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?

In Vitro Fertilization: Where Does the Catholic Church Stand?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

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

Attending Mass on Holy Days of Obligation

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

Can the obligation to attend Mass on holy days be fulfilled before or after the actual day?

Bible open | Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Did God Hate Esau?

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

Malachi 1:1-3 says: “An oracle. The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi. ‘I have loved you,’ says the LORD; but you say, ‘How have you loved us?’ ‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ says the LORD: ‘yet I loved ...

Purgatory and Praying for the Dead

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

A Christian friend says that the Bible contains no references to purgatory. What is the basis for the Church’s teaching about this? Why do Catholics pray for the dead?

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 12, 2020

Answers to some often asked questions about the Christmas season.

Receiving the Host in the Hand

Pat McCloskey, OFM May 11, 2020

When and why did the Catholic Church begin the practice of receiving the host in the hand during Holy Communion?

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