Indice de Materias

–  Mass for Chastity……………………………………………………………………….……..1

–  Chastity and Celibacy For the Sake of the Kingdom of God…………………………………3

–  Finding Happiness, Holiness and Success Through a Chaste Life…..………………………..7  –  Conversation About Chastity………………………………………………………………….9

–  Resources for Chastity………………………………………………………………..…..…..10

–  Consecration of a Baptized Member of the Roman Catholic Church……….………………..11

–  Renewal of Consecration………………………………………………………..…………….11

Mass for Chastity

Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions III. For Various Intentions #39 For Chastity  Roman Missal (L.T.P.) p. 1308

Liturgical color: white

Penitential Rite  R.M. p. 519

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading  1 Corinthians 6: 9-10, 13, 15, 18-19, 20 (or one of the other readings below)

Psalm  Common of Virgins Lectionary # 733 (use

Gospel Mt 5: 27-30

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Preface  Holy Virgins and Religious R.M. p. 608

Eucharistic Prayer II

Mass for Chastity

First Reading

Introductory comment by Fr. Bill: In this reading the term “prostitute” is broader than the usual meaning.  It refers to any sexual relationship that is not consistent with being a Christian.

A Reading from the First Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians 

“Do not be deceived; neither fornicators … nor adulterers …will inherit the kingdom of God.  The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, … Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I then take Christ’s members and make them the members of a prostitute? Of course not! Avoid immorality … the immoral person sins against his or her own body.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit … whom you have from God, … Therefore glorify God in your body.”

The Word of the Lord

Universal Prayer

Priest’s Introduction

Christ extolled those who lived chaste lives for the sake of the kingdom.  Let us praise him joyfully and pray to him: Jesus, example of holy purity, hear us.

1. Christ, you presented the Church to yourself as a chaste virgen to her spouse, keep her holy and inviolate, we pray to the Lord.

2. Lord, your virgin church has always kept its faith whole and untarnished, grant all Christians a whole and untarnished faith, we pray to the Lord.

3. For all the faithful, that they will fully embrace the virtue of chastity in fulfillment of their baptismal commitment to a life of holiness, we pray to the Lord.

4. For those who sin against the virtue of chastity, that they will be forgiven by the unfathomable Divine Mercy and that their minds and hearts will be converted to a life of purity of body and mind, we pray to the Lord.

5. For the souls in purgatory, especially those suffering on account of their sins against chastity during their life here on earth, we pray to the Lord.

Priest’s Prayer

O God, our refuge and strength,

hear the prayers of your Church,

for you yourself are the source of all devotion,

and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith

we may obtain through your love and mercy.

Through Christ our Lord.

Assembly: Amen.

Note: the following article can be used as a handout to complement the mass

Los que han recibido el doc abajo

Tony Davies 12/13/18

Maria Velasquez 7/23/18

✝

CHASTITY AND CELIBACY FOR

THE SAKE OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD^[1]

Contents

Some Principal Teachings of the Old Testament Regarding Sexual Purity

Some Principal Teachings of the New Testament Regarding the Sexual Conduct of Christians

Reflections on Celibacy

Ways to Maintain Chasity of Body and Mind

Finding Happiness, Holiness and Success through a Chaste Life

A Conversation about Chastity

Online Resources for Chastity

Consecration to Chastity by a Baptized Member of the Roman Catholic Church

Some Principal Teachings of the Old Testament Regarding Sexual Purity

A couple of examples follow.  There are many more teachings in the Hebrew Bible concerning proper sexual behavior.

Lv 18 The Sanctity of Sex  This chapter consists of a list of sexual activities prohibited by the Lord, for example, sexual activity between people of the same gender

Sir 23: 5b-6  “… ward off passion from my heart, Let not the lustful cravings of the flesh master me, surrender me not to shameless desires.”

Some Principal Teachings of the New Testament Regarding the Sexual Conduct of Christians^[2]

1 Corinthians 6: 9-10, 13, 15, 18-19, 20  “Do not be deceived; neither fornicators (two unmarried people having sex) … nor adulterers (a married man having sex with a woman who is not his wife, a married woman having sex with a man who is not her husband or a single person having sex with someone else’s wife or husband) …will inherit the kingdom of God.  The body, however, is not for immorality, but for the Lord, … Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  Shall I then take Christ’s members and make them the members of a prostitute? (Here “prostitute” refers to any sexual relationship that is not consistent with being a Christian.) Of course not! Avoid immorality … the immoral person sins against his or her own body.  Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit … whom you have from God, … Therefore glorify God in your body.”

