Notes for the next broadcast: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Mb-guadalupe extremadura.jpg|thumb|300px|<div align="center">Our Lady of Guadalupe, Extremadura.<br>Like Mother, like Son.</div>]]
[[File:2010-10-15 012.JPG|thumb|300px|<div align="center">The bambino, Rocco, and St. Joseph</div>]]
== Sitz im leben ==
== Sitz im leben ==
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<div style="margin-left:4em"><h3><span style="color:#D4A017;"></html>Easter: "Come, Holy Spirit, come!"<html></span></h3></div></html>
<div style="margin-left:4em"><h3><span style="color:green;"></html>A season of growth.<html></span></h3></div></html>
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var beforeOccasionText="left before Pentecost"
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var onOccasiontext="Tomorrow is Pentecost."
var onOccasiontext="Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent!"


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::* [[Liturgical year]].
::* [[Liturgical year]].
::* [[Year of Faith]].
__NOTOC__


== May 25 ==
== December 19 ==
* Happy Easter!
* Feast of [[Doctors_of_the_Church#Bede|St. Bede the Venerable]] (673-735 AD), the only English Doctor of the Church and the Father of English history.  Last of the Fathers, first of the Scholastics.
* Triduum for Pentecost: today, tomorrow, Sunday.
::* [[Maxims and Sayings of St. Philip Neri|Novena to St. Philip Neri and the Holy Spirit]]
* Jen from Buffalo: "At the North American Martyr Shrine there are crosses and the word 'Jesus' on many of the trees and all the posts in the main church.  I was told it was a 'Jesuit thing' but not given any additional information.  Do you know anything about this?  Can  you explain it?"
::* "[http://www.nanations.com/jesuits/isaac_jogues.htm Jogues] passed his days in the forest, repeating his prayers, and carving the name of Jesus on trees, as a terror to the demons of the wilderness."
::* "How often on the stately trees of the forests did I carve the most sacred name of Jesus, that seeing it the demons might fly, who tremble when they hear it! How often, too, did I not strip off the bark to form on them the Most Holy Cross of the Lord, that the foe might fly before it, and that by it Thou, O Lord my King, 'mightest reign in the midst of Thy enemies'—the enemies of Thy cross—the misbelievers and the pagans who dwell in that land, and the demons who rule so powerfully there! I rejoiced, too, that I had been led by the Lord into the wilderness, at the very time when the Church recalls the story of His Passion, so that I might more uninterruptedly remember the course of its bitterness and gall, and my soul pine away at the remembrance" [http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:rwS-q8Stz2AJ:www.heritage-history.com/www/heritage-books.php%3FDir%3Dbooks%26author%3Dscottm%26book%3Disaac%26story%3Dslavery+&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-beta "Heritage History: St. Isaac Jogues").]
::* "The columns in the Coliseum are marked with crosses and the name “Jesus” to remind worshipers that Father Isaac Jogues had carved the name of Jesus in the trunks of trees around Ossernenon" [http://catholicgene.wordpress.com/2011/10/19/the-national-shrine-of-north-american-martyrs/ (National Shrine of North American Martyrs).]
* Jason from Pittsburgh via e-mail: "What is the [[Old Catholic Church]]? Why are they in schism?"
* Sandy from Amherst:
::: 1) "Please pray for the repose of the soul of my mother-in-law, Betty Whistler, who died on Wednesday. She was 90 yrs old and lived a beautiful life and had 12 of her 13 children and about 30 of her 47 grandchildren and many of her great grandchildren with her throughout the past few weeks. It's sad but a blessing."
::: 2) "Please pray also for our 30 yr old niece, Betsy Whistler, was operated on shortly after her grandmother's death for a malignant brain tumor, in New York city. Betsy is too young to die, and her father is not able to grieve his mother's loss and may not even make the funeral."
* From a friend in Amherst: "I recently heard Fr. Barron call Origen an early Church Father.  Is that true?"
:::* 185-254 AD.
:::* One of the first to use the term "homoousios" (one in being, consubstantial) in thinking about the Trinity.
:::* Very influential teacher and thinker.
:::* Castrated himself.
:::* His theory of apokatastasis has been rejected by the Church.
::: "Origen's works fell under the ban of the Church, though their author lived the life of a saint, and died, shortly after the Decian persecution, of the sufferings he had undergone in it" [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06001a.htm (''Catholic Encyclopedia,'' "Fathers of the Church").]
::: ''Bottom line:'' It is impossible to understand the patristic era without reading Origen.  He contributed to the development of the philosophy and theology of the Church.  There is much to admire about him, and much to reprehend.  We have learned from his mistakes.


=== Recent questions ===
::{|{{Prettytable}}
* After the last broadcast, a friend complained to me about how easy it is to ask questions about the Church's teachings on morality and how hard it is to answer them: "It only takes them a few seconds to muddy the waters; it takes us five minutes just to start a reply!"
|-
|
* [X] Facebook.
* [X] Water.
* [[Joy]].
* ''148 days for Gina and Joseph.''
|-
!Prologue
|-
|
* Faith 'n' Reason Friday.
* Any topic OK.
* All callers welcome.
:; Last few days of Advent  —  St. John the Baptist, pray for us!


== May 18 ==
:; Luke 1:76
* Happy Easter!
* Novena for Pentecost: start Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
::* [[Maxims and Sayings of St. Philip Neri|Novena to St. Philip Neri and the Holy Spirit]]
:::* "Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life; wherefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits. "  St. Philip Neri.
:::* "The true way to advance in holy virtues is to persevere in a holy cheerfulness.";
:::* "The cheerful are much easier to guide in the spiritual life than the melancholy.";
* Please pray for John McDonough, recently deceased. Please also pray for his widowed wife Veronica who is a friend and supporter of WQOM.
* Please pray for the repose of the soul of Bob Grossman, cousin of Rick Paolini.
* Please say a prayer for my stepdaughter Dina, who has been here in Strong in Rochester in an ICU for 2.5 weeks now, where I have been most of the time also, with Marlene.  She had liver failure and was considered in need of a transplant, but thanks to lots of prayer I am sure her liver turned around and is almost back to normal now.  She also has severe pneumonia however, which is dangerous for her due to her chronic lifelong COPD, and has been sedated since the end of April and on a respirator, etc.  She is slowly improving but very slowly, as you can imagine Marlene is beside herself.
* Erica from North Buffalo: I heard that there is a new special prayer or prayers available for babies in utero. Do you know more about this? I only heard it in passing and didn't quite catch it all, but I certainly would be interested in asking for those prayers for my baby. Thanks!
::: [http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/vatican-approves-new-rite-of-blessing-for-unborn-children "Vatican Approves New Rite of Blessing for Unborn Children."]
::: [http://www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/prayers/upload/Rite-for-the-Blessing-of-a-Child-in-the-Womb.pdf "Rite for the Blessing of a Child in the Womb."]
* From two friends in Amherst: Why aren’t there religious sisters teaching in schools like there used to be?
* From a friend in Amherst, not on the line: [http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/ May 20-26 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week.]
* [http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/documentazione/documents/santopadre_biografie/giovanni_paolo_ii_biografia_prepontificato_en.html John Paul II's birthday.]
* Marie from Buffalo, New York: She does not understand John 14:27-31 which was one of the readings at Mass this week. When he says the Father is greater than me because she thought Jesus and  the Father were equal.
* Paul from Amherst, New York: wants to discuss recent publicity from Vatican re:religious order leadership.
* Sister Mary a sister from the Sisters of Mercy in Buffalo, New York: Wants to discuss the LCWR issue.
** http://labouresociety.org/
** http://jimmyakin.com/category/podcasts
* Erica from Amherst, New York: Has question and prayer request. Question is from Acts of the Apostles, today's reding re: Paul shaving his head and the vow. She doesn't understand the reading.
::: [http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/colleennixon/colleen-nixons-full-length-album/comments Prayers for Colleen Nixon's album.]
* Bryan from Buffalo: As a 12-year student of Catholic education including 4 years of Jesuit High School, I agree with Fr.'s comments on Catholic education. I remember when our teachers - 3 out of the 8 in elementary were nuns - told my father that my behavior wasn't up to par - it got corrected very quickly at home. God bless Catholic education!
* Sister Mary called back and wants Father Marty to pray for healing for her and ask others to pray for her as well. But she did not want to go on air.


== May 14 ==
:: You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
* Happy Easter!  Thursday is Ascension Thursday, so it's time get ready for the Novena to the Holy Spirit. 
:: for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
* Mother's Day was yesterday.
:: to give his people knowledge of salvation
* [[Fatima Prayers]].
:: by the forgiveness of their sins.
* I was wrong about the '''Great Western Schism''' being settled by [[Councils#.5B.2317.5D_1431-1445_AD_--_Florence|the council of Florence (1431-1445)]].  It was the preceding [[Councils#.5B.2316.5D_1414-1418_Constance|council of Constance (1414-1418)]] that deposed three claimants to the throne and selected Pope Martin V (not a saint, but a good pope).
* [[Prayer to St. John the Baptist]]
* Devotion to [[St. Jude, Patron of Hopeless Cases]].
|}
* What can a faithful Catholic do about [[liturgical abuses]]?
* Dennis from Buffalo: Please keep me in your prayers. I have been at my job for 18 years and come next week we have 2 orders left which will take us a day or two, then we are out of work.
* Bill and Carol from Buffalo: Please pray for us as we struggle with the loss of our only son, as well as other losses, deaths and severe financial hardships.
* Gina: This is fun. I remember this from a homily at Franciscan, that Pope John XXIII had a good sense of humor: According to a favourite Curia story, Pope John XXIII was once asked how many people worked in the Vatican. "About half," he replied.  ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4233443.stm )
* Dennis. I have a friend who originally married in the Catholic Church. He fell away from the Church and started going to one of those "mega" churches. He divorced and remarried. Now he wants to go back to the Catholic Church but he is unsure if he will be able to receive the sacraments. He asked me about it, and I didn't want to answer his question wrong so I advised him to pick a parish and call and talk to a priest. I told him at the very least his case probably would be reviewed. But I really didn't know what else to tell him. Is there a general rule about those cases or is it a case by case thing?
* Louis from Rochester, NY: Re. Our Lady of Fatima prophecies, the conversion of Russia specifically.
* Billy from Buffalo: Just wanted to let you know that the official Fatima site (santuario de'fatima) has an awesome web page, including a live web cam of the spot of the visions.                 
::* http://www.santuario-fatima.pt
* Anonymous from Buffalo: Please pray for my daughter Marie and my grandson Jacob. May my daughter continue to have custody of Jacob and that they both grow in their Catholic Faith.
* Anonymous from Buffalo: Please pray for the deliverance for Peter who has been wrongly influenced. Please help him to abandon the ways of the past and present and to return to the Church.
* Kim from Niagara Falls, NY.  Prayer request for her son who is again addicted to drugs. Prayers for his recovery.
* Ann from Kenmore, NY.  Prayers, her vision is poor in one eye, and she cannot see out of the other.  prayers that her sight will be restored.  She is 90 years old and wants to be able to care for herself.
* John from Lakeview, NY.  Question regarding validity of sacraments with liturigical abuse.


== May 11 ==
* From John on Facebook (''he may post this question on Facebook during the show''): Some of my friends argue that there is no need for a priesthood.  In the Bible, the term is used only of the Old Testament priests who served in the Temple. In the New Testament, the terms "episcopos" and "presbyter" are used, not "priest."  How can I answer this challenge to the Catholic understanding of priesthood?
* [[Sequence for Pentecost]].
* Prayer request relayed by Jim Havens: Kendray has a congenital malformation of her brain stem.  She has endured 3 brain surgeries and also suffers many painful syndromes associated with Chiari and takes many medications to help get her thru the day.  She is scheduled for brain surgery next Tuesday. Please pray for a successful surgery with no complications, freedom from pain and anxiety, and healing of an enlarged ventricle.
* Question from Pat relayed by Mrs. Ploucha: Why didn't you mention Confession as part of our Easter Duty in your recent article in the Station of the Cross's monthly newsletter?
** [[Precepts|Precepts of the Church]] .
* Sunday is May 13, the 95th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima.  There are three days left to do a "triduum" (three-day prayer) in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.
* Carlos from Buffalo: It seems to me that becoming pope or bishops comes from a history of "placing on hands" in a lineage from Jesus to St. Peter and on. With the anti-popes and relocations of the papacy was this lineage of "power" broken?
* Pastor Jim from Elmira: According to Catholic theology, when Jesus died, his human body was in the tomb and his human soul went to heaven. What about the Divine Jesus during this time?
:::* [[Descent into hell]]
:::* [[How to think about Trinity and Incarnation]]
* Scott from Rochester, New York:  Scott is blind and would like to know what the priest is doing during benediction when he rings the bells, as he cannot see what is going on.He has a prayer request for blessing for his eyes and that his job goes well.
* Anonymous: Prayer request for health,job, and special intentions.
* Candido from Delaware: Can you please give a little insight about lighting candles during private prayer at home?
* Ray from Central Valley, California: Wants to speak with Father on issue of gay marriage in North carolina and Civil Rights.
* Glen from Amherst, New York: Enjoying the show today. Wants to discuss Georgetown University inviting Catherine Cebillius (sp?) to speak.
* Carlos: Please pray for Theresa who had surgery today. Thank you.
* Anonymous from Buffalo, New York: She realizes there may not be sufficient time to discuss this but wants to know what prayers are directed to St.Jude Thaddeus (as in what causes) and could we give some information abt. him.


== May 1 ==
== Treasury of Unanswered Questions ==
* Feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
__TOC__
* Happy Easter!
* From Bill: Could you please remember in your prayer intentions my Uncle Gene who died last week? I actually found him outside his house.  He was almost 80.  (His 80th birthday is May 9, 2012.)  He was diabetic and in declining health.  Apparently he had his SUV towed to the dealer who gave him a ride back to his house, but unfortunately his house keys were on the same ring as the car keys that went back to the dealership.  His cell phone was also apparently in the vehicle.  He was never married and lived alone and lived in the country.  I think the car went to the dealer on Tuesday, and I found him on Friday.
* [[Prayers to St. Joseph]].
* Last Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday and [http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/pope-prays-for-vocations-on-world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations/#ixzz1tXff7hUY World Day of Prayer for Vocations.] "The Pope commended all those discerning ... a vocation to the Virgin Mary, calling her “mother of every vocation in the Church.”
* Thomas: Please pray for me to St. Joseph to find a job. I just lost my job of 9 months.
* Ann from Buffalo: Prayer request: for her friend, Mary Ann - she has heart problems and has now developed a severe infection in her lungs.
* Eloise from Rochester: Please pray for Sr. MARY LYNCH SSJ who was admitted to Strong Hospital in Rochester.
* Erica from Amherst, New York: "Hey we should pray for our little Sr. Stinky, it's her feast day and I didn't even think about it earlier when she was here." ==> Please pray for Sr. Miriam Joseph on her feast day.
* Barbara from Kenmore: Prayer requests: Thanksgiving - for 30th wedding anniversary; friend who needs a job; friend who needs healing...both named Mary
* Anonymous is asking for prayers for his daughter. She's struggling with diabetes, a mental condition, blood clots in the lungs, and another private situation. Please pray.
* Erica from the outer darkness: Father, I'm interested in the May crowning and Sister was talking earlier today about a May Altar. I never grew up with these traditions, but as I mentioned, I've always been interested to know more about them. Could you explain some ways in which we could honor our Blessed Mother in a special way this month?
::: The month of May is traditionally dedicated to Mary in many cultures. May is considered the season of the beginning of new life. Already in Greek culture, May was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of fecundity. In Roman culture, May was dedicated to Flora, the goddess of bloom, of blossoms. The Romans celebrated ludi florales (literally: floral games) at the end of April, asking the intercession of Flora for all that blooms. This is also related to the medieval practice of expelling winter. May 1 was considered the beginning of growth.
* Brian from Niagara Fall: Please pray for his fiancee's mom who has been very ill and is close to death and for his fiancee who is traveling now that she makes it in time to see her before she dies.
* Ann from Rochester: She has a comment about May devotions that she found in her Bible.
* Bryan from Buffalo: Can you please pray for my sister who is having financial difficulties. She has a struggling business and can use our prayers.
* James from Kenmore: how do the saints hear our prayers?
* Anonymous from Rochester: Please pray for her depression and that God guides her through her stress and emotional issues.
* Kim from Niagara Falls, NY: When John the Baptist was in prison, he sent some disciples to Jesus to ask if there was someone to follow Jesus, if there was someone to come after Jesus.  Why did John the Baptist ask Jesus these questions?
:: [http://usccb.org/bible/matthew/11:1 Matthew 11:2-6] and [http://usccb.org/bible/luke/7:16 Luke 7:18-23.]
::: ''"Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?"''
::: ''And he said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."''
* Fr. Confer: I heard you talking on CAC about a Holy Thursday Holy Hour and it reminded me of St. Gemma Galgani’s devotion to making [http://www.stgemmagalgani.com/2009/01/holy-hour-practised-by-st-gemma-galgani.html a Holy Hour every Thursday night in remembrance of our Lord’s sufferings on Holy Thursday.]
* Debbie from Amherst: Were women ordained as deaconesses in the New Testament?  Did women ever take over priestly duties in Christian communities because the men were martyred?


== April 27 ==
=== May the priest skip the "Deliver us from evil" prayer? ===
* Happy Easter!
* Boston, Mass. At mass at our church, after the Our Father, the priest goes directly to "For the kingdom, the power, etc" and omits the prayer in between that says, "Deliver us, Lord, from every evil.."  This seems to be an important and beautiful part of the prayer. Is it allowed to be omitted?
* Anonymous from Canandaigua: Please pray for her family member that they have not heard from in about 4 months. They don't know where he is or what has happened to him. May God return him to his family safe and sound.  Also for necessary financial resources they need.
=== Destroying unused genetic material from IVF procedures? ===
* Jesuit feast in honor of St. Peter Canisius (Roman calendar: Dec 21).
* George. Bellingham, Mass. I was reading the catechism re: life issues. Regarding In Vitro Fertilization, if the sperm and egg are not viable, is it as morally unacceptable to destroy them as it would be if the sperm and egg are viable?
* Long prayer: [[Sequence for Pentecost]].
=== What is Jesus doing now? ===
* Testimony line: 1-877-888-6279, then press 4.
* Joe. Buffalo. What is Jesus doing in heaven now?
* Jason from Pittsburgh:
=== Are we not required to love our parents? ===
:: 1.  Why is the Anglican Ordinariate under the Latin Church, instead of having its own hierarchy?
:; Homework from last Friday
:: 2.  Why does the Society of Jesus celebrate the Feast of St. Peter Canisius on April 27 (today), instead of December 21, as it is on the General Roman Calendar?
:* Rebecca from St. Petersburg asked about Dennis Prager's view that children only need to honor their parents, not love them.
* Diane from Amherst: Please pray for Audrey.  She has stage four lung cancer.
::: Prager: "The bible understands that there will always be people who, for whatever reason, do not love a parent.  Therefore, it does not demand what may be psychologically or emotionally impossible, but it does demand that we honor our parents."
* Chris from Grand Island, New York: Please pray for my job search.
::: Jesus: "What is impossible for you is possible for God.  Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you. Forgive seventy times seventy times!"
* Pauline: please pray for peace and justice in my country
::: Yes, the parent-child relationsip is unique.
* Fred from Chicago,Illinois: iCatholic Radio,iPod. Has prayer request re:difficulty sleeping.
::: Yes, the family is the basic unit of society.
* Polly from Tonawanda, NY: Wants to discuss Planned Parenthoods' program for young boys and what we can do about it.
::: Yes, honor of parental is the glue that holds the family and therefore society together.
* Dennis from Buffalo: I know before Paul converted, he really opposed the new Chirstian church. My question is did Saul ever confront Jesus before his death? I know Jesus spent alot of his time at the temple. I don't recall ever hearing that Saul came across Jesus. Or was the first time he met Jesus was when he was knocked off his horse?
::: Yes, it is wrong for parents to seek to be "loved" as if they were the buddies of their babies.  Parents must assert authority and children must yield to their parents' authority. When push comes to shove, it is right for parents to say, "Because I say so."  This is often God's answer to our "why" questions, too. There are some things we cannot see for ourselves until we have grown more.  Until that time, "because I say so" is the best answer.
* Violet, from her IPad: I am a Southern Baptist at the beginning of my journey to Conversion. My question is that each Sunday I see the Penitential Act (form A and B) on the pamphlet in my pew, but I have not heard it being said in the regular Sunday Mass. When is this suppose to be said? I am learning and RCIA has not started yet, so at times I am behind the prayers and responses. Just trying to keep up.
=== Who is the greatest person "born of woman"? ===
* Stephanie. Two things: please pray for my friend Pat who has pancreatic cancer, and a question.. How close are the society of st. piux 10 members and the church to reconciliation??
* Shawn from Facebook: Jesus says in Matthew 11 that John the Baptist was the greatest person ever born of a woman. I thought CHRIST himself or Mary would be the greatest?
* Bob  from Boston, New York: Wants to discuss with Father  origin of different terms from Bible like  Bishop,Diocese,Presbyter,etc.
=== How do I regularlize my marriage? ===
* Marilyn from e-mail: See [http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/buffalo/article805318.ece "Catholic Health tapped for program."] "What is your opinion? Is this a slippery slope toward rationing based on cost control?"
* Anonymous from e-mail: I have been married for 15 years to my current husband and would like to have the marriage recognized by the Church so that I can receive the sacraments.  I was first married in the Catholic Church. I was divorced from that man, and he has since died.  I married another man in a civil service, then divorced him. I married my third and current husband in a civil service. He has been married in civil services and has been divorced twice. He is not Catholic and is not baptized.  He has a hard time understanding why he has to participate in my annulment process.  How should I explain it to him?


