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Pat McCloskey, OFM

Pat McCloskey, OFM, is the Franciscan advisor for St. Anthony Messenger and the writer of its "Ask a Franciscan" column.

Pedophile Priests Protected

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 29, 2019

My wife and I do not feel comfortable discussing this with our parish priest and hope you can provide some guidance. As cradle Catholics, we find it very difficult to continue in our Catholic faith because of repeated reports of abuse of children by pedophile priests. Despite these reports, there is no definitive action mostly lip service. Pope Francis should declare these behaviors unacceptable and inconsistent with Christ’s teachings.

A Nephew ‘s Coming Out

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 29, 2019

I am the only practicing Catholic in my family of birth and my husband’s. My only nephew may soon “come out ” to our overseas family about his homosexuality and same-sex relationship. We will be visiting his family soon. How do I respond if my nephew asks me directly how I feel about his sexual orientation and same-sex marriage? I want to be true to my faith and still be a loving aunt without appearing to condone his lifestyle.

He will always be your nephew, a man created and loved by God. His “coming out ” does not change that.

Becoming a World Church

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 21, 2019

Jesus respected the diverse backgrounds of his listeners. Today the Catholic Church is embracing a much wider range of cultures.

No Rides to Weekday Masses

Pat McCloskey, OFM September 27, 2019

I have a very rare and painful illness that has left me handicapped. I have trouble finding rides to doctors’ offices and to church.

Consequently, I feel very disconnected from my parish in which I once served as a catechist and director of religious education. I do some adult education from my home. My chemo schedule makes attending weekend Masses problematic, but I could go to some weekday Masses if I had a ride. Any suggestions?