No Funeral Mass for a Cremated Person?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 10, 2026
What is the Church’s official stance on cremation?
Posts from:
Pat McCloskey, OFM
Pat McCloskey, OFM, is the Franciscan advisor for St. Anthony Messenger and the writer of its "Ask a Franciscan" column.
Inner and Outer Beauty
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 9, 2026
Should a laywoman use artificial beauty aids such as hair coloring, nails, eyelashes, or makeup?
Worship God Alone
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 8, 2026
Francis knew that idolatry was the key sin in the Old Testament.
Is the Church the ‘Pillar of Truth’?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 6, 2026
One Catholic evangelist on TV is very fond of describing the Catholic Church as the “pillar of truth.” Doesn’t that make the Catholic Church greater than the Bible? Where in the Bible is the Church described that way?
Where Can I Find Patron Saint Lists?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 5, 2026
Is there a publication that lists the saints and their patronages?
They Don’t Go to Confession
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 4, 2026
What can I do about those who do not go to Confession? They’re active in Church. They’re adults and married more than 25 years. I’m puzzled. My son-in-law’s parents may not go either.
Suffering for Animals
Pat McCloskey, OFM
March 3, 2026
If someone actually suffers from caring about animals and their plight in the world, does this do any good?