Ask a Franciscan
Did God Hate Esau?
Malachi 1:1-3 says: “An oracle. The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi. ‘I have loved you,’ says the LORD; but you say, ‘How have you loved us?’ ‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ says the LORD: ‘yet I loved Jacob, but hated Esau; I made his mountains a waste, his heritage a desert for jackals.’”
Purgatory and Praying for the Dead
A Christian friend says that the Bible contains no references to purgatory. What is the basis for the Church’s teaching about this? Why do Catholics pray for the dead?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas
Answers to some often asked questions about the Christmas season.
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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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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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