AboutFr. Timothy Johnson Expertise A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001, and so am entering into my 7th year of Sacred Ministry.
Organizations Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
Question i am fool. By that, i mean i entered into a civil relationship with a woman which produced a child. This was not mere "dating"--a sort of quasi-marriage (or "non-marriage") 7 years in duration. What can i say, i was young and arrogant and thought i knew better than God or all my ancestors back to the beginning...
This woman ran off with another man shortly after our son was born (this was all years ago). My son and I have been living the most complete life two can ever since.
My question is... can i ever marry?
Would it be improper for me to fall in love with (with the hope to marry) a good Catholic woman? Or would her duty be to see me as a fornicator, and have nothing to do with me?
What can my future hold?
Given that i have been considering RCIA, this issue is heavy on my mind.
Answer Hi, David:
Thanks for sharing your personal struggles, and for the basic question. I certainly wish you the best in everything, and welcome you to the company of all humanity that has been foolish at one time or other in some way. This is because we are all sinners.
Were you baptized and raised any kind of Christian? Or were you never baptized?
This could make a difference whether you might be looking at a formal case anullment, or a Pauline Privelege dissolution of a non-sacramental bond "in favor of the Faith."
I would encourage you to pursue the RCIA, where you could delve into these matters with some personal communication and support.
I am sincerely,
