Ask a Franciscan

Receiving Holy Communion in a Protestant Church

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 13, 2020

I recently attended the wedding of a friend’s son who was married in a Protestant ceremony. This wedding included a communion service. In order to show respect for my friend and his son, I received communion but afterwards questioned if I should have. How does the Catholic Church view this situation?

Man walks on the beach | Photo by David Monje on Unsplash

Has Anyone Seen God Face-to-Face?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 13, 2020

From the description in Genesis 3:8-24, it does not sound as though Adam and Eve saw God face-to-face. When Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-22), he heard God speak but did not see God.

Donating to Light the Sanctuary Candle

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

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 ...

Bible open | Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Did God Hate Esau?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

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 ...

Purgatory and Praying for the Dead

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

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?