Questions Answered

Questions Answered

May 2014

Is the Old Testament an allegory, and if so, how far does that extend? Is it true that there is no good argument against gay marriage, and if this is true, why does the Church oppose it? Question: I recently heard a Catholic news … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

March 2014

Can you tell me the origin of the discipline of celibacy and why the Western Church puts so much emphasis on it? Has the Church changed its teaching on the subject of condom use to prevent the spread of the HIV virus?   Question: In … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

What concerns should a priest have in the weekly homily? “New Evangelization:” What does it mean, and what are its primary focuses?   Question: What concerns should a priest have in the weekly homily? Answer: Priests know that the … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

January 2014

What do you say to a non-Catholic man who received questionable advice from a priest about his marriage to a Catholic woman, and now wants to become Catholic as well? How engaged should the priest be in the religious education of the p … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Many politicians have claimed that though they are Catholic, they are in favor of a woman’s right to choose whatever is necessary for her reproductive health. Can you comment on this attitude? Some couples have chosen to practice c … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

What should be done if the priest runs out of hosts once communion begins? Do cough drops violate the Communion fast? Question: I recently attended Mass, and after Communion began, the priests realized there were not enough hosts. … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

What are the conditions for informed consent regarding rejection of medical treatment? Can you explain the limitations of law? Do unjust laws oblige us to obedience? Question: What are the conditions for informed consent regarding … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

What is the teaching of the Church on the resurrection of the dead, and on reincarnation? Some theologians maintain that Jesus went to Hell after his death as a sinner. Is that possible? Question: What is the teaching of the Church … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

For August 2013

Is there another theory of the origin of the Synoptic Gospels besides Marcan (or "Markan") priority? How important is the ceremony in the liturgy?      Authors of the Synoptic Gospels: Saints Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Question: Is ther … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Is it true that Hell is not a permanent condition? Are there any clear statements in Scripture that homosexuality is a sin and unnatural? Question: Is it true that Hell is not a permanent condition?  Answer: The question of the e … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

How should we deal with dissenting Catholic politicians? Is there a moral obligation to reverse a vasectomy? Dissenting Politicians Question: Recently many politicians have claimed that though they are Catholic they are in favor of … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Is Baptism by water "Baptism in the Holy Spirit?" Can medical research on incapacitated patients ever be justified? Is Baptism by water "Baptism in the Holy Spirit?" Question:  I have often heard the phrase “Baptism in the Holy Sp … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

What is the New Evangelization? What to do when a chalice of consecrated wine spills before communion?   What is the New Evangelization? Question: I have heard much about the New Evangelization to which Pope John Paul II so … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Is Guilt Always Wrong? Repetition of Apostolic Blessing with Plenary Indulgence? Is Guilt Always Wrong? Question: I have heard that there are some religion programs for children which give the children the impression that guilt is … [Read more...]

Questions Answered

Justification by faith alone? Any guidelines on the nature and practice of spiritual direction within confession?    Pictured above: Martin Luther, St. Paul, and Pelagius, the heretic. Justification by Faith Alone Revisited Answer:   R … [Read more...]