ASK A
PRIEST
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.
Real Questions
from Real People
Answered by Real Priests
Fr. Benjamin O'Loughlin:
"Is quiet peaceful prayer always better?"
Fr. Daniel Brandenburg:
"Is AI good or bad?"
Fr. Vinh Pham:
"How far is too far on a Catholic date?"
Most Recent
Post
Receive the latest questions and answers by email twice a week.
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 ...
Read More →
Have a question?
Search for an Answer
“Ask a Priest: How Can I Forgive Myself?”
Q: I came back to the Catholic Church after 40 years of being away. First, I was evangelical, then gradually checked out other religions before ending up almost atheist. How can I forgive myself after a lifetime away? – G.M. Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: It’s good to ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: How Can I Comfort an Atheist in Mourning?”
Q: Jesus says we must love our neighbors; presumably this is regardless of whether they are believers or not. What sort of consolation can I give to a bereaved friend who’s an atheist? It’s certainly not the time to start trying to convert him. Thanks. – Declan Answered by Fr. ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: Should We Wait Another 7 Years to Get Married?”
Q: I have been in a very loving, Christian relationship for two years now. We want to get married but have to wait another seven-plus years while we finish med school/grad schools. We have been saving ourselves for our entire relationship, but it seems impossible to continue another seven years. ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: May I Enable My Daughter to Cohabit?”
Q: My daughter is 24 and lives with us. She is not practicing her faith. She is finishing her university degree soon and just informed us that she is moving out to live with her boyfriend. They’ve been dating for five years. I’ve shared with her my concerns about doing ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: What If Absolution Was Refused for Venial Sins?”
Q: A priest did not give me absolution for my sins because he said they were venial. What should I do, since he only believes that mortal sins should be confessed? – J. Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: The short answer is: look for another confessor. Absolution can and ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: Is It OK to Read the Bible on My Own?”
Q: Is it OK to read the Bible alone and without the help of an official Catholic interpretation, or with non-Catholic Christians? – Sofia Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC A: Catholics are encouraged to read the Bible, which is given to us for guidance and for learning more about ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: What Does Suffering Mean to Catholics?”
Q: Since the moment I began to have interest in the Catholic faith, one thing has always stood out more than the rest. That is, what does suffering mean to Catholics? I always seem to find that Catholics who talk about their faith have a fascination with suffering. I don’t ...
Read More →
“Ask a Priest: Wouldn’t In Vitro Fertilization Be OK in Our Case?”
Q: We have been struggling for with infertility in our marriage for more than 10 years. I have tried several treatments, including NaProTechnology, in the last few years. However, my husband is convinced that in vitro fertilization is the answer, and our marriage is struggling much more than before; to ...
Read More →
