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Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas

Answers to some often asked questions about the Christmas season.

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Woman gives the Eucharist

Receiving the Host in the Hand

When and why did the Catholic Church begin the practice of receiving the host in the hand during Holy Communion?
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Forgiveness from One’s Spouse

If a person commits adultery and then goes to confession, does that person have to ask forgiveness from his or her spouse?
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Assistance in Getting to Mass

Volunteer groups are organized through local parishes, congregations, and other faith communities. If someone’s local parish is not presently involved, another local faith group might be and could possibly provide a volunteer transport.
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Catholic Burials for Non-Catholics

May a non-Catholic husband and father have a Catholic funeral if the deceased’s widow or children request it?
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One Intention or Many Intentions?

All the Catholic parishes in our area conclude the general intercessions during Mass by adding, “And for all the personal intentions that we hold in our hearts.” I consider this a questionable practice because the priest is supposed to be ...
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Is There an Official Catholic Bible?

Years ago in parochial school, I recall that we were told that the Douay-Rheims version was the only one that we were allowed to read. The teacher even said that reading any “Protestant” Bible, especially the King James Version, was ...
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Ask a Franciscan

Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of St. Anthony Messenger's popular "Ask a Franciscan" column in ready to answer your toughest questions!

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