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Ask Father: A suicide in the family
Dear Father, The husband of a dear friend committed suicide two years ago. She is still in a state of shock and can barely function normally. Is there anything I can do to help her? — AT A LOSS Let me begin with a story. St. John Vianney,…
Why did my husband die so young?
Q. Dear Father: On Dec. 10, 2016, I lost my beloved 44-year-old husband to a sudden death. He had no symptoms until three days before he died. We were married for 14 years and have one daughter. We have a lot of friends and family members…
Do I need to confess the abuse I endured?
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…
I am losing my friends to the casinos
DEAR FATHER: What do you think of the trend of people spending their time gambling in the casinos? This seems to be their main form of entertainment. I am losing my friends to the casinos. — A Losing Hand DEAR A LOSING HAND: Poker legend,…
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,…
Reverence for God
DEAR FATHER: When I was young, my parents and teachers told me that Sunday Mass was very special; we were visiting with God. We showed our respect by wearing our best clothes, blessing ourselves with holy water as we entered the church in…
I love being a Catholic
Dear Father, I have been silent all my life. I love God with all my heart and love being a Catholic, but have been very quiet about it. No more. I can’t afford to be quiet. I know I must be an evangelist, but I have no idea how. Do I pick a…
What does it really mean to ‘offer it up’?
Q. Dear Father: I grew up with a mom who always told me to “offer it up” whenever anything went wrong. Now that I am an adult, I wonder if maybe I need a more grown-up understanding of “offering up” sacrifices. What exactly does that…
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…
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…
