Ask a Franciscan

Status of Divorced People in the Church

As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, what happens when a couple divorces? One spouse may not want a divorce but cannot stop it in states that have a no-fault law.

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Why Roman Catholic?

Why does the Roman Catholic Church call itself that? Jesus stood against everything that the Roman Empire represented—the power, the might and the violence. Rome figured mightily in his death on the cross.
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How Much Do We Know About Angels?

I am very interested in angels but haven’t been able to find information about how many categories there are. Is there a Scripture reference for each group? What are their duties? To which group did Satan and his followers belong? ...
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May I Donate My Body to Science?

Does the Catholic Church have a position about donating one’s body to science? I have registered as an organ donor but would also like to leave my body to help the training of future doctors.
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Why ‘Rose Again from the Dead’?

In the Nicene Creed, we pray that Jesus “rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures.” In the Apostles’ Creed, we say, “On the third day he [Jesus] rose again.” Don’t these expressions suggest that Jesus has previously risen from the ...
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Too Much Emphasis on Christ Crucified?

Why does the Catholic Church emphasize Christ crucified instead of Christ risen?
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‘Son of’ or ‘Brother of’?

In the Catholic Revised Standard Version of the Bible, there appears to be an error in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 in speaking of “Judas the son of James.” The Douay Version, however, speaks in Matthew 13:55 about “Jude the ...
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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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