Do I need to attend my territorial parish?
Q: Recently, I heard a priest speak on the importance of supporting your "territorial parish," which he made sound like whatever parish happened to be in your neighborhood. But I have been an active member ...
Is the parish administrator the same thing as a pastor?
Q: At my parish, our pastor was recently reassigned. Our new priest is listed on the bulletin as "parish administrator." Is that the same thing as being a pastor? Or if not, what's the difference? (Florida) A: ...
Are Jewish marriages valid to the Catholic Church?
Q: In a recent article, you quoted the Code of Canon Law for what constitutes a valid non sacramental marriage. I'm not sure if you know this, but the Jewish marriage document -- the ketubah -- is ...
When is it appropriate to say the St. Michael Prayer following the Mass?
Q: I'm curious as to the appropriate practice of saying the St. Michael prayer either before the final blessing or after Mass. Is there a suggested practice to this powerful prayer as to when it should ...
Are the Gospels made up, nonhistorical accounts?
Q: Some of my non-Catholic friends say that most of the Gospel is made up, as the earliest records show Jesus survived the crucifixion, married Mary Magdalene, and moved away, leaving his disciples to ...
Does a married person need their marriage blessed or 'convalidated' once they become Catholic?
Q: At my parish, we were blessed to have several adults baptized and enter into full communion with the church this past Easter. But my question is, what happens with their marriages? Doesn't a married ...
What are my Easter duties?
Q: What exactly are my Easter duties? My grandparents sometimes talk about "the Easter duty," but I'm not sure if this was just a pre-Vatican II thing, or something I still need to worry about. (United ...
How do God's will and the Holy Spirit play a role in a conclave?
Q: How do God's will and the Holy Spirit play a role in a conclave? A: I think ultimately, events in the life of the church like conclaves bring us to the mysterious place where God's providential ...
