Thanks for the reply.  Although I would be counted with the progressives and somewhat doubters on a number of points, I agree that if there is a Creator -- and I believe there is one -- then it follows that God is outside of time.  Given modern scientific advances, I part company with those who say your replies are just Baltimore Catechism.  To me when one contemplates the enormity and complexity of the Universe, it makes God all the more awesome.  Thanks for that reminder.

Where, in old age, I am beginning to have doubts is to how great our will is free.  Not, I assure you, that I don't think we have any.

As for the concept of the Immaculate Conception, it, along with stain of original sin, is an extremely difficult concept.