Ask a Franciscan

People praying at Mass

‘I Believe’ or ‘We Believe’ in the Nicene Creed?

On Sundays and holy days of obligation, we recite the Nicene Creed. We begin by saying, “We believe in one God….” Although this is the first person plural, this prayer’s Latin text reads “Credo” (“I believe,” first person singular).
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What about Reincarnation?

One of my close friends believes in reincarnation. My Catholic education and faith leave me with no reason to believe in multiple lives. Among other things, my friend claims that all mention of reincarnation was removed from the Bible in ...
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Thanksgiving table

A Forgiving Thankfulness

Thanksgiving Day dinners can be challenging occasions for growth. Here are four reminders that may be useful during this holiday season, as well as year-round.
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When Did Jesus become a Catholic?

Q: A few years ago, I overheard a Catholic woman ask her friend, "When did Jesus become a Catholic?" A few of us laughed but did try to explain that Jesus was the Christ. He was born Jewish and died Jewish. ...
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Man walks on the beach | Photo by David Monje on Unsplash

Has Anyone Seen God Face-to-Face?

From the description in Genesis 3:8-24, it does not sound as though Adam and Eve saw God face-to-face. When Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-22), he heard God speak but did not see God.
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In Vitro Fertilization

In Vitro Fertilization: Where Does the Catholic Church Stand?

Is the Catholic Church against in vitro fertilization? If so, why? Isn’t this a compassionate response for couples who want to have children, but either or both spouses have medical conditions that make this unlikely?
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