Q: In a recent column you wrote that it “wasn’t appropriate” to hold hands during the “Our Father” at Mass, because the Church’s law is silent on this point. But couldn’t you read it the opposite way, meaning that since it’s not actually forbidden then it should be allowed? My family has always held hands…
Q: Catholic governors commit an obviously sinful act when they sign extremely permissive abortion laws. On the other hand, there is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion in my parish who told me she is pro-choice, but I’m not aware she has done anything to support abortion except maybe vote for a pro-choice candidate. My…
Q: The priest of my parish says it’s not appropriate to hold hands or lift your hands up during the Our Father at Mass. Is this true? And if so, why do so many people continue to do it? A: While in my opinion holding hands during the Our Father at Mass is hardly the…
Q: As a parish priest, I found your recent article on the Church’s teaching on Freemasonry interesting, and I have a follow-up question: How can one deal pastorally with parishioners who are quick to suspect people of being Freemasons? I can think of one or two parishioners who are convinced the Vatican is infiltrated by…
Q: I’m a Catholic working at a funeral home and assisting at many Catholic funerals. I’m not always in the church for the entirety of Mass. I’m sometimes out during the Gospel and homily or after Communion since I’m helping with the arrangements. Since it’s not fulfilling my Sunday obligation, is it still OK for…
I know officially the Catholic Church is against the death penalty, but what about Genesis 9:6? A: It looks like there are two dimensions to your question: the Church’s teaching on the death penalty, and how we are to read the Old Testament as Catholics. Starting with this latter aspect, it’s good to keep…
Q: In the Gospel’s account of Peter’s confession of Christ, Jesus responded with: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” I sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t have been better if Jesus would have skipped the wordplay and simply said: “Peter, I’m making you the first head of my Church.” The…
Q: Could you clarify the Church’s current stance on Freemasonry? Some seem to think that these days it’s “no different than belonging to Rotary” or any other service club. The local church has parishioners that belong to the local Masonic lodge. A: Despite what you might be hearing from your fellow parishioners, it is still…
Q: Could you please tell me what exactly predestination is? Also, is this a dogma of the Catholic Church or is it heresy? A: The term “predestination” can mean a few different things depending on the specific context. In some of these contexts, predestination is a heresy (i.e., a teaching or idea that directly contradicts…
Q: The nondenominational church near my house offers praise and worship nights with music. I’ve been interested in attending, not because I want to convert, but because I like that style of music and any opportunity to join in prayer with others. Would it be wrong for a Catholic to attend this event? Am I…