Ask a Franciscan
Anointing the Sick and Baptism
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 10, 2025
The catechumens in my RCIA group asked me these questions: Can permanent deacons administer the Sacrament of the Sick? Can a non-baptized person receive the Sacrament of the Sick? Can a baptized person who is not a Catholic receive the Sacrament of the Sick? If not, why not?
Two Feasts for Saint Joseph?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 9, 2025
On March 19, we celebrate Saint Joseph, husband of Mary. On May 1, we celebrate Saint Joseph the Worker. Why are there two feasts for the same saint? The worldwide Church has long honored St. Joseph, and his feast entered ...
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Handling Post-Abortion Guilt
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 8, 2025
I have had two abortions. My friend at work told me that the Catholic faith can help me with the massive guilt that I feel. Please tell me how. Thanks for writing. You are not alone in realizing that an ...
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Nurturing a Franciscan Spirituality
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 8, 2025
I need some practical advice for how to live and grow in Franciscan spirituality as a layperson. Because I am not close to a Secular Franciscan group, I need to do this on my own.
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Is Agnosticism a Sin?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 7, 2025
I know that being an atheist is looked down upon, but I want to know if being an agnostic is a sin.
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Why Does God Make the Devil So Powerful?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 6, 2025
If God created the angel Lucifer, who failed God through pride, why didn't God simply dump him in hell instead of allowing him to torment and wreck so many human lives? Isn't God more powerful than Satan? I have heard ...
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Understanding the Term ‘Born Again’
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 5, 2025
Q. The term born again has become very popular among many Christians now, but I am not sure of its meaning. I suspect that it is misused or misunderstood by many people who proudly use it. Also, we read in ...
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