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16). Is it lawful to baptise children who are not matured enough to believe ? 233
37 Christians honour the Cross, and establishes it in their houses and churches. Is it proper to honour the Cross, the instrument an which our Saviour Jesus was crucified ? What does the Bible say on this matter ? 231
38 Some Christian groups claim that they are already saved, any one who has fellowship with them won't sin any more. Is it true ? 232
39 It seems, St. Paul teaches that we are saved by Faith in Jesus Christ and not by the works of the law 'Gal 2:16, Rom 3:24). Does this mean that Christians needn't observe any law, but simply believe in Christ? 215
40 Some people say that Christ never established a church. Is it correct? 254
41 The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus had no direct brothers, where as Mt. 13:55-56 speaks of James, Joseph, Simon and Judas as his brothers. What explanation the Church has for this ? 270
42 As Catholics, shall we keep all the rites and rituals of the OT? 253
43 Now a days so many new denominations of Church are sprouting. Can we justify the new entries if we believe in the unity and apostolicity of the churches revealed to St. Peter (Mk. 16:18-20; Jn. 21:15-17), and other apostles. (Mt. 20:20) ? 245
44 Catholics use scapulars, pictures and statues. Is not their use and veneration idol-worship? 3029
45 Has the Pope got the authority to pronounce (declare) a person as Saint? 270
46 Can any saint act as mediator between God and us? 368
47 Is faith in Christ enough for salvation or shall one resort to the obedience to the Commandments and doing good deeds? 257
48 Shall all the rituals and instructions of the Church be fully based on Bible? Or can we also take into account the traditions of the Church? 240
49 What does the Bible say about the word of God? 350
50 A Few Basics : Frequently Asked Questions 360

Marriage Preparation 2012

February 24, 4.00 pm - February 26,  2.00 pm

A Certificate proving 3 days of attendance in a Marriage Preparation Course approved by the Syro-Malabar Church is mandatory for the reception of the Sacrament of Marriage. St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Diocese of Chicago is conducting MPC at our church to make the participation easier for the candidates preparing for marriage.

Sunday Prayer Meeting

Every Sunday we have our prayer meeting starting from 8.45 am to 10.00 am conducted at Church Chapel. Everyone is welcome to join us also encourage others do the same.

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Prayer Meeting Schedule

St. Mathew's Prayer Group
(N/A)

St. Joseph's Prayer Group
Friday, Jan 20, at 7.00 pm
Shaju / Julie's Residence
4303 Honeybell Ridge Ct Valrico, FL 33596
Phone: (813) 571-5919

Little Theresa Prayer Group
Saturday, Jan 21, at 7.00 pm
Stan / Annie's Residence
2719 Westchester Dr N Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: (727) 791-9444

Sacred Heart Prayer Group
(N/A)

 

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SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 
Prayer Meeting - 8.45 AM
Malayalam Mass - 10.15 AM

Tuesday - Friday
Malayalam Mass - 6.30 PM

Saturday
Malayalam Mass - 9.00 AM
followed by Adoration.

CCD CLASS - EVERY SUNDAY
Every Sunday 8.50 AM,
followed by Malayalam Mass.

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REGISTRATION
If you have not registered with the SJSMCC, please do so ASAP. This is mandated by the diocese. Regardless of your membership with KCACF, separate registration with SJSMCC is required. SJSMCC has to maintain its own record. SJSMCC can provide any reference or document only if you are a member of the church.

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CCD Registration for 2011-2012

CCD classes will begin this year on August 14, 2011 for kids from pre-K to 4th Grade and August 21, 2011 for those who are from 5th Grade to High School.  Please consider using your time and talents with the CCD program. We are always in need of teachers and assistant teachers and substitute teachers.

An email has been sent to all families with the Registration details for the 2011-2012 school year.  Please submit registration forms at your earliest or at Open House, so an accurate book order can be made.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sr.Christy at (813) 482-4701.