Ask a Franciscan
Substituting for the Gloria
For the past few years, from midnight Christmas through Epiphany, the director of music in our parish has elected to use “Angels We Have Heard on High” instead of the Gloria. What is proper in this regard?
Donating to Light the Sanctuary Candle
My parish church has recently begun the practice of accepting money to have the sanctuary candle lit in memory of deceased parishioners. The donation is $10 for the week. Is this an acceptable practice? Several people believe this should not ...
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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 ...
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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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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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