Can a Priest Confess a Confession?
Question: Can a priest in a confession that he makes refer to a confession he has heard, if that confession caused him to sin or have sinful...
Author: Michael Shackleton
Did Jesus Go to Hell?
QUESTION: In the Apostles’ Creed we say that Christ “descended into hell” before rising on the third day. How could the Son of God possibly descend to...
Why did Jesus Refuse to Perform Miracles in Nazareth?
Question: Jesus “did not do many miracles there [Nazareth] because of their lack of faith” (Matthew 13:58). This is perplexing. Surely Jesus’ miracles would lead people to...
How Do I Worship Wood?
On Good Friday our priest came into church singing: This is the wood of the cross. Come let us worship. How do I worship wood? Please explain....
The Bible Has Never Been Neglected
Michael Shackleton – Contrary to some Protestants’ objections, the Bible has never been neglected by the Catholic Church. This is because both the Old Testament and the...
Ok, What are Sacraments and Sacramentals?
Question: What is the difference between sacraments and sacramentals? Answer: The seven sacraments of the Church are liturgical celebrations. They are visible signs and instruments instituted by...
Why did Lucifer and the Angels Rebel?
Question: My issue is twofold: Do we need Satan to tempt us when we can create evil all by ourselves? And if angels have superior and immediate...
Cremation and the Church
What is the Church’s modern view of cremating the dead, since in the past cremation was considered a pagan practice? Is cremation for the laity only?
May We Scatter Ashes of Our Loved Ones?
We Catholics can so easily forget that we are a more tightly knit community than we think. The Church asks us to be particularly mindful of this when a loved one dies.
When Are Our Sins Forgiven?
Question: I cannot answer Catholics and others when they tell me they are forgiven for sin when they ask Jesus directly, for example, in the Lord’s Prayer....
Why We Baptise Infants
Many years ago when my first child was born, I was told by my parish priest that I would commit a mortal sin if I did not...
Communion: Who May Come Up?
Question: At a funeral service, the celebrant stated that practising Catholics could receive Communion, but non-practising Catholics could not. He also said that practising non-Catholics could receive....
