Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.
A reader asks, what is a good definition of gossip? Monsignor Charles Pope answers that there are multiple different types of gossip: reviling, backbiting, calumny, detraction, tale-bearing (also called “whispering”), derision and cursing. All these types of gossip are an abuse of
A reader asks Monsignor Pope this week, "Why do some Protestants treat drinking, smoking and gambling as the epitome of sin?" Monsignor answers that this mindset was likely a result of the American struggle with heavy drinking and addiction from the eighteen
This week, Monsignor Charles Pope explains that lists within Catholic teaching — such as the nine choirs of angels, seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit — are more than just lists for memorization. Rather, these
Question: I have a question about the so-called good thief. Both Matthew and Luke say that he, like the bad thief and other bystanders who mocked Our Lord on the cross, verbally rebuked and abused Our Lord. So how is one to
A reader asks: “Does the Church give any guidance about what hymns or worship music can/should be used at Mass?” Monsignor Charles Pope answers that while Catholic Hymnals used in our parishes require ecclesiastical approval in order to be used, there is
This week, a reader asks if it is OK to be addicted to cell phones or coffee. Monsignor Charles Pope answers that excessive use of phones or materials items, or overconsumption of food or drink can lead to sin. However, addiction can
In this week’s column, Monsignor Charles Pope addresses the tradition and practice of chapel veils, explaining that it is no longer required for women to veil their heads during Mass but that some choose to out of reverence and love for tradition,
Holding hands during the Our Father seems to have emerged from AA meetings, where it remains a common practice today writes Msgr. Charles Pope in this week’s Pastoral Answers. That’s why it was associated with the Our Father rather than the creed,
A reader asks: “How can we distinguish between those who are apostates from those who are schismatic or heretical?” Monsignor Charles Pope explains that these terms are related in the sense that they are all attacks to some degree on the unity
The Catholic Church teaches that God is the author of Scripture, that they are inspired by the Holy Spirit and teach the truth of God, and the Gospels are accurate accounts of Christ’s life. However, some books and events, such as the