"Today's Catholic" Ms. Katherine Jass López assures us:


"Young adults in purgatory -- as well as heaven and hell -- as Tap topics poured out"


A typical free - wheeling adaptation from our December 5, 2008 edition of a mighty - fine newspaper!

"With discussions of heaven, hell, purgatory and the lives of saints, Theology on Tap ended its fall season Nov. 6 at the Blue Star Brewery.

"Theology on Tap is a six week six pack discussion and lecture series, hosted by the Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of San Antonio which invites YA's from all walks of life to engage in discussion about Catholic topics of interest.

"On Oct. 30, Deacon Pat Rodgers, director of communications for the ardiocese, led the YA's in a reflection of the afterlife in his discussion:

"Heaven? Hell? Purgatory?"

"Fact or Fiction?"


"[H]e said, This is really going to be a reflection because the truth is, no one really knows what heaven, hell and purgatory are like.

"Rodgers urged the YA's to turn to Scripture and to the life and death of Jesus Christ in order to remember where the true reward lies after death.

"[H]e said, St. Paul says above all else, we must believe in the resurrection of Jesus and because of this belief it gives the promise of everlasting life with God -- this is non negotiable. Jesus opened up the door of eternal life so death has no victory over us. We get to choose if we go to heaven or hell and to a degree, purgatory. It' s our free will that lays out that plan....

"[H]e said, The souls in purgatory are kind of like us -- who do their best but sin and they need to be purged and perfected so that they may have that perfect relationship with God in heaven. It is a state f purgation because every trace of evil must be eliminated."

God doesn't send us to hell, we choose to go...


"How one chooses to live their life and what type of relationship they have with God determines if ones soul ends up in hell. God doesn't send us to hell, we choose to go. God's mercy and grace is always available to us but people choose to turn away from God...."


A good read!