:: In an accountable care organization, doctors and hospitals take on joint responsibility for the health of their patients and receive financial incentives to save money and meet quality targets by avoiding unnecessary tests and procedures, tracking patients as they navigate through the network, and doing a better job of providing preventive care.  
=== Did Jesus want us to mutilate our bodies? ===
* Anonymous from Facebook: Anonymous from Facebook: Christ tells us not to lust after someone, because it is adultery. He also commands us to pluck out our eye and cut off our hands if they cause us to sin. Why is it that I never hear Catholic or Protestants discuss this passage?


:: Catholic Health officials touted their selection, saying the program is a natural extension of the hospital system’s progress in integrating care across its many sites.
=== How to be chaste in marital relations? ===
* Anonymous from Facebook:  In what way is it appropriate to desire union with my spouse?
:: [http://smile.amazon.com/Holy-Sex-Toe-Curling-Mind-Blowing-Infallible/dp/0824524713/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415994991&sr=8-1&keywords=Gregory+Popcak%2C+%27%27A+Catholic+Guide+to+Infallible+Loving. Gregory Popcak, ''A Catholic Guide to Infallible Loving.'']
:: [[Chastity in Marriage]].


:: “Regardless of what the Supreme Court does, and I hope it rules in favor of health reform, health care is moving away from fee-for-service care. We have to look at patients’ whole health status and not provide services episodically,” said Joseph McDonald, president and chief executive officer.
=== Bl. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago ===
* Gina Marie M. from Facebook: Could you do a program on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Manuel_Rodr%C3%ADguez_Santiago Blessed Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago?] He cures cancer.
:::  — [http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20010429_rodriguez-santiago_en.html Vatican News Service biography of Blessed Carlos Manuel.]
::: —  "Vivimos para esa noche" — "We live for that night" == the night of the Easter Vigil, in which we recall Jesus passing from death to life on Easter Sunday.
:::  —  "Charlie’s Beatification Process was indeed a swift one! Initiated in 1992, the positio on heroic virtues, lead to his status as Venerable as of July 7, 1997. The miracle for his beatification (cure of non-Hodgkins malignant lymphoma back in 1981) was approved on December 20,1999 by HH John Paul II. Thus, a record-making eight-year span, a first for lay actors!"


:: Catholic Health anticipates the program will begin June 1 and eventually care for about 25,000 patients.
=== Straight from Earth to Heaven? ===


:: The patients may not notice a big difference, except their physicians will use a team-based approach, including dietitians, nutritionists, pharmacists and office-based nurses, said Dr. Michael Edbauer, chief medical officer of the physicians’ network.  
* Shawn from Facebook: In the second letter to the Corinthians, it says: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor 5:8).  Does that mean that there is no [[purgatory]]?  Do we just die and go straight to Heaven?
::: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" [http://usccb.org/bible/2cor/5:10 (2 Cor 5:10).]


:: For instance, last summer, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the results of a demonstration project that started in 2005 to test ways to reward physicians who provided care of higher quality at lower cost to Medicare patients. The 10 large medical groups in the Physician Group Practice demonstration project improved their performance on quality measures after five years, but the cost savings were modest.
=== Can the Church change the canon? ===


:: “If the Supreme Court rules against the health reform law, then what?” McDonald asked. “We still need to do this. It’s consistent with our values.”
* John from Facebook: Since it was the Catholic Church that decided the canon of the Bible, could the Catholic Church ever change the contents of the Bible by adding or removing books in the future?
::: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antilegomena Antilegomena:] These antilegomena or "disputed writings" were widely read in the Early Church and included the Epistle of James, the Epistle of Jude, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, the Apocalypse of John, the Gospel of the Hebrews, the Apocalypse of Peter (unique in being the only book never accepted as canonical which was commentated upon by a Church Father), the Acts of Paul, the Shepherd of Hermas, the Epistle of Barnabas and the Didache.


== April 20 ==
=== How to start spiritual direction? ===
* Happy Easter!
* Anonymous. Massachusetts. I have felt for a long time that I need some type of spiritual direction and grounding. However, I'm not sure how to seek it out.  Can you suggest a simple way to get started beyond my parish priest? Does it depend on how spiritually "developed" one is? Thank you.  
* Long prayer: [[Sequence for Pentecost]].
* Testimony line: 1-877-888-6279, then press 4.
* A listener heard a program we had about Russia being consecrated and they objected. I know there is debate and confusion on this, so thought it’d be good to talk about it. The links for resources are below.
::* [http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/Fatima1984.htm EWTN Expert Answers.]
::* [http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/FatimaConsecration.htm EWTN Fatima Consecration.]
* Matthew from Facebook: I just discovered a 1987 book by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachi_Martin Malachi Martin] called [http://www.amazon.com/The-Jesuits-Society-Betrayal-Catholic/dp/0671545051#reader_0671545051 ''The Jesuits: The Society of Jesus and the Betrayal of the Roman Catholic Church.''] The book, which chronicles how Liberation Theology/Marxism so pervasively infected the Society of Jesus, was both eye-opening and extremely disheartening. I know that the Jesuits are not the only religious order that embraced such theological garbage, but I know that the Jesuits were often at the vanguard among orders. Because this book was written 25 years ago, do you know if the Jesuits have made any progress in returning to some semblance of what they used to be (orthodox and obedient to the Holy Father)?
::: "Still, it was Paul VI who, very late in the day of his papacy, realized that the original dual purpose of the Societyof Jesus had been changed. Under his pontificate, an extensive critical dossier about the Society was compiled. It is enough for the moment to say of that dossier that its contents were damning. It was a portrait, in effect, of a Jesuit Order that, like a weathervane atop a roof,had been turned by a different wind. For Jesuits, the papacy no longer held primacy of position. The corporate aim of the Society was now to place itself and the Church at the disposal of a radical and purely sociopolitical change in the world, without reference to--indeed, in defiance of--papal strategy, policies, and aims."
* John C. from Cheektowaga: Thomas de Wesselow, author of [http://www.amazon.com/The-Sign-Shroud-Secret-Resurrection/dp/0525953655 ''The Sign,''] an art historian, has a new book about the [[Shroud of Turin]] and makes great arguments for its authenticity.  He was on Charlie Rose the other day and sounds very interesting, but there is some controversy.  Do you think this is a book worth reading?
* James: I have questions about the Scapular.  Do I just pick one and start wearing it?  Are there rules for wearing it? Wikipedia says that there are lots of different scapulars. How do I pick one?  Am I limited to pre-existing ones, or is there a way to make a new type of scapular?
* Brian from Facebook, Buffalo: 1.) In today's Gospel, Jn 6: 1-15, Jesus multiplied barley loaves. What is the reasoning for us as Catholics to use hosts that are wheat? Why not barley, corn or rice? Does it tie into what is / was used at Passover? 2.) During our Easter Vigil our parish had a young woman baptized. To honor her we presented her with a candle and a white stole. I was confronted this past week that presenting her with a white stole could be offensive to some because the stole should be reserved for clergy only during Liturgies. This caught me off guard. Is a white stole appropriate or should something else be considered?
* Guy: Requesting prayers for a friend who is going through a rough time.
* Jason: From L.A. Calif.Happy Easter Father and Gina,
:: With the current news in the Church, as you have known, during this week, the Holy See has issued the findings on the LCWR and ordered renewals of the LCWR under the Archbishop Sartain and the potential reunion of the SSPX with the Church. I have sensed the work of the Holy Spirit work manifiested here. I am interested to know what your thoughts on the LCWR, SSPX and the future of our Holy Mother Church. I am very excited and thankful for God's work through the Holy See and I can't wait to see the fruits of the Holy Spirit work.
:: Thank you Father for your thoughts and God bless. Have a great weekend Father and Gina.
* Emilio from Simi Valley, California, listening on Android Device: Has ques. re: sign of the cross he is Religious Instruction teacher.  Why do some people kiss their thumb after making the sign of the Cross?
* Ed from Lyndonville, New York: Wants to speak with Fr. re: Fatima just discussed.  Thinks the consecration has still not been made.


== 13 April ==
=== Our Lady of the Americas? ===
* Long prayer: [[Sequence for Pentecost]].
* Bob. Boston, NY. Could you tell me the story of the appearances of "Our Lady of the Americas" that occured around 1956?
* ''Erica's birthday.''
::: [[Marian_Theology#Apparitions_that_have_not_been_approved Apparitions that have not been approved.]]
* Charles B. from Facebook: "Please pray for my sister Claudia; she has to have her gall bladder removed on the 19th."
* Mike from Australia via Facebook: Keep me in your prayers, please. I've injured my back at work. Thank you."
* John C. from Cheektowaga: In today's gospel St. John tells us that the ‘net’ had caught [[Miraculous Catch of Fish|153 large fish.]]  He made a point of exactly 153 (not 152 or 154, and not a generalized amount of about 150).  Is there something significant about this number, or, was it just so amazing that the apostles counted it out to the nth? I would appreciate any further comment. 
* Michael: Fr. Moleski, Can you explain the Church's teaching on temporal punishment for me? I read the following in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, but it would be helpful for me if you could unpack it:
:: 1473 The forgiveness of sin and restoration of communion with God entail the remission of the eternal punishment of sin, but temporal punishment of sin remains. While patiently bearing sufferings and trials of all kinds and, when the day comes, serenely facing death, the Christian must strive to accept this temporal punishment of sin as a grace. He should strive by works of mercy and charity, as well as by prayer and the various practices of penance, to put off completely the "old man" and to put on the "new man.">>
* Bob from Boston, NY: Wants to comment on the meaning of 153.
* Joe from Chili: Son is dating a russian orthodox. Has questions like, can she recieve communion?
* Anonymous: What percentage of folks do you think will make it to heaven (including purgatory)?
* Christie from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England: I went to Mass with my cousin on Saturday. She thought it was absolute nonsense and my heart ached because I take Mass so seriously. She said religion does not matter if you live your life right and are a good person. She drew an example from that Mass when I asked a lady if there were any hymn books on her side. The lady in a nasty way replied "no! You have to go to the back of the church!” My cousin saw this and thought the lady was an absolute hypocrite and this strengthens her will not to attend Mass. What can I say to her and to all others who don't believe in religion but claim to love Christ?
* Lorraine: I am 44 w/ 2 young children, I just found out I have to have a mastectomy. Please pray for my children, John and Teagan.
* Jim Havens . Here’s an interesting interpretation…
::; St. Augustine:
::: “The number which signifies the law is ten, from the ten Commandments. But when to the law is joined grace, to the letter spirit, the number seven is brought in, that being the number which represents the Holy Spirit, to Whom sanctification properly belongs. For sanctification was first heard of in the law, with respect to the seventh day; and Isaiah praises the Holy Spirit for His sevenfold work and office. The seven of the Spirit added to the ten of the law make seventeen, and the numbers from one up to seventeen when added together, make a hundred and fifty-three.”
::: I added them up and he is right!
* Ray from Buffalo . Hi Father and Gina: What’s up with the naked guy that randomly shows up as the guards are coming to take Jesus away at Gestheme?
* Jason from Pittsburgh: Prayer request for travellers.
* Joyce from Buffalo: Her daughter asked her to pray for a friend who has stage 4 lymphona.
* Scott from Rochester:  
:: 1.) At the end of Mass we pray to St. Michael.  Is that appropriate? 
:: 2.) With me being blind, the bells during consecration are helpful.  Is it proper for them to, or not to ring the bells?


== 11 April ==
=== Good book for 4-year old who loves to pray? ===
* [[Come, Holy Spirit]].
* Jessica. Can anyone recommend a kid friendly book, or guide to teaching young kids about Jesus' death and resurrection? My son who is 4 loves going to Adoration and going though the Stations of the Cross.
* Chris from Houston asked on Tuesday, "Why are ''Communicantes'' prayers for special feast days and solemnities removed from Eucharistic Prayer I in the revised edition of the Roman Missal?"
::: ''I've checked the ''Roman Missal.''  All of the special Communicantes prayers are still in it.  It may be that they are not printed in parish missalettes, but they are definitely in the official text of the Eucharistic Prayer.''
* 6 days left to Divine Mercy Sunday. [http://www.thedivinemercy.org/celebrate/greatgrace/faq.php "Frequently Asked Questions about Divine Mercy Sunday."]
* Anonymous, not on the line: "I am upset that my parish plans to host [http://www.bradbrownmagic.com/ Brad Brown's magic show, 'Presenting the Gospel Through Magic.'] It will be held in the church itself.  I think the magician will use the altar in the magic show. Is it acceptable to have events like this in the Church? What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about [[magic]]? Does the Church have any teaching on incorporating magic into evangelization?"
* Stephanie from Facebook: "Easter blessings to you! could I ask for prayers for my neighbor who has pancreatic cancer? thank you. His name is Pat B. God bless you."
* Chris. Grand Island, New York. Please pray for my dad who has a great deal of pain in his foot and the doctors can't seem to figure out why. Every test they do reveals good health, but the pain persists. Thank you.
* Dennis. Buffalo. I love Good Friday services, and my Protestant friend  took in the service as well. He really had a lot of questions about how and why we venerate the cross. He said it was like we are worshiping the cross. The way I explained it was that we aren't worshiping the cross. We kiss the cross as a sign of our appreciation that Jesus died to take away our sins. I don't know if that was the correct answer. Can you please tell me if there's a better way to explain this to him.?
* Erica, from the outer darkness, writes: Father, I've got a frustration. It is my understanding that there is no a way in which an authentically Catholic person could support the HHS mandate. Regardless of a person's "feelings" or what some "Catholics" might think is or is not the "truth" this mandate is in opposition to our Catholic faith. I wholeheartedly believe that I am not in error to think this way. What's the verdict? Am I right, or am I right?
* Brian writes:
Hello Father and God Bless,
Are we able to speak to people in Purgatory as we are able to speak with Saints?  I know that the Catechism says that love transcends all time and since people in Purgatory will eventually be Saints can our love transcend time so we may speak with them?
Thanks,
Brian
P.S.  I love the show!!!
* Marlene, Colville, NY (met Fr. at the women's conference) - prayer request - husband hired lawyer to separate from her (she doesn't have one - lawyer) - was served divorce papers - she doesn't want this. Prayers for healing & reconciliation - they have 6 children/grandchildren.
* Phyllis (80 yrs. old), Rochester: How do you reconcile with a son (who is a grandfather) who hasn't spoken to you in about 4 years because he and his siblings had an argument?
* Did you tell Father that you pray to the souls in Purgatory to wake you up?
* Erica: yes, Nick and I do on occasion. Actually, Nick's grandpa Nicholas used to pray every night and ask the Holy Souls to wake him up. He never used an alarm clock.


== 9 April ==
=== Love gives us free will ===
* Easter Monday with Jim Havens.  First day of the [[Octave of Easter]].  We are also on the fourth day of the Novena of Divine Mercy.
* David, Buffalo, NY. I wanted to add a comment about the conversation about free will that it is because we are beings that have the ability to love and also that God's love for us gives is free will.
* The Pope spoke on Holy Thursday about the the coming Year of Faith:
::* "The Year of Faith, commemorating the opening of the Second Vatican Council fifty years ago, should provide us with an occasion to proclaim the message of faith with '''new enthusiasm and new joy.'''
::* We find it of course first and foremost in '''sacred Scripture''', which we can never read and ponder enough.
::* Yet at the same time we all experience the need for help in accurately expounding it in the present day, if it is truly to touch our hearts. This help we find first of all in the words of the teaching Church: the '''texts of the Second Vatican Council''' and the '''''Catechism of the Catholic Church''''' are essential tools which serve as an authentic guide to what the Church believes on the basis of God’s word.
::* And of course this also includes the whole wealth of documents given to us by Pope John Paul II, still far from being fully explored" [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2012/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20120405_messa-crismale_en.html (homily for the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday.)]
* [[Vatican_II#Modified_version_of_John_XXIII.27s_prayer|Prayer for a New Pentecost]]
* Elizabeth from Ontario: Prayers for her children and for healing of an old injury to her ankle.
* Debbie from Lockport. Could you explain in the New Testament, John 20:17.
* Jason from Facebook: Please pray for a difficult situation with which I am struggling. Thanks and God bless!
* Lynn from Flordia: why do we kiss the Cross?
* Anonymous:  Prayers for health, to find a job and special intentions.
* John from Rochester.  Would like to offer some suggestions re:  evangelization.
::* [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_letters/documents/hf_jp-ii_apl_20010106_novo-millennio-ineunte_en.html "''Novo Millennio Ineunte:'' At the beginning of the new millenium."]
::* [http://www.renewalministries.net/?module=Store&class=Search&categoryID=0&authorID=4&themeID=0&search= ''John Paul II and the New Evangelization,''] edited by Ralph Martin and Peter Williamson.
::* [http://www.dynamiccatholic.com/ ''Rediscover Catholicism''] by Matthew Kelley.
::* [http://sites.google.com/a/paulist.org/desiano/ Fr. Frank de Siano, CSP (Paulist).]
::* [http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/cdclub Lighthouse CDs.]  Sign up for them through [http://thestationofthecross.com The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio.]
::* [http://www.giftfoundation.org/products_planning.cfm $1 CD: "Planning Your Family God's Way--What Every Christian Needs to Know."]
* Mark from Tallahassee, Florida, listening on a droid:  Prayers for a friend's daughter's husband, who has had 3 strokes, his name is Mark also.
* ANONYMOUS:  Prayers for safe return of a family member that they don't know where they are, haven't heard from them in a long time.  For their safe return to home area.  Also for another family member that God will change their minds about a divorce;  And also for herself, for needed financial resources to help them out and unite the family.
* Giselle from Ontario. Would you discuss the Shroud of Turin--is it authentic?


== April 3 ==
=== Defending the faith in an irreligious world ===
* Saturday is the second month of [[Mother Olga's Novena of First Saturdays]] of fasting and prayer for the nation.
* Shawn from Facebook:  "In a pre-scientific understanding of the world, people naturally believed things happened because of the action of God, Angels, Demons, and the like; but now we can explain everything through the laws of science. We can see throughout history that religion, morals, and culture have evolved. How can we defend the faith in a world that seems to have no need of religion?"
* Margaret from Hamburg asked on Friday, "What are the [[Holy Thursday|regulations about Eucharistic Adoration on Holy Thursday?]]"  Fr. Confer supplied several helpful answers in e-mail after Friday's show.
* Jen. Snyder, New York. Do you know how I can access the prayers or prayer booklet that people use in the Holy Thursday pilgrimage?
::* Chris from Grand Island, New York: [http://www.archdioceseofanchorage.org/HolyThursday.htm Anchorage pamphlet for Holy Thursday prayers.]
* Audrey from Indiana from I Catholic Radio: Has question re Obligations for Easter Mass attendance.
* Chris. Houston.
::* 1.) Why are Communicants prayers for special feast days and solemnities removed from Eucharistic Prayer I in the revised edition of the Roman Missal?
::* 2.) I know someone who was recently confirmed "conditionally" by a Pius X Society bishop but was already confirmed as a teenager by their Diocesan bishop. Would they have the sacrament of Confirmation twice?
* Mary from e-mail: If a lay person wanted to buy a chalice as a gift for a priest to potentially be used for the celebration of the Mass, are there requirements for where to buy it or anything other than that a 'precious material' be used?  I'm hoping to buy a chalice as a gift, if possible, but want to make sure I know what the requirements are for it be licitly used within the Mass.    Thank you very much!
* Anonymous from Canada: His Priest changed his washing of the feet of men, to everyone washing each others' feet. When questioned why, the priest said, "I made it up". Is this proper? He doesn't want to go back to this Priest.
* Alison from Facebook: Please pray for the repose of the soul of my friend Rose Marie who passed away on March 31 of cancer. Rose Marie was a long time volunteer at our local crisis pregnancy center where I worked with her and got to know her gentle and loving spirit. She was also active in many other ministries of our parish, including the St Vincent de Paul Society. Thank you and blessings to you and your listeners.
* Bob from Boston, NY: Do you know the graces promised for saying the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the dying?
* Brian. Please pray for all priests in the U.S. to preach against the HHS Mandate. Thank you!
* Theresa on an iPad: I am recovering from a severe infection in my left hip. I have had four surgeries in six months. This is the time I have found your station. Please keep me in your prayers.
* Delores from North Boston, NY : She has a Good Friday story.
* Anonymous . Prayers for health, finding a job and special intentions, please. Did not want to give location, either.
* Kelly. Is it appropriate for a priest to have the parishioners wash each others hands? I heard the part about the feet and assume this would be the same.  I know of a church where this has become their new tradition.


