Ask a Franciscan

Illustration of the holy Eucharist

Why Closed Communion?

I am in the process of becoming a Catholic but am having difficulty accepting closed Communion.
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People gathering at a funeral

Homily? Eulogy?

Some dioceses allow eulogies at funerals, and others do not. Why is this? This question arises frequently. According to the 1989 Order of Christian Funerals (the ritual book used by Catholics in the United States), "A brief homily is given ...
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Nurturing a Franciscan Spirituality

I need some practical advice for how to live and grow in Franciscan spirituality as a layperson. Because I am not close to a Secular Franciscan group, I need to do this on my own.
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Use a Cross or a Crucifix?

During the Good Friday liturgy at our parish, we venerate a plain cross and not a crucifix with a representation of Jesus' body on it. The crucifix is kept out of sight in the sacristy. Because this doesn't seem right ...
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Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of St. Anthony Messenger’s popular “Ask a Franciscan” column is ready to answer your toughest questions!

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