Ask a Franciscan

How Much of the Mass Must I Attend?

To fulfill the Sunday obligation to attend Mass, how long or for what parts must you be present? What is the penitential rite? Must you be present for that? When may you leave and still fulfill the obligation?

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Individual Successors for Apostles?

According to Acts 1:26, Matthias was selected to replace Judas, bringing the number of apostles back to 12. I know that the pope, the bishop of Rome, is considered the successor of Peter. Were the other apostles replaced upon their ...
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Why Do We Need Low-gluten Hosts?

I don’t understand why someone who has celiac disease and is, therefore, allergic to gluten needs a low-gluten host. The bread at Mass changes substantially into the Body of Christ.
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secular franciscan order yawn

What Is the Secular Franciscan Order? 

Even though I have long known that there are Franciscan sisters, brothers, and priests, a friend recently told me about a group that is completely new to me: the Secular Franciscan Order.
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A teacher and students at a Catholic school

Are Catholic Schools the Answer?

Why do so many graduates of Catholic schools become agnostics or atheists or join other churches?
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Can Second Cousins Marry?

A niece of my husband has become very close to one of her second cousins. They and some family members are questioning if they are too closely related to marry one another. Are they?
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Saint Christopher

Is Christopher Still A Saint?

I have believed in St. Christopher and carried a medal of him for over 40 years. Now I have heard that the Catholic Church no longer considers him a saint. Is that true?
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