How is it decided what is the proper age for receiving Holy Communion and Confirmation? Why do some parishes offer the sacraments at different ages? The age considered proper for sacramental reception has changed over time. In the early Church, the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) were …

What does it mean to say the pope is infallible? Can any human truly be infallible? The doctrine of papal infallibility is rooted in the belief that the pope, as the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, has been given a unique role by Jesus …

What does the Church believe happened to the souls of those who lived before Christ? Many presume that those souls who lived before Jesus had no opportunity to attain heaven, but the Catholic Church teaches that salvation is a gift from God offered to all people. Those who lived before …

Can we ask for the intercession of our deceased relatives and friends, or is such prayer proper only to canonized saints? When we think of prayers and the deceased, we likely think of praying for our deceased family members and friends. But is it possible to pray to the dead …

Do Catholics believe in the existence of Satan? Is Satan the same as the devil? A significant number of Christians do not believe in Satan. They consider him representative of evil, but not an active being. Yet the Catholic tradition has long acknowledged the existence of Satan and associated with …

What are Eucharistic miracles? Do they still occur? Eucharistic miracles are extraordinary events that confirm the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Though rare, they have occurred in various places and times in history. The Church, through the local bishop, may investigate and ultimately approve them, but there is …

A friend of mine recently received “last rites.” Is there a difference between the anointing of the sick and last rites? The terms “anointing of the sick” and “last rites” are often used synonymously; however, they are not the same. Last rites, as the name suggests, is a final preparation …

Why is St. Peter considered the first pope? The apostle Peter has long been recognized in Catholic tradition as the first pope, having been given a unique leadership role by Christ himself. It is believed that after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter traveled to Rome where he became the local …

Do Catholics believe that Mary remained a virgin her entire life? Did she have children other than Jesus? I have non- Catholic friends who say the Bible mentions Jesus’ siblings. The Scriptures and tradition convey information on Mary that help us understand the details of her life and her importance …

During the Mass, the people say, “May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of His name, for our good and the good of all His holy Church.” What does this mean? Why wouldn’t God accept our sacrifice? The prayers of the Mass are …