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What is a glorified body?
by Msgr. Stuart Swetland Dear Father: In the Apostles’ Creed, we profess our belief in “the resurrection of the body.” In the post-Resurrection Gospels, Jesus is able to pass through doors, eat actual food, and show his wounds to St.…
Does Suicide violate the Fifth Commandment?
by Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD Q Dear Father: Several well-known people have committed suicide in the last few years. I thought suicide was forbidden by the Fifth Commandment. What does the Church teach regarding those who take their own…
How can we provide our children with a Catholic education?
Q Dear Father: My husband and I would love to send our children to Catholic schools next school year. Unfortunately, the tuition is very expensive, even for grade school! We also want to contribute financially to our parish and stay active…
Sacraments and scandal in the Church
by Fr. Hugh Vincent Dyer, OP Q Dear Father: In the wake of the recent scandals in the Church, I’m wondering about sacraments that accused clergy administered before the Church removed them from active ministry or laicized them. Are all of…
What are good spiritual habits to develop?
BY FR. HUGH VINCENT DYER, OP Dear Father: Each year I struggle with Lent. Should I again give up something such as sweets or Facebook? However, this year I’d rather work on developing a new positive habit that I can keep doing after Lent.…
Do we become angels after we die?
BY MSGR. STUART SWETLAND Dear Father: When someone dies, I often hear expressions such as “heaven gained another angel” or “Grandma received her wings.” When people die, do they become angels? What happens to our souls and bodies? —…
What is Happening in Heaven?
by Fr. Roland Guilman, AA Dear Father: What are the souls in heaven doing? Are they worshiping God all the time? Are they able to keep an eye on us on earth? —Mateo Dear Mateo: Thank you for your question. It’s always good to be reminded…
Are Anointing of the Sick and last rites the same?
by Fr. Hugh Vincent Dyer, OP Dear Father: When my elderly father was hospitalized for a knee replacement, my wife and I wanted to have a priest administer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick to him. I remember my sister telling me that…
Does the Church permit cremation?
BY FR. ROLAND GUILMAIN, AA Dear Father: My wife and I are starting to think about our funeral arrangements. We would like our relatives to be as prepared as they can be. Does the Church allow cremation? What about donating our bodies to…
What does ‘rest in peace’ mean?
by Fr. Roland Guilmain, AA Dear Father: I’ve been thinking about how our culture handles death. Why do we say “rest in peace” when a person dies? What does it mean? What are the origins of this phrase? – Anonymous Dear Anonymous: Your…