== 30 March ==
=== May a couple marry who cannot consummate the vows? ===
* Sunday is [[Sundays_of_Lent#Passion_Sunday|Palm Sunday.]]
* Ann, Massachusetts. I heard on the radio that a Catholic woman and man should not get married if they cannot consummate their vows because of a medical condition. I cannot believe this could be right.
* Dennis Z. from Facebook: "You have spoken from time to time about the Catholic Church and the Eastern Churches. What do we have in common? Wha separates us?"
::: [http://www.ewtn.com/library/Doctrine/IMPOSTER.HTM EWTN library.]
:::* [[Eastern rites]] of the Catholic Church.
::::: impotence is indeed an impediment to marriage
:::* [[Eastern Orthodox|Varieties of Orthodox Christianity.]]
* Carlos from Facebook: For your show today I was wondering if you can explain the differences between early manuscripts and later ones. I noticed that sometimes certain passages will be included in the scriptures, but some will only be in the footnotes. What languages are the early ones as well as the latter ones?
* Bryan: Are there any special requirements for Holy Week? For example, are any of the days Holy Days of Obligation, fasting, etc.
* Jason from Pittsburgh. Father, FYI, Patriarch Bartholomew is in Constantinople. By canon law, the head of the Church of Constantinople must be a resident of the city. He is being pressured to leave, as are all Christians in Constantinople by anti-Christians in the area. They want all Christians to leave so that no one can become his succesor.
* Ellen from Buffalo wants to speak with father about the Maronites.
* Leo from Rochester: Question about absolution and the priest acting in persona of Christ.
* Bob in Cheektowaga today, but from Mass: Has question about Books of Bible. Why some are omitted from other Bibles?
* Margaret from Hamburg: Questions about 24 hr. Eucharistic Adoration during Triduum--what are the regulations?
* Barbara from Kenmore: Wants to comment about current conversation about Eucharistic Adoration as she does Eucharistic Adoration.
* Sue Ellen: I just want to echo the last caller from Christ the King. I have an Adoration hour from 3-4 a.m. on Friday mornings and our Chapel at St. Gregory the Great is closed from the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper through Monday morning. They also site a Canonical regulation about this, though I believe Adoration is licit once the Easter Vigil is over.
* Delores from North Boston, NY: says she spoke with Fr. Marty last Fri. about  a presentation at a library in Hamburg,Ny says women there saying they were priests.


== 23 March ==
=== Slavery approved in the Bible? ===
* I thought Sunday was [[Sundays_of_Lent#Fourth_Sunday_.28Laetare.29:_The_Man_Born_Blind_.28A.29|Laetare Sunday]]--one of my all-time favorite Sundays of the year!  Instead, I was off by a week.  I'll have to wait until Advent to wear pink vestments again.  :o(
* Karen S. from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, via Facebook: What do you think of the "trumpet sounds" that people have been hearing around the world in recent months?  We here in North Borneo heard it, too.  I know there is something in the book of Revelation about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_trumpets angels blowing trumpets] at the end of the world. ''Note: Strange booming noises have been [http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-03-22/wisconsin-mystery-booms-seismologists/53699024/1 heard in Wisconsin] recently.  Moodus, Connecticut, has a [http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Earthquake-rattles-Conn-town-as-legendary-1289741.php long history of earthquake-related noises.]''
:: If we are ready to die and face Judgment Day, then we are as ready as we can be to endure the end of the world, if it comes in our lifetime.  The scriptures that mention trumpets do not tell us what they will sound like.  The recordings on the internet do not sound like "trumpets" to me (I used to play trumpet when I was a boy).  In the scriptures, when the angels blow their trumpets, things happen immediately afterward; in these accounts of noises from the sky, nothing happens afterwards that we can point to as caused by the sound of the "trumpets."
:: We don't need strange sounds from the sky to tell us that we should repent of our sins and pray that our brothers and sisters will repent and believe the Good News.  The Church has been preaching that message for 2000 years.  Every time we go to Mass, we confess our sins and ask for God's mercy.  Every time we say the Our Father, we pray, "Deliver us from evil."  Every time we say the creed at Mass, we say, "He will come in glory to judge the living and the dead."  What more can we do to be ready for life or death?
* I've had some new insights into the "[[One Mediator]]" question often asked on this show and others.
* Max: I went to Mass at Noon.  To observe the One Hour Eucharistic Fast, I made sure not to take anything by mouth after 11:15 a.m, except for plain water.  I did not have any medicine that I needed to take during this hour.  However, around 11:35, I noticed that there was some leftover food particles in my teeth, which I then removed.  I don't remember what I did next, but I may have ingested it.  If I was not sure whether I did or not, was it okay to receive Communion?  Would it have been okay to receive Communion if I knew for a fact that I had indeed ingested the particle of food at 11:35?  Thank you.
* Brian from Buffalo: Greetings Fr. Marty and Gina this show is about Faith and Reason right? Any insights of how to engage someone who does not believe in Objective Truth but rather Moral Relativism. I had a frustrating conversation that just went in circles because there was no common ground of Objective Truth.
* Barbara from Kenmore:  Thoughts on Cardinal George's HHS Mandate comment about the Catholic Hospitals will close?
* Anonymous: What is the best way to prepare for the confession for Divine Mercy.
* Anonymous: This coming Tuesday there will be a meeting and video attacking Priesthood and celibacy my local meeting hall.  What information do you feel is the best way to defend the idea behind the celibacy of priests?
* Karen from Lancaster: A member of her prayer group is attending a Catholic Mass. Also, that same person believes the Rapture is coming.


== March 16 ==
* Anonymous. According to scriptures, slavery is not considered immoral, however there are specific instructions on how to beat slaves correctly. Why did neither God or Jesus teach that owning another human being is immoral? Nowhere is this stated in the bible!  Mark Twain wrote: "In all the ages the Roman Church has owned slaves, bought and sold slaves, authorized and encouraged her children to trade in them. Long after some Christian peoples had freed their slaves the Church still held on to hers. If any could know, to absolute certainty, that all this was right, and according to God’s will and desire, surely it was she, since she was God’s specially appointed representative in the earth and sole authorized and infallible expounder of his Bible. There were the texts; there was no mistaking their meaning; she was right, she was doing in this thing what the bible had mapped out for her to do. So unassailable was her position that in all the centuries she had no word to say against human slavery."
* [[Prayer for Generosity]].
* [[Mother Olga Yaqob]].
* Dennis from Buffalo: Can you please pray for me as well as all people whose jobs are hanging by a thread, the layoffs began today. Thank you.
* Alex from Miami:
** Dear Mother Olga, I pray for you and your daughters almost everyday, ever since I heard one of your conference talks on this station you brought water to my eyes with some things you said. How can I hear or read more?
** I love Lent as well. Can I ask you to please pray for me the worst of all sinners; a husband and a father, and for all of us who are weak, doubting, unfaithful, lukewarm, confused, lost and proud sheep to have a change of heart even if it means a breaking of heart to give up our heart in a pleasing way to the Lord?
* Billy from Buffalo: Prayer Intention for his teenage daughter
* Mary Sue from Canandaigua: What's Mother's conference on? She would also like to know if Mother has any advice/thoughts for connecting with the Islamic population of the Middle East.
* Brian from Buffalo: Mother, based on your lived experience, what would you consider some of the strengths of this country and some of the struggles we have as a country?
* Jason from Pittsburgh: Two questions for Mother: 1.) Relationship between Eastern and Western Churches & the Orthodox Churches and 2.) How did God call you to start a religious order


== March 12 ==
=== Consecration to Mary? ===
* [[Mondays|"Prayer 'n' Meditation Mondays."]]  God is all-powerful, all-merciful, all-knowing, all-present--truly, an "eternal Father, strong to save" [http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq53-1.htm ("The Navy Hymn.")]  "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His mercy endures forever" (Ps 118:1).
* End of [[Novena of Grace]] in honor of St. Francis Xavier.
* [[Anima Christi]]
* Carlos from Facebook wasn't entirely satisfied with last week's discussion of the purple robe: "Why in the English translation of the Gospel of St. John does it say 'royal purple,' but in the Spanish translation of San Juan it says, 'Capa de color rojo como usan los reyes,' which means 'cape of color red that kings use'? Is that a cultural translation?"
:: The noun, "porphura," means purple fish, purple dye, purple cloth.  One source says that "There were three familiar shades of purple in the ancient world: deep violet, deep scarlet (or crimson), and deep blue (WP, 2, 220)."[http://concordances.org/greek/4209.htm]  The adjective derived from the noun is porphyroús–-a purple (reddish-purple) cloth or dye. "(Jn 19:5) It was customary in ancient times for a king to dress in purple. Hence, giving Jesus a purple cloak, mocked Him as someone merely posing to be a king."[http://concordances.org/greek/4210.htm]
:: It sounds as though you are reading a paraphrase version of the Bible in Spanish, one that explains words as it goes along, rather than a more literal translation.  Here is an [http://interlinearbible.org/john/19.htm interlinear translation of the Greek.]
* Shelly from Facebook: Prayers for her husband who received a pacemaker and is not doing well.
* Kathy from Rochester:  Please pray for her brother and aunt who have cancer, brother who has to have spine surgery; two brothers with mental illness, for herself, healing from anorexia and sexual abuse.
* Marlene from Hamburg:  Prayer for her niece who has uterine disease, her name is Sarah, prays for complete healing.
* Anonymous: Prayers for her  health, to find a job, and special intentions.
* Nancy from Buffalo:  Is it wrong to not fast during lent except on Ash Weds and Good Friday.  Is it a sin?
* John: comment about color controversy ("Male pattern blindness").
* Anonymous: Prayer for the priest in Maryland who denied a woman that was a lesbian Communion, and he was asked to take a leave of absence.


== March 9 ==
* Shawn from Facebook: How can Catholics consecrate themselves to Mary?  She is not God. Isn't it a sin against the First Commandment to vow yourselves to her service?
* [[Sundays of Lent]].
* Carlos from Facebook:
::1.) Why does the wording of the "[[Our Father]]" in Matthew's gospel differ from the way we say the prayer at Mass?  Is there a Catholic version of the Bible in which Matthew's version is identical to the liturgical version?
::2.) In the English translation of the scriptures, the color of the robe placed on Jesus' shoulders after the scourging is purple, but in Spanish it is red.  What color was the robe?


:::; Matthew 27<nowiki>:</nowiki>28
=== Conflicting Scripture Passages ===
:::: And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.


:::; Mark 15<nowiki>:</nowiki>17
* John from Facebook: In a recent Sunday reading from 1 Kings, God said to Solomon, "I give you a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you" [http://www.usccb.org/bible/1kings/3:12 (1 Kings 3:12).] But in Matthew, it says, "There is something greater than Solomon here" [http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/12:42 (Matthew 12:42).] How do you reconcile the two passages?
:::: And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head."
:: Similar kind of conundrum: What did Jesus mean when He said that "Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" [http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11:11 (Mt 11:11)?]  Wasn't Mary greater than John the Baptist through her Immaculate Conception?
:: And, of course, "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God" [http://www.usccb.org/bible/romans/3:23 (Rom 3:23)].  Doesn't that mean that Mary and Jesus were both sinners?
:: "No sign will be given this generation except the sign of Jonah, for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Mt 12:40).


:::; John 19<nowiki>:</nowiki>2
==== Followup question from John ====
:::: And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe.
John from Facebook:  
* From a friend in Amherst: I found this quotation from Padre Pio.  It seems to be saying that we should pay as little attention as possible to temptation and as much attention as possible to the goodness and mercy of God: "Don't try, excessively, to heal your heart, as your efforts would only make it more infirm. Don't make too great an effort to overcome your temptations, as this violence would only make them stronger. Despise them and don't dwell on them too much." St. Padre Pio
* Jason from Pittsburgh PA has two prayer requests.
* Brian from Niagara Falls, NY: Requests prayer for members of his family who are ill-especialy Claire who has a severe viral infection.
* Paul from Amherst, NY: Wants to talk about the play Aristotle Meets Jesus and wants Jim to talk about any upcoming events re: HHS?
* Nancy from Buffalo: Requests prayer for her brother Joe who is having colitis trouble,stomach pain and has lost 70 pounds and is also emotionaly depressed.
* John from Webster, NY: has question re:dying to self and about novenas.


== March 2 ==
* If the church teaches us not to read passages literally, why does it not apply this to the teachings on the supper of The Lord or giving Peter the keys to the kingdom? How does the Church discern what should be taken literally and what isn't? My non Catholic friends say the Church chooses to take literally those passages that support her doctrinal position. '''''After all the churches authority comes from reading the passage on the keys given to Peter literally doesn't it?'''''
* [[Sundays of Lent]].
* Lent is not so much about what we do for God as about what God has done for us.
* Larry from OP called late in the show last week, and asked what the age limits are for fasting. From age 14 on, Catholics in the United States are required to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and on the Fridays during lent. From 18 to 59, Catholics are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, in addition to abstaining from meat.
* John from Webster, New York: Could you speak about today's readings from Ezekiel and Mark's gospel? I found them powerful reminders for us in this age of the "clever" and mean comebacks that is an element of our culture's dialogue with one another.
* Jason from Pittsburgh, Pa: Has a prayer request for his friend's wife who will have a tumor removed from her brain on Monday.
* Larry from Orchard Park: He has an old catechism from the 70's and he would like to know if there have been any updates to it since then.
* Victor from Getzville: Would like to know what Father would done if he were presented with the situation that occurred with the lesbian who was refused Communion by a Priest.
* Phil from Tonawanda: Can Catholics participate in Protestant services?
* Daniel from California: Please pray for me and my family.
* Alex from Miami: Please pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Charity and St. Peregrine for my grandmother's hip surgery and my step mom's surgery coming up.
* Alice from Batavia: Please pray for her daughter, Sonya, who is in the hospital.  Also, she has a question as to the meaning of a particular Bible quote of Jesus.
* Kim from Rochester: She has a question about a quote from Pilate in the Book of John regarding the sign he had placed above Jesus on the Cross.
* Bruno from Rochester: What is the history of fasting?
* Sylvia from San Diego, Ca: What is the best thing for me to do as a godparent? Both my godchildren live in the east coast and I live in the west. They both live w/their father and stepmom and attend a 7th day Adventist school. I just found out last night that my goddaughter was baptized into the 7th day Adventist religion. She is 11 and my godson is 17 and he is also planning on getting baptized too.
:: Their mom is catholic but doesn’t go to church. What should I do? Should I talk w/the kids or should I just stay out of it since they live w/their father in the east coast?
* Reynaldo. I was told that Fish was the Sign of Christ, so by accepting the Fish on Fridays we are showing that we are only allowing Christ into us.
* Bob from Boston: Wants to chime in on the abstaining from meat on Fridays.


== 24 February ==
=== Can Mary bless us? ===
* [[Sundays of Lent]].
* Shawn from Facebook: I heard a priest say the rosary. He said, "May Mary bless you with her holy child." How can Mary bless us with anything? She has no power outside of Christ.
* Amila Muskan from Lahore, Balochistan, Pakistan, via Facebook: "Please pray for me and for my mother--she is very ill."
* Polly from Tonawanda:
::1.) What are father's two favourite study bibles?
::2.) What is the Church's teaching on evolution?
:::* Janene from Rochester: The St. Ignatius study Bible is New Testament only. They are still working on the Old.
* Billy from Buffalo: I'm lucky enough to have a church on my way to work that has an early holy hour. A person who sets up the altar, etc., is a great distraction on and near the alter. It is extremely distracting and very disrespectful to the Lord. It reminds me of the 'Martha Martha' story, I wish they would just sit and listen to the lord, What do I do? I've tried to signal my displeasure, and have mentioned it to the priest, but I am just a visitor there and don't want to step on toes. I love to start my day there, but sometimes it seems like a waste, because I just get annoyed. Do you think this a test for me and my patience?       
* Jason from Pittsburgh: Prayer Request for a friend who is struggling with her Lenten Sacrifice.
* Jason from Los Angeles, CA:
::1.) Did the Blessed Mother Mary know that Jesus was God and the 2nd person of the Holy Trinity right after the Annunciation? If not, when was she imparted of the God's mystery of Incarnation of God the Son?
::2.) Is there any special grace or blessing or indulgence associated with praying the Divine Office? Why is it that the four Gospels are not used for all the readings in the Liturgy of the Hours?
* Barbara from Kenmore:
::1.) How can she find out about the Miracles of Fr. Baker, and
::2.) Has the Church ever talked about the dangers of the Welfare State?
:::* OLV Rectory: (716) 828-9444
::::OLV Basilica & National Shrine
::::767 Ridge Road
::::Lackawanna, N.Y. 14218
* Tony from Buffalo: Wants to ask a relationship question (on and off courship of a woman for four years; should he wait any longer?).
* Rosie from Canada: prayer request for her brother in India (open heart surgery).
* Lizette: My mother has Alzheimers and it is getting worst. She always asks me to go to church but every time she goes after mass she doesn't remember she went to church. I stopped taking her to church. Is this correct to do or should I take her to church even if she doesnt understand anymore?
* Dolores: North Boston. Has advice for Tony.  Pray to Mary and St. Joseph.
* Larry from OP: Wants to know about age limits for fasting (14 on for abstinence, 18 to 59 for fasting).


== February 17 ==
=== Boys will be boys? ===
* A listener called and asked for prayers for her granddaughter, Lisa. She was rushed to the emergency room this morning with a collapsed lung.  Lisa's patron saint could be any of the St. Elizabeths; [[Prayer to St. Elizabeth of Portugal]].
* Anonymous from Facebook: Your 12-year old catches about 10 dragonflies, takes their wings off, and puts them in a cup “because he wants to see them fight.” Is that just boys being boys? Or do you tell him that it’s wrong to hurt animals for fun? He has Reactive Attachment Disorder which causes me additional concern.
* My mother's 86th birthday.
* Bob from Boston NY: Did King David have a Queen?
* Fred from Chicago: Would like father to explain santification VS. justification.
* Brian from Buffalo: I understand the Institution of Marriage is meant to be permanent. However, as we look around today we see even our Catholic Marriages failing. I hear Youth say, "What's the point of getting married if even Catholics don't honor the permanence of it?" What approach would you take in encouraging our Youth to strongly consider Marriage?
* Shelley from Canada: On the topic of divorce: I have a friend who was married for 20 years (both are Catholic). She and her husband divorced, and lived separately, never remarrying for 4 years. They have since gone back together (7 years now) and wonder how do they remarry each other, in the Church? or just in a civil ceremony?
* John from Buffalo: Has question re: first reading today from James 2:14-23.
* Carlos from Buffalo: Why does the Vatican have so many "religious" treasures when seeking Jesus is not an item thing?
* Ray from Central Valley, California: Would like to add comments re: Scripture being Discussed.
** Please pray for my aunt Edith who was hit by a car and is in bad condition.


=== Comments from an unhappy listener ===
=== Tips for Lay Evangelization? ===
; From the "Ask a Priest" page on [http://thestationofthecross.com TheStationOfTheCross.com:]


; St. Francis de Sales, pray for us!
: Michael: The Pope has called lay people to evangelize. I very heatedly expressed my objections to a fictional TV show which portrayed a catholic priest in a very negative way.  A high school senior responded to my criticisms by expressing a desire for God, but he also expressed some reservations about God and showed a real lack of knowledge of the faith.  How about having a show where people call in to discuss their ideas for lay evangelization and talk about their successes or failures in bearing witness to the tremendous hidden treasures of our faith?


:: ''"To be pleased at correction and reproofs shows that one loves the virtues which are contrary to those faults for which he is corrected and reproved. And, therefore, it is a great sign of advancement in perfection."''
=== How many books of the Bible claim to be inspired by God? ===
:* How many books of the Bible claim to be inspired by God?  Maybe two make an explicit claim — Jeremiah and Revelation.


:: Where we are at fault, we need to confess our sins, do penance, and amend our lives.
::: Jeremiah: "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you about Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, until today" (36:2).


:: If we are not at fault, we need to stand our ground and proclaim "the fullness of truth in clarity and charity."
::; [http://www.catholic.com/tracts/proving-inspiration "Proving Inspiration."]


From: J. <br>
::: What about the Bible’s own claim to inspiration? There are not many places where such a claim is made even elliptically, and most books in the Old and New Testaments make no such claim at all. In fact, no New Testament writer explicitly claims that he himself is writing at the direct behest of God, with the exception of John, the author of Revelation.
Sent: Tuesday <br>
Subject: Mandate


I have listened to your radio station.  I was told that:
=== Taped evidence — nursing home ===
: 1. Voting for a candidate who favors abortion is a mortal sin.
* Luisa from "Ask a Priest" ''[today]'': My mother was in the nursing home up until she passed away. We placed a camera in her room because they kept dropping her. Although the policy of the nursing home prohibits recording sound in the patients' bedrooms, by accident, some of our videos recorded the nurses abusing my mother verbally. May I use these recordings in good faith to bring an action against the nursing home?
: 2. Liberalism is evil.
: 3. Our President is attacking the Catholic Church.
: 4. I need to go to confession.
: 5. A person cannot in most cases re-marry unless the other party is dead.
: 6. Gay behavior is a mortal sin.
: 7. We should not judge or cast a rock.
: 8. I should not question the Bishops and must obey their rulings.


