2014

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Extremadura.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.

March 31

• Lani: My husband's employment contract has just ended. We've been praying hard that he gets another job. There are times when I feel at peace, but there are times when I feel that God is not listening. How do I respond to my kids when they ask me why God is not answering our prayers? Also, how do I strengthen my hope and faith?
• Bruce from Santa Barbara, California, listening on iCatholicRadio: "I have seven children. Two of them are in college and are starting to say things like "There is more than one way to get to Heaven." They seem to be straying from the faith. Do you have any particular prayers for spiritual warfare that I can say for my children?
• Maryann. Dover, New Hamp. I am looking for a "Miracle for Marcie", my granddaughter who may loose her leg from an injury a couple years ago.
• Carolos. El Paso, TX. I have a question as to how Mary was conceived without original sin? Was this revealed by personal revelation?
• John. I bring Holy Communion to my Aunt at her nursing home. There is another woman who does the same. She said that she gives Communion to Non-Catholics, who are very devout and cannot practice their faith due to their circumstances. A priest overheard this and said he knows the people and it was acceptable. It was stated that these people claim to recognize the Communion as the body of Christ. Is this correct and can I do the same?
• PAT. Boston, Mass. Prayer for depression--DeGrandis' forgiveness prayer.
• Delores, Boston, NY. I have 4 prayer requests and one question. Prayers for Joanne (surgery); Janet-a young mother with cancer; Lee ?; Michael-shingles. I would like to know if Vincent Ferrar is a Saint. I think he is but not sure.
• Jesus (Hasoos). Boston, MA. I have delivered Holy communion to nursing home and sometimes a person will spit it out. What do I do?

March 28

• Noah opens today.
• Bridgette. Buffalo. Just wanted to let Father know that her Lenten preparation is listening to Father.
• Jim. Franklin, Pa. In Philippians, it says to work out our salvation in fear and trembling, yet The Holy Father says we are to be joyful. How do we do that?
• Karen heard Mark Shea pray for people who are mentally ill at 3:30 today on the air. He seemed to suggest that it was because they were not brought up in the faith. Is that true?
• Joe. Buffalo. How does free will and God's Will correlate to one another? And how do statements such as "if it's meant to be, it's meant to be" and "it's destiny" and "everything happens for a reason" relate to the idea of our having free will?
• Rick. Grand Island. What was the revelation Thomas Acquinas has to say all we know is a grain of sand?
• Tim. Central Massachusettes. He has a few older brothers that are Mormons, what's the one or two biggest reasons why leaving the Catholic faith and becoming Mormon might keep them from going to Heaven?
• Ken. Salem, NH. In Sunday's Gospel, why did Jesus use mud to make the blind man see?

March 21

• Rhonda. Rochester, NY How literally should we Catholics read the Old Testament?
• Pat. Boston. MA What does it mean when people kiss their hands after they bless themselves?
• Michael. Tonawanda NY. I heard you get a plenanary (sp) when you go into a Basilica-Can you explain this?
• Bernandette. Buffalo. Is it ok to pray for the soul of my ex-husband who left our family for a life of drugs?
• Alice. Boston MA. I am Hispanic but would like to know when you cross yourself before the Gospel, what do you pray in English?
• Kathleen. Boston. MA. I am considering joining a 3rd order. Can you tell me anything about the Carmelites or Dominicans or Benedictines?
• Barbara. kenmore. Was not abstaining from meat on Fridays a mortal sin and how do Protestants justify divorce and remarriage?
• Maria. Nadek. MA. I would like to comment on the kissing of hands when people bless themselves
• Marie. Rochester. NY. I would like to ask about my husband who is still living because I have a similar situation as the previous caller whose husband lived a bad life.
• Al. Hew Hampshire. Regarding the gospel this week of the rich man and Lazarus I would like to ask if the rich man is in Purgatory or Hell?
• Mike. Rochester. NY. How can I respond to a young high school boy who is questioning his faith?
• Dorothy. Rochester NY. I have some observations on when people kiss their fingers when they make the sign of the cross
• Al. New Hampshire, Regarding the gospel this week of the rich man and Lazarus, is the rich man in Purgatory or Hell?
• Marie. Rochester. NY, I would like to ask about my living husband who is living a bad life similar to a previous caller.