Romans 1: 24, 26-26  God handed them (here Paul is talking about idolaters, “people who suppress the truth by their wickedness”) over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts by the mutual degradation of their bodies. … God handed them over to degrading passions.  Their females exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the males likewise gave up natural relations with females and burned with lust for one another.  Males did shameful things with males and thus received in their own persons the due penalty for their perversity.”

2 Corinthians 6: 4,6 “ … in everything we commend ourselves as ministers of God, … by purity, …”

Galatians 5: 19, 21, 23  “Now the works of the flesh (by “flesh” Paul means a person who is so selfish he or she is hostile to God) are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, .. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is … self-control.”

Ephesians 4: 17-20  So I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do (a Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew), in the futility of their minds; darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart, they have become callous and have handed themselves over to licentiousness for the practice of every kind of impurity to excess.  That is not how you learned Christ.”

Colossians 3: 5  “Put to death, then, … immorality, impurity, passion, …”

1 Tm 4: 12  “ … set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.”

1 Tm 5: 2  “Treat … younger women as sisters with complete purity.”

1 Thessalonians 4: 3, 7-8  This is the will of God, this is holiness: that you refrain from immorality, … For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.  Therefore, whoever disregards this, disregards not a human being but God …”

Titus 2: 3-6  “ … older women … should train younger women … to be self-controlled, chaste, … Urge the young men, similarly, to control themselves, …”

Reflections on Celibacy

With this biblical teaching in mind I would like to offer some reflections regarding celibacy (a life of sexual abstinence in service of the kingdom of God) that can help one joyfully accept this sacrifice:

1.  The imitation of Christ  Jesus Himself gave up romance, marriage, sexual love and family in complete dedication to the work of His Father.  As Catholic priests, who minister “en persona Cristi” (“in the person of Christ”), we are called to embrace this same dedication freely and lovingly. Religious sisters, brothers and priests are called to do the same.  “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Mt 10:24).

2.  Sharing the cross of Christ  “We make up in our own flesh what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ.”  We offer the sacrifice of romance, marriage, sexual pleasure and family to God, along with our other sufferings and sacrifices, for the salvation of the world, putting into practice our baptismal commitment to follow Christ in all things.  “If you would be my disciple, deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me.” (Mk 8:34; Mt 16:24; Lk 9:23)

3. Following the teachings and example of St. Paul and many of the saints – complete dedication to the Lord 1 Cor 7:25-40, excerpts:  “Are you free of a wife?  If so, do not go in search of one. … such people (the married) will have trials in this life, and these I should like to spare you. … I should like you to be free of all worries.  The unmarried man is busy with the Lord’s affairs, concerned with pleasing the Lord; but the married man is busy with the world’s demands and occupied with pleasing his wife.  This means he is divided. … I am going into this for your own good. … I do want to promote what is good, what will help you to devote yourselves entirely to the Lord. ” (read 1 Cor 7:25-40 for the complete passage of St. Paul on the theme of Christian chastity.)

4.  The salvation of souls  “Many souls go to hell because they have no one to pray and sacrifice for them”, Our Lady of Fatima.  Like penance and prayer, we can offer the cross of celibacy for an intention, like the salvation of souls or the conversion of a particular person or persons, such as family members.

5.  Pray  Thank God for being chosen for the grace of celibacy; ask for the strengthto always be faithful to it.  Ask for the grace of “ … a heart of iron for chastity and a heart of flesh for charity.” (from Lacordaire’s reflection on the priesthood)

6. Understand the reality of male-female relationships  Dating and marriage relationships can be and are beautiful and powerful experiences for many people.  But for many others they are painful and even disastrous (54% of marriages in the U.S. end in divorce).  For those called to diocesan priesthood and religious life pursuing such relationships will not lead to true and lasting happiness.

7. As a priest, how can you live without a family?  A priest is sometimes asked this question.  My answer: A priest actually has many families –  parents and siblings, grandparents, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives; his brother priests; the members of the parish he is assigned to; the members of previous parishes he has been assigned to; the Archdiocese of Chicago; the Church universal – my family of faith; the human race, “The man named his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all the living” (Gn 3:20).  I have often thought: How would I ever have time for a wife and kids of my own? “… everyone who has given up home, …  wife or children … for my sake, will receive many times as much and inherit eternal life”  (Mt 19:29; Mk 10:29f; Lk 18:29f).

