Catholics/diabolical dreams

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Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 7/23/2010


Question
I have a strange case of obsession I am afraid. Let me give you the history. Since my sister and I were young, we would have premenitions and dreams. And first, my sister and I did not think much of it, then they started coming true. Even now i recognise dreams that I had when I was younger becoming a reality, nothing big, just coincidences. My dreams stoped when i was baptized and became a roman catholic last year. My sister's dreams are on going and they tend to upset her. The most recent dream i know of is that our neighbor just handed her their dog and left, we recently found out that Our neighbors are moving andd need to give up their dog. I am 100% sure this is not being made up. My mother at times also speaks in tounges and has once had a visiion of my dead Grandmother. I have reason to believe that these dreams are diabolocial. My family however is Pentocostal so they tend to think that what is going on is prophecy. What should I do, this is really wearing me down. Moving out is not an option.

Answer
Hi, Sylvester:
Thanks for the question.
I am not saying that your sister's or your past dreams were diabolic, nor would I necessarily say that they are/were not diabolic.  The subject matter you describe does not seem to be in any way blasphemous or anything.  The praeternatural is a curious thing.  Are your mother and your sister sort of persecuting you for being a Catholic?  Don't let it upset you.  As a Catholic you are rooted in the truth of the teaching of Christ in His Holy Church.  Being grounded in the Truth of the WORD is something that has moved you beyond the need for dreams and visions.  Perhaps your reaction to their dreams is stemming from a subtle persecution on their part against you for being a Catholic now, something that they have not come to experience or appreciate for themselves.  Just live a life of charity, abiding in God's Grace, and be ready to give an answer for the Hope that is in you as a Catholic.  Do not be afraid.

Fr. Timothy Johnson

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Fr. Timothy Johnson

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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.

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.

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