You need to enroll in RCIA—Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, every Catholic parish should have one. They’re NOT just for anyone thinking about coming into the Catholic Church, but for EVERYONE, including and especially for Catholics who haven’t gone to any Catholic education classes since childhood.
In any case, there are succinct and full explanations for each one of that Baptist pastor’s questions about Catholicism, and it is only fair that you get them answered/rebutted by someone who knows the correct answer.
Yes, Peter WAS married, but he already had a wife and kids when he and his brother were called by Jesus (”Come, let Me make you fishers of men”).
Saint Paul does indeed urge males who are deeply involved in the Mission of Christ to remain celibate. It is not a REQUIREMENT, but it is something the Catholic Church asks its ordained to do—even though there ACTUALLY some married priests, from the Anglican community, now in the Catholic Church. SO—celibacy is not mandatory, but traditional.
Anyway, Saint Paul’s words are right there in the Bible. It seems rather devious to me that a Baptist pastor would not mention THAT, as it is Scripture, which they’re all supposed to know by heart...
In any case, don’t let me be the one to answer any questions you have, but give YOUR Church at least the opportunity to do so. There is a lot, and I mean A LOT, of good information and answers out there since we were kids in Catechism.
Well AB I specifically put up some tidbits to tempt you. That bit about St. Peter being married surprised me.
and celibacy isn’t mandatory?
Heh.
well whatever.
We do have RCIA in our church, but of course. And I tell you what.....I will think about it.
Then there’s the issue of my confirmation but for another day perhaps.