Ask Father

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 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.…

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…

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.…

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?  —…

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…

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…

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…

by Fr. Hugh Vincent Dyer, OP Dear Father: I paid $20 for two Masses to be said for the repose of the souls of my husband and my daughter. Am I buying the Masses? Would it be just as efficacious if I offered the two Masses without paying for…

Can you describe the difference between meditation and contemplation? I’ve heard those terms used interchangeably, but I don’t think that is correct. Can you help me understand the differences in these kinds of prayers? – Anonymous …