Do We Sin When We Don’t fast?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells me that the Precepts of the Church have an obligatory character (2041). I can understand that I am obligated to attend Sunday Mass because God commands me...
Author: Michael Shackleton
Has the Church’s Stance Changed on Gay Sex?
The following two incidents indicate that the Catholic Church no longer regards homosexual acts as opposed to homosexual inclinations as sinful: the statement by Pope Francis when asked about this issue some time ago:...
How Do Saints Hear Our Prayers?
As God is omniscient, I can understand that he would be able to “hear” prayers whether they are vocalised or not. However, does the same apply to Our Lady and the saints? Can they...
Why Do Our Bodies Need Resurrection?
In the Creed we say we believe in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. I believe this, but I sometimes wonder if I am being silly in asking why we will need...
Are Anglican Ordinations Valid?
What is the attitude of the Church with regard to Anglican Orders? Has this altered in view of ecumenical developments since Pope Leo XIII’s encyclical which in 1896 declared Anglican Orders to be null...
Spirit’s Searing Grace Can Hurt and Heal
Guest Editorial by Michael Shackleton – An archbishop from Australia has unwittingly provided us with something to think about on Pentecost Sunday. As president of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of...
Communication and Ascension
Guest editorial by Michael Shackleton – We are observing Communications Sunday again, a day that seems to penetrate little into the consciousness of Sunday Massgoers. Yet communicating is something we cannot do without. As...
For the People
Guest editorial by Michael Shackleton – With South Africa’s 2019 general elections behind us, it would not be inappropriate to ponder again the Church’s expectations of the newly elected government. Our bishops have once...
Scruples in Temptations: Did I Sin?
I admit to being a scrupulous soul and am often plagued by doubts about whether I have given in to temptations or not. A good priest has been very patient and understanding, and has...
When is a Person Excommunicated?
It was my belief that a divorced Catholic who married a second time without an annulment of the first marriage was immediately excommunicated from the Catholic Church. I know now I was wrong. What...
Why Do We Do Penance?
In Confession, the priest gave me a penance of the Stations of the Cross, which I did. What is the purpose of the penance when I know that, because I am truly sorry for...
Where Did the Teaching of the Holy Trinity Come From?
The Holy Trinity is a mystery to the human intelligence yet it is an article of our Christian faith. I know the three divine persons are mentioned individually in the New Testament. At what...
