Ask a Franciscan
Baptizing Grandchildren Secretly
At a recent meeting, the topic of unbaptized grandchildren came up. I have been told by many priests and deacons that I could not baptize my grandchildren because it can only be administered once. What happens when grandparents baptize their grandchildren, and no one is ever told?
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Q. Matthew 3:13-17 describes the baptism of Jesus, including John the Baptist’s objection that Jesus should be baptizing him. Why did Jesus want to be baptized, anyway? A. This question was raised by Christians already in the first century, which ...
Read More →
Finding Satan’s Story in the Bible
Where in the Bible can I find the story of Lucifer and the fallen angels? I’ve looked, but without success. Is there some other book that contains this story?
Read More →
Meaning of the Word ‘Paschal’
I know that words often have a root meaning. For example, our word sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum, which I know St. Augustine described as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” In preparing for a ...
Read More →
Pope Francis, Big Bang, Evolution
According to a news article, Pope Francis recently acknowledged the Big Bang theory and evolution. I was quite startled by comments I’ve heard about this story. I hope you can enlighten me on this matter.
Read More →
Holy Communion without Confession
I am a 79-year-old Catholic who doesn’t believe in the Sacrament of Penance.
Read More →
The Rift between Jews and Samaritans
I have been perplexed by the rift between Jews and Samaritans and their hatred mentioned in the New Testament.
Read More →