Articles written by Claudia Windal - Page 3

What is Helium

About me - Claudia Windal

I am a multi-professional woman: Episcopal priest, registered nurse (hospice), licensed mortician. As a Lakota native, I have opened a funeral home for our people who struggle with finances in most funeral homes and must sacrifice traditions and merchandise

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Religion & Spirituality > Catholicism The fallibilty or infallibility of the Catholic Church: 1 of 11
No church is infallible. I do not believe that the Roman Catholic Church has ever claimed infallibility, although the Pope is able to make infallible statements. When these statements are issued, the faithful are required and expected to take them to heart and adhere to their "absolute truth."The assertion that the Roman Cath... More..
Entertainment > Movie Analysis Movie analysis: Why movies like "Passion" and "Da Vinci Code" get people riled up: 4 of 42
I am always suspicious when a movie creates as much controversy as did the Da Vinci Code. Most verbally upset by the movie were members of the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. They immediately began to point out errors in a fictional movie. How can a movie contain errors when it's intention is entertainment and not a p... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) Why don't young people come to church: 4 of 41
When I was a child in the 1950's, I would have done anything to move beyond the altar rail at Mass in order to more fully participate. I actually prayed occasionally, that one of the altar boys would be sick and that I would be asked to assist at Mass! Of course, there were no GIRL acolytes then and consequently, I was relega... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Have you had a religious calling: 1 of 10
I have indeed had a religious calling. It, however, has been anything but conventional. It was not uncommon for the pastor of our Roman Catholic parish to drop in on Sunday school and ask, "So, how many of you want to be priests?" I, an 8 yr old girl, always raised my hand along with several boys, always to be reminded that I... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Heaven, Hell & Afterlife Why do we say died instead of passed: 1 of 10
To say one "died" is a statement about their physical body. "Passed on, would more clearly indicate an immortal spirit/soul which has moved on to the next realm. Passed on is often easier for some people to say when they, themselves have difficulty talking about death. That phrase seems to soften the reality of died.Several m... More..
Relationships & Family > Crisis Support (Other) Reasons for choosing cremation instead of burial: 8 of 78
Following a three-month fight with cancer, my life partner succumbed to ovarian cancer. Her will and her advance directives clearly stated that she desired to be cremated. Even being a mortician myself, I find the idea of being cremated off putting. I was, however, committed to doing as Susan wished.As I stood looking at Susa... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Understanding and dealing with death: 2 of 19
I'm not certain that we will ever understand death. Several times a week, I am called by grieving family members who want to make funeral arrangements with me. Prior to meeting with the family, I generally pick the body up and bring the deceased to funeral home. I know this is a dead human being and I understand that we will ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Constitutional & Contract Law Should protestors be banned from military funerals?: 2 of 19
As a funeral director I experience the grief of family after family as their loved ones are placed in the grave. Despite misunderstandings and harsh words that may have passed between them, those who survive remember the good and grieve their losses. There is no place for protesters at any funeral.Those who respond to the cal... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Catholicism Evaluating changes for Catholics since the Vatican II council: 1 of 9
It has been over 40 years since the conclusion of Vatican Council II and the institution of a number of changes in the Roman Catholic Church. For many devout Catholics the range and scope of those changes had not been anticipated. For others, there was an expectation of even greater change. I believe that the changes suggeste... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Can homosexuals be "cured" by religious intervention: 1 of 9
Illnesses and diseases can be cured. Meat is often cured. Homosexuality does not fit into either of the aforementioned categories and cannot be "cured" by religious intervention. We we are cured of something, we want to be made well or whole. Homosexuals are neither sick nor broken.Like many of us, I have heard gay and lesbia... More..