Question: In a pregnancy, we should acknowledge that there is the beginning of life. Is there more than one Scripture passage where God mentions that he knew that person while in the womb? — Armel Audet, via email Answer: There are indeed
Question: I recently read that St. Thomas Aquinas was among those opposed to the Immaculate Conception. How do we square his status as one of the great minds of the Church with this now being an infallibly defined dogma? — Dick Jones,
Question: My parish is getting a permanent deacon. He is married and already a member of the parish. How might we expect him to help with this ministry and how it relates to the priests and lay people who serve the parish?
Question: When Holy Communion is distributed why is “The Body of Christ” said? Why not say, “The Body and Blood of Christ”? Or better yet, “This is Jesus”? — Name withheld, Alabama Answer: We use the word “body” for several reasons. First
Question: I was taught to nod my head when the name of Jesus was spoken. I see some priests and congregants do it, but not most. What is the current practice? — Diane Garrett, via email Answer: Liturgically it is not required.
Question: Do the pastoral responsibilities of bishops extend to children in public schools? — Robert Bonsignore, Brooklyn, New York Answer: Yes, a bishop does have this obligation. Normally he meets this duty by ensuring that each parish has adequate religious education available
Question: I believe that there is a moral fabric in the world that is rent when people commit sinful acts. Are sins committed by individuals part of what rends the moral order, or are they independent acts that have little relationship to
The Gospels speak of preconditions for the Second Coming that have not yet occurred in history
Question: I have difficulty relating to the Holy Spirit. Is the Spirit a person? Are there any suggestions that you can make? — Name, location withheld Answer: Many do struggle to relate to the Holy Spirit as a person for two reasons.
Question: I wonder if it could be that God has not finished creating the world, that we are still in the sixth day of creation? — Name withheld via email Answer: Perhaps we can begin by distinguishing macroevolution from microevolution and natural law