Ask a Franciscan
Give Up Something Else for Lent?
The Church decided that Catholics could eat meat on Fridays outside Lent. As I remember, there was a slight catch: We were to give up something else.
Can People Who Choose Cremation Go to Heaven?
My aunt says that her parish priest told her that God will not raise at the Last Judgment anyone who has chosen to be cremated. Is that true? If so, why?
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When Couples Divorce
What happens when a couple divorces? One person may not want a divorce but is unable to stop it in a state where there is a nofault divorce law.
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What Is the Curse of Ham?
What can you tell me about the curse that Noah placed on his son Ham? What about Ham’s brothers, Shem and Japheth? Where is this story in the Bible?
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What Color Vestments Can Be Worn at a Funeral Mass?
I have seen celebrants at funerals wear white, purple or black vestments. Are all of these colors permitted? Isn’t this a Mass of Resurrection?
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Anglican Bishops Who Become Roman Catholics
If a bishop from the Anglican Church or the Episcopal Church becomes a Latin-rite Catholic, is he still considered a bishop? Does he then become a recipient of apostolic succession?
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Why Go Barefoot?
I know that some Carmelites are referred to as “discalced,” meaning that they don’t wear shoes. Is this some form of mortification?
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