Ask a Franciscan
Is a Private Marriage OK?
We decided to get married before God but privately. We knelt down before a crucifix and made our wedding vows before God. Have we committed a sin and, if so, what should we do?
When Catholics Marry Protestants
Can a practicing Catholic marry a Protestant in that person’s church, before his or her minister? Regarding the Baptism and education of children from that marriage, may the Catholic party accept either Catholic or Protestant Baptism?
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Celebrate or Mourn a Person’s Life?
I recently saw a death notice that read, “A Funeral Mass celebrating Ray’s life will begin....” That sounds to me like a non-Catholic notice. Aren’t we supposed to mourn when a family member, friend or acquaintance dies?
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Who Was John Calvin?
What caused other Christian groups to become separate? For example, who was John Calvin and what did he teach that a denomination is sometimes called “Calvinist”?
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Does Mary Fall Short of God’s Glory?
In Romans 3:23, St. Paul writes, “For... all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.” The New Revised Standard Version reads, “have fallen short of the glory of God.” Does this include Mary, the Mother of Jesus?
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When Will the ‘New Evangelization’ Begin?
Saint Pope John Paul II several times spoke about a “new evangelization.” What did he mean by that term? When is this supposed to begin?
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When a Bishop Resigns
What happens to a Catholic bishop when he resigns? Where does he go? Does he still have a rank within the Church? What financial assistance does he receive?
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