Ask a Franciscan

Person wrapping their hands with red boxing wrap

Is Boxing a Sin?

Is competing in a boxing or karate competition wrong? Am I sinning by training my body and mind to defeat my opponents? By risking injury to myself?

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Spiritual Role of Fathers

What does the Catholic Church teach about the role of fathers in the family? This seems to be a neglected area.
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The Sorrowful Mother

I recently came across the title "Our Lady of Sorrows" for Mary. I've never heard of this before and wonder about its origin and meaning.
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Origins of the Celibacy Rule

When did the Roman Catholic Church begin to require celibacy before a man could be ordained a priest? Why? Doesn’t this suggest that marriage is inferior to celibacy?
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How Are Bishops Selected?

How are bishops appointed in the United States? Does this vary from other parts of the world? Are Roman Catholic bishops appointed the same way as Eastern Catholic bishops?
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What Is Required of Godparents?

What are the requirements for being a godparent? Do both godparents have to be Catholic? Must there be a man and a woman? Can godparents be changed later if the first ones turn out not to be very good role ...
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How to Count Tithing

A Protestant relative says that we must always give 10 percent even if that means not paying certain bills. I do not agree.
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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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