Browsing Category
Ask Father
Why can’t I go to Communion if I don’t go to Mass every Sunday?
DEAR FATHER: I don’t go to church that often, but I enjoy going with the relatives on holidays like Christmas and Easter. On those occasions I also like to go to Communion with all the family — it gives us a special sense of togetherness,…
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…
Will I See My Relatives in Heaven?
DEAR FATHER: Several years ago we lost our son. I am questioning the concept of one heaven, with all the people who have lived from the beginning of mankind being together in one place — trillions of people. Will it be like a dream? (For…
The Truth Will Set You Free
Dear Father, I have a neighbor who loves to gossip. She doesn’t hesitate to mention anything bad about other people. She justifies her conduct by saying that the Bible recommends it. She quotes John 8:32: “And you will know the truth and…
Am I “saved?”
When I was young, a Baptist girl friend told me if I accept Jesus as my personal savior, I am saved. However, the Baltimore Catechism answers I later memorized seemed to tell me that salvation is not that simple. I’m much older now, and I…
How can I keep Advent sacred?
Dear Father: In our culture it seems that celebrating Christmas starts earlier and earlier each year. Stores get out the Christmas merchandise in October! As a grandmother, I want to instill in my grandchildren the importance and…
What is the Purpose of Purgatory?
Dear Father, At my friend’s funeral, many people said we should rejoice because my friend was in heaven now with Jesus. Whatever happened to purgatory? Shouldn’t I pray for my friend to go to heaven instead of assuming she is already there?…
Did the Virgin Mary die?
I have two questions. Was John the Baptist born without original sin? I don’t understand how a man with sin on his soul could baptize the Son of God. And my second question relates to the Virgin Mary. Did she die? Since death is a…
How Can I Know God’s Plan for Me?
Dear Father, Lately I’ve been hearing a lot about discerning God’s will. As a wife and mother, I’m always on the go and don’t seem to have much time for reading. How can we know God’s will for us? Could you help me out on this score?…
What is purgatory, and why do we pray for the dead?
Why do we pray for the dead? And how do we pray for the dead? I think a lot about these questions and hope you can give me some insight. - S.P., Connecticut These are good questions, shared by many others, and they touch upon a long…
