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Today’s secular world throws curve balls at us all the time. Ask A Priest is a Q&A feature that anyone can use. Just search the topics below for an answer to your question! You can ask about anything – liturgy, prayer, moral questions, current events. Our goal is to provide a trustworthy forum for dependable Catholic guidance and information. So go ahead and ask your question.
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I’m a Widow — Is It OK That I Watch Mass at Home?
Q: I lost my spouse and moved out of the state. I tried to attend the local church and didn’t feel right. Am I committing a sin for not attending? I do watch TV Mass or EWTN or Mass on YouTube. Keeping my faith is the only thing I have to hold me together. I hope I’m doing something right. — K. Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC: Please accept my condolences on the death of your husband. May Our Lord rest his soul. There is still one man with you who loves you dearly and who wants you close ...
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“Ask a Priest: What If My Husband Wants My Son to Quit the Seminary?”
Q: My son joined the seminary in June when my husband was away for work. Since coming home, he has missed our son and keeps talking about him and asks, “How can God take away our son?” My son is 23 years old and dreamed of becoming a priest since ...
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“Ask a Priest: Are we capable of perfect contrition?”
Q: Father, is everyone capable of perfect contrition? I do not feel that it is possible for me as I have been so fearful of the pains of hell for my entire life. -C.P. Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: One of the most beautiful things that Jesus reveals ...
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“Ask a Priest: What If I Was Afraid to Admit I’m Chaste With My Fiancé?”
Q: Recently I had a friend over for drinks and she began talking about her ex-boyfriend and the type of contraception she was using. She then asked me what contraception I was using with my fiancé. If I told her the truth and said we are abstaining from sex before ...
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“Ask a Priest: Should I vaccinate my children? What does the Church say?”
Q: I have a daughter that has cystic fibrosis, a chronic illness. My doctors recommend that I vaccinate all of my children, especially to protect my sick child, and follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control. A few of their vaccines, however, were initially cultivated from aborted fetal ...
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“Ask a Priest: Should I Hold On to 2 Houses?”
Q: My wife and I own two houses in two states. Both are modest, but one (rural) property is rougher, paid in full, and potentially a place where we could retire. We have a mortgage on the other, which is located near our jobs and is also home for our ...
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“Ask a Priest: Is it a mortal sin if I break any of the Ten Comandments?”
Q: Does the Catholic Church still believe all of the Ten Commandments are mortal sins if broken? For example, missing Mass on Sunday and holy days — mortal sin, as is murder? -J.F. Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: The Church never taught that every violation of a Commandment ...
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“Ask a Priest: Could I Use a Monstrance at Home?”
Q: I am a devout Catholic and meditate and pray a lot at home. I would like to purchase a monstrance with a luna for home use. Is this approved by the Catholic Church to have one at home? I am assuming that I would not be allowed to have ...
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“Ask a Priest: What are sins against the Holy Spirit?”
Q: What are sins against the Holy Spirit? -A.C. Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: The offense against the Holy Spirit that stands out is the one Our Lord calls an unforgivable sin. The Catechism in No. 1864 says, “‘Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be ...
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