I have concluded that the Church:
=== Why can't women preach in Church? ===
: 1. supports vulture capitalism and  
* From a pastor who listens to the show: When you answered Betsy's question on August 4th about how women can preach the gospel even though they are not allowed to read the gospel and preach homilies in the liturgy, you dodged the question of why women and laymen cannot read the gospel and preach homilies in the liturgy.  I may not be the smartest kid on the block, but I can tell when someone is ducking a tough question! :o) ''[Note well: this priest is a very good and orthodox priest, and he is a friend of mine. This is a kind and well-meaning question, not a screed in favor of abandoning the Church's tradition!  I think it is a good question.]''
: 2. uses vilification to attack those who do not share their beliefs.


Given that the Church seems to have no problem administrating the sacraments to obvious sinners, casting a rock, vilifying individuals, and misrepresenting facts, I view its behavior as hypocritical and illicit.
=== NFP for a pre-menopausal couple? ===


Although I love the Church and will support it in a limited way, I have come to believe that past criticisms I have heard about the Church had merit.
* Anonymous from [http://www.thestationofthecross.com/ "Ask a Priest"] on the Station of the Cross website — ''spend a little time explaining how to find and use this page on the website.  My impression is that it is right on the front page, down at the bottom.  That's how I see it, anyway, using a browser; I couldn't find it on the iCatholicRadio app.  "Submit your questions for a priest to answer live on Calling All Catholics, airing weekdays from 5-6 pm ET."''
:: I am concerned whether my husband and I are committing a mortal sin in our intimate relations. Because I am pre-menopausal, the signs of our fertile time are very uncertain, so I can't tell with much confidence when we are in a fertile time in our relationship. We used to use Natural Family Planning, but now we are not completing the marital act in a natural fashion.  My health is poor, and we do not want to become pregnant at this time in our marriage.  Are we committing a sin by not completing the marriage act normally?
:::: '''''BE POSITIVE.'''''  The Church upholds the natural act of love in marriage as the norm for judging what is right and wrong in our relationships.  Whenever a couple chooses the joy of union, their expression of love should be such that they do nothing to make it impossible for them to become pregnant through their union.  This norm rules out barrier methods, the use of artificial hormones that fool the woman's body into thinking that she is already pregnant, and any other actions that would keep the union of the couple from being fruitful.  If you and your husband feel sure that you cannot afford to become pregnant at this time in your life, you must abstain from union for a while until your health improves or you reach the point at which you can have greater confidence than you do now in identifying the fertile times in your cycle; you might want to ask for help from a certified Natural Family counselor to get help in understanding the signs at this time in your life.  Abstinence is hard, but not impossible.  It, too, is an act of love for each other and for our Creator.  Abstinence chosen out of love for one another for shorter or longer times has its own rewards, though they are, of course, more subtle and on a different level from the joy of expressing your love for each other directly through marital union.  We have been praying for you and your husband, Anonymous, since we received your e-mail.  We hope that you will find great joy in being faithful and true to each other as well as abiding by God's plan for your marriage.
::::: [http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/christopher_wests_ideas_on_sexuality_ignore_tremendous_dangers_alice_von_hildebrand_says/ "Christoper West's Ideas on Sexuality Ignore Tremendous Dangers — Alice von Hildebrand."]


A reply is not requested or wanted, for I believe it would only add to my frustrations and serve no useful purpose.
=== Why is the Old Testament so vague about Trinity and the Eucharist? ===
* Sara from the Fund Drive:
# Why didn't God give more advance warning in the Old Testament of the doctrine of the Trinity?
# Why didn't God give more advance warning in the Old Testament of the doctrine of the Eucharist?


== February 10 ==
=== Is spiritual dryness a sin? ===
* [[Fatima Prayers]].  Fatima is in Portugal, the home of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, renowned as a queen of peace.
::* Do we know which angel appeared to the Fatima children?
:::- [http://www.ewtn.com/fatima/apparitions/angel.htm Angel of Portugal]
* [http://saintbenedict.org/stscholastica.htm Saint Scholastica, Virgin.]  ~480-530 AD. Twin sister of St. Benedict, one of the great God-fathers of religious life.
* Thursday, February 2, was the Feast of the Presentation, Candlemas, ''and'' the [[Candlemas|Day of Consecrated Life]].  Who knew?
* John from Wilson: [http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article727121 This article] devastated me. It says in NY that institutions such as Catholic Charities of Buffalo and Baker Victory Center and others have been providing coverage for birth control for the past decade. Please look into this. I was shocked and very disappointed and don't know how to respond to this to the people I have been telling the Church would never go along with this HHS mandate.
* Jason from PA: Prayer Request for him, Chris, and everyone else traveling this weekend
* Shelly from Vancouver, CA: iCath site. Question about Anointing of the Sick tomorrow at Mass and a Non-Catholic attending.
* Erica from Amherst: Are you familiar with the Montessori approach to education? If so, what are your thoughts? Please and thank you
* Amy: What do you make of the new amendment to the HHS mandate that President Obama came out with this afternoon? The fact that planned parenthood liked it, disturbs me...
* Patricia: I hope that someone will speak up for us small business Catholic employers. Currently in New York State contraception is a mandated coverage if you provide prescription coverage for your employees and only the large catholic institutions can claim conscience objection. At least right now we can shop for an insurance provider who does not have prescription coverage embedded in their plan but if this federal mandate takes effect we will not have any choice left but to not provide the insurance and face the fines. Please remember that freedom of religion is for all citizens and not just the large conglomerates. Prayers for our country are urgently needed
* Lisa from Wheatfield: Goes to a Latin Mass, covers her head.  She decided to cover her head for N.O. Masses, but she's getting push back.  Is she wrong?
* Barbara from Kenmore: Wants a prayer intention for her children & talk about passages from St. Paul
* Ray from California, listening on an iPod:  Wants to talk about Obama and the Church telling people who to vote for.
* John from Wilson via e-mail: [http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article727121.ece "An article in today's ''Buffalo News''] devastated me. It says that institutions in New York State such as Catholic Charities of Buffalo and Baker Victory Center and others have been providing coverage for birth control for the past decade. Please look into this. I was shocked and very disappointed and don't know how to respond to this to the people I have been telling the Church would never go along with this HHS mandate."
** Fr. Peter Calabrese shared a chilling quote about the spread of the culture of death in the United States from [http://en.gloria.tv/?media=250971 Francis Cardinal George, the Archbishop of Chicago:] "I expect to die in my bed, I expect my successor will die in prison, and I expect his successor will die a martyr in a public square."
* Karen S. from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, via Facebook:
:1) Is Mother Angelica alive?
:2) Is it a sin to get a tattoo?
:: It is not an intrinsically evil action.  There is a verse in the Old Testament that condemns some form of tattoo or marking, but not all of the Old Testament laws are still in force (see, for example, the kosher food laws that we no longer follow).  There is nothing about this in the Catholic Encyclopedia or the Catechism.  So you have to make up your own mind.  I am personally opposed to tattoos because in the culture of the United States, they are generally used as a sign of rebellion.  I can't think of any tattoos that I personally find "edifying," by which I mean something that "builds up" faith, hope, and love.  The tattoos are either seductive or some kind of aggressive self-assertion.  Things may be different in your culture, about which I know practically nothing.
:3) What is a guardian angel?
:: [[Angels#Does_everyone_have_a_guardian_angel.3F|Guardian Angels.]]
* From Fletcher at the fund drive: "The word 'licentiousness' was used in the gospel recently.  What does 'licentiousness' mean?"
:: Lack of moral restraint.  "License" means "permission to engage in an activity," e.g., driver's license, pilot's license, hunting license, marriage license.  Those who are licentious give themselves permission to do things that are improper.


== Friday, February 3 ==
* Shawn from Facebook: Is having spiritual dryness a sin?


* Yesterday was Candlemas (Feast of the Presentation)--40 days after Christmas for Latin rite Catholics.  The Christmas Season is now well and truly over.
=== How should Catholics vote? ===
* Feast of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr. 
* Shawn from Facebook: Election season is upon us. The Catholic voter guide basically says "don't vote for abortion," and rightly so.  But, I have never supported GOP politics either, although they are the closest thing we have to a pro-life party. So how should I vote then?
:: [[Prayer to St. Blaise]]
:: [[USCCB Voting Guide for Catholics]].
* For a friend who is suffering from stomach troubles that have not yet been diagnosed (i.e., Maria in Boston).
* [http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2012/02/03/us/politics/03reuters-usa-healthcare-komen.html?_r=1&hp Susan G. Komen Foundation reverses position.]
** http://www.abortionbreastcancer.com/
** Debbie from Buffalo: Dear Gina and Fr. Marty,
::: Planned Parenthood claims to offer "women's cancer health screening" in that they claim to offer Mammograms.  They claim that their funding (or de-funding, in the temporary case of the Komen Foundation) will affect this "women's cancer health screening." However, Planned Parenthood does not, in fact provide Mammograms at all.  When various Planned Parenthood locations were called by an undercover agency to see if someone could schedule a mammogram, they were told that they do not offer them.
::: Ironically, studies show a strong connection between breast cancer and the use of oral contraceptives, as well as an abortion-breast cancer link, both sold as a "bill of goods" to women by Planned Parenthood.
::: See link for connection between breast cancer and contraceptive use: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/oral-contraceptives
** http://www.stophhs.com/
* Paul from Amherst: Wants to ask how far do Catholic politicians like Pelosi and Seilbieus go before they get the boot.
* Charles B. from Facebook: Father I wanted to thank you for your prayers for my Mom and my family through the situation my nephew created. It seems to be working out. It has been a learning and growing experience for me and I know now why our Lord tells us in the Our Father "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us".
* Daniel C. from Facebook (after Thursday's show; he also wrote in asking prayers on Tuesday): Please pray for my family.
* Carolyn: A student in my daughter's class recently asked the teacher who is the devil? The teacher replied he was the most beautiful angel in heaven. I know he was an angel but was he ever considered the 'most beautiful?'
* Jim from Corning: Baptist minister who E-mails with Fr. He says you he and Fr. spoke about discussing similarities between Catholics and Baptists
* Shelley from Canada: Please pray for the repose of the soul of much-loved Francis ... who passed away on Monday from brain cancer; he was often a spiritual speaker at AA and Al-Anon meetings, a kind, soft-spoken and gentle man who suffered a great deal in his last years - but truly a spiritual leader among all.
* Debbie from Amherst: So many times she's read about recommending people get a spiritual director, but how do you do it.
* Jacob from Lockport:  Has St. Michael ever appeared to anyone, and if so, why?
** Alice from Batavia: Didn't St. Michael live in a cave in Italy?
** Mary-Ellen: St. M appeared to Mother Angelica.
** St. Michael appeared to the guy that built Mont. St. Michel Monastery in France.  He put his finger on this dude's foreheard, and when the dude died, there was a hole in his skull. Before the construction of the first monastic establishment in the 8th century, the island was called "monte tombe". According to legend, the Archangel Michael appeared to St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches, in 708 and instructed him to build a church on the rocky islet. Aubert repeatedly ignored the angel's instruction, until Michael burned a hole in the bishop's skull with his finger.[5]
* Joyce from Buffalo:  Wants a prayer said for her mom-in-law who will be 100


== Monday, January 30 ==
=== Struggling with Marian prayers ===
* John XXIII's prayer for a [[New Pentecost]].
* [[Mondays|Prayer and Meditation Monday]].
* Chris from Houston: 
: 1.) for the U.S. Catholic Bishops
: 2.) for the repose of the soul of my grandmother JoAnn
: 3.) for priests who are currently on a leave of absence from the priesthood.
: 4.) When a priest incenses the gifts during the Offetory, why does he sometimes make a circular motion over the gifts with the thurible?
* Jacob:  Why don't we have a holiday for Adam and Eve? If we do what holiday is it?
* Sylvia from Buffalo: Please pray for the soul of Maria, who committed suicide last week, that God will grant her mercy, and for her parents, Ron & Michelle & her brother Christopher, that God will help them as they seek healing for their grief.
* Kathy from Rochester:  Please pray for her anorexia, which is getting worse.  Also for her friend, whose cancer has returned, her name is Lori.  And for her mother, her 82 birthday is tomorrow, her name is Maryann.  And for her friend's family and her mother who is ill.
* Bonnie from Springville:  Please pray for friend Jerry, heart and eyesight; for her Dad Keith, diabetes and heart; for Estella, cancer; for Elsie, cancer; for Nick, for his health problems; for her brother Bob, stress; for nephew Andrew, guidance and direction; and for herself, eyesight and health.
* Ann from Rochester: What can she do as an individual to combat the health care issue of insurance covering abortion?
* Alice from Batavia:  Question about the Litany of Loretto.
* Anonymous:  I ask for prayers for my son Michael and for our relationship.  He is not dealing well with some personal responsibility matters and we are having problems over past relationship issues and some growing up and independence issues.  I ask for prayers for God to help him find forgiveness in his heart and for me to be a better father.
* Anonymous:  Prayers for her health, to find a job, and special intentions.
* Daniel from California: Pray for me & my family, thank you.
* Margaret from Hamburg:  has information on two bills re: the respect of conscience at, one in the House, one in the Senate.
** [http://nchla.org National Committee on Human Life Amendment.]
** Respect for rights of conscience act.
::: H.R. 1179
::: S. 1467
* Kate from Rochester, NY:  Elizabeth means consecrated to God.
* Ann from Buffalo:  Asks for prayers for her brother, Father Mark.  Also prayers for her peace of mind.
* Elizabeth from Williamsville:  Re; Adam and Eve, why would we have a feast day for the if they were responsible for original sin.  Also why did the whole race get punished because Adam and Eve made poor choices?
* Mary Ellen from Buffalo:  Prayers for Marilyn and Danielle, both suffering from cancer.  Last week she called for prayers at 4:40, and the person passed away at 5:00.  wANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS TO ST JOSEPH FOR HIS INTERCESSION.
* "Where does St. Paul say that he must [[Grace of Final Perseverance|keep the faith in order to be saved?"]]
:: [http://www.usccb.org/bible/phil/3:12 Phil 3:12-14:] "It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus]. Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus."


== Friday, January 27 ==
Shawn from Facebook: I struggle with certain Marian prayers that ask her to save us, etc; I don't get that... Because she can't do anything without God's power. She is merely a creature, though the highest of all creation. I have trouble with the rosary too. Why not just pray the "Our Father"?  
* Today's readings:
:: David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 1).
:: [[Psalm 51--the Miserere]].
:: The Kingdom of God grows like seed in a farmer's field--"he knows not how" (Mk 4:26-34).
* Memorial of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Merici St. Angela Merici,] founder of the Ursulines and patron of the disabled.  Her body [http://overcomeproblems.com/incorruptibles.htm remained incorrupt for centuries.]
* 67th anniversary of [http://catholicdaily.net/mediamusings/2012/01/27/liberation-day/ "Liberation Day"] for Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland.
* Anonymous from Canandaigua: Please pray that she finds a nice, reasonable place to live so she and her family can live together.  Also, for her son and his children that they receive a good outcome for the difficult situation in which they are currently involved.
* Simon from Facebook. Please pray for me for my continuous strength of body and mind. That I continue to recover and have strength to do a lot of tasks for the community and church. May my mind not be clouded with fear.
* Jason from Pittsburgh: There is a verse in Scripture where St. Paul says that he does not even say that he, himself, is guaranteed of salvation.  Do you know the verse of which I speak?  If so, where can I find it? 
** Fear and trembling
** 1 Cor 9:27 "I discipline my body ..."
** (Phil 3:13-14)
* Steve from  Buffalo: How should we interpret  Romans 5:12 which says, "Therefore, just as through one person sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, inasmuch as all sinned" with respect to the concept that there was no death before sin, in light of theories of evolution and modern anthropology. (In other words, it seems that death existed before the fall of man?)
* Laura from e-mail: Please pray for us to be able to live closer to church so we can go everyday.
* Stacy from Lubbock, Texas: Please pray for me for guidance on what I should do with my career and healing for my sister who is sick with cancer.
* Johnny from Edinburgh, Scotland: I love your show and the station of the cross!  You have helped me in my journey back to my catholic faith.  
:: 1. Could you tell me if it is allowed to have communion more than once per day?
:: 2. Also my sister in law is an Anglican and yet goes to communion at Mass when she occasionally visits us, is this right?
:: 3. Lastly, could you ask  father to pray for my elderly dad who had a mini stroke last week.  We are all worried about him.
* Bill from Hamburg: He has some feedback to your scripture verse question from Jason.  Also, he has a prayer request--thanksgiving for God's Providence in a recent auto accident.
** [http://tunein.com/ "Tune in radio."]
* Mary from Buffalo: She has a question with regards to what Father was saying about religious orders.
* Erica from Amherst: "I have a dilemma. From time to time, my fitness franchise takes part in charitable events or holds events itself from which proceeds go toward charity. I love the idea of helping others, but with many charities nowadays doing work that is inaccurately deemed 'charitable' I find myself horribly hesitant to participate. Next month they will be raising money for the March of Dimes. I feel an obligation to inform the other women of what this organization does, so they can make an educated decision whether they want to give their support.  I don’t want to step on toes…but then again feelings mean little to me in comparison with the moral culpability of lives at stake. I’ve sent an email letting the woman in charge know that MoD is a questionable organization and does genetic testing on pregnant women (How does that help the unborn?). Tickets are already being sold. I feel like I need to do something. Please help me be reasonable."


== Friday, January 20 ==
=== Chesterton Academy in England? ===
* [[Litany of the Apostles]].
* Ben A. from Facebook: "I see that you are teaching a course on 'Religion and the Challenge of Science.' I've got a friend who is convinced that Hawking has all the answers.  How can I help him see the truth and beauty of the faith?"


:: It's impossible to guess what will help your friend develop a mind open to God, Ben, without talking to him about his convictions--if anything will. Some folks are "invincibly ignorant." They criticize every act of faith except their own, which they imagine to be an act of pure reason beyond reproach. I like Lonergan's approach: if the universe is intelligible, there must be a God who gives it order; every appeal to scientific discoveries is a concession that the universe is intelligible; therefore, whoever celebrates the advance of science ought to acknowledge that there is a God.
* Maria Bachelier from e-mail: Is there any Chesterton academy in England, where I live?
::: Not yet. There is one in Italy. Dale Ahlquist is in Europe right now. More may be under development.
:::: Emily de Rotstein, Executive Director
:::: Chesterton Academy  —  [http://www.chestertonacademy.org/ www.chestertonacademy.org]
:::: info@chestertonacademy.org


:: The hard part is persuading people of the first premise. Hawkings et al. are highly skilled in thinking that there is no reason to think that thinking is in need of a reason to explain the success of thought. That the universe has a rational structure and that our minds are capable of exploring that rational structure is just dumb luck from their point of view. This is something assumed, not proven, but it is a very powerful act of faith. Everything else in the religion of materialism flows perfectly logically from this dogma, so it is easy to cover up the fundamental treason against reason by a multitude of maxims in praise of observation, logic, objectivity, verification, falsification, etc., etc., etc.
=== Why does the Catechism calls us "gods"? ===


:* Brian R, from Buffalo on Facebook:
* John from Facebook: I have been reading the Catechism each night. I have a question regarding paragraph 460 which says, "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods." This passage uses the lower case letter g. In the Old Testament, this is how the pagan gods are referred to. What does lower case "gods" mean here?
::: 1) I understand Science and our Faith are compatible. Both are seeking Truth.
:::: [[Divinization]].
::: 2) Humorous scenario. The question is asked, "Why is that water boiling?"
:::: Person #1 answers, "Well you see the molecules are heating up and bouncing off one another..."
:::: Person #2 exclaims, "I am heating the water to make a cup of tea."
::: Both answers are correct but coming from a different angle.
* Dennis from Facebook: Has anybody noticed that the confession lines seem to be getting bigger? And that people are taking longer and longer when they do go to confession? I think this might be a sign of some really good priests.
* John B. from Facebook: I have a 10 year old son with a pretty good devotion to St. Michael. I just recently learned there is a St. Michael scapular. I was thinking about getting him one but wasn't too sure about what kind of requirements such as prayers and enrollments there are with it. Do you know anything about this scapular and if it's appropriate for kids or more for adults?
** Pope Pius IX gave this scapular his blessing
** Indulgences were approved by the Congregation of Indulgences in 1903
** The form of this scapular is somewhat distinct, in that the two segments of cloth have the form of a small shield; one is made of blue and the other of black cloth, and one of the bands likewise is blue and the other black. Both portions of the scapular bear the well-known representation of the Archangel St. Michael slaying the dragon and the inscription "Quis ut Deus?"
* From a Facebook friend: "Father, please pray for my Mom. My nephew, her grandson, stole two of her checkbooks and has overdrawn her account by $1700. She has had to file charges against him, and it is breaking her heart. It hurts me to see her in this shape."
* Prayed for June, born two months premature, and her parents.
* Al from Rochester: Please pray for his father, Sam, who has dementia and is in hospice.  Also, for his uncle Sam who had colon surgery yesterday.  And for his sister's husband, Rod, who has herniated discs that he won't need surgery and will heal.
* Giselle from Ontario: Please pray for her 5 grandchildren who just lost their mother to cancer.
* Jason from Hilton: Why does God not answer all prayer requests for healing?
* Georgia from Clarence: Please pray for my boyfriend, Tim, for a quick recovery from an illness and for good health in general.
* Leo from Monroe County: Please pray for a problem he has had with his eyes for the last 4 years that is causing him to miss Mass.  He would love to be healed so he can return to Mass, which he sorely misses.
* Larry from Orchard Park: What is a [[monsignor]]?