March 7

• Special edition of Faith 'n' Reason Friday with Dale Ahlquist.
• Anonymous from Facebook: "My mom is interested in sending me to the Chesterton Academy. I love everything I've seen about it except one thing. Daily Mass. I go twice a week now and find Mass boring. Mom said that the school won't change their policy of daily Mass, but maybe I can change my perspective of Mass. I'm wondering if you can make some suggestions on how to do that. I want to like the idea of daily Mass so I'll like Chesterton 100%. Thank you for any help you can give me!"

February 28

• Today is the one-year of Pope Benedict's retirement from the papacy. It's been a wild ride! He gave us Francis.
• Faith 'n' Reason Friday
• The Station of Cross is dedicated to "Converting Hearts to Christ." "If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing" (Phil 2:1-2).
• The Month of February has been dedicated to the Holy Family (HFC).
• Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.
• RIP Harold Ramis, co-author of Groundhog Day and co-star of Ghostbusters.
• Any topic OK.
• All callers welcome.
• Serenity Prayer
• Anonymous: I have heard some good things about the new movie, "Son of God," which is opening in theaters today. My mother is going to the theater this afternoon for the 4 PM showing. Is this a good movie for Catholics to watch?
• NOT ON THE LINE. Anonymous. Could you please discuss some good food options or recipes for Fridays in Lent? By the time Lent ends I get sick of mac & cheese, fish dishes, tuna casseroles, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. I’d like to abstain from meat every Friday of the year but I’d like some other ideas to help me in this.

"Meatless Recipes for Lent and Throughout the Year."

Macrobiotic.

Vegetarian (allows eggs, cheese, butter).

Vegan (no eggs or dairy products).

• Anonymous: I feel angry all the time. My confessor suggested that I should examine my conscience daily about the things that make me angry. What should I do with these feelings?
• Cindy from Rochester, NY. I have an young son, 11 years old. We have been experiencing a lot of sadness (death and illness) in the family and he asks why these bad things are happening to good people? Can you help explain this?

Suffering.

• Theresa. How can my 10th-grade daughter respond to her New Testament teacher regarding her comments as God as Father and Mother? She would like to call her out on this but needs help in what to say.
• Maria. An acquaintance said with confidence that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was pro-nazism. I've never heard such a claim before. Any truth is that? How can I respond in defense to our Pope Emeritus? Thank you.
• Mary. Buffalo. Is there RCIA or anything else for my god children who don't attend CCD so that they can receive the sacraments?
• Anonymous. Rochester, NY. What is the damage that women priests cause to true Catholics who believe they are attending a legitimate Mass?
• Catherine. East Aurora. NY. Prayer request: for a favorable outcome on a test for myself.

Friday, 21 February

• Jerry from e-mail: I am a Ukrainian Catholic and am watching the unfolding events in Ukraine with great sadness and trepidation. Please pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in Ukraine, for an immediate stop to the violence and bloodshed, for a quick restoration of peace and order, and that Almighty God may help the Ukrainian nation elect a truly democratic government which will heed the will of the people. Please also pray for the repose of the souls of all who have died in this civil unrest and for the consolation of their families and friends.
• Scott (Knights of Columbus) Rochester, New York. In St. Paul Chapter 4 ...led to captivity. What does that mean? and In James Chapter 4 Where do wars come from.... What is the meaning of that? Please pray for me if I should go on for 3 degree of the Knights.
• Bob from Cheektowaga, NY. I heard Fr. Rick on the show last week and he said you had to be a Catholic in good standing to receive all the sacraments. I don't understand this answer as I wonder if Jesus and His Apostles required that the persons they encountered be without sin?
• Rick. Auburn, New York Wants to know if there is any information of a sapphire book that provided the dimensions of Noah's arc. He saw a documentary on A & E regarding this information.
• Margaret .Cyler, New York. Fr prayed for her and she wanted to thank him. Knee surgery was a success and she is now in physical therapy.
• Dean. Boston. Massachusetts. Can we ever consider a vision or a medium as gift or is it more demonic?
• Alice. Boston. Massachusetts. Where do I stand now that i had my tubes tied and cant\'t reverse.
• Nicole. Natick. Massachusetts. Comment and encouragement for Bob.

