God Knows Our Heart Completely
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 13, 2025
Did I confess certain sins? If I didn’t, have I sinned by going to Holy Communion all these years? I have gone to Confession faithfully.
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.
Too Many Clergy Among Canonized Saints?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 12, 2025
Who was the last saint canonized who was not a member of the clergy? Are only Catholics recognized as saints? Can a non-Christian become a saint?
Why Was Cain’s Sacrifice Rejected?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 11, 2025
Cain killed his brother, Abel, out of jealousy because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, “the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions,” but not Cain’s from “the fruit of the soil” (Gn 4:3–5, New Revised Standard Version). Why?
Anointing the Sick and Baptism
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 10, 2025
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?
Two Feasts for Saint Joseph?
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 9, 2025
On March 19, we celebrate Saint Joseph, husband of Mary. On May 1, we celebrate Saint Joseph the Worker. Why are there two feasts for the same saint?
The worldwide Church has long honored St. Joseph, and his feast entered the worldwide calendar in 1324. The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was added in 1955.
Handling Post-Abortion Guilt
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 8, 2025
I have had two abortions. My friend at work told me that the Catholic faith can help me with the massive guilt that I feel. Please tell me how.
Thanks for writing. You are not alone in realizing that an abortion has lingering psychological effects for many people — mostly women but also for men. God gives life to born and unborn humans.
The best-known Catholic group offering help to people in your situation may be Project Rachel, founded in 1984 by Vickie Thorn, a Milwaukee wife and mother who reached out to a friend who had an abortion.
Nurturing a Franciscan Spirituality
Pat McCloskey, OFM
November 8, 2025
I need some practical advice for how to live and grow in Franciscan spirituality as a layperson. Because I am not close to a Secular Franciscan group, I need to do this on my own.