== Monday, January 16 ==
=== Righteous anger vs. sinful anger ===
* Martin Luther King Day in the U.S.  A good day to [http://catholicdaily.net/mediamusings/2012/01/16/the-dream-and-the-media/ pray for the restoration of the right to life in our nation.]
* John from Facebook:
* Alex from e-mail: Can you please pray for healing for Hannah and her doctors to determine the reasons behind her stomach pains and Michelle whose appendix ruptured and is having complications in the Hospital.  Thanks !
# Could you explain righteous anger and sinful anger? Are there scriptural references to these two kinds of anger? Could you give some ideas how to counteract the sin of anger?  — [[Christian Anger Management]].
* John Z. from Facebook: Please keep my Mom in your prayers for healing. She is 80,and has osteoporosis. She has 2 wrist fractures. We are taking her to a specialist. She lives by herself and I think soon some decisions will have to be made. Please pray that God will be in our decision making and keep us focused on doing what is best for Mom. As always, thanks, Father, for all your answers and your prayers; it is a blessing that I met you.
# Also would you please pray for my niece, Marybeth, who suffers from a head injury she received in an accident some time ago.
* Anonymous, not on the line: Prayers for her health, special intentions, and to find a job.
* Dennis from Buffalo: As we know it was important to replace Judas' spot in the Aposles, to keep the number at 12. How long did this keep going on? Was only Judas replaced, or as the aposltes pass on were they too replaced...if so for how long did they keep this up?
** Was this because in heaven an Apostle is in charge of each of the 12 tribes of Israel?
** St. Matthias http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10066a.htm
* Bonnie, Springville. For Jerry, heart and eyes; for Dad Keith, diabetes and heart; for Estella, cancer; for Elsie, cancer; for her brother Bob, stress; for her nephew Andrew,for guidance; and for herself, eyesight and health.
** St. Matthias http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10066a.htm
* Alice, Batavia. Question about WWII and a section of the catechism.  
* Brian. Buffalo. I understand we should respect the Word of God whether it be written or spoken. What would be your opinion on the proper disposal of yearly Missalettes. Should they be burned? Would a paper recycling container do? Any insights you offer would be appreciated.
* Jason, Pittsburgh.  Follow up question for Alice's question re: the A-bomb
* 63.  Kathy, Rochester.  For several illnesses that came up during the holidays.
* Daniel from California. Please pray for my family & wife and for relief of pain in my hands as well as my headache.
* Mark. Fairport, New York. Please pray for the repose of the soul of my brother-in-law, Frank, who took his life early Sunday morning. Please pray for his wife Kelly and their three children struggling to understand why, and for God’s blessings as they position themselves for a future without him.
* ANONYMOUS.  For her future duaghter  in law who has cancer and also back pain.
* Bill. Scituate, Massachusetts. Please pray for my family's trip to Washington DC this weekend as we travel there to participate in the March for Life.
* Bob, Boston N.Y.  Has information  you wanted re: the WWII incident.
* Brian, Niagara Falls. Follow up on Brian's e-mail, also prayers for healing for Linda, and Jody who have both been hospitalized for severe depression; and also for healing prayers for members of the family, various problems, health, marital etc.
; Sunday's readings:
:* "Speak, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam 3).  The miraculous birth of Samuel foreshadows those of John the Baptism and Jesus.  He began the tradition of anointing the Kings of Israel (first Saul, then David).
:* "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God ... You are not your own" (1 Cor 6).
:* John 1: "Lamb of God," "Rabbi," "Kephas," "Messiah."
; Monday of the Second Week of Ordinary Time:
:* First Reading: 1 Sm 15:16-23.  Disobedience of Saul.  Prophetic criticism of vain sacrifices.
:* Gospel: New wine, fresh wineskins.
* John from Facebook: "Father please keep my Mom in your prayers for healing. She is 80,and has osteoporosis. She has 2 wrist fractures. We are taking her to a specialist. She lives by herself and I think soon some decisions will have to be made. Please pray that God will be in our decision making and keep us focused on doing what is best for Mom. As always, thanks, Father, for all your answers and your prayers; it is a blessing that I met you."


== Friday, January 13 ==
=== Multiple sins in an invalid marriage ===
* Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time for Latin-rite Catholics in the U.S.
* Anonymous from Facebook: Suppose a person got married only in order to obtain a visa and did not intend the marriage to last. Is that person sinning if they do not get an annulment? Is that person committing fornication when they have relations with their innocent spouse?
* [[Take and Receive]].
* I'm starting my fifth year as the guest priest on Faith 'n' Reason Fridays.
* Today is a great day to start a [http://catholicdaily.net/mediamusings Novena for Life] (Jan 13 to 21).
* From a pastor in the Southern Tier of Western New York:
:: I listen to your radio program on Fridays on EWTN out of Elmira-Corning. First of all I am an Ordained Baptist Minister who serves as a chaplain in Elmira. Since I work with a retired priest and a deacon I have come to learn more about Catholic Doctrine and am quickly finding out we have more in common that we have differences. I enjoy the stories of different saints and how they furthered the cause of Christ in a dark world.


:: Now since the name of the program is "Calling all Catholics" you will be surprised that it falls on the ears of a Baptist Chaplain.
=== Uncharitable thoughts and feelings ===
* Anonymous from Facebook: I am a volunteer at my parish.  I arranged to switch volunteer nights with another parishioner.  I covered their night, but they did not cover mine.  I was called and asked to come fill in for them.  I felt annoyed at the prospect, but did eventually offer to fill the empty spot.  I feel that I was selfish and uncharitable.  Did I commit a sin by being annoyed or by waiting a while before I said yes?


:: Continuing to Listen;
=== Do same-sex marriages invalidate all marriages in the state or the denomination? ===
* Peter John from e-mail:
# If Christian denominations and many states are recognizing same-sex marriages, does that not mean that all of the marriages in those denominations or states are necessarily invalid in the eyes of the Church?  If so, wouldn't that simplify the annulment process for those who contracted marriage before a justice of the peace in those states or in those denominations?
# I am upset that I see people who are cohabiting receive the sacraments while those who are in post-divorce marriages cannot.  This especially troublesome when the divorced and remarried have no children from earlier marriages, have built a good family in their current marriages, and live devout lives otherwise.


:: Shalom!
=== Should we hold hands during the Our Father? ===
* Kevin from e-mail: [http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/holding_hands_at_mass.htm "Holding Hands at Mass."]


* Anonymous from Cheektowaga
=== Why not do mandalas in our parish? ===
: Father, I decided to make a 'tuna casserole' while listening to you program yesterday afternoon... I consider myself a chef and do not follow any recipes for anything; just make it up as I go. I love the combination of tuna and peas so I decided I would add peas to the casserole. Well, apparently I can't listen to the radio and cook at the same time - I forgot to add the tuna and the peas to the casserole...?
* NOT ON THE LINE. Liz from Rochester. Please speak about what Mandala is and why it shouldn’t be practiced at our parish.
:::: [http://www.mandalaproject.org/Index.html The Mandala Project.]


: Turned out not so good.  I consider this your fault - not Chef Carloni's fault - you should make a disclaimer that your program may be distracting for some folks.
=== Blessed are those who murder babies? ===
* Kevin from e-mail: The last verse of Psalm 137 is really horrible.  It says, "Blessed is the man who seizes the children of Babylon and dashes their brains out against a rock." Isn't God the father of Babylonian children, too?  How could murdering innocent children bring blessings to those who murder them?


* John Z. from e-mail: "We are home-schooling our son, Nick, to prepare him for Confirmation.  When we went over the [[Holy Days of Obligation]], Nick asked why Christmas and other feast days are holy days, but Easter, which is really the pinnacle of our faith, is not a holy day. Is it because Easter is always on a Sunday, and it is obligatory to attend Sunday Mass? Similarly, since Good Friday was the day the Lord died, wouldn't that day be more important for our faith than some holy days of obligation such as All Saints or the Assumption?"
=== Why was John the Baptist not freed from captivity? ===
* John from Facebook: The gospel of Luke says that Jesus came to set the captives free.  If so, then why didn't Jesus free John the Baptist from captivity?


* From Billy in Buffalo: "I am wondering if you can suggest a book about St. John Neumann? I feel drawn to him lately, and want to trace his footsteps whilst he was in this area. I have his autobiography, but it is very short. I am excited that I can get this close to a saint right here in the Williamsville and Kenmore areas. I would call in to the radio show today, but that is my drive time, and today it's gonna be nasty drivng, so if you want to answer me on air I will be listening."
=== When should we accept death for those whom we love? ===
** [http://www.customstudios.com/custombooksites/SJN/Intro.html ''John Nepomucene Neumann, Saint.'']  Online book.
** [http://catholicism.org/john-nepomucene-neumann.html Bishop John Nepomucene Neumann: An American Saint].  Long online article.
** [http://www.amazon.com/Saint-John-Neumann-Writings-Spirituality/dp/0764819801/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326475386&sr=1-1 ''St. John Neumann: His Writings and Spirituality.'']
** [http://www.amazon.com/Life-St-John-Neumann/dp/0911845739/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1326475386&sr=1-2 ''The Life of St. John Newumann.'']  Fr. James J. Galvin, C.Ss.R.
* Freddy from Chicago (Online - wlof.com): Prayer Request for his Grandmother who passed away today.
[[File:Guardians at Gate 12.JPG|thumb|<div align="center">John Carlin, 1998. <br>Used by permission.</div>]]
* John from Cheektowaga: John sent me a picture he painted of two of his dogs acting as guardians at the 12th gate of Heaven.  That got me thinking about who the real obstacles are to our entry into Heaven: [[Forgiveness_prayer|everyone whom we refuse to forgive.]] 
* Patricia from Fredonia: "I'm wondering if you saw or read '[[The Rite]],' and if so, what you thought of it."
** [[Interpreting fiction]].
* Elizabeth from Rochester: Please pray for my brother, Mark, who is getting married tomorrow in Texas and for safe travels for all attending.
* Eddie from Rochester: Has a question about Saints. Wants to know whether the making of a Saint or the declaration of such by the Vatican is an infallible statement
* Brittany: Please pray that I have the strength to move on from an abusive relationship. I was physically, emotionally and verbally abused for a year. I'm also attending college and will be graduating soon. Please pray for me so I can gain confidence within myself and become successful within my career. I need to be able to stay strong and not let the devil make me think negatively.
* Joyce from Buffalo: Wants to have Fr. say a prayer of Thanksgiving.  Her 50 year old son got a full time job in a parish as a maint. guy.
* Anonymous from Buffalo: Does Father know a German priest at Canisius who would/could say Confession?  She has an 80-year old German friend who's from Germany and would like to be able to have her Confession heard in German


== January 6 ==
* Katy from e-mail: Every day at Mass I hear the priest ask us to pray for life, "from its natural beginning to its natural end." I remain confused as to why keeping an infant (or anyone) with a terminal illness on life support, in this case mechanical ventilation, is celebrated. I don't understand why anyone would want to watch a loved one suffering with a tracheostomy when that loved one could be in paradise with Jesus. Is this brave to keep them alive, or is it selfish?
* Traditional date for the Feast of the Epiphany.
** A time when some Eastern Christians celebrate the Nativity.
** A time in some cultures (mostly Eastern, I think) for giving Christmas presents, in memory of the Magi.
* Today's gospel: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
From a Christmas letter received by two friends of mine in Orangeville, NY:


: My wife and I very much hope this letter finds you at least as happy and healthy as we are. We both sort of go along almost taking for granted all our many blessings. This year has been different. For some years now we've been concerned about our daughter's health. It seemed like things were getting worse every time she saw another doctor.
::: [[Catholic Medical Ethics]]


: She was reduced to four hour days at work. Even at that she couldn’t work every day. She was urged to consider applying for a disabilities pension.


: One day in July, our daughter arrived home feeling she had no more strength. As she dragged herself up the front steps she prayed to God, "I truly believe You can heal me. If it be Your will, I'm asking You to heal me in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ." She had just unlocked the door when she finished praying; pushing the door open she stepped inside.
=== U.S. Bishops dedicated to Marxism since 1979? ===


: Can you picture one of these little marionette puppets with strings all loose? It kind of flops about all bent over and barely able to function. This was our daughter. As she passed the threshold, the Master picked up the strings. She stood straight. She had no pain. She was strong. She was healed! The change was so fast and powerful, she felt sure He must be physically standing right there, and actually turned right around looking for Him. The brain injury is gone; so is the fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue; the IBS and her hormones are fixed too; the scoliosis in her spine, along with the bulging discs in her neck and back, all gone; and her twisted right leg is straight once again.
* Mary Kathryn from e-mail:
:::- I have an article from 1979 which says that U.S. bishops were dedicated to preaching Marxism instead of Christianity. Is that claim true?


: So here we are, sharing the house with a living miracle. If God was trying to get our attention, He sure did a good job. It's not possible to have doubts when the proof is standing at the sink, washing dishes and flicking water in her dad’s face.
=== Positive outcomes from Vatican II ===


: Hmm, it seems there are a few things he didn’t change. Oh well, I guess a little soapy water won’t hurt me.
* Mary Kathryn from e-mail:
:::- Can you name three positive outcomes of Vatican II?
:::::- Recognition that we owe religious assent to the ordinary teachings of the Magisterium.  The Scriptures are the fruit of Tradition and are part of Tradition; they do not replace it.
:::::- ''Catechism of the Catholic Church.''
:::::- Discussion of marriage as a noble vocation, including praise of the nobility of the act of marital union, reaffirmation of the Church's traditional teaching on avoiding contraceptives, and a strong condemnation of abortion as an abominable crime.


: Anyway, I think one might say "Our cup runneth over." We’ve been telling just about everyone we talk to; but just in case we missed some we wanted to include this miracle in our letter.
=== Canon law and Catholic identity ===


: Back to saying nice things: I had expected the doctors to be somewhat skeptical when we told them. They were not skeptical. They just nodded and said "Spiritual healing, I know about that." It seems that miracles happen a lot more often than I ever knew.
* Melanie from Twitter: Is it a violation of canon law to question someone's Catholic identity?
::: Can. 216: "Since they participate in the mission of the Church, all the Christian faithful have the right to promote or sustain apostolic action even by their own undertakings, according to their own state and condition. Nevertheless, no undertaking is to claim the name Catholic without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority."


* Billy from Buffalo: Wants to ask about Mary's line that Jesus is destined to rule with an iron rod. (I lost this call.  My bad!). 
=== Calling God "Allah" ===
** [http://www.usccb.org/bible/rev/12:5 Rev 12:5] is from [http://www.usccb.org/bible/ps/2:9 Ps 2:9:] "With an iron rod you will shepherd them, like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.”  In the book of Revelation, the phrase is repeated in [http://www.usccb.org/bible/rev/19:15 19:15:] "Out of his mouth came a sharp sword to strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he himself will tread out in the wine press the wine of the fury and wrath of God the almighty."
* Dennis from Buffalo: In Matthew 2:16 When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the Magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the Magi. How long did the Holy Family stay in Bethlehem? Would they have been in Bethlehem for nearly two years before the Magi visited Jesus? Did that mean the nativity star shined for years?
* Anonymous: If someone believes that God is calling them to take a particular step regarding their vocation, but circumstances such as lack of financial resources or current location are preventing them from doing so, how would you advise them to try and pursue God's will despite the challenges to them doing so?
* From Anna listening on an iPhone: Question about placing crosses in her home.  A non-Catholic friend objects to having them above her doorway and in her bedroom.
* Henry, not on the air: Where does the Menorah originate from?
* Louise from N. Tonawanda:  Two question regarding Anima Christi.
* Marilyn from Buffalo: Has a question regarding a recent reading: John 1:11 'To his own he came. . . Who is the 'they' in the verse?


== The Treasury of Extra Questions ==
* Winna from Twitter: Do you know the Arabic word 'Allah'? Do you think it is inappropriate for Christians to use the Arabic word for God?


''We have had many questions that either come too late in the show or that need research to answer.  We often say, "Tune in next week and we'll deal with that in more depth"--but we haven't always kept our promise.  The purpose of this page is to make a list of those questions for future reference.  If we run low on callers or current questions, we can always dip into this reservoir to keep the conversation going.''
=== Thanks for help with Desolation ===


=== More Recent ===
* Anonymous from Facebook: "Thank you for answering my questions about desolation in such a great detail in a show you did in the summer time. I feel very comforted after hearing from you on the show and I'm actually feeling relieved with the clarity especially after learning about desolation. I can't thank you enough for this. I feel that I'm suddenly pulled back in when I was almost falling off a steep cliff — thank you so much for the rescue!"
==== Current Events Topics ====
* [http://www.dumpstarbucks.com/ Boycott Starbucks] because they have made a public commitment to same sex "marriage."
:: On January 24, 2012, the Starbucks corporation [http://www.dumpstarbucks.com/starbucks_corporate_policy.php issued a memorandum] to all "US Partners" declaring that same-sex marriage "is aligned with Starbucks business practices" and "is core to who we are and what we value as a company."
:: In addition to declaring its corporate-wide position in support of gay marriage, Starbucks also used its resources to participate in a legal case seeking to overturn a federal law declaring marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
:: In taking these actions, Starbucks has declared a culture war on all Catholics and other people of faith (and millions of others, too) who believe that the institution of marriage as one man and one woman is worth preserving.
* Some "ethicists" are advocating [[Abortion#Post-Birth_Abortion|Infanticide!]]
* [http://catholiclane.com/ivfs-barren-wasteland/ "IVF’s Barren Wasteland."] If abortion were made illegal, then ''in vitro fertilization'' would become illegal, too.
* Papal re-affirmation of the [[Ordination_of_women#Restriction_of_ordination_to_men|restriction of ordination to men]] in his [http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2012/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20120405_messa-crismale_en.html homily for the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday.]
:: "Recently a group of priests from a European country issued a summons to disobedience, and at the same time gave concrete examples of the forms this disobedience might take, even to the point of disregarding definitive decisions of the Church’s Magisterium, such as the question of women’s ordination, for which Blessed Pope John Paul II stated irrevocably that the Church has received no authority from the Lord. Is disobedience a path of renewal for the Church? We would like to believe that the authors of this summons are motivated by concern for the Church, that they are convinced that the slow pace of institutions has to be overcome by drastic measures, in order to open up new paths and to bring the Church up to date. But is disobedience really a way to do this? Do we sense here anything of that configuration to Christ which is the precondition for all true renewal, or do we merely sense a desperate push to do something to change the Church in accordance with one’s own preferences and ideas?"
::: See http://www.democraticunderground.com/121818339
:: "The last keyword that I should like to consider is '''“zeal for souls”''': animarum zelus. It is an old-fashioned expression, not much used these days. In some circles, the word “soul” is virtually banned because – ostensibly – it expresses a body-soul dualism that wrongly compartmentalizes the human being. Of course the human person is a unity, destined for eternity as body and soul. And yet that cannot mean that we no longer have a soul, a constituent principle guaranteeing our unity in this life and beyond earthly death. And as priests, of course, we are concerned for the whole person, including his or her physical needs – we care for the hungry, the sick, the homeless. And yet we are concerned not only with the body, but also with the needs of the soul: with those who suffer from the violation of their rights or from destroyed love, with those unable to perceive the truth, those who suffer for lack of truth and love. We are concerned with the salvation of men and women in body and soul."
:: "Let us ask the Lord to fill us with joy in his message, so that we may serve his truth and his love with joyful zeal. Amen."


==== Courage ====
=== New forms of Catholicism? ===
Mark: What the "New Catholic Churches"?
::: [[Schismatic Catholics]].


* Brian from Facebook: [http://couragerc.net/ ''Courage''] is a great resource for those who experience same-sex attraction but who want to remain faithful to the Church's teaching on chastity. 
=== Experimental Medical Treatments ===
::: "''Courage'', an apostolate of the Catholic Church, ministers to persons with same-sex attraction and their loved ones. We have been endorsed by the Pontifical Council for the Family and our beloved John Paul II said of this ministry, "COURAGE is doing the work of God!"  We also have an outreach called ''EnCourage'' which ministers to relatives, spouses, and friends of persons with same-sex attraction."
* Dan from Facebook: Does the Church have any definitive position on the use of experimental medical treatments? A friend has stage 4 melanoma, and an experimental drug is his best (and apparently only) chance for survival. The problem is that it hasn't been approved by the FDA  —  the family wants it for "compassionate use" in the meantime. I just have to decide whether to sign the petition they are circulating.