February 17

• My Mom's 88th birthday.
• John from Facebook: I have heard that some secular skeptics argue that we can't even be sure that Jesus existed because the gospel accounts were written so long after Christianity began. I heard a minister say that the people of that time valued the oral word more than the written word. Is that true?
• Scott. Rochester, NY. I would like to ask for prayer for my eyesight (I have none) and for my friends who are not supportive of my desire. I would also like to ask why in the sacrifice of the Holy Mass, does Father pour a couple droplets of water into the wine? Where does this come from?
• Kathy. Rochester, NY. I would like to tell Fr. I have been praying to Our Lady -Undoer of Knots as I have just received a book from a friend about this. Can you join with me Fr. in praying that my anorexia and depression, which I have suffered for 43 years be healed?
• Mark. Upstate NY. My sister is married to a Muslim and his children are not baptized. Is there anything I can do about this?
• Joe. S. Buffalo. I have a question regarding prayer and graces obtained from them.
• Cindy. Oil City, Pennsylvania. She is a new listener and loves the show and radio station. She wants to give a Thank you to Fr. and the Station of the Cross.
• Chris. Boston, Mass. I want to thank Fr. and Calling all Catholics for prayer a couple months for an accident victim who is doing better. Its a real miracle for his healing. Thank you.
• John. Canandaigua, NY. I have prostrate cancer which has spread to my bones. Will you please pray for healing?
• Bob. Lowell, Mass. What is the proper posture for the laity when the Host and Chalice is elevated?
• Robert. Auburn, NY. Can Fr. talk about transcendental meditiation. I am trying to explain to family members the Catholic position?
• Angie. Rochester, NY. I am having vascular surgery next Tuesday. Can you pray for me?

Friday, 14 February

• Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop.

- Greek brothers from Byzantium, later Constantinople, now Istanbul.

- 9th century apostles to the Slavs (who gave us the word, "slaves").

- Cyril was skilled in Arabic and Hebrew; spent time among the Muslims.

- Sent by the Roman Emperor of Constantinople to Moravia (now in the eastern part of the Czech Republic).

- Developed the Glagolitic alphabet for the Slavonic and Slavic languages; a later version is called "Cyrillic" in honor of St. Cyril. Variants of the Cyrillic alphabet are used in many modern Slavic countries: Bulgaria (where it was developed), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bealarus, Macedonia, Montenegro, Russia, Ukraine, among others.

- Created a new Slavic liturgy, much to the consternation of bishops in the west.

- Cyril died in Rome on February 14, 869, after their first mission journey. Methodius was made a bishop of Great Moravia and Pannonia and died 15 years later.

- The work of Cyril and Methodius paved the way for the spread of Christianity throughout Eastern Europe.

• St. Valentine's Day: "The martyr Valentinus who died on the 14th of February 269 on the Via Flaminia close to the Milvian bridge in Rome" still remains in the list of officially recognized saints for local veneration."

- Patron of Love, lovers, Young People, Happy Marriages.

- Honored in Rome since 496 AD as one of those "whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God."

- Legend has it that he was caught marrying Christian couples during the persecution under Emperor Claudius. Another story says that while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter, then, on the eve of his death, penned a farewell note to her, signing it, "From your Valentine."

- The association of Valentine with romantic love didn't take place until 1381, when Chaucer wrote a poem in honor of King Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia which included the line, "For this was on St. Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh ...to choose his mate."

• Uncle Lawrny's 84th birthday (RIP).
• "Converting Hearts to Christ."
• The Month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family (HFC).
• Betty. Texas. Please pray for the following:

1. Joyce, whose chemo was suspended so that doctors could treat an abscess in the stomach

2. Myself and my 4th surgery (in a year and a half) on right foot next Thursday. This time I must sit for 8 weeks. Please pray that the bones will fuse this time. I need healing and lots of patience. Thanks!

