About Catholicism

Much has been written lately about the Paramus Catholic school teacher who was fired for being in a gay marriage. The pundits would have you believe that this is another example of Catholic hatred. Unless you know and understand Catholicism, nothing could be further from the truth.

The Catholic Church does not condone hatred. It condones mercy and love. Now some would say how can that be if two people love each other and get married. The answer is simple – Catholicism believes that marriage is between one man and one woman. As for the love part, one of the two greatest commandments that is part of Catholicism is: “love your neighbor as yourself”.

What happened in the case of the Paramus Catholic school teacher was a violation of Catholic doctrine. Catholic doctrine is the same as our secular Laws. For instance, if you violate a motor vehicle law, you may lose your license. If you violate Catholic doctrine and you are teaching in a Catholic school, you can be fired. That does not mean that you are no longer Catholic. In fact, this teacher would be welcome into the Church after acknowledging that she did wrong.

Catholicism is a merciful and forgiving religion. No matter how many times you break the commandments or violate its tenets, the Church will always welcome you back.

— Ron Prykanowski, Ewing