How are the Mass Readings Chosen?
Question: I had never really thought about it before, but recently in church, I began to wonder: How are the readings at Mass chosen? Answer: The readings...
Question & Answer
Vestments: The Layers of Cloth on a Priest at Mass
The citizens of ancient Rome were accustomed to wearing a white towel-like cloth around their necks or over the shoulder. Known as a sudarium, its purpose was to wipe away the perspiration that bothered them, especially in the extreme heat of a Roman summer.
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...
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...
Are There Sins Only A Pope Can Absolve?
Question: I have been told that there are certain sins which only the pope can absolve. What could these sins be? Answer: There are indeed certain sins...
Why Was Jesus Based in a Backwater?
Question: Why did Jesus base himself in provincial Galilee? It does seem that his main opposition would have been in Jerusalem. Northern Galilee, including Capernaum, had a...
Sermons & Homilies: What’s the difference?
Question: On Facebook I recently saw a meme that corrected certain terminology which is often used wrongly. One of them said that in the Catholic Church, the...
Why Does the Church Transfer Feasts?
Question: Why does the Church transfer our great solemnities, such as the Ascension in May or the Assumption of Our Lady in August, to the following Sunday?...
Who Forgives Sins: God or Priest?
Question: A social media post by a priest stated that one of a priest’s functions is to forgive sins. I think that’s wrong. In the sacrament of...
When did Mary and Joseph Get Married?
Question: Your Saint of the Month article on St Joseph (March 2023) states: “Joseph and Mary are not yet married when they go to Bethlehem where she...