• Kimberly. Weeks ago, one of the readings was about sin. We should not pray for people who are in a certain kind of sin. It mentioned only fasting can remove the sin? I am a little confused. Can you please clarify?

conference is now known as Fr Moleski.

• Anonymous. Massachusetts. This is a difficult question for me. Initially, I was very sexual with my husband. Throughout our marriage, I believe I have been saved from the sin of lust. But, now he thinks we are boring and I am concerned about losing him, since he values physical touch and I have been very distant. I am trying to find some middle ground. Can you advise?
• 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!
• Agnes. Boston, Massachusetts. Can a priest baptize someone who is bedridden or hospitalized but is in coherent/ Unaware?
• Joe. Chili, New York. Our priest, at Peace, leaves the alter and shakes hands with members of the congregation. He is not on the alter then, when the "Lamb of God" begins. Shouldn't he be on the alter? or not leave the alter at all?
• Grace. Pennfield, New York. I called a few weeks ago about my daughter's baby going to be born.. She was born Sun. Had her heart surgery today. Please pray in Thanksgiving for everyone's prayers.
• Anonymous. Buffalo, New York. About the previous question about forgiveness. I go to Adoration and find it very helpful. You can just sit. Or Pray. But I read in a book in the chapel to say "Have Mercy on me God and bless this person I am upset with. It is causing distress." I found that saying this over and over is soothing. Also, remind ourselves to count our blessings.
• Somewhere on the thruway in New York. Please remind drivers to be patient with other drivers. Sometimes the person you are angry at may be having a bad day, or thinking about one of these important issues we are listening to.
• Scott. Rochester, New York. In Exodus, the reading says "Eat it like those who are in flight." I thought Passover was to be a celebratory thing. Why would they be asked to hasten?
• Theresa. Southern California. Thank you for the clarification about the transition from Valentines Day about beheading in history to love. Prayer Request: please pray for healing for my Aunt who is struggling with Alzheimers.

February 7

• Chris. Houston. Please pray 1.) for the repose of the souls of Msgr. Edward Miller + & JoAnn M. Jackson+ 2.) for the physically health of my mother Deborah. 3.) for all priests, bishops, deacons, religious, & seminarians. 4.) for those celebrating birthdays & anniversaries during the month of February.
• Robert . Buffalo. Wants to speak to Father in regards to a Scripture passage that complains about John the Baptist. "Wisdom is vindicated" . He really can't remember too much.
• Anonymous. Victor, NY. Please pray for my family that we are able to obtain funds in order to find a place to live, and to get contact from t a family member, for their safety and whereabouts. Also, please pray for a healing for a nerve problem I have in my legs.
• KEN. West Seneca. Would like to know that if through the years the Church has had a policy change on the Sacrament of Confirmation. Is it a requirement now and has it always been?
• Dolores. Boston, NY. Would like to tell Father about her friend in the hospital who had cancer for 32 years and also would like prayers.
• Anonymous from Facebook: What should we do when people at church are uncharitable and self-centered?

The short answer from a friend is, "Take what you want to see in Church with you. If you seek love, love, and you will find love."

My other favorite reflection from Frank Sheed is, "Expect nothing from the Church except the sacraments." If all we get from going to our parish is Jesus Himself, that is quite a lot.

• From Gina's Mom: A "flash mob" showed up at Our Lady of Perpetual Help to boost attendance for that Sunday. The Buffalo Mass Mob picks a church and you come to Mass there.

- http://buffalomassmob.wordpress.com/

• Theresa from e-mail: I've heard that it is inappropriate to watch the Harry Potter movies because of the magical elements. Do you agree? If it is OK to watch the movies, what is the appropriate age to let children see them?

Harry Potter

• John from Skype conversation: Will there be races in Heaven? Blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, etc.?
• Theresa from California listening on iCatholicRadio: How do I answer someone who told me the cancer that I got in 2000 was a result of something I was keeping a secret?

