Ask a Franciscan
Holy Communion without Confession
I am a 79-year-old Catholic who doesn’t believe in the Sacrament of Penance.
The Rift between Jews and Samaritans
I have been perplexed by the rift between the Samaritans and the Jews and their hatred mentioned in the New Testament. One incident is at Jacob’s well. Yet in one of the parables it is a Samaritan who takes care ...
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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 ...
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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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