Ask a Franciscan

Was Jesus Born in December?

Pat McCloskey, OFM October 21, 2024

Do we celebrate Christmas in December because we know he was born in that month? If not, why is his birth celebrated then?

I know that words often have a root meaning. For example, our word sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum, which I know St. Augustine described as “an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.” In preparing for a ...

Pope Francis, Big Bang, Evolution

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 16, 2020

According to a news article, Pope Francis recently acknowledged the Big Bang theory and evolution. I was quite startled by comments I’ve heard about this story. I hope you can enlighten me on this matter.

Holy Communion without Confession

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 16, 2020

I am a 79-year-old Catholic who doesn’t believe in the Sacrament of Penance.

Only Christians in Heaven?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 16, 2020

I was recently speaking with another Christian about whether non-Christians can go to heaven. She said that the only way someone can go to heaven is through Jesus Christ. I believe an all-loving God would not deny heaven to those ...

The Rift between Jews and Samaritans

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 16, 2020

I have been perplexed by the rift between the Samaritans and the Jews and their hatred mentioned in the New Testament. One incident is at Jacob’s well. Yet in one of the parables it is a Samaritan who takes care ...

a person at a table with poker chips and cards | Photo by Dusan Kipic on Unsplash

Is Gambling a Sin?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 14, 2020

Is it a sin to place a bet on a horse race? What about lotteries or betting on sports contests? What does the Catholic Church think about playing slot machines? At times it seems that the Church opposes gambling, but ...

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