January 31

• Billy. Buffalo, NY. Father Marty , I heard you speak once about life being theater of free will. I'm sure I'm not quoting exactly, but I remember it being fascinating, could u explain again, or tell me when it was and I'll podcast. Thank u
• Rick. Grand Island, NY I would like to ask Father about the footnotes of Psalm 51 from this mornings reading.
• John. Father, Please pray for my family. I have three teenage boys who have turned away from God. My wife is depressed and has also turned away from God and wants a divorce. We used to have God in our thoughts. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to touch the hearts of my family.
• Fran. Natisco, NY I have had anxiety problems for awhile and was wondering if you thought it would go away. I pray to the Blessed Mother but do you think I should be praying to someone else or doing something different. Also, would you pray for me?
• Bonnie. Springville, NY PRAYER REQ-Jerry-eyesight, arm, legs, heart, My dad-Keith, diabetes and heart, Estella-her cancer, Geri-her cancer, brothe Bob-health, safe trip, andrew-direction,Diane-nueralgia myself-anemia,eyesight and legs,
• Phil. Rochester, NY Why don't Matthews and Lukes gospels on the Presentation, Feb 2 coincide?
• Theresa. Southern California. I love you guys, you make a great team! How do a answer someone that told me the cancer I got in 2000 was a result of some secret I was harbouring.

27 January

• Anonymous from e-mail: Please pray for the healing of my family. Many are facing illness, hardship, and hurt. Please ask God to help them.
• Lawrence. I am from the country of Liberia and a born Catholic and would like more information why people say that we worship Mary, the mother of Christ?
• Anonymous. Ohio. I am a new listener and thank you for the new Catholic radio station in our area. WMIH. 89.5FM out of Geneva Ohio (serving Northeast Ohio and PA).
• Jennifer, New York. I was raised Christian Scientist and my family was very distrustful of Catholics. I am listening to the radio station and enjoying it very much. I have a good friend, Rita, who is a devout Catholic and is praying for me. Thank you for the radio station and I am becoming more trusting of the Catholic faith.
• Agnes. N. Andover, Massachusetts. I would like to give my opinion on the Blessed Mother. That is, how I pray through her to Our Lord.
• Delores, Hamburg, NY. I have a question: How do I get the original program about the Jesuit education program? Is it in a book? I also would like prayers for the repose of soul of Sister Mary of the Incarnation and Sister Tibertia.

Movies and the New Evangelization

• Ken, not on the line. Called on Friday to ask what impact these Hollywood movies would have on the new evangelization:

Pious; intended to evangelize, I think.

- Gimme Shelter (pro-life movie, 2014). Very definitely not Give Me Shelter (pro-animal documentary, 2013).

- Son of God (History Channel, 2014).

- Left Behind (remake, Nicolas Cage, 2014).

- Heaven Is For Real (little boy, near death experience, 2014).

- God's Not Dead (2014).

Relatively secular. "God" is just another character in an action-hero movie.

- Noah (Russell Crowe, 2014)

- Exodus (a.k.a. Moses; starring Christian Bale, 2014). The name of the movie is "Exodus," not "Moses."

- Day of War (Ken called it "King David"; 2014).

- Gods of Egypt (2016).

Commentators

• Barbara Nicolosi, "A 'Christian' Cinema? An interview with Av Venire."
• Steven Greydanus, Decent Films.
• John Darrouzet, "How to Find Faith at the Movies: Using the Decision-Maker's Path."

"John Darrouzet is a successful Hollywood screenwriter, an accomplished lawyer, a student of decision-making, and a deeply committed Roman Catholic layman."

"Simply put, I want to show how to help others find faith by watching movies."

24 January

• {For Mass: remember Stephen E. Banker's 80th birthday; RIP, 26 May 2010.}
• "Pope's Message for World Communications Day."
• Theresa: Please pray for my cousin, who has back problems that surgery has not been able to cure. When I told her to look at the suffering of Jesus as a pattern for her to follow, she said, "He only suffered for 24 hours." Is that true? I feel He suffered all of His life.

Suffering

• Ken, not on the line. Called on Friday to ask what impact these Hollywood movies would have on the new evangelization:

Pious; intended to evangelize, I think.

- Gimme Shelter (pro-life movie, 2014). Very definitely not Give Me Shelter (pro-animal documentary, 2013).

