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Dear Father,
I left work on stress leave about 3 years ago. I have since been able to retire early. The problem is that I have been having nightmares about work every night. They are so real, that when I wake up, I'm not sure what is real and what is not! They are so real, that they stay with me the whole day after. I pray a lot, go to church about 5 times a week, and am close to God. I have asked Him to remove these from me, as I'm sure they are not of Him. Recently, a priest brought a relic of St. Faustina to our church. I put my forehead to it, and asked her to intercede for me. I also asked our Blessed Mother the same. Father, any suggestion to get rid of this Post-traumatic stress would be greatly appreciated, as the nightmares are starting to run me down. Thank you, and God bless you!
Nicole
Hi, Nicole:
Thank you for your question.
I am sorry that you are suffering symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, and have sympathy for the cross this is for you. I think it is wonderful that you turn to the Lord and the Saints to find help, consolation and relief, and can only encourage you to remain strong and hopeful. I am not a psychologist, and this type of situation is not something I have any great expertise in. I do know that the Grace of God is a deep, healing remedy at many levels that touches upon the many aspects of our lives; but I do not know every particular application of these matters, and do not have any simple words or advice that will just instantly take away this affliction from you. My AllExperts site here is geared toward giving answers and references in regards to general questions about Catholic Doctrine and Practice in an objective and universal way. I will pray for you, and hope you can find relief. I hope that you may find some sort of occupation that brings you more positive feelings and a good sense of positive accomplishment. May God bless and keep you...
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Answers by Expert:
Fr. 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.
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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