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What is Happening in Heaven?
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…
Are Anointing of the Sick and last rites the same?
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…
Does the Church permit cremation?
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…
What does ‘rest in peace’ mean?
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…
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…
Does the New Testament Cancel the Old Testament?
Q: Does the New Testament “cancel out” – or outweigh – the Old Testament? Is one of these parts of the Bible more important than the other? – Newbie Bible student A: Dear Newbie Bible student: Thanks for your question. I suppose one way of…
Why do we pay for Masses for the dead?
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…
Ask Father: Describe the difference between meditation and contemplation
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 …
Is the “common good” another name for the Golden Rule?
Is the “common good” another name for the Golden Rule? What should the common good mean for Catholics? — J. B. Dear J.B.: When put into practice, the Golden Rule — “do unto others what you would have them do unto you” — contributes to the…
