The simple answer to this question is, “No, a priest does not have to offer Mass each day.” However, such a simple answer would be misleading since a priest, who is ordained to offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, … Continued
Remember the Catechism definition of a sacrament: A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace. Our Lord instituted the sacraments, and the Church has the duty to preserve the integrity of the Sacraments. The first point … Continued
The “straight answer” is simply “yes,” but let’s understand also the “why.” In the Sacrament of Marriage, a baptized Christian man exchanges vows with a baptized Christian woman. Before Almighty God, they promise to each other a love that is … Continued
Our Lord Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose for our salvation– to forgive our sins and to offer us everlasting life in Heaven. Moreover, He wanted His healing ministry of forgiveness for sin to continue through the Sacrament of Penance. … Continued
Sadly, since the aftermath of the second Vatican Council, the use of Latin has virtually disappeared from parishes and dioceses throughout the world, especially the United States. However, in the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Vatican II decreed, “The use … Continued
The mystery of the Sacrament of Penance causes much intrigue and curiosity. People wonder, “Can the priest ever reveal what is said in confession?” The simple, straight answer is “no.” The standard of secrecy protecting a confession outweighs any form … Continued
When a sacrament is celebrated according to the norms of the Church and in faith, we believe that it confers the grace it signifies. While a human being is the minister of the sacrament, Christ Himself is the one who … Continued
The Sacrament of Holy Orders comprises three degrees: the episcopacy (bishops), the presbyterate (priests), and the diaconate (deacons). The first two degrees– the episcopacy and the presbyterate– participate in the Priesthood of Jesus Christ, and thereby the term sacerdos.denotes only … Continued
Before delving into the question at hand, let us first investigate what we know about St. Jude. Unfortunately, Sacred Scripture does not provide many details about the life of St. Jude. Most importantly, he is listed as one of the … Continued
The cross with which most Roman Catholics are familiar is technically termed the “Latin Cross,” which has the long vertical beam crossed about two-thirds up by a horizontal beam. This type of cross is believed to be the one upon … Continued
Over the centuries of the Church, clerics have been required to wear a distinctive garb to identify them as ordained clergy. Particular dioceses or national bishops’ conferences in various countries have established the norms for such clerical attire. In the … Continued
Melchizedek (also spelled Melchisedech) appears in the Book of Genesis (14:18-20). Abraham had defeated King Chedorlaomer and the other three allied kings, and then was met by Melchizedek, the Canaanite King of Salem and “a priest of God Most High.” … Continued
Controversy over the identity of St. Mary Magdalene has continued since the early Church. In the gospels, there are three particular “characters” involved in the controversy: Mary Magdalene, a follower of our Lord (John 20:11-18); the anonymous penitent woman (Luke … Continued
The symbolism of the mother pelican feeding her little baby pelicans is rooted in an ancient legend which preceded Christianity. The legend was that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself, striking her breast with the beak to … Continued
The Seventh-Day Adventists were founded by William Miller (1782-1849). Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on February 15, 1782, he was a veteran of the War of 1812 and a farmer in upstate New York. At the age of 34, he abandoned … Continued
The Mormon Church, officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, was founded in upstate New York by Joseph Smith, who was born on December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont. His parents were poor and migrated … Continued
The Jehovah Witnesses were founded by Charles Taze Russell, a former haberdasher from Philadelphia, in early 1872 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Russell was born on February 16, 1852 in Pittsburgh, and died on October 31, 1916. He was baptized a Congregationalist, … Continued
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2000, #150) stipulates that a bell may be rung regularly at two places during the Mass: First, “a little before the consecration, the minister may ring a bell as a signal to the … Continued
To begin to understand Pius XII’s actions during World War II, we must remember the world in which he lived. Hitler had assumed control of Germany in 1933. In July of that same year, he began not only persecuting Jews … Continued
This question triggers many points for review concerning the proper distribution and reception of Holy Communion. First, what should a person do when the Sacred Host– or a piece– by accident falls to the floor? This accident happens even when … Continued