Is Veneration of a Relic an Act of Idolatry?
I was shocked that pilgrims at the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II venerated the casket and a relic of the blood of the late pope....
Category: Question & Answer
Does the Church allow Circumcision?
What is the official stance of the Church regarding circumcision? I think the government is out of line in encouraging the procedure to be done without valid...
Was Christ’s Blood Shed for All or Many?
The English words of the consecration at Mass have been changed from “shed for you and for all” to “poured out for you and for many”. Why?-...
Can I receive the Eucharist twice on the same day?
I am confused about whether I can receive the Eucharist at Mass and then receive it again at a Communion service. Some seem to say yes, others...
Was William Shakespeare a Catholic?
Question: A friend claims that William Shakespeare was a Catholic? I had not heard that before. Is it true? Answer: We cannot prove that Shakespeare was a...
Who should give the Last Rites?
At 1:45 a.m. my mother became seriously ill and the hospital doctor said she was dying and needed a priest. We phoned our parish priest who refused...
What is Purgatory Like?
I become confused about the existence of purgatory as a destination for the souls who have not repented for all their sins before they died. If these souls...
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...
Jesus in Hell? The Apostles Creed Explained
In the Apostles’ Creed we say that Christ descended into hell. An old text says he descended to the dead. Jesus was sinless. How could he descend to...
Animal Sacrifices?
My son is upset because his Grade 9 catechism class and teacher were in favour of animal slaughter. Surely appeasing ancestors in this way is not Christian....
Why does the Church deny St Christopher?
By Günther Simmermacher – Question: When I was a child, my parents always prayed to St Christopher when we went on a journey. We also had a...
Can I Change my Confirmation Name?
I have read online that taking a confirmation name is simply an act of personal piety or custom, and not required by the rubrics for the sacrament....
