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?

Is Scrupulosity a Sin?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 14, 2020

Q. I'm having a difference of opinion with a friend who says that scrupulosity is a sin. I say it is not. What does the Catholic Church teach on this?

Minimum Age for Readers at Mass?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 14, 2020

Q. Is there a minimum age before someone can be designated as a reader at Mass? Must that person be confirmed? A. There is no minimum age, and having received the Sacrament of Confirmation is not a requirement. Carrying out this ...

Why Did John the Baptist Baptize?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 14, 2020

Q. During Advent we hear Gospel readings about John the Baptist and his ministry. This month we celebrate Jesus' Baptism by John. This, however, was not a Jewish practice, was it? Why was John baptizing in the first place?

A Piece of Bamboo

Francesca Notowidigdo May 14, 2020

It is difficult to say if my love for all creatures, great and small, developed because I was named after Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Or if I was born with an innate understanding of ...

A Mass without Borders

Nancy Wiechec May 14, 2020

The pope was speaking about injustice and oppression, saying that transformation and conversion come with “tears that purify our gaze and enable us to see the cycle of sin.” He had come to the border at the end of his ...

One-hour Fast Before Communion

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 13, 2020

Q: Are we still expected to fast one hour before receiving Holy Communion? I have seen a woman chewing gum as she comes into Mass and is still chewing it as she stands in line to receive Holy Communion. I was ...

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