- Son of God (History Channel, 2014).

- Left Behind (remake, Nicolas Cage, 2014).

- Heaven Is For Real (little boy, near death experience, 2014).

- God's Not Dead (2014).

Relatively secular. "God" is just another character in an action-hero movie.

- Noah (Russell Crowe, 2014)

- Exodus (a.k.a. Moses; starring Christian Bale, 2014). The name of the movie is "Exodus," not "Moses."

- Day of War (Ken called it "King David"; 2014).

- Gods of Egypt (2016).

Commentators

• Barbara Nicolosi, "A 'Christian' Cinema? An interview with Av Venire."
• Steven Greydanus, Decent Films.
• John Darrouzet, "How to Find Faith at the Movies: Using the Decision-Maker's Path."

"John Darrouzet is a successful Hollywood screenwriter, an accomplished lawyer, a student of decision-making, and a deeply committed Roman Catholic layman."

"Simply put, I want to show how to help others find faith by watching movies."

• Anonymous. Prayer Request... My hometown has recently suffered from several gun-related crimes. No one has been hurt or killed, thank God, but there have been instances of store robbery, individual gunpoint robbery, and burglary. Could you pray for us and for the people who are committing these crimes?
• Barbara from Rochester: Thanks for the prayers for my sister and brother-in-law. Both are doing well now. I was the second Barbara from Rochester. I wanted to you know the outcome of your prayer and how much I felt the Holy Spirit working through you.
• Renee. Kenmore, New York. Listening to you now...Your voice is the "calm" that I need on the ride home from work. Thank you!
• Anonymous caller from Rochester would like prayers for the family of Marlise Munoz.. She is the woman in Texas on Life Support (brain dead) with a baby living in her womb. The baby is two weeks away from viability outside the womb, but Marlise signed a paper that she does not want to be kept on Life Support if she is ever brain dead. However, she did not consider a pregnancy when signing this. Now the family is having an emergency stay to intervene and keep her on Life Support until they can take the baby, but the husband is fighting it.
• Bernadette. Buffalo, New York. Would like to speak with Father in regards to going about contacting a Cardinal or Bishop to start the process of excommunication of Gov. Cuomo.
• Kim. Rochester. Would like to know why it is necessary to get married in the Church (both Catholic) if they are living in mortal sin.
• Margaret. Fabius, New York. Would like to speak to Father about Marlise Munoz.
• Mary . Batavia New York. Baa tay vee ah. Please pray for her friend Mary who's job is in jeopardy. She is quite worried and is very good at the job she performs.
• Janet. Batavia, New York. Please pray for Mary who's job is in jeopardy.
• Paul. Buffalo. Would like to speak with Father about Disciples and Apostles.
• Private stranger, Wife, husband, daughter ... a personal and private stranger

20 January

• Skyler via e-mail (Gina promised him an answer today): Why do Catholics pray to Mary?
• Barb, Rochester, NY. I would like clarification as I attended my sister-in-law's non Catholic, Christian service where she was ordained a minister. I am feeling guilt and not sure if I should have gone.
• Ken. Needham, Massachusetts. I would like to ask Fr. what he thinks of the upcoming movies for 2014 that are about biblical figures. The movies that I now coming are: Son of God; Moses, Nella and King David. What effect do you think they will have on evagelism?
• Barb, Rochester, NY. I would like prayer for my brother-in-law, John, who had a problem with his heart this morning and is in Intensive Care. I also ask prayer for his wife, Theresa, who experienced illness brought on by this stressful situation and is being treated for this at this time.
• Gabriel, Amherst, NY. Gabriel was on the air and got disconnected when another call
• Joe, Boston, Mass. I have a question regarding the Gospel yesterday where John the Baptist did not recognize Jesus. Why is this as they were cousins?
• Fred. Corning, NY. I would like to comment on the Movie discussion. I ask "Isn't it better for persons to have some exposure to these movies even if they are not the best representation of the Gospel? It may dispel ignorance.
• Bill, Blasdell, NY. I would like to ask if it was possible that Jesus first appeared to His mother after the Resurrection?
• Theresa:

1. Pray for the conversion of the United States. Please pray, too, that God will help keep my Faith Strong as we are going thru difficult times in our Country during this time of spiritual warfare.

