Ask a Franciscan
Can We Sing the Our Father?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
February 5, 2018
Why can’t we sing the Our Father at Mass? When I asked our parish organist, the response was that our parish was told not to do this.
What Was That ‘Good News’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 24, 2017
In Luke 9:6, we read that the 12 apostles "went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. " What was that "good news "? The Gospels were not yet written. Similarly, what did St. Paul ...
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How Can I Forgive Him?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
October 25, 2017
My neighbor of many years was recently arrested for viewing child pornography. I've known him and his beautiful family since they moved into our neighborhood; I had considered him a pillar of the community.
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Purgatory Seems Unnecessary
Pat McCloskey, OFM
July 24, 2017
As Catholics, we believe that faith and works are needed to get to heaven. If Jesus died for our sins, why is purgatory needed? Didn't he already repair what was needed? Catholics don't regard faith and works as though they ...
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Will My Husband Know Me in Heaven?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
June 22, 2017
I believe and hope to be with my loved ones someday in heaven. Will my husband, who died almost two years ago, know me and still love me? How will he look? If I have hurt anyone in my lifetime, ...
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Questions about Heaven
Pat McCloskey, OFM
May 23, 2017
Where is heaven? Will my husband who died two years ago know me and still love me? If we have hurt people, will they have forgiven us by the time we get to heaven? What if there's nothing beyond a ...
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Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
April 24, 2017
Why do Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to various saints? Is there anything in the Bible to back this up? Can't this be considered idol worship? Why not pray directly to God? The mother of Jesus Christ ...
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