==== Contraception, HHS Mandate, and Catholic Doctrine ====
=== Anathema sit! ===


* Jack R. from e-mail:
* Debbie from Amherst: The Council of Trent says that anyone who objects to the doctrine of the Church is "[[anathema]]." What does that mean for our Protestant brothers and sisters who have left the Church?
::* Cardinal Dolan's position that the church’s activity in insurance is a religious function and cannot be regulated by the government assumes that the faithful are stupid.  The insurance activity by some parishes, namely the rich 1%, is a financial one.  It is done to reduce the cost of health insurance when the parish has sufficient funds and is usually with the purchase of re-insurance to provide coverage in the case of catastrophes. Surely, no one can argue that insurance provides for a social benefit for those in need. ...


::: ''I don't think Jack has correctly represented the Cardinal's view.  We don't claim that self-insuring our employees is a religious activity; we claim that the work for which those employees are hired in our Catholic institutions is one of the corporal or spiritual [[works of mercy]].  The administration wants to restrict freedom of religion solely to those institutions that provide worship services for the faithful; the Catholic tradition of hospitals, schools, social services, and direct support for the poor is religious activity in our view--but not in the eyes of the Admnistration.'' 
=== Deification ===


::* It appears obvious that the good Cardinal wishes to impose his beliefs on others of different beliefs which is against freedom of religion.  The good Cardinal seems to want to make a name for himself and his position that there can be no compromise.  Surely this shows his desire for power and his belief that he is right.
* Andrew from e-mail: It appears that in Eastern Catholic Theology one can become closer to God after death through deification.  The Eastern Catholics claim that their saints move closer to God even in heaven. In Western theology this does not appear possible.  One gains merit/treasures in heaven while alive, and assuming one gets to heaven, that's it — no more!  You are as close to God as possible.  Not all saints are the same in glory.  There is no more change possible.  These Eastern and Western views are logically incompatible; both cannot be true.
::: [[Deification]]


::: ''The Church has taught that abortion is evil for the whole of its history.  The HHS Mandate forces the Church to participate in the murder of innocent children in the womb by providing contraceptives, which act as abortifacients, and by providing the morning-after pill, which is an abortifacient.  The mandate also would force the Church to pay for sterilization of women, which is another violation of our understanding of God's will for us.''
=== Is God "static"? ===
Andrew from e-mail: In the 'eternal realm' there is no time.  How can we be dynamic yet God is static? He does not change with time only we do.  Is there a 'time' we live in in the eternal realm (the theory of 'days' in purgatory is popular but the concept was 'not up for debate' in the East because they did not see it as theologically worth pursing).  Are these concepts merely beyond human understanding and simple part of the 'mystery' that so permeates our sense of eternity?


::* I simply cannot believe the personal attacks being offered by the Church on those who have different political and religious beliefs. Could it be possible that the Catholic Senators and others who voted against the amendment did so based on their beliefs that it was right for the country, was upholding the Constitution and that it did not violate their religious beliefs?
=== Burning Man ===
* Kathleen from Facebook: I recently came across some information about "The Burning Man Experience" in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. It was quite disturbing and reminded me of pagan rituals. Can you shed more light on this?


::: ''Yes, it is not only possible, but likely.  However, there is a discrepancy between their understanding of the Catholic Church's teachings and the understanding of the Church's teachings by those who official teach in the name of the Church--our bishops.  In such a situation, the Senators are acting like Protestants, not like Catholics.''
=== Questions about questions ===


::* I am completely put off by statements made as to the cost and ability of people to choose where to work. The latter merely shows again the desire to discriminate in hiring practices and enforce religious beliefs on others.
* Two different friends asked me recently, "What is the hardest question you have received? Your favorite question?  Your least favorite question?"


::: ''There is a grain of truth in this.  Those who wish to earn a living by working in Catholic institutions must accept that the institutions cannot act against Church teaching and still retain the right to be called "Catholic."''
=== How could Adam and Eve sin? ===
* Thomas from e-mail: If Adam and Eve did not have Original Sin, they did not have concupiscence, by which we mean the tendency of our disordered appetites to lead us to sin. Why weren't they immune to temptation?


::* I was really put out by the remarks directed at the law student. I can’t believe that you want to belittle her.  I guess it is not as bad as Rush but isn’t it like throwing the rock. Can’t you accept that she may be doing what she believe is correct and that this type of implications is simply not proper?
=== What do goats symbolize in the Bible? ===
* John from Facebook: I saw a Masonic website that linked goats to Babylonian mystery religions.  The author suggested that the goat was a symbol of the Temple and Temple builders. Is this how the symbolism of goats works in the Scriptures? Would this add an extra dimension to the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25?  Does the Church have a specific teaching on the meaning of goats in the Bible?


::: ''As with the dissenting Senators, so here: we can tell that the law student's view does not correspond to that of the Church.  It's not rocket science.''
=== How to "Offer it up?" ===
* Sherry.  Arlington, Virginia. iCatholic.  I have a question about suffering and "offering it up". I am not a cradle Catholic, so I did not get the benefit of learning about this while growing up.  What I've done is simply a mental prayer like this: "Dear God, I offer you this pain (or discomfort, or whatever suffering I am going through at the moment)".  Is this adequate?  Sometimes I add " to join in Christ's suffering on the cross in order to help redeem the world (or for some other purpose like to help a sick friend or family member)".  Is this an acceptable way to offer up suffering?  Thank you. We love your radio show!


::* Your medical analysis would make anyone LOL. To even imply that birth control pills are not used to treat diseases or ease pain is unbelievable.
=== Theology of Global Warming? ===
* Marilyn.  Buffalo, New York.  I have another philosophical question.  From the standpoint of Genesis, is global warming man-made or part of God's plan? Why would God make us in His image and then give us the power to destroy his creation? Would God really allow us to be such a problem?


::: ''I don't know anyone who made this claim.  On the contrary, Fr. Calabrese on Wednesday explicitly said that the use of synthetic hormones to treat medical ailments is different from the use of those same hormones to cause the sexual act to be sterile.''
=== Traces of the Trinity in the Old Testament ===


==== Seven New Saints ====
* Mike Denz from WLOF: A while back, you talked with a listener about Old Testament passages that foreshadhow the revelation of the Trinity in the New Testament.  Isn't there are a foreshadowing of John's Trinitarian theology of the Word made flesh in Genesis 1?  Genesis 1 portrays God as creating by speaking words of command such as "Let there be light — and there was light;" then John's gospel says that God created through the Word.
::: Speaker, breath, word — Father, Spirit, Son (the missions of the Trinity, not the eternal relationships between the Divine Persons).  The Spirit is not mentioned explicitly until 1:32; John testifies that he saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus and that Jesus would "baptize with the Holy Spirit."
::: Ruah in Genesis 1:1.


Seven new saints to be canonized in the fall of 2012:
* Brian from Facebook: I have two questions.
::* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Cope Marianne Cope,] German religious of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis in Syracuse, N.Y.
:: '''Part I: In the case of a pastoral administrator charged with a parish assignment, where does the buck stop? With the pastoral administrator or a priest (sacramental minister) also assigned to the same parish?'''
::* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri_Tekakwitha Kateri Tekakwitha,] Native American laywoman.
:::: There is a separation of powers.
::* [http://www.sjweb.info/Jesuits/saintShow.cfm?SaintID=86 Jacques Berthieu,] French martyr in Madagascar and priest of the Society of Jesus.
::* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Calungsod Pedro Calungsod,] catechist of the Jesuit Mission to the Marianas.
::* Maria del Carmen, Spanish founder of the Conceptionist Missionary Sisters of Teaching.
::* Giovanni Battista Piamarta, Italian priest and founder of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congregation_of_the_Holy_Family_of_Nazareth Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth] and of the Congregation of the Humble Sister Servants of the Lord.
::* [http://www.bistum-regensburg.de/download/borMedia0282905.PDF Anna Schäffer,] German laywoman.


==== The Use of Leavened Bread in the East ====
:::: A Parish Administrator (PA) is responsible for anything you can do with money, including collecting it.  The PA may also  define the parish schedule, organize non-sacramental ministries, and obtain services from priests or deacons as needed when the assigned Sacramental  Minister (SM) is unavailable.  I imagine that the PA would run the catechetical programs and would be the person who hires and fires other parish workers.  The PA would also keep all of the books — financial, sacramental records, school records, etc.


Catholic Answers question: "Why do the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches use leavened bread?  When did the East and West go separate ways?"
:::: The sacramental minister is responsible for seeing that the sacraments are offered correctly.


* "The Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church uses leavened bread for the Eucharist. Thus, the sacramental bread symbolizes the Resurrected Christ. The sacramental bread [is] known as prosphorá or a πρόσφορον (prósphoron, offering)."[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramental_bread]
:::: Grey areas probably not defined by law but settled on a case-by-case basis: furnishings, music, "smells and bells."


* "St. Thomas (IV, Dist. xi, qu. 3) holds that, in the beginning, both in the East and West unleavened bread was used; that when the sect of the Ebionites arose, who wished that the Mosaic Law should be obligatory on all converts, leavened bread was used, and when this heresy ceased the Latins used again unleavened bread, but the Greeks retained the use of leavened bread.[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01349d.htm]
:: '''Part II<nowiki>:</nowiki> What is your opinion of people calling a priest a "sacramental minister"?'''


* "Unleavened bread is used in the Western Christian liturgy when celebrating the Eucharist. On the other hand, most Eastern Churches explicitly forbid the use of unleavened bread (Greek: azymes) for Eucharist as pertaining to the Old Testament and allow only for bread with yeast, as a symbol of the New. Indeed, this was one of the three points of contention that brought about the schism between Eastern and Western churches in 1054."[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatbread]
:::: It's accurate, if not very poetic. There are some men who, for one reason or another, should not act as pastors.  They can supply the sacraments for a parish, but do not have the gifts or virtues required for administration. I think this causes great grief to the priests.  


==== The Jewishness of Jesus ====
:::: One priest in our diocese was a "sacramental minister" after being a priest for at least 25 years, and was apparently despondent at being ordered to leave his parish so that another priest could become pastor, relieving a deacon and his wife of the job of P.A.  Not being promoted to pastor hurt the priest terribly, but the act of suicide suggests to me that it was not a bad decision not to promote him — he was not a well man (may he rest in peace).


Catholic Answers question: "Why does the Scripture say that salvation comes from the Jews?  Jesus did not have a Jewish father.  He was born of the Holy Spirit."
:::: Better title?  "Parish priest" or "Parish father."


==== Requirements to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion ====
=== Destiny of the souls of those who die in abortion ===
* From a benefactor during the Fund Drive: "What are the requirements for [[Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion]]?  On what grounds might someone be told that they may no longer serve as an Extraordinary Minister?"


==== Cherubim vs. Seraphim? ====
* Matthew Paul via Facebook: Is there a definitive Church teaching on what happens to the souls of aborted children?  Are they martyrs through a "baptism of blood"?
* Some students asked me what the difference is between [[Angels|cherubim and seraphim]].
:: [[Abortion#Afterlife_for_aborted_children|Afterlife for aborted children?]]


==== What is the Catholic understanding of the word, 'soul'? ====
=== Did Jesuits tried to kill John Paul II? ===


* Awesome Lawson asked, "What do Catholics mean by the word [[And_with_your_spirit#The_human_spirit|'soul']]?  How does the Catholic understanding of 'soul' affect [http://www3.canisius.edu/~moleski/handouts/catholicism%20and%20evolution%20%28JP%20II%29%20.pdf our thinking about evolution?"]
* Alex from e-mail: A very devout Polish Catholic friend of mine believes that John Paul II was about to dissolve the Society of Jesus, also known as "the Jesuits," but was prevented from doing so by being shot by Ali Agca, who was acting on behalf of the Jesuits.  The only reference I could find about this was from Malachi Martin's book, ''The Jesuits.''


==== Divine Mercy better than the Heavens? ====
::: 1981: Arrupe's stroke; appointment of Vinny O'Keefe to be Acting General; replacement of O'Keefe by Paulo Dezza.
* Karen from Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia via Facebook: The litany for Divine Mercy says, "Divine Mercy is better than the heavens." I don't understand this. Does it mean that Divine Mercy organization is higher than Heaven?
::: 1983: assassination attempt on 13 May; election of Fr. Kolvenbach on 13 September.


==== Jewish vs. Catholic Scriptures ====
=== Gay lobby on Catholic campuses ===
* From a friend in Amherst: "Do the Jews have any Scriptures that they consider sacred and inspired by God that are not in the Catholic Bible?"
* Kevin from Buffalo:
** [[Canon of the Old Testament]]
:; Setup for the question
** [[Dead Sea Scrolls]]
** [[Enoch]]
** [[Books of Esdras]]


==== Allegory vs. Parable ====
:: [http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/education/edlife/how-georgetown-became-a-gay-friendly-campus.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 A recent New York Times article] talked about how Georgetown has become a "gay-friendly institution." Mr. Lloyd, the pride group president, says he is often tempted to join the more tolerant Episcopal Church. But for many young Catholics, particularly of Irish or Italian descent, Catholicism is interchangeable with identity. “You stay Catholic because you have a love of the institution and you want to change it,” he said.
* From Awesome Lawson: "I was told by a priest that the verse about [[vultures|vultures flocking to feed on a corpse]] refers to Eucharistic adoration. Is that true?"


=== Less Recent ===
:: With a prophetic air, campus crusaders for this new “21st century” “Catholic” identity make ''ex cathedra'' pronouncements like “Society is changing, and God is in that change.”


==== Preaching Jesus vs. Tolerating Other Faiths ====
:; The question:


John Z. from Facebook: "If the Church is supposed to "go ... and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19), isn't the ultimate goal to teach the world about Jesus?  Doesn't that mean that we must ''not'' tolerate other religions and faiths? It seems as though relativism has crept into the Church and is undermining our missionary activity."
:: What do you think about this approach to being Catholic?


* [[Nostra aetate]]
=== Taking nephews to Communion ===
* [[:Category:Ecumenism]]
* Laura from Facebook: My 11- and 12-year old sons periodically invite their cousins to sleep over on a Saturday night. On Sunday we all attend Mass together.  I know my nephews do not attend Mass regularly, and I doubt that they ever go to Confession.  Should I confront them about this?  What responsibilities do I have as their Aunt?


==== Hitler in Hell? Animals in Heaven? ====
=== Jesuits in Upstate New York? ===


From Walter B., a former student of mine:
* Parishioner of Peter Calabrese asked via e-mail: Have you ever heard in the “family lore” of Jesuits working in the Lewiston area very early on?
: 1) "I remember a statement you made in class.  A student asked, "How long will Hitler be in Hell?"  I found your reply, "As long as it takes for all those who were wronged by him to forgive him" to be profound. I still think about it to this day.  Can you make any further comments about this? 
: 2) "Is it possible that a 'Christ-like' savior could exist for other species (ants, iguanas, llamas, etc.)?
* [http://www.usccb.org/bible/rom/8:18 Rom 19-21:]


:: For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
=== Sex reassignment surgery ===
* The fathers of the Church interpreted a verse from Isaiah as applying to the [http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2012/01/ancient-origins-of-nativity-scene-part.html Nativity scene:] "The ox knows his owner, and the ass his master’s manger" [http://www.usccb.org/bible/is/ (Is 1:3).] That the animals themselves recognize the Lord is part of Catholic spirituality, even though it is not a dogma of the Church.
* Kathy, Rochester, New York.  At work, my Department Head announced at a staff meeting that an employee was going to be changing from a male to a female.  What is the church's teaching on that?
* God loves animals more than we do.  This may be a variation on the question people frequently ask, [[Animals in Heaven|"Will my dog be with me in Heaven?"]]


==== Angelic Intimacy ====
=== Confirmation Necessary for Marriage? ===


From two friends who are studying John Paul II's "[[Theology of the Body]]" together: "Are humans able to be more closely united to each other than [[angels]] can be united to each other because humans have bodies and angels do not?"
* Dolores. Hamburg, New York. If a Catholic is Baptized and received the first Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, but NOT Confirmed, can they be married in the Church?
* Related quotation from St. Maximilian Kolbe: "If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion."
** The angels lack the human power for marital union and sacramental communion ''because they lack bodies.''  What difference does that difference make?  How does angelic union with other persons and with God differ from human union?


==== "Blessed Mary, Ever Virgin" in the new translation ====
=== "Queen of Creation" ===
* From a parishioner: I like to call Mary "Queen of Creation" when I am praying to her.  Is that appropriate?


Joyce from Buffalo called on November 11 to ask about dropping the phrase 'Ever-Virgin' in 1973. She loves the dogma about Mary's perpetual virginity and felt that the removal of the phrase was unfortunate.
=== Selling or renting property to same-sex couples ===
::* "Ever-virgin" is still in the confiteor (once instead of twice).
* From a parishioner: Would I be [[Cooperation with evil|cooperating in evil]] if I sold or rented a house to a same-sex couple?
::* It is still in the first Eucharistic Prayer.
::* The prefaces for Our Lady contain the teaching without using that phrase.
::* It does not appear in the other three Eucharistic Prayers.
::* It is not found in the Libera Nos after the Our Father.


==== Remission of Sins: Right Dispositions ====
=== What would Jesus think of today's Church? ===
* Bob from e-mail: If Christ returned to Earth tomorrow as a typically normal 21st Century Catholic, what do you think He would think of the Church that He created and the leadership it has?  Would he approve of it and back it, unquestionably?  Or, would he rail against it, or various aspects of it, as he did the moneychangers and merchants whose tables He dispersed from the synagogue when he was here 2000+ years ago?


John from e-mail: This is out of the Baltimore Catechism:
=== Promoting Women's Vocations to Religious Life ===
::: Q. 153. Are actual sins ever remitted by Baptism?
* Patti from e-mail: [http://imaginesisters.org/ Imagine Sisters] wants to make Jesus loved by introducing the world to religious sisters in love with Christ through media and personal encounters. We want to encourage and inspire a culture of vocations to women’s religious life by fostering a deep desire for holiness through the witness of religious sisters.
::: A. Actual sins and all the punishment due to them are remitted by Baptism, if the person baptized be guilty of any, and is rightly disposed.
:::* [[Purgatory]]


==== And with your spirit ====
=== Who are the vultures? ===


From Marilyn in Cleveland, Ohio, who listens on an iPad and wrote to us via e-mail:
* From Awesome Lawson: I was told by a priest that the verse, "Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather" (Mt 24:28) refers to Eucharistic adoration.  Is that true?


: I heard Fr. Moleski express his preference for the 'And also with you' response instead of the newer 'And with your spirit'. When I first learned of that change, I was delighted.  I have 3 children, 25, 22 and 20 years old.  All are in college and or grad school (pray for me, i am a single mother).  For years, decades actually, I feel that I have been taking on a dragon fighting for my children's salvation.  The world they have been raised in has emphasized, ad nauseam, how important they are, to the point now where they expect things (aka entitlement generation).  They were given things every where they went, stickers at the doctors office, dentists, awards for ridiculous things at school and so on.  The emphasis on hair, dress and all the material likes Is so hyper focused on the me, me, me that I see the 'and with your spirit' supremely refreshing and pointedly contradictory to the cultural persuasion.  'And with your spirit' is very challenging, and to me it points directly to the soul, not the person.  Be it priest or pew sitter, it's all about God, not me.  We must start focusing on our eternal souls, not on the flesh or ego.  I truly believe this will be an unconscious sign post directing us appropriately to Our Lord.
=== Footwashing ===


: Thank you for saying yes to God, our dear priests, we need you, we pray for you and we love you.
* Letitia: Footwashing is for everybody — everybody should do it to everybody.  She sent slippers, a towel, and foot cream to her nieces and nephews, and asked them to wash their mother's feet.  Jesus said, "Do ''as'' I do.  Such love and humility.  Jesus took the place of the last and the least.  Usually done by the Gentile slave, by wives for their husbands, by children for their parents, and by disciples for their teachers.


==== Planned Parenthood and Cancer Research ====
=== St. Malachy and the End of the World ===


Some friends in Amherst via e-mail: Many cancer research organizations donate to Planned Parenthood and/or support the use of tissue from abortions for medical research and therapy.  Is there a list of cancer research institutes to which Catholics can donate with a clear conscience?
* [[St. Malachy and the End of the World]]
* [[Cancer Research and Planned Parenthood]]
* I have figured out how to prove that Pope Francis is [[St. Malachy and the End of the World|"Peter the Roman."]] That means the end of the world is near (again!). :-O
:: [http://catholicozarks.blogspot.com/2013/05/pope-francis-peter-roman-antichrist.html "Pope Francis = Peter The Roman = Antichrist ?"]
:: "In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will nourish the sheep in many tribulations; when they are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The end."


