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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…
Ask Father: Is being fat a sin?
DEAR FATHER: My best friend recently became interested in health and fitness and has been bugging me to get involved in her various fitness programs. I could stand to lose a few pounds, but I don’t like the pressure she puts on me to join…
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?…
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…
