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...
Michael Shackleton
Must We Give Beggars Money?
At almost every traffic light, as soon as I stop the car, there is someone at my window wanting money. I give a little cash now and...
What are the Duties of a Godparent?
Question: Exactly what duties do godparents have towards their godchildren nowadays? Answer: Imagine you are a second-century Christian and a pagan friend wants to join you in...
Is There a Dress Code for Mass?
Especially during the summer months, people come to church looking like they are going to the beach and women are baring their shoulders. Isn’t there some kind of official dress code for Mass in the Church?
Speaking in Tongues Made Clear
At Pentecost the Church remembers how the Holy Spirit descended on the assembled apostles and gave them the gift of tongues, so that when they preached immediately afterwards, they could be understood by foreign people
Do we have to believe in Marian apparitions?
Do Jesus, Mary and saints really appear to people? My parish priest says he does not believe so. Paragraph 67 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church...
Can Deacons Anoint the Sick?
During a healing service at a parish in a South African diocese, the deacon invited and anointed those present with the sacred oil of the sick. This was distressing because the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law expressly forbid anyone but a valid priest or bishop from anointing in this way?
Why Do We Pray to the Saints?
A friend quotes 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.” Her church honours the saints...
Can a Divorced Man Become a Priest?
What is the Church’s view with regard to a divorced man who wants to join the priesthood, even if he may have children? I understand that the...
Does the Creed Contradict Jesus?
Jesus said: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has...