Ways to Maintain Chasity of Body and Mind

Maintaining perfect chastity is exceedingly difficult these days as our secular culture does not practice values like chastity of mind or body and modesty in dress.  In fact its values are just the opposite (the devil at work).  Some things we can do: 

1.  Make all reasonable efforts to minimize temptations to violate chastity. For example, avoid those places where immodest dress is going to be encountered such as beaches, water parks and swimming pools. Modern bathing suits are immodest and provocative and thereby cause a number of sexual sins. Shy away from trips to hot weather areas of the country.  Much of the warm weather clothing being worn today are blatantly immoral and exceedingly displeasing to our Our Lord and Lady.  They are purposely designed to provoke impure thoughts in those who see the woman or man wearing such clothing.  Do not go to movies, watch programs, visit websites or use social media that are sexually provocative.

2.  When you see someone of the opposite sex dressed immodestly immediately look away.  Develop techniques to manage such situations such as instinctively looking the other way or get out your phone and do something on it until she/he passes out of your sight.

3.  When an impure thought begins, immediately replace it with a pure thought such as the St. Michael the Archangel or other prayer.

4. Pray for God’s help and guidance in the matter; also, beg for the grace of purity of mind.  Tell the Lord in all sincerity that you do not want to participate in his scourging (in her diary, Divine Mercy in my Soul, St. Maria Faustina describes several visions she was given of Jesus being scourged.  In one of them, four groups are taking turns scourging him – priests, religious, laity and ecclesiastical authorities.  Jesus tells her in the vision that it is the impure thoughts of the members of these four groups that are causing his scourging.) Thus people who dress immodestly bear significant guilt for this sin by provoking impure thoughts in the opposite sex.  See www.Fatima.org >  search: Modesty in Dress for an excellent article on this subject.

5.  Take comfort and receive strength from knowing that all of the faithful – laity and all priests and religious – have the same challenge.  For example a priest attended two masses at Marytown (where there is a community of Conventual Franciscans) one winter weekend. One young women was dressed in a mini-skirt with bare legs – even in the cold weather!

6.  Regarding relationships with those of the opposite sex, have friendships with them but give preference to those who dress modestly, observe the virtue of chastity and respect you as a Christian.  Dating – especially these days – can draw you away from living chastely and tempt you into sexual sin which offends the Lord profoundly.

Finding Happiness, Holiness and Success through a Chaste Life

This is a partial list of the many blessings of a chaste life.  Can you think of others?

The positives of chastity

God is pleased with your life and you are blessed accordingly.  For example, you   develop an                   inner strength and grace that comes from obeying God. 

You build character and self-control.

You have better, healthier friendships with boys or girls your age.  For example, you don’t have to worry about these friendships being used as the means to satisfy someone’s sexual desires which they are choosing not to control in an appropriate way.

You are a better disciple of Jesus.

You are a better member of the Church.

You develop into a leader.

You are a better student.

You are a better athlete.

Dating will be more fun.

Your marriage will be happier and longer.

You will be a happier, more successful person in general.

You will avoid some huge negatives that could potentially ruin your life:

            Pregnancy (this applies to the biological father of the child as well as the mother)

            STD (sexually transmitted diseases)

            HIV AIDS – a fatal disease

            Single motherhood – having the responsibility for a baby takes away a lot of your                                                       freedom and the fun you can have.  Babies are very demanding – they want                                      your attention all the time!

            Hypocrisy – no one having sex before marriage can say they are good                                                                      Christians and are being faithful to their Baptism, Confirmation and the                                                           Eucharist/Holy Communion they receive at mass.

            Messed up school life and a lower level of education which leads to lower                                                              income.  This lower income adds up to a huge number of lost dollars over the                                           course of a lifetime!

            The unhappiness that comes from disobeying one’s of God’s most important                                                            commandments.

A Conversation about Chastity

Note: this conversation is confidential – everything said here stays in this room

Have you learned anything about sex?  If so, where – in school, from parents, church, your friends, television, Internet, books, magazines, newspapers, movies, videos etc.?

Are students in your high school having sex?  If so, are a lot doing this or just a few?  What do you think about having sex when you are in high school?  Do you think it is OK or not OK and why?

What do you think is the purpose of sex?

Do you think it is a good idea to live together and have sex before you are married in the church (Sacrament of Matrimony)?  Why or why not?

Do you think using artificial birth control (contraceptives like the pill, condoms etc.) is OK?  Why or why not? 

Did you know the Church has a safe, effective and morally acceptable way to achieve or avoid pregnancy called Natural Family Planning (NFP)?