==== Taking chastity seriously ====
=== Seven Pilgrim Churches ===


From a letter written in the fall of 2011 from some concerned young adult Catholics in the Diocese of Buffalo:
* [http://zephyrinus-zephyrinus.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-seven-pilgrim-churches-of-rome.html ''Wikipedia,'' "The Seven Pilgrim Churches Of Rome."]
::* We are increasingly disappointed and disheartened by the lack of support from priests and bishops ... regarding the sanctity of life and the value of true marriage.
::* Why are these high-profile, high-impact moral issues avoided during Sunday homilies: abortion, adultery, contraception, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia, fornication, homosexuality, impurity with oneself, pornography?
::* Why are Catholic public officials given a pass when they ''publicly'' violate Church teachings time after time?  Why aren't they denied Holy Communion?
::* It was disappointing that no priests attended the National Organization for Marriage's Rally for Traditional Marriage at Buffalo's City Hall on July 24.
::* Please help us to engage and evangelize the anti-Catholic culture that confronts us everyday.


==== Christians and Jews in Muslim territory ====
=== Catholic Children's Bible ===
* For parents: [http://www.smp.org/series/81/The-Catholic-Childrens-Bible ''The Catholic Children's Bible''] by St. Mary's Press.


From a friend in Amherst: Does the Koran call Jews and Christians [[Dhimmitude|"People of the Book"]]?  Have Muslims historically been more tolerant of Christians and Jews than Christians have been of Muslims and Jews?
=== Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ ===
* Suellen Ann from Facebook: I just saw a beautiful documentary on EWTN about [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Ciszek Fr. Walter Ciszek,] a Jesuit who was held captive in Siberia for 15 years. Could you talk a little bit about his life and works?
::: [[Walter Ciszek, SJ]]


==== Questions from Ladies of the Lord ====
=== Catholic understanding of marriage ===
* [[Answer Priest]]
* Nicole from e-mail: I spoke w/a 20-something co-worker regarding male/female complementarity one day when she mentioned that people who don't accept "same-sex marriage" are bigots.  She listened to me kindly but  did not accept the idea that opposite genders go together because of procreation. Her immediate answer was, "well, the couple can use IVF." I find that many younger people have a utilitarian point of view - the end justifies the means.  How can I present the Church's teaching on marriage and the natural law in the most effective fashion?


==== Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ: A Faithful Jesuit ====
=== Evidence of Ordination of Women? ===
* [http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/ignatian-spirit "An Ignatian Spirit: Avery Dulles’s Theological Journey."] Review of ''Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ: A Model Theologian, 1918–2008'' (Paulist Press, $49.95, 736 pp.).


== On Second Thought ==
* Andrew from e-mail: Sylvia Poggioli did a piece on NPR recently entitled [http://www.npr.org/2013/04/01/175910981/with-new-pope-catholic-women-hope-to-regain-church-leadership-roles "With New Pope, Catholic Women Hope To Regain Church Leadership Roles."] What are we to make of the argument that ancient mosaics and epigrams talk about women priests (presbytera) and bishops (episcopa)?
''I often think of better answers to questions after the show is over.  This is called "l'esprit de l'escalier," (French: "the spirit of the staircase") because lawyers so often think of the best arguments to have made while walking down the staircase leading away from the courthouse.''


=== Catholicism and Judaism ===
=== Year of Faith Website ===
* Sam from Buffalo: "Hi Father.  Earlier this week I heard someone talking briefly about Messianic Judaism and Hebrew Christianity.  I was wondering if you could tell me anything more about them, and where they 'fit in.'  Thanks so much!"
* David M. from Rochester: Here is the Vatican’s website for the year of faith: [http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en.html www.annusfidei.va.]
** [http://www.secondexodus.com/index.htm Second Exodus website]
** [[The Christian Deliteralization of the Old Testament]]
** [http://www.hebrewcatholic.org/ Association of Hebrew Catholics]


=== What about the prophecies about the Antichrist? ===
=== Common Bible includes "Apocrypha" ===
* John from Cheektowaga: "I wished I had stayed on the phone the other day to do a follow-up (I did not want to hog all the air-time). I wasn’t looking for a speculation of WHEN the end time will be – I know our Lord Jesus said that not even the angels or saints know, but only the Father knows the day and the hour."
** MXM: The advantage of staying on the phone is that you get to rephrase your question as we go along.  If we think you're hogging the air, we'll thank you for your call and hang up on you.  :-O
* I was just looking for comment on how really interwoven all of history is (past, present & future); all events detailed in prophesy. I thought that the little book “History of Antichrist” was extremely well presented. It listed each important prophet as indicated in Sacred Scripture, what various interpretations can their words possibly mean, which church fathers, saints, doctorens, traditions, commentators through to the med 1800’s (when the book was written), etc., to include conjectures as to meanings of their statements, and, how it relates to the antichrist. The book is not bad news, but it does say, when the antichrist does come it is going to be a terrible 3 ½ years before Jesus comes and put a stop to his deceit. Many will be swayed – think of the Jews who are still looking for the coming of the Messiah (all part of God’s grand mysterious plan).
** MXM: The Church is completely agnostic about the sequence of events at the end of the world. 
: The book of Revelation and other apocalyptic passages were written to comfort people who were suffering for the sake of Jesus.  The message is, "Hang on.  Your sufferings will be rewarded.  You will reign with Jesus in glory."  That message was valid in the first century and in every age since wherever disciples suffer for Jesus.
: In other words, the material is about the present, NOT the future.
* The world will be tricked unless one's faith is strong.
** MXM: We don't need "strong" faith.  Putting faith in the strength of our faith is a huge mistake.  No act of faith is greater than the size of a mustard seed when compared to the glory of the one in whom we place our trust.
==== Johnny Cash and the End of the World ====
Kevin in Buffalo: What do you think of the Johnny Cash song, [http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/johnnycash/themancomesaround.html "The Man Comes Around"]?


=== The meaning of fiction ===
* John W. from e-mail: I was very surprised this afternoon when you quoted [http://usccb.org/bible/tobit/4:6 Tobit 4:8] on giving. You said, "The Protestants don’t have Tobit in their Bible." Here in Canada, or at least Toronto, we DO! We also have Judith, Wisdom, Baruch, 1&2 Maccabees, and the other Deuterocanonical Books in the pew Bibles of at least our local Anglican and Presbyterian churches, and probably in the local United Church too. The pew Bibles are the “New Revised Standard Version (with Apocrypha).” These are logical developments based on Vatican II, which began fifty years ago, and the first Anglican-Roman Catholic Common Declaration and the establishment of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission forty-six years ago. Most Protestant churches are also using the Revised Common Lectionary. Is this just a Canadian thing?
Matt from Colorado asked about (e-mail about ''[[The Shack]]''). Second thoughts: [[interpreting fiction]].
::- [[Canon_of_the_Old_Testament#.22Apocryphal.22_Books_included_in_the_Common_Bible | Apocrypha in Common Bible.]]
 
=== Psychology and Catholicism ===
* John from Facebook: At the school I work, they are doing workshops on motivation and learning. They presented a workshop on [http://www.wglasser.com/ William Glasser's "choice theory,"] which seems to me to advocate faith but no God. When the Church provides counsel through Catholic Charities or even through a priest, how does it merge [[psychology and faith]]?
 
=== Godly Gynecology; Pregnancy Support Services ===
* Melissa from Kenmore, New York: "A friend of a friend of mine was told for decades that she had a thyroid problem that would prevent her from becoming pregnant.  The doctors were wrong.  When she began to gain weight because of a pregnancy, her doctor just adjusted her medication, thinking that her weight gain was due to thyroid problems, not a pregnancy.  This was a devastating situation for her, as she ended up having an abortion.  Many women who opt for abortion are not FOR abortion in and of itself. Many just do not have the support of the father or their family, and do not know who would help them cope with an unplanned child at the time of birth. Could you list some [[Pregnancy Support Services|resources women in such a situation can turn to?]]"
 
=== Pacifism required? ===
 
* Anonymous: Why do some candidates who are pro life still support violence via wars, detainment, and the like? Why can't being pro life mean being more vigilant in ending wars through diplomatic talks rather than continuing what seems an endless fight in another country? Our military wants to come home. Does war ever make any sense?"
::- [[Just War Theory]].
 
=== Feeling guilty after Confession ===
 
* Anonymous: "I have a hard time forgiving myself, even after I confess a sin in confession. Is that also a sin?"
::: [[Feeling guilty after Confession]].
 
=== Interceding for Sinners ===
 
* Anonymous: "What is the consequence if someone who is not Catholic receives the Eucharist in ignorance. Besides educating them, is there a penance one can do for them?"
::: [[What should I do when I see others sin?]]
::: [[Forgiveness Prayer]].
 
=== Spiritual Warfare ===
 
* John Z. from Facebook re: [[spiritual warfare]].
:::* Can people be used by demons to try and fight and create turmoil and strife?
:::* Are there angels and demons duking it out fighting for our souls?
:::* Also, I saw on a blog where a guy said to look in the Old Testament as to how many people Satan killed vs God. He claims that Satan only killed ten and God killed thousands. So, in his view, the whole Christian idea of God is false, and Satan got a raw deal.
 
=== Genocide in the Old Testament? ===
* Kevin from e-mail: Why did God order the Israelites to massacre whole villages when they conquered them?  Today we would call that "genocide" or "ethnic cleansing." The Church teaches that it is intrinscially evil to target whole populations in warfare.  How could God command His people to do evil?
 
=== Successors of the other apostles? ===
* Rich from e-mail: Most Catholics know that the Pope is the successor to Peter. Has the "lineage" from the other apostles been preserved just as carefully? Would the holders of some of those Sees be the Latin [[Patriarchs]]? There are not twelve of this class, so who are the direct successors of all of the original apostles and Paul? (I include him because of his unique status).
 
=== Patriarchs and Cardinals ===
* Rich from e-mail: I think that a fairly recent canonical change required that all [[patriarchs]] be made cardinals, although they've always actually outranked cardinals in the hierarchy. Is that correct?

Latest revision as of 12:18, 10 December 2022

Sitz im leben

A season of growth.

   


December 19

  • [X] Facebook.
  • [X] Water.
  • Joy.
  • 148 days for Gina and Joseph.
Prologue
  • Faith 'n' Reason Friday.
  • Any topic OK.
  • All callers welcome.
Last few days of Advent — St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
Luke 1
76
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation
by the forgiveness of their sins.
  • From John on Facebook (he may post this question on Facebook during the show): Some of my friends argue that there is no need for a priesthood. In the Bible, the term is used only of the Old Testament priests who served in the Temple. In the New Testament, the terms "episcopos" and "presbyter" are used, not "priest." How can I answer this challenge to the Catholic understanding of priesthood?

Treasury of Unanswered Questions

May the priest skip the "Deliver us from evil" prayer?

  • Boston, Mass. At mass at our church, after the Our Father, the priest goes directly to "For the kingdom, the power, etc" and omits the prayer in between that says, "Deliver us, Lord, from every evil.." This seems to be an important and beautiful part of the prayer. Is it allowed to be omitted?

Destroying unused genetic material from IVF procedures?

  • George. Bellingham, Mass. I was reading the catechism re: life issues. Regarding In Vitro Fertilization, if the sperm and egg are not viable, is it as morally unacceptable to destroy them as it would be if the sperm and egg are viable?

What is Jesus doing now?

  • Joe. Buffalo. What is Jesus doing in heaven now?

Are we not required to love our parents?

Homework from last Friday
  • Rebecca from St. Petersburg asked about Dennis Prager's view that children only need to honor their parents, not love them.
Prager: "The bible understands that there will always be people who, for whatever reason, do not love a parent. Therefore, it does not demand what may be psychologically or emotionally impossible, but it does demand that we honor our parents."
Jesus: "What is impossible for you is possible for God. Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you. Forgive seventy times seventy times!"
Yes, the parent-child relationsip is unique.
Yes, the family is the basic unit of society.
Yes, honor of parental is the glue that holds the family and therefore society together.
Yes, it is wrong for parents to seek to be "loved" as if they were the buddies of their babies. Parents must assert authority and children must yield to their parents' authority. When push comes to shove, it is right for parents to say, "Because I say so." This is often God's answer to our "why" questions, too. There are some things we cannot see for ourselves until we have grown more. Until that time, "because I say so" is the best answer.

Who is the greatest person "born of woman"?

  • Shawn from Facebook: Jesus says in Matthew 11 that John the Baptist was the greatest person ever born of a woman. I thought CHRIST himself or Mary would be the greatest?

How do I regularlize my marriage?

  • Anonymous from e-mail: I have been married for 15 years to my current husband and would like to have the marriage recognized by the Church so that I can receive the sacraments. I was first married in the Catholic Church. I was divorced from that man, and he has since died. I married another man in a civil service, then divorced him. I married my third and current husband in a civil service. He has been married in civil services and has been divorced twice. He is not Catholic and is not baptized. He has a hard time understanding why he has to participate in my annulment process. How should I explain it to him?

Did Jesus want us to mutilate our bodies?

  • Anonymous from Facebook: Anonymous from Facebook: Christ tells us not to lust after someone, because it is adultery. He also commands us to pluck out our eye and cut off our hands if they cause us to sin. Why is it that I never hear Catholic or Protestants discuss this passage?

How to be chaste in marital relations?

  • Anonymous from Facebook: In what way is it appropriate to desire union with my spouse?
Gregory Popcak, A Catholic Guide to Infallible Loving.
Chastity in Marriage.

Bl. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago

— Vatican News Service biography of Blessed Carlos Manuel.
— "Vivimos para esa noche" — "We live for that night" == the night of the Easter Vigil, in which we recall Jesus passing from death to life on Easter Sunday.
— "Charlie’s Beatification Process was indeed a swift one! Initiated in 1992, the positio on heroic virtues, lead to his status as Venerable as of July 7, 1997. The miracle for his beatification (cure of non-Hodgkins malignant lymphoma back in 1981) was approved on December 20,1999 by HH John Paul II. Thus, a record-making eight-year span, a first for lay actors!"

Straight from Earth to Heaven?

  • Shawn from Facebook: In the second letter to the Corinthians, it says: "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Cor 5:8). Does that mean that there is no purgatory? Do we just die and go straight to Heaven?
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Cor 5:10).

Can the Church change the canon?

  • John from Facebook: Since it was the Catholic Church that decided the canon of the Bible, could the Catholic Church ever change the contents of the Bible by adding or removing books in the future?
Antilegomena: These antilegomena or "disputed writings" were widely read in the Early Church and included the Epistle of James, the Epistle of Jude, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, the Apocalypse of John, the Gospel of the Hebrews, the Apocalypse of Peter (unique in being the only book never accepted as canonical which was commentated upon by a Church Father), the Acts of Paul, the Shepherd of Hermas, the Epistle of Barnabas and the Didache.

How to start spiritual direction?

  • Anonymous. Massachusetts. I have felt for a long time that I need some type of spiritual direction and grounding. However, I'm not sure how to seek it out. Can you suggest a simple way to get started beyond my parish priest? Does it depend on how spiritually "developed" one is? Thank you.

Our Lady of the Americas?

  • Bob. Boston, NY. Could you tell me the story of the appearances of "Our Lady of the Americas" that occured around 1956?
Marian_Theology#Apparitions_that_have_not_been_approved Apparitions that have not been approved.

Good book for 4-year old who loves to pray?

  • Jessica. Can anyone recommend a kid friendly book, or guide to teaching young kids about Jesus' death and resurrection? My son who is 4 loves going to Adoration and going though the Stations of the Cross.

Love gives us free will

  • David, Buffalo, NY. I wanted to add a comment about the conversation about free will that it is because we are beings that have the ability to love and also that God's love for us gives is free will.

Defending the faith in an irreligious world

  • Shawn from Facebook: "In a pre-scientific understanding of the world, people naturally believed things happened because of the action of God, Angels, Demons, and the like; but now we can explain everything through the laws of science. We can see throughout history that religion, morals, and culture have evolved. How can we defend the faith in a world that seems to have no need of religion?"

May a couple marry who cannot consummate the vows?

  • Ann, Massachusetts. I heard on the radio that a Catholic woman and man should not get married if they cannot consummate their vows because of a medical condition. I cannot believe this could be right.
EWTN library.
impotence is indeed an impediment to marriage

Slavery approved in the Bible?

  • Anonymous. According to scriptures, slavery is not considered immoral, however there are specific instructions on how to beat slaves correctly. Why did neither God or Jesus teach that owning another human being is immoral? Nowhere is this stated in the bible! Mark Twain wrote: "In all the ages the Roman Church has owned slaves, bought and sold slaves, authorized and encouraged her children to trade in them. Long after some Christian peoples had freed their slaves the Church still held on to hers. If any could know, to absolute certainty, that all this was right, and according to God’s will and desire, surely it was she, since she was God’s specially appointed representative in the earth and sole authorized and infallible expounder of his Bible. There were the texts; there was no mistaking their meaning; she was right, she was doing in this thing what the bible had mapped out for her to do. So unassailable was her position that in all the centuries she had no word to say against human slavery."

Consecration to Mary?

  • Shawn from Facebook: How can Catholics consecrate themselves to Mary? She is not God. Isn't it a sin against the First Commandment to vow yourselves to her service?

Conflicting Scripture Passages

  • John from Facebook: In a recent Sunday reading from 1 Kings, God said to Solomon, "I give you a heart so wise and discerning that there has never been anyone like you until now, nor after you will there be anyone to equal you" (1 Kings 3:12). But in Matthew, it says, "There is something greater than Solomon here" (Matthew 12:42). How do you reconcile the two passages?
Similar kind of conundrum: What did Jesus mean when He said that "Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Mt 11:11)? Wasn't Mary greater than John the Baptist through her Immaculate Conception?
And, of course, "all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Doesn't that mean that Mary and Jesus were both sinners?
"No sign will be given this generation except the sign of Jonah, for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Mt 12:40).

Followup question from John

John from Facebook:

  • If the church teaches us not to read passages literally, why does it not apply this to the teachings on the supper of The Lord or giving Peter the keys to the kingdom? How does the Church discern what should be taken literally and what isn't? My non Catholic friends say the Church chooses to take literally those passages that support her doctrinal position. After all the churches authority comes from reading the passage on the keys given to Peter literally doesn't it?

Can Mary bless us?

  • Shawn from Facebook: I heard a priest say the rosary. He said, "May Mary bless you with her holy child." How can Mary bless us with anything? She has no power outside of Christ.

Boys will be boys?

  • Anonymous from Facebook: Your 12-year old catches about 10 dragonflies, takes their wings off, and puts them in a cup “because he wants to see them fight.” Is that just boys being boys? Or do you tell him that it’s wrong to hurt animals for fun? He has Reactive Attachment Disorder which causes me additional concern.

Tips for Lay Evangelization?

From the "Ask a Priest" page on TheStationOfTheCross.com:
Michael: The Pope has called lay people to evangelize. I very heatedly expressed my objections to a fictional TV show which portrayed a catholic priest in a very negative way. A high school senior responded to my criticisms by expressing a desire for God, but he also expressed some reservations about God and showed a real lack of knowledge of the faith. How about having a show where people call in to discuss their ideas for lay evangelization and talk about their successes or failures in bearing witness to the tremendous hidden treasures of our faith?

How many books of the Bible claim to be inspired by God?

  • How many books of the Bible claim to be inspired by God? Maybe two make an explicit claim — Jeremiah and Revelation.
Jeremiah: "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you about Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, until today" (36:2).
"Proving Inspiration."
What about the Bible’s own claim to inspiration? There are not many places where such a claim is made even elliptically, and most books in the Old and New Testaments make no such claim at all. In fact, no New Testament writer explicitly claims that he himself is writing at the direct behest of God, with the exception of John, the author of Revelation.

Taped evidence — nursing home

  • Luisa from "Ask a Priest" [today]: My mother was in the nursing home up until she passed away. We placed a camera in her room because they kept dropping her. Although the policy of the nursing home prohibits recording sound in the patients' bedrooms, by accident, some of our videos recorded the nurses abusing my mother verbally. May I use these recordings in good faith to bring an action against the nursing home?

Why can't women preach in Church?

  • From a pastor who listens to the show: When you answered Betsy's question on August 4th about how women can preach the gospel even though they are not allowed to read the gospel and preach homilies in the liturgy, you dodged the question of why women and laymen cannot read the gospel and preach homilies in the liturgy. I may not be the smartest kid on the block, but I can tell when someone is ducking a tough question! :o) [Note well: this priest is a very good and orthodox priest, and he is a friend of mine. This is a kind and well-meaning question, not a screed in favor of abandoning the Church's tradition! I think it is a good question.]

NFP for a pre-menopausal couple?

