Ask a Franciscan
Anointing the Sick and Baptism
The catechumens in my RCIA group asked me these questions: Can permanent deacons administer the Sacrament of the Sick? Can a non-baptized person receive the Sacrament of the Sick? Can a baptized person who is not a Catholic receive the Sacrament of the Sick? If not, why not?
Can We Sing the Our Father?
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.
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Why Is God’s Name So Important?
I don’t understand why the name of God was so important to the Israelites. I thought God’s name was simply “God.”
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Is There More Power in Praying for One Person?
Q: When I pray a petition, I can't help feeling that if I pray for one person only, the prayer will be stronger or more effective than if I pray for 20 people at once. For example, is "Please help David" ...
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What Is Excommunication?
All excommunications are meant to be medicinal. They are a kind of shock therapy intended to make sinners aware of the seriousness of their sin and their spiritual condition and call them to conversion.
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Blessing of a Home
The Book of Blessings directs that the blessing should not be given unless those who live in the home are present—you don’t just bless empty living quarters.
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Did Jesus Have a Soul?
I’ve been a Catholic for 70 years and have tried to understand the mystery of the Trinity. The other day I wondered, Did Jesus have a soul? Nothing is ever easy.
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