17 January

• The show whose name we were trying to remember on Monday was "Reasons for Faith Live" with Jesse Romero and Terry Barber. EWTN changed its 2 pm lineup maybe about a year ago so it is no longer on. "At Home with Jim & Joy" has replaced it. It looks like it’s still airing, but only through Immaculate Heart Radio:

http://www.jesseromero.com/jesse_romero_radio_broadcasts.htm

• Theresa from e-mail: I am very unhappy with our President, who seems to me to be destroying our country by promoting immorality among youth. Our government is teaching that same sex marriage is OK, that sex outside of marriage is normal, and that abortion is something that women may freely choose. How should we deal with these grave evils?
• Katy from e-mail: Is there a difference in the use of life support in the terminally ill and those with end stage disease, and the use of artificial insemination/scientific reproductive practices in loving couples who wish to conceive? Both manipulate nature, and God’s design.

Catholic Medical Ethics.

• Christopher. Houston, Texas: Prayer Request- for the repose of the souls of Father Joseph D. Konkel, O.P. + & Herman A. English Jr.
• Patty from Massachusetts: How can a lay person make a vow to God
• Tom. Lake George, NY I would like to testify to what my faith is about.
• Betty TX prayer request for Avery 18 mos old fell down stairs and died.
• Barbara, Kenmore, NY Prayer request- in thanksgiving for successful surgery of her niece.
• Kaylee, Muskeegan, MI Are protestant marriages valid and what happens when they get a divorce and marry a Catholic?
• John from e-mail: Would you please say a prayer for the members of my youth group who might not go to the Steubenville conference in the summer. When I went to a steubenville conference, it changed my life. Thank you

13 January

• Mary Anne. Please, pray for the saving of the marriage of my dear husband and me. My dear David has separated from me (November 2013), does not speak at all with anyone who has contact with me and IS divorcing me....Please, pray for the SAVING and STRENGTHENING of our beautiful marriage! We met through the image of Our Lady, Queen of the Holy Angels, he proposed after Holy Mass and the Angelus (while we were before the image of Our Lady of Czestochowa.) My husband is set on divorce and we need a miracle to save our marriage, as it is in the courts.
• Trish. Please pray for Hearts Afire 4 God, a local ministry who is working hard to get EWTN on the air in Atlantic County, New Jersey. Please pray for donations to come in so that the radio station can be launched.
• Alex.
  • I’m having the worst time finding godparents for my child. Most of my family do not go to Mass on Sundays or believe everything Holy Church teaches on a moral level and my wife’s family are no longer Catholic or borderline Anti-Catholic . My first question is since my options are limited to my own family can grace through prayer work through my children to their godparents in hopes to bring them back to the Faith?
  • My second question is my grandmother has Alzheimer’s but this is a saintly woman in my eyes. She can’t talk and doesn’t seem to know who anybody is because of the disease, but if I could pick a godmother it would be her. Does she have to agree to be a godmother ? Can I have a proxy in her place ? It seems I could be forcing her into being a godmother, but I know if she could she would.
• Anonymous. I'm a new Catholic and am enjoying reading everything I can get my hands on to learn more about our faith and to grow closer to God. I have recently heard about Opus Dei and wondered what it was exactly and if you would recommend me looking into it further?
• Allen. Rochester, NY. I wish to encourage the first e-mail person as my wife prayer 9 54 day novenas and now we are remarried.
• Jim. N. Tonawanda, NY. I am tired of hearing Catholics and Christians having a negative attitude. This is hurting the church. I would like to discuss for Fr.
• Grace. Penfield, NY. I have an older daughter expecting a baby shortly. The baby has a hole in its heart and will need surgery. I would like a prayer for a miracle.
• John. My wife and sons have turned away from God. My wife says often she wants a divorce. Please pray that my family accepts God back in their lives and my wife and I reconcile.
• Mickey. Rochester, New York. I would like to ask for prayer as I often feel "under spiritual attack". I am also divorced and can feel empathy for Mary Anne.
• Renee. Pennsylvania. I am a Confirmation teacher and am planning a Day of Reflection. Would you have any suggestions, tips or activities for this Day? These children are in 10th grade.
• Dennis. Auburn, NY. I would like to use the Ignatius Spiritual Exercises to discern post retirement ministry. I am a part time deacon and would like some advice.
• Donna, Depew, NY. I would like prayer for my friend's daughter, Julia, who was rushed to the hospital and is suspected of having brain lesions. I am asking for many prayers for healing.
• Mary, Niagara Falls, N.Y. My sister is an ex-Catholic and says to me not to pray for the dead. I would like to have Father's comment on this.
• Terri. New Hampshire. What is a spiritual director and how to get one?