  • Anonymous from "Ask a Priest" on the Station of the Cross website — spend a little time explaining how to find and use this page on the website. My impression is that it is right on the front page, down at the bottom. That's how I see it, anyway, using a browser; I couldn't find it on the iCatholicRadio app. "Submit your questions for a priest to answer live on Calling All Catholics, airing weekdays from 5-6 pm ET."
I am concerned whether my husband and I are committing a mortal sin in our intimate relations. Because I am pre-menopausal, the signs of our fertile time are very uncertain, so I can't tell with much confidence when we are in a fertile time in our relationship. We used to use Natural Family Planning, but now we are not completing the marital act in a natural fashion. My health is poor, and we do not want to become pregnant at this time in our marriage. Are we committing a sin by not completing the marriage act normally?
BE POSITIVE. The Church upholds the natural act of love in marriage as the norm for judging what is right and wrong in our relationships. Whenever a couple chooses the joy of union, their expression of love should be such that they do nothing to make it impossible for them to become pregnant through their union. This norm rules out barrier methods, the use of artificial hormones that fool the woman's body into thinking that she is already pregnant, and any other actions that would keep the union of the couple from being fruitful. If you and your husband feel sure that you cannot afford to become pregnant at this time in your life, you must abstain from union for a while until your health improves or you reach the point at which you can have greater confidence than you do now in identifying the fertile times in your cycle; you might want to ask for help from a certified Natural Family counselor to get help in understanding the signs at this time in your life. Abstinence is hard, but not impossible. It, too, is an act of love for each other and for our Creator. Abstinence chosen out of love for one another for shorter or longer times has its own rewards, though they are, of course, more subtle and on a different level from the joy of expressing your love for each other directly through marital union. We have been praying for you and your husband, Anonymous, since we received your e-mail. We hope that you will find great joy in being faithful and true to each other as well as abiding by God's plan for your marriage.
"Christoper West's Ideas on Sexuality Ignore Tremendous Dangers — Alice von Hildebrand."

Why is the Old Testament so vague about Trinity and the Eucharist?

  • Sara from the Fund Drive:
  1. Why didn't God give more advance warning in the Old Testament of the doctrine of the Trinity?
  2. Why didn't God give more advance warning in the Old Testament of the doctrine of the Eucharist?

Is spiritual dryness a sin?

  • Shawn from Facebook: Is having spiritual dryness a sin?

How should Catholics vote?

  • Shawn from Facebook: Election season is upon us. The Catholic voter guide basically says "don't vote for abortion," and rightly so. But, I have never supported GOP politics either, although they are the closest thing we have to a pro-life party. So how should I vote then?
USCCB Voting Guide for Catholics.

Struggling with Marian prayers

Shawn from Facebook: I struggle with certain Marian prayers that ask her to save us, etc; I don't get that... Because she can't do anything without God's power. She is merely a creature, though the highest of all creation. I have trouble with the rosary too. Why not just pray the "Our Father"?

Chesterton Academy in England?

  • Maria Bachelier from e-mail: Is there any Chesterton academy in England, where I live?
Not yet. There is one in Italy. Dale Ahlquist is in Europe right now. More may be under development.
Emily de Rotstein, Executive Director
Chesterton Academy — www.chestertonacademy.org
info@chestertonacademy.org

Why does the Catechism calls us "gods"?

  • John from Facebook: I have been reading the Catechism each night. I have a question regarding paragraph 460 which says, "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods." This passage uses the lower case letter g. In the Old Testament, this is how the pagan gods are referred to. What does lower case "gods" mean here?
Divinization.

Righteous anger vs. sinful anger

  • John from Facebook:
  1. Could you explain righteous anger and sinful anger? Are there scriptural references to these two kinds of anger? Could you give some ideas how to counteract the sin of anger? — Christian Anger Management.
  2. Also would you please pray for my niece, Marybeth, who suffers from a head injury she received in an accident some time ago.

Multiple sins in an invalid marriage

  • Anonymous from Facebook: Suppose a person got married only in order to obtain a visa and did not intend the marriage to last. Is that person sinning if they do not get an annulment? Is that person committing fornication when they have relations with their innocent spouse?

Uncharitable thoughts and feelings

  • Anonymous from Facebook: I am a volunteer at my parish. I arranged to switch volunteer nights with another parishioner. I covered their night, but they did not cover mine. I was called and asked to come fill in for them. I felt annoyed at the prospect, but did eventually offer to fill the empty spot. I feel that I was selfish and uncharitable. Did I commit a sin by being annoyed or by waiting a while before I said yes?

Do same-sex marriages invalidate all marriages in the state or the denomination?

  • Peter John from e-mail:
  1. If Christian denominations and many states are recognizing same-sex marriages, does that not mean that all of the marriages in those denominations or states are necessarily invalid in the eyes of the Church? If so, wouldn't that simplify the annulment process for those who contracted marriage before a justice of the peace in those states or in those denominations?
  2. I am upset that I see people who are cohabiting receive the sacraments while those who are in post-divorce marriages cannot. This especially troublesome when the divorced and remarried have no children from earlier marriages, have built a good family in their current marriages, and live devout lives otherwise.

Should we hold hands during the Our Father?

Why not do mandalas in our parish?

  • NOT ON THE LINE. Liz from Rochester. Please speak about what Mandala is and why it shouldn’t be practiced at our parish.
The Mandala Project.

Blessed are those who murder babies?

  • Kevin from e-mail: The last verse of Psalm 137 is really horrible. It says, "Blessed is the man who seizes the children of Babylon and dashes their brains out against a rock." Isn't God the father of Babylonian children, too? How could murdering innocent children bring blessings to those who murder them?

Why was John the Baptist not freed from captivity?

  • John from Facebook: The gospel of Luke says that Jesus came to set the captives free. If so, then why didn't Jesus free John the Baptist from captivity?

When should we accept death for those whom we love?

  • Katy from e-mail: Every day at Mass I hear the priest ask us to pray for life, "from its natural beginning to its natural end." I remain confused as to why keeping an infant (or anyone) with a terminal illness on life support, in this case mechanical ventilation, is celebrated. I don't understand why anyone would want to watch a loved one suffering with a tracheostomy when that loved one could be in paradise with Jesus. Is this brave to keep them alive, or is it selfish?
Catholic Medical Ethics


U.S. Bishops dedicated to Marxism since 1979?

  • Mary Kathryn from e-mail:
- I have an article from 1979 which says that U.S. bishops were dedicated to preaching Marxism instead of Christianity. Is that claim true?

Positive outcomes from Vatican II

  • Mary Kathryn from e-mail:
- Can you name three positive outcomes of Vatican II?
- Recognition that we owe religious assent to the ordinary teachings of the Magisterium. The Scriptures are the fruit of Tradition and are part of Tradition; they do not replace it.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church.
- Discussion of marriage as a noble vocation, including praise of the nobility of the act of marital union, reaffirmation of the Church's traditional teaching on avoiding contraceptives, and a strong condemnation of abortion as an abominable crime.

Canon law and Catholic identity

  • Melanie from Twitter: Is it a violation of canon law to question someone's Catholic identity?
Can. 216: "Since they participate in the mission of the Church, all the Christian faithful have the right to promote or sustain apostolic action even by their own undertakings, according to their own state and condition. Nevertheless, no undertaking is to claim the name Catholic without the consent of competent ecclesiastical authority."

Calling God "Allah"

  • Winna from Twitter: Do you know the Arabic word 'Allah'? Do you think it is inappropriate for Christians to use the Arabic word for God?

Thanks for help with Desolation

  • Anonymous from Facebook: "Thank you for answering my questions about desolation in such a great detail in a show you did in the summer time. I feel very comforted after hearing from you on the show and I'm actually feeling relieved with the clarity especially after learning about desolation. I can't thank you enough for this. I feel that I'm suddenly pulled back in when I was almost falling off a steep cliff — thank you so much for the rescue!"

New forms of Catholicism?

Mark: What the "New Catholic Churches"?

Schismatic Catholics.

Experimental Medical Treatments

  • Dan from Facebook: Does the Church have any definitive position on the use of experimental medical treatments? A friend has stage 4 melanoma, and an experimental drug is his best (and apparently only) chance for survival. The problem is that it hasn't been approved by the FDA — the family wants it for "compassionate use" in the meantime. I just have to decide whether to sign the petition they are circulating.

Anathema sit!

  • Debbie from Amherst: The Council of Trent says that anyone who objects to the doctrine of the Church is "anathema." What does that mean for our Protestant brothers and sisters who have left the Church?

Deification

  • Andrew from e-mail: It appears that in Eastern Catholic Theology one can become closer to God after death through deification. The Eastern Catholics claim that their saints move closer to God even in heaven. In Western theology this does not appear possible. One gains merit/treasures in heaven while alive, and assuming one gets to heaven, that's it — no more! You are as close to God as possible. Not all saints are the same in glory. There is no more change possible. These Eastern and Western views are logically incompatible; both cannot be true.
Deification

Is God "static"?

Andrew from e-mail: In the 'eternal realm' there is no time. How can we be dynamic yet God is static? He does not change with time only we do. Is there a 'time' we live in in the eternal realm (the theory of 'days' in purgatory is popular but the concept was 'not up for debate' in the East because they did not see it as theologically worth pursing). Are these concepts merely beyond human understanding and simple part of the 'mystery' that so permeates our sense of eternity?

Burning Man

  • Kathleen from Facebook: I recently came across some information about "The Burning Man Experience" in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. It was quite disturbing and reminded me of pagan rituals. Can you shed more light on this?

Questions about questions

  • Two different friends asked me recently, "What is the hardest question you have received? Your favorite question? Your least favorite question?"

How could Adam and Eve sin?

  • Thomas from e-mail: If Adam and Eve did not have Original Sin, they did not have concupiscence, by which we mean the tendency of our disordered appetites to lead us to sin. Why weren't they immune to temptation?

What do goats symbolize in the Bible?

  • John from Facebook: I saw a Masonic website that linked goats to Babylonian mystery religions. The author suggested that the goat was a symbol of the Temple and Temple builders. Is this how the symbolism of goats works in the Scriptures? Would this add an extra dimension to the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25? Does the Church have a specific teaching on the meaning of goats in the Bible?

How to "Offer it up?"

  • Sherry. Arlington, Virginia. iCatholic. I have a question about suffering and "offering it up". I am not a cradle Catholic, so I did not get the benefit of learning about this while growing up. What I've done is simply a mental prayer like this: "Dear God, I offer you this pain (or discomfort, or whatever suffering I am going through at the moment)". Is this adequate? Sometimes I add " to join in Christ's suffering on the cross in order to help redeem the world (or for some other purpose like to help a sick friend or family member)". Is this an acceptable way to offer up suffering? Thank you. We love your radio show!

Theology of Global Warming?

  • Marilyn. Buffalo, New York. I have another philosophical question. From the standpoint of Genesis, is global warming man-made or part of God's plan? Why would God make us in His image and then give us the power to destroy his creation? Would God really allow us to be such a problem?

Traces of the Trinity in the Old Testament

  • Mike Denz from WLOF: A while back, you talked with a listener about Old Testament passages that foreshadhow the revelation of the Trinity in the New Testament. Isn't there are a foreshadowing of John's Trinitarian theology of the Word made flesh in Genesis 1? Genesis 1 portrays God as creating by speaking words of command such as "Let there be light — and there was light;" then John's gospel says that God created through the Word.
Speaker, breath, word — Father, Spirit, Son (the missions of the Trinity, not the eternal relationships between the Divine Persons). The Spirit is not mentioned explicitly until 1:32; John testifies that he saw the Spirit descend upon Jesus and that Jesus would "baptize with the Holy Spirit."
Ruah in Genesis 1:1.
  • Brian from Facebook: I have two questions.
Part I: In the case of a pastoral administrator charged with a parish assignment, where does the buck stop? With the pastoral administrator or a priest (sacramental minister) also assigned to the same parish?
There is a separation of powers.
A Parish Administrator (PA) is responsible for anything you can do with money, including collecting it. The PA may also define the parish schedule, organize non-sacramental ministries, and obtain services from priests or deacons as needed when the assigned Sacramental Minister (SM) is unavailable. I imagine that the PA would run the catechetical programs and would be the person who hires and fires other parish workers. The PA would also keep all of the books — financial, sacramental records, school records, etc.
The sacramental minister is responsible for seeing that the sacraments are offered correctly.
Grey areas probably not defined by law but settled on a case-by-case basis: furnishings, music, "smells and bells."
Part II: What is your opinion of people calling a priest a "sacramental minister"?
It's accurate, if not very poetic. There are some men who, for one reason or another, should not act as pastors. They can supply the sacraments for a parish, but do not have the gifts or virtues required for administration. I think this causes great grief to the priests.
One priest in our diocese was a "sacramental minister" after being a priest for at least 25 years, and was apparently despondent at being ordered to leave his parish so that another priest could become pastor, relieving a deacon and his wife of the job of P.A. Not being promoted to pastor hurt the priest terribly, but the act of suicide suggests to me that it was not a bad decision not to promote him — he was not a well man (may he rest in peace).
Better title? "Parish priest" or "Parish father."

Destiny of the souls of those who die in abortion

  • Matthew Paul via Facebook: Is there a definitive Church teaching on what happens to the souls of aborted children? Are they martyrs through a "baptism of blood"?
Afterlife for aborted children?

Did Jesuits tried to kill John Paul II?

  • Alex from e-mail: A very devout Polish Catholic friend of mine believes that John Paul II was about to dissolve the Society of Jesus, also known as "the Jesuits," but was prevented from doing so by being shot by Ali Agca, who was acting on behalf of the Jesuits. The only reference I could find about this was from Malachi Martin's book, The Jesuits.
1981: Arrupe's stroke; appointment of Vinny O'Keefe to be Acting General; replacement of O'Keefe by Paulo Dezza.
1983: assassination attempt on 13 May; election of Fr. Kolvenbach on 13 September.

Gay lobby on Catholic campuses

  • Kevin from Buffalo:
Setup for the question
A recent New York Times article talked about how Georgetown has become a "gay-friendly institution." Mr. Lloyd, the pride group president, says he is often tempted to join the more tolerant Episcopal Church. But for many young Catholics, particularly of Irish or Italian descent, Catholicism is interchangeable with identity. “You stay Catholic because you have a love of the institution and you want to change it,” he said.
With a prophetic air, campus crusaders for this new “21st century” “Catholic” identity make ex cathedra pronouncements like “Society is changing, and God is in that change.”
The question
What do you think about this approach to being Catholic?

Taking nephews to Communion

  • Laura from Facebook: My 11- and 12-year old sons periodically invite their cousins to sleep over on a Saturday night. On Sunday we all attend Mass together. I know my nephews do not attend Mass regularly, and I doubt that they ever go to Confession. Should I confront them about this? What responsibilities do I have as their Aunt?

Jesuits in Upstate New York?

  • Parishioner of Peter Calabrese asked via e-mail: Have you ever heard in the “family lore” of Jesuits working in the Lewiston area very early on?

Sex reassignment surgery

  • Kathy, Rochester, New York. At work, my Department Head announced at a staff meeting that an employee was going to be changing from a male to a female. What is the church's teaching on that?

Confirmation Necessary for Marriage?

  • Dolores. Hamburg, New York. If a Catholic is Baptized and received the first Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, but NOT Confirmed, can they be married in the Church?

"Queen of Creation"

  • From a parishioner: I like to call Mary "Queen of Creation" when I am praying to her. Is that appropriate?

Selling or renting property to same-sex couples

  • From a parishioner: Would I be cooperating in evil if I sold or rented a house to a same-sex couple?

What would Jesus think of today's Church?

  • Bob from e-mail: If Christ returned to Earth tomorrow as a typically normal 21st Century Catholic, what do you think He would think of the Church that He created and the leadership it has? Would he approve of it and back it, unquestionably? Or, would he rail against it, or various aspects of it, as he did the moneychangers and merchants whose tables He dispersed from the synagogue when he was here 2000+ years ago?

Promoting Women's Vocations to Religious Life

  • Patti from e-mail: Imagine Sisters wants to make Jesus loved by introducing the world to religious sisters in love with Christ through media and personal encounters. We want to encourage and inspire a culture of vocations to women’s religious life by fostering a deep desire for holiness through the witness of religious sisters.

Who are the vultures?

  • From Awesome Lawson: I was told by a priest that the verse, "Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather" (Mt 24:28) refers to Eucharistic adoration. Is that true?

Footwashing

  • Letitia: Footwashing is for everybody — everybody should do it to everybody. She sent slippers, a towel, and foot cream to her nieces and nephews, and asked them to wash their mother's feet. Jesus said, "Do as I do. Such love and humility. Jesus took the place of the last and the least. Usually done by the Gentile slave, by wives for their husbands, by children for their parents, and by disciples for their teachers.

St. Malachy and the End of the World

"Pope Francis = Peter The Roman = Antichrist ?"
"In the extreme persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will sit Peter the Roman, who will nourish the sheep in many tribulations; when they are finished, the city of seven hills will be destroyed, and the dreadful judge will judge his people. The end."

Seven Pilgrim Churches

Catholic Children's Bible

Fr. Walter Ciszek, SJ

  • Suellen Ann from Facebook: I just saw a beautiful documentary on EWTN about Fr. Walter Ciszek, a Jesuit who was held captive in Siberia for 15 years. Could you talk a little bit about his life and works?
Walter Ciszek, SJ

Catholic understanding of marriage

  • Nicole from e-mail: I spoke w/a 20-something co-worker regarding male/female complementarity one day when she mentioned that people who don't accept "same-sex marriage" are bigots. She listened to me kindly but did not accept the idea that opposite genders go together because of procreation. Her immediate answer was, "well, the couple can use IVF." I find that many younger people have a utilitarian point of view - the end justifies the means. How can I present the Church's teaching on marriage and the natural law in the most effective fashion?

Evidence of Ordination of Women?

Year of Faith Website

  • David M. from Rochester: Here is the Vatican’s website for the year of faith: www.annusfidei.va.

Common Bible includes "Apocrypha"

  • John W. from e-mail: I was very surprised this afternoon when you quoted Tobit 4:8 on giving. You said, "The Protestants don’t have Tobit in their Bible." Here in Canada, or at least Toronto, we DO! We also have Judith, Wisdom, Baruch, 1&2 Maccabees, and the other Deuterocanonical Books in the pew Bibles of at least our local Anglican and Presbyterian churches, and probably in the local United Church too. The pew Bibles are the “New Revised Standard Version (with Apocrypha).” These are logical developments based on Vatican II, which began fifty years ago, and the first Anglican-Roman Catholic Common Declaration and the establishment of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission forty-six years ago. Most Protestant churches are also using the Revised Common Lectionary. Is this just a Canadian thing?
- Apocrypha in Common Bible.

Psychology and Catholicism

  • John from Facebook: At the school I work, they are doing workshops on motivation and learning. They presented a workshop on William Glasser's "choice theory," which seems to me to advocate faith but no God. When the Church provides counsel through Catholic Charities or even through a priest, how does it merge psychology and faith?

Godly Gynecology; Pregnancy Support Services

  • Melissa from Kenmore, New York: "A friend of a friend of mine was told for decades that she had a thyroid problem that would prevent her from becoming pregnant. The doctors were wrong. When she began to gain weight because of a pregnancy, her doctor just adjusted her medication, thinking that her weight gain was due to thyroid problems, not a pregnancy. This was a devastating situation for her, as she ended up having an abortion. Many women who opt for abortion are not FOR abortion in and of itself. Many just do not have the support of the father or their family, and do not know who would help them cope with an unplanned child at the time of birth. Could you list some resources women in such a situation can turn to?"

Pacifism required?

  • Anonymous: Why do some candidates who are pro life still support violence via wars, detainment, and the like? Why can't being pro life mean being more vigilant in ending wars through diplomatic talks rather than continuing what seems an endless fight in another country? Our military wants to come home. Does war ever make any sense?"
- Just War Theory.

Feeling guilty after Confession

  • Anonymous: "I have a hard time forgiving myself, even after I confess a sin in confession. Is that also a sin?"
Feeling guilty after Confession.

Interceding for Sinners

  • Anonymous: "What is the consequence if someone who is not Catholic receives the Eucharist in ignorance. Besides educating them, is there a penance one can do for them?"
What should I do when I see others sin?
Forgiveness Prayer.

Spiritual Warfare

  • Can people be used by demons to try and fight and create turmoil and strife?
  • Are there angels and demons duking it out fighting for our souls?
  • Also, I saw on a blog where a guy said to look in the Old Testament as to how many people Satan killed vs God. He claims that Satan only killed ten and God killed thousands. So, in his view, the whole Christian idea of God is false, and Satan got a raw deal.

Genocide in the Old Testament?

  • Kevin from e-mail: Why did God order the Israelites to massacre whole villages when they conquered them? Today we would call that "genocide" or "ethnic cleansing." The Church teaches that it is intrinscially evil to target whole populations in warfare. How could God command His people to do evil?

Successors of the other apostles?

  • Rich from e-mail: Most Catholics know that the Pope is the successor to Peter. Has the "lineage" from the other apostles been preserved just as carefully? Would the holders of some of those Sees be the Latin Patriarchs? There are not twelve of this class, so who are the direct successors of all of the original apostles and Paul? (I include him because of his unique status).

Patriarchs and Cardinals

  • Rich from e-mail: I think that a fairly recent canonical change required that all patriarchs be made cardinals, although they've always actually outranked cardinals in the hierarchy. Is that correct?
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