DEAR FATHER: I was reading a spiritual book about personal prayer, and in the book it talks about how to get into a meditative state and just talk to God. I have a wandering mind and find it very difficult to get into a meditative state of…

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…

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…

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…

Dear Father: My husband and I have been married for 14 years and have three children together. We both work (him full time and me part time), but for as long as I can remember we have struggled financially. We never seem to really get…

Dear Father: Several of my close relatives who were raised Catholic no longer practice the faith. Easter seems like a perfect opportunity to invite them back to the Church. How do I approach this delicate subject? If they agree to attend…

Dear Father, The husband of a dear friend committed suicide two years ago. She is still in a state of shock and can barely function normally. Is there anything I can do to help her? — AT A LOSS Let me begin with a story. St. John Vianney,…

Q. Dear Father:  On Dec. 10, 2016, I lost my beloved 44-year-old husband to a sudden death. He had no symptoms until three days before he died. We were married for 14 years and have one daughter. We have a lot of friends and family members…

DEAR FATHER: What do you think of the trend of people spending their time gambling in the casinos? This seems to be their main form of entertainment. I am losing my friends to the casinos. — A Losing Hand DEAR A LOSING HAND: Poker legend,…

DEAR FATHER: When I was young, my parents and teachers told me that Sunday Mass was very special; we were visiting with God. We showed our respect by wearing our best clothes, blessing ourselves with holy water as we entered the church in…