May 14, 2020
Is Gambling a Sin?
Is it a sin to place a bet on a horse race? What about lotteries or betting on sports contests? What does the Catholic Church think about playing slot machines? At times it seems that the Church opposes gambling, but isn’t bingo a form of gambling?
Is Scrupulosity a Sin?
Q. I'm having a difference of opinion with a friend who says that scrupulosity is a sin. I say it is not. What does the Catholic Church teach on this?
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Minimum Age for Readers at Mass?
Q. Is there a minimum age before someone can be designated as a reader at Mass? Must that person be confirmed? A. There is no minimum age, and having received the Sacrament of Confirmation is not a requirement. Carrying out this ...
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Why Did John the Baptist Baptize?
Q. During Advent we hear Gospel readings about John the Baptist and his ministry. This month we celebrate Jesus' Baptism by John. This, however, was not a Jewish practice, was it? Why was John baptizing in the first place?
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A Piece of Bamboo
It is difficult to say if my love for all creatures, great and small, developed because I was named after Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Or if I was born with an innate understanding of ...
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Pope makes donation to fund scholarships in Lebanon
Pope Francis donated $200,000 to fund educational scholarships in Lebanon, which is facing a devastating economic crisis compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Pope joins interreligious prayer, begging God to end pandemic