Author
Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD
Msgr. Stuart Swetland, STD, is the president of Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. A 1981 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a Rhodes scholar, he also serves as professor of Christian ethics and leadership at Donnelly College.
DEAR FATHER: Father, I have a question for you. A few years ago, my sister went to my 85-year-old mother and revealed a period of incestuous molestation that one of my brothers perpetuated against her, myself, and another sister. I have…
When should parents have ‘the talk’ with their children?
Dear Father: I grew up in a family where my parents never talked about sex or other sensitive topics. I was left to figure things out on my own and learned about sex from kids at school. It was not the best moral education! I am now married…
Why Does God Permit Innocent Children to Suffer?
DEAR FATHER: My 4-year-old niece was just diagnosed with cancer, and I am devastated by this news. I find it hard to pray. I feel angry, and I don’t understand why God would allow this to happen. People say God has a plan and he is looking…
Praying as ‘One Flesh’
Dear Father, I know praying together as a couple is important to do, but my husband feels awkward about it, and honestly, I do too. How can we overcome our hesitation, and how should we start? — Anonymous, Missouri First, thank you for…
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…
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? —…
Why are there no feast days about the Old Testament?
by Msgr. Stuart Swetland Q Dear Father: I have a question about the saints. The Church’s liturgical calendar is understandably full of feasts days for Jesus, Mary, and numerous saints. Why are there no feast days for Old Testament figures…
Is using witchcraft a sin?
BY MSGR STUART SWETLAND, STD Dear Father: Years ago I was in love with a folk singer. After we parted, I felt sad that we couldn’t have done so in friendlier circumstances. I visited a white witch who gave me a friendship spell. I later ran…