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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Facing Up to Systemic Racism 

What do I tell the students in my CCD class when they ask me what the Catholic Church says about systemic racism?
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Seeking the Purpose of My Life 

What has been the purpose of my life? Why was I ever born? What is the purpose of life for an average person such as myself? 
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Are We Unconsciously Always Sinning?

The US bishops say racism can be either conscious or unconscious. My older teenage son argues that we can never be forgiven because of our unconscious mind’s nature. How can I answer him?
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Are Catholics Allowed to Own Guns? 

In light of the chaos in the United States and around the world, are Catholics allowed to own guns or support the National Rifle Association? 
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Pilate’s Role in Jesus’ Death 

How are Christians to accept two completely different versions of Christ’s trial before Pilate?
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Quick Questions and Answers

Why is there no Gospel account of Jesus’ meeting with his mother right after his resurrection or in the 40 days before his ascension?
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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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