Catholic Vegetarians & Vegans

Thanks FrancisBenedict - AMEN I certainly agree that all of God's creation reflects the glory of God snd should be treated with respect, care and love. I think the CCC is also very clear about this too - that this is the teaching of our faith.

Of all of God's creation men and women are created in God's image and likeness - this gives us the responsibility to care for all of creation.
I believe what the CCC is saying - and what the Pope is saying (I could be wrong of course) is that this also places the needs of people in a different place...

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.

So - we have pets. At some point for everyone I believe there is a line - both on what you would put a pet through and how much of your resources able to for example - treat a condition - for example we have a black lab who is part of our family - we also have a granddaughter - we love them both - but if it were a matter of 'choosing' I don't think I am alone in saying our granddaughter would win. --- So this is because it is our granddaughter it is an easy thing to say -

But I also know that there are suffering children all over the world - and some of my resources should be dedicated to alleviates some of their suffering as well - so each of us needs to find the balance that is on the one hand caring for all of creation and noting that people, made in God's image, are unique in this creation. I am not sure if I am making myself clear - so forgive me if this sounds in any way like we should not love animals - because we do and I believe our faith teaches us that this is what we should do, respect, care and love!

This is one of the reasons why I think - as people of faith - learn about how animals are treated which are raised for food, dairy or eggs - being vegan just resonates.

Coconut Bacon
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups flaked coconut
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
1 tablespoon Braggs liquid aminos or soy sauce
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon water

Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Combine liquid smoke, braggs, maple syrup, and water in a large mixing bowl. Pour in flaked coconut, using a wooden spoon to gently toss the coconut in the liquid mixture. Once the coconut is evenly coated, pour it onto a non-stick baking sheet and slide it the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, using a spatula to flip the 'bacon' about every 5 minutes so it cooks evenly. This stuff WILL burn if you're not keeping an eye on it and regularly flipping it, so please do. Coconut bacon can be stored in a sealed bag or container for up to a week, refrigerator optional.

And, it makes a great BLT sandwich!
Enjoy!

Thanks alot Arl337 for the warm welcome! I will be sure to check back as much as i can!
Take care

I believe you will find among those of us here - this too is how we see this - when learning more about the issues of sustainability, the environment and the impact of factory farms on the world, and striving to live more compassionately moves us BECAUSE of our faith to make changes -

Like anything sometimes when people are new to this they become zealous and desire to influence others because as they learn they find the issue so compelling they can't believe that others would not agree!

When we went vegan my husband would occasionally make a comment, and I would remind him that before we knew, we to made choices that we would not make today.

Welcome – please dig in, share your knowledge, your faith, your resources here!

A very dear friend of mine recently made the switch to vegan and they used this EXACT expression 'feeling cleaner' ---- I think we all know and understand what this means --- I've invited her to join us here ... so if you are here already my friend -- SAY HELLO!

Hello,

I know where you are coming from as I have thought the same things myself about if I were to become a nun. The Carmelites I hope to join eat vegetarian food + fish. If eating the fish really bothers me they said they could think about me not having to eat it.
I guess you need to do what you feel is right, but is it actually possible for you to be a vegan in the seminary? Could it be possible to be a vegetarian? Have you asked them if you could be a vegan there? They may say yes??? Or they may just say they can only accommodate for vegetarianism. I guess you need to ask yourself if they cannot accommodate for your wants at all? Will you be able to live like that? Or could you just eat sparingly what they give you and provide the rest of the food for yourself? Maybe that is a possibility that you could make the food yourself maybe and buy what you want? Do push the idea with them saying that you have your reasons and be passionate about it and I guess just see what they say.
There are some Orders for men such as the Carthusians and I think Cistercians that have a strict vegetarian diet. But as far as I know the Carthusians are contemplatives who sleep like 4 hours a day , so I am not sure if that will appeal to you or not??? Not sure what the Cistercians do. It would be good if there were vegan orders for men and women but I am not sure that there is.
Your best bet would be to try your hardest to follow your diet choices in the seminary if they allow for it and to continue doing it when you become a Priest. I think its great because we need clergy that are compassionate towards animals. Just pray and hopefully God will make a way. I pray you can join the seminary and that they will allow you to perhaps make your own food.

God bless you +++

WELCOME! We are a bunch of folks who are into the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle; we seek to support one another and be a resource to anyone curious about the lifestyle. Please feel free to jump in, comment, ask questions and support us. We look forward to your inputs!

The posts in the threads that are part of the group do not count toward active ---- and that is where the majority of our posts are --- they need to be on the social wall --- you can scroll down to post something in that window -- I've been trying to post a 'tip a day' Creationlover - was posting a quote a day --- but I think our group has such orderly minds that we organized our discussions by thread - and this is NOT helpful in keeping our 'activity' high! so.... join us on the social wall --- and post, post, post!!
Blessings!

In regards to protein shakes I have found one that I really love and I have it almost every morning with a small bowl of oat bran. I'm not positive but I believe oat bran is higher in protein than oatmeal. I just happen to prefer the taste of oat bran. The protein shake is called Plantfusion and you can buy it on Amazon or at Vitamin Shoppe. There are a few different flavors like vanilla, chocolate and I believe chocolate raspberry. I use the vanilla one and if I am in the mood for chocolate I just add 2-3 TBSP of unsweetened cocoa powder. You mix the protein powder with either water or a nondairy milk. I prefer Almond Milk.

In regards to being vegetarian out in the world there are so many restaurants that will accomodate you. Being vegan I have found it very easy to eat out. I usually just make sure I plan ahead by looking up the menu online. All of my friends already know that they have to let me know the name of the restaurant we're going to before hand so that I can plan ahead. If we're going someplace where my only option is a side salad I make sure to eat a healthy snack before I go so that I don't feel deprived with just a small salad.

Good Luck!

Low fat seems healthy to me. Cancer seems to thrive where fat cells exist. Of course, it's not all about fat. Whole foods to include fruits and veggies, taken in considerable amounts, are helpful. Health is all about a symphony of different digestive interactions. Dr. Campbell from the China Project promotes a 10% fat intake. Challenging, no doubt, but I trust his insights.