A long time ago, as a young person, I played with tarot cards and a Ouija board. These always seemed to me to be just entertainment, but now I understand the Church believes these can be dangerous. Why is this? In an increasingly secular society, we can easily fail to …

I have heard it is possible for someone who wishes to receive communion at Mass to be denied. In what cases can someone be denied communion? Is this different from being “excommunicated”? When Catholics approach to receive communion, it is presumed that they are in a proper state to receive. …

Question: I sometimes hear of Catholic colleges and universities honoring individuals who challenge the teachings of the Church. What makes a university “Catholic”? Can such a designation be taken away? Answer: The university system began during the Middle Ages when the Church and society were closely intertwined. As the Church …

One of the Eucharistic Prayers has a long list of saint names. What is the history of this prayer and why does it name so many saints? The Eucharistic Prayer with the lengthy list of saints is known as the First Eucharistic Prayer. Also called the Roman Canon because of …

The Church, like humankind in general, has faced challenges posed by disease. And where there has been suffering, Christians have responded, seeking to overcome fear and self-interest to offer spiritual, physical and material support. COMMITMENT TO CHARITY Based on Jesus’ words and example, the first Christians shared their resources to …

Q: Since public Masses have been canceled, a friend encouraged me to practice “spiritual communion.” I wasn’t sure what that meant. Can you explain? A. The practice of “spiritual communion,” as a means of drawing close to Jesus even when we cannot receive the Eucharist, has deep roots in the …

In the parable of the dishonest steward, what does Jesus mean when he says, “make friends with dishonest wealth” (Luke 16:9)? The parable of the dishonest steward remains one of the most puzzling passages in the New Testament. Thankfully, the Church can help us understand it. Dei Verbum, a document …

Question: I know of Freemasons who are also practicing Catholics. I always thought that this was forbidden, but I was told that these men had permission from their pastors to join. Is it permissible for a Catholic to become a Mason? Is this addressed in canon law? Answer: The Church …

Perhaps the last untold story of the American Civil War is the heroic work of Catholic chaplains and religious sisters who served on both sides of the conflict. While the story has been untold for well over a century, it wasn’t unwritten. Irish journalist David Power Conyngham wrote a manuscript …

Question: In the Scriptures, why is Jesus referred to as the bridegroom, and what is the theological meaning pf the term? Answer: Each of us is made for union with God, but we do not always live up to this calling. Unlike us, God is faithful and He desires to …