10 January

• Carolyn, Amherst, NY - Question as to when were priests able to be married in the Catholic Church....Why was that privilege removed?
• Laura from Facebook [may have been asked]: In Genesis, the Bible talks about the tree of good and evil and the tree of everlasting life. When Adam and Eve ate from the tree of good and evil and were driven from the Garden of Eden, God put an angel in the Garden of Eden to protect the tree of everlasting life. Were there two trees in the Garden of Eden?

"Out of the ground the LORD God made grow every tree that was delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (2:9).

"He expelled the man, stationing the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword east of the garden of Eden, to guard the way to the tree of life" (3:24).

• Carmine, Rochester, NY- 1.) Wants further explanation of St Augustine "seek to believe that you may understand vs understand that you may believe." 2.) What is the Church doing to attract more young people to parishes?
• Agnes, Boston, Ma., If Mary was eternal virgin and had only one child , Jesus, does this mean that Joseph likewise remained a virgin?
• Ellen, car phone, traveling from Massachusetts to New Hampshire; had abortion 30 some years ago...did confess to priest....but cannot forgive herself.....I sholding to tal to Father...Devout Catholic now and LOVES Cath Radio and listens all the time..
• Bob, Boston, NY- Confirm if Mary came from tribe of Levi and if that is the case, is that where Jesus received his priesthood from?
• Sue, West Seneca, NY, wants to make a helpful comment re Rachel's Vineyard as a help to caller Ellen...
• Brian. Hudson, Massachusetts, What is Church teaching regarding children that have been miscarried? Will they merit Heaven and will we see them again?
• Ginny, Amherst, NY..is driving, please pray for husband who has a nasty bronchitis virus and pray for all those in like circumstances with serious illnesses..
• Jennifer, Wichita, Ks. Whole Diocese is doing great! Great # of seminarians too..Loves the show ..The Centrals states has loyal and strong Catholic following!! No questions !!!!!!

3 January

• I want to talk first about Gina's article in the January newsletter on picking a patron saint for the year.

"Your patron saint for 2014!" has a "Saint's Name Generator." I used it and received St. John de Brebeuf as my patron saint for 2014.

• Anonymous from Facebook: I am a big fan of film, art, and media. I watched a few episodes of "Game of Thrones" on January 1st, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Was it a sin on my part to knowingly watch something with the kind of R-rated content "Game of Thrones" contains on a Holy Day?
• Barbara from Kenmore New York: says to Father Moleski: Welcome back from Sabbatical, and has prayer requests: pray for her in the coming year, and pray for her niece who is having back surgery on Monday.
• Nick from Northampton Pennsylvania: Wants to know if it's a sin to say to the people in your household that it's a sin to not go to confession.
• Ashley from "driving through Pennsylvania mountains on my way back to New York" has a prayer request. Says her and her sister are both starting new jobs and would like Father Marty to pray that they can both keep God at the center of the new paths they're taking.
• Dan from Batavia New York: What might be some ways to discern whether a particular thing is a legitimate enjoyment or just an attachment?
• Marley from East Aurora New York: Question and prayer request: Found a dog she thought was lost and took it back the owner. The owner was drunk and was abusive to the dog. Should she pray for the owner? Prayer Request: pray for the safety dog and the household.
• Andrew from e-mail: My younger brother Patrick is about to be confirmed. His class is using YouCat. What do you think about the quality of that catechism?