Do you have any questions about sex or chastity?

Resources for Chastity

www.ArchChicago.org  >  Search: chastity

www.ReclaimSexualHealth.com

www.RoadtoPurity.com

40 Days to Freedom: Winning the Battle for Sexual Purity by Dann Aungst 

            ISBN: 9781982048105

⛪️

Consecration to Chastity by a Baptized Member of the Roman Catholic Church

Almighty God, I kneel before your Divine Majesty present in the Blessed Sacrament today surrendering my whole self to you as you draw me near to you. I profess today before the altar of God my commitment to a consecrated life of chastity in mind and body for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. I make this consecration in the sight of the most Holy Trinity, Mary the Queen of Heaven, all the ranks of angels and the communion of saints and I do so as a member of Holy Mother Church. I promise and vow to live a life of perfect purity and chastity in which I dedicate my entire body, soul, and spirit to the Church. I intend to live this consecration within the Roman Catholic priesthood. “Father, receive my resolution to follow Christ in a life of perfect chastity which, with God’s help, I here profess before you and God’s holy people.”  I desire to be in the world but live according to heaven’s ways always seeking the salvation of souls.  I make this promise in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God. Amen.

Renewal of Consecration to Chastity

Sign of the Cross

“Let us pray.”  Prayer Roman Missal, Masses and Prayers For Various Needs and Occasions, Mass for Chastity, Collect (LTP p. 1308)

Reading  1 Th 4:3-8 (other readings appropriate for the occasion: Concordance – Impure, Impurity)

Brief reflection on Renewing a Vow of Consecration to Chastity

Renewal of Consecration to Chastity

Almighty God, I kneel before your Divine Majesty (present in the Blessed Sacrament) today surrendering my whole self to you. I renew (before the altar of God) my commitment to a consecrated life of chastity in mind and body for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. I make this renewal in the sight of the most Holy Trinity, Mary the Mother of Your Divine Son, the angels and the communion of saints and I do so as a member of Holy Mother Church. I renew my vow to live a life of perfect purity in which I dedicate my entire body, soul, and spirit to the Church. I intend to live this consecration within the Roman Catholic priesthood. “Father, receive my resolution to follow Christ in a life of perfect chastity which, in God’s sight, I renew before you and God’s holy people.”  I desire to be in the world but not of the world, living according to heaven’s ways and always seeking the salvation of souls.  I renew this promise in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God and example of perfect chastity for his disciples and all people. Amen.

Blessing  “… May God who has begun this good work work in you bring it to completion.”

Distribution and brief discussion of doc Chastity and Celibacy

Fr. Bill’s Commitment to Perfect Chastity

Feb. 15 email

Tony (Davies) truly inspires me. His consecration along with other dynamics in my spiritual life and priestly ministry at this time prompt me to make the following commitment.

Almighty God, I come before your Divine Majesty present in the glory of creation. I surrender my whole self to you as a Roman Catholic priest. I renew my commitment to a consecrated life of chastity in mind and body for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. I make this consecration in the sight of the most Holy Trinity, Mary the Queen of Heaven, all the ranks of angels and the communion of saints and I do so as a member of Holy Mother Church. I promise and vow to live a life of perfect purity in which I dedicate my entire body, soul, and spirit to the Church. “Father, receive my resolution to follow Christ in a life of perfect chastity which, with God’s help, I here profess before you.”  I desire to be in the world but live according to heaven’s ways always seeking the salvation of souls.  I make this promise in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God. Amen.

)

^[1] Rev. William E. Zimmer C.P.A., M.B.A., S.T.L., D. Min. Email: padrebill77@yahoo.com  Mobile phone: 224.616.8305.  Original and all subsequent versions Copyright by Rev. William E. Zimmer 2017.  All rights reserved.  Anyone who receives this article from Fr. Zimmer in any form may distribute it as extensively as they wish for the purpose of encouraging others to live the virtue of chastity and practice celibacy if appropriate for their state of life.  In fact Fr. Bill encourages you to do so!  However if you use any of this material in a published book, article etc. please make the appropriate reference: Chastity and Celibacy For The Sake of the Kingdom of God by Rev. William E. Zimmer December 13, 2018. 

^[2] All quotes here are from The New American Bible St. Joseph Edition with Revised New Testament 1986.  This is the English language Catholic Bible used for the readings at mass and is the translation for the general public.  These quotes are not a complete list of the teachings of the Christian Bible (New Testament) on sexual behavior.  They are just some principal examples.  Explanatory comments in parenthesizes are mine.