Author Archives: Ron Conte

The False Teachings of Jeff Mirus on Church Authority

Posted on 17 August 2016 by Ron Conte

In a recent post, Islam: When the Church can speak authoritatively, and when she cannot, Dr. Jeff Mirus utters a series of false statements on Church authority. 1. Jeff Mirus: “The Church’s Magisterium applies exclusively to matters which God has … Continue reading →

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It is not the End of the World

Posted on 16 August 2016 by Ron Conte

[Matthew 24] {24:3} Then, when he was seated at the Mount of Olives, the disciples drew near to him privately, saying: “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your advent and of the … Continue reading →

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Q and A with Jesus on Salvation (part 1)

Posted on 16 August 2016 by Ron Conte

1. May we reasonably hope that perhaps no human persons are sent to Hell? No, it is neither reasonable nor faithful to believe or hope that no human persons go to Hell. [Matthew] {5:20} For I say to you, that … Continue reading →

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Did Pope Paul IV say that a Pope can teach heresy or be a heretic?

Posted on 16 August 2016 by Ron Conte

No, he did not. In the Apostolic Constitution Cum Ex Apostolic Officio (1559), Pope Paul IV issued penalties under the temporal authority of the Church against heretics and schismatics. The document speaks of three types of errors: the grave sin … Continue reading →

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Material versus Formal Heresy

Posted on 15 August 2016 by Ron Conte

Material heresy is an idea which is contrary to an infallible teaching of the Magisterium. Whenever we refer to material heresy, we are talking about ideas, not persons. Formal heresy is a sin committed by a person, the sin of … Continue reading →

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The Person of the Pope is the Head of the Church

Posted on 14 August 2016 by Ron Conte

The holy Roman Pontiff, Vicar of Christ and Supreme Judge of all the faithful, is the head of the Church on earth in his person, not merely in his office. He stands in persona Christi more so than any other … Continue reading →

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Mother of God forum leader accuses Pope Francis of heresy

Posted on 13 August 2016 by Ron Conte

I lead a discussion group at CatholicPlanet.net. A former member of my discussion group, Padraig Caughey, has publicly declared Pope Francis to be a heretic. He did so in his own discussion group, motheofgod.com (the lack of an “R” at … Continue reading →

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When Non-Catholics fail to live up to Catholic Teaching

Posted on 11 August 2016 by Ron Conte

There is a certain type of Catholic commentary, on the pluralistic and largely secular culture which surrounds us, which evaluates the words and deeds of non-Catholics according to Catholic teaching. Then the commentator rails against these individuals, essentially complaining that … Continue reading →

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Excommunication and Salvation

Posted on 10 August 2016 by Ron Conte

There are two types of excommunication: 1. ferendae sententiae — a brought judgment, imposed by a decision of Church authority in a particular case 2. latae sententiae — automatic excommunication (wide judgment) which does not require any decision in the … Continue reading →

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Modesty and Chastity in Catholic Teaching

Posted on 7 August 2016 by Ron Conte

Modesty can refer to self-restraint in every area of life. Saint Thomas Aquinas: “Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. xxi): ‘In both Testaments the temperate man finds confirmation of the rule forbidding him to love the things of this life, or … Continue reading →

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The Seal of the Confessional versus Grave Crimes

Posted on 7 August 2016 by Ron Conte

The Seal of the Confessional is absolute. The confessor is forbidden from disclosing the penitent’s sins and anything else the penitent says in Confession, and he is forbidden from disclosing the mere fact that the penitent went to Confession. Any … Continue reading →

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How Often Should You Go To Confession?

Posted on 5 August 2016 by Ron Conte

I’m a lifelong believing and practicing Catholic. I’ve been to Confession innumerable times. I typically go to Confession every week or two. Refraining from cleaning your soul in Confession, for a lengthy period of time, is like refraining from cleaning … Continue reading →

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