Ask a Franciscan
Is Gambling a Sin?
Is it a sin to place a bet on a horse race? What about lotteries or betting on sports contests? What does the Catholic Church think about playing slot machines? At times it seems that the Church opposes gambling, but isn’t bingo a form of gambling?
Examining My Conscience
Why aren’t the corporal works of mercy the focus of an examination of conscience before receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
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Who Wrote the Gospel of John?
I was surprised to read in an earlier “Ask” column that John the Apostle did not write the Gospel of John. Who did? We are not entirely sure. First, I should point out that only around the year AD 125 ...
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Meaning of the Word ‘Paschal’
I know that words often have a root meaning. For example, our word sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum, which I know St. Augustine described as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” In preparing for a ...
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‘Scripture Alone’
I know that this term is strongly supported by some Christians and vigorously challenged by others. When did it originate and what does it mean?
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Marriage, Miracles, and Tattoos
Father Pat McCloskey, OFM, answers questions about marriage, the rosary, and whether it's a sin to get a tattoo.
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