Q: So far as I know, the other Christian religions do not provide for a purgatory — only the Catholic Church — and I’m wondering where purgatory is mentioned either in the Bible or in Christ’s teachings. (I would like to be able to defend my faith with some clear references.) (Chesapeake, Virginia) A: Speaking […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Applause at Mass may be appropriate
Q: Recently, in answer to a reader’s question, you suggested that applause for a musical performance during the Mass is inappropriate and breaks the flow of the liturgy. May I invite consideration of a possible addendum to your comments? There are faith communities in the U.S. where applause during religious services is not meant to […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Did the pope say you didn’t have to believe in God?
Q: I am on Facebook, and I find it a good way to connect with family and friends. I know that some of what I read on Facebook is reliable, but some is not. Recently I read that Pope Francis said the following: “It is not necessary to believe in God to be a good […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: I’ve been asked to scatter ashes
I’ve been asked to scatter ashes Q: I understand that, as Catholics, if we choose to be cremated our cremains are to be treated with dignity and must be buried or entombed. My husband and I have two family members who have asked us to arrange to have their ashes “scattered.” One is a Catholic, […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: ‘What are the functions of a deacon?’
Q: Often, I have been at a Mass where the deacon reads the Gospel, which is fine. But then, sometimes, the deacon goes on to give the homily while the priest watches. This disappoints me and makes me feel that the deacon is overstepping his bounds. Why should a deacon, rather than the priest, comment […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: How may I obtain a first class relic?
Q: Please forgive my awful handwriting. I have multiple sclerosis and also Parkinson’s disease and can no longer do very well on a typewriter or computer. My question is: Why is it so hard to obtain first-class relics? (Also, do I need permission from my bishop to obtain them?) I am now 65 years old […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: May others, besides priests, do blessings?
Q: At a family discussion, the following question came up: Can anyone other than a priest or deacon do a Catholic blessing? (Baltimore) A: As your question would suggest, aside from certain blessings reserved to a bishop (e.g., the consecration of the sacramental oils at the chrism Mass during Holy Week), it is a priest […]
Father Kenneth Doyle | Question corner: Why won’t the church ordain women?
Q: As a practicing Catholic, what should be my answer when my Protestant friends ask me why my church does not ordain women to the priesthood? (City of origin withheld) A: Catholics believe that the ordained ministry has its origin in Christ’s choice of the Twelve Apostles. Why Jesus selected only males for this sacramental […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: ‘The ministers of the cup forget us’
Q: The church that we attend has front-row seating for disabled members of the congregation, and that is where my husband and I sit. At Communion time, the host is always brought to us at our seats. However, many times the ministers of the cup forget us and we don’t have the opportunity to receive […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: ‘Our new pastor’s Masses are irritating’
Q: Our parish had a change in pastors this year. Previous to his arrival, I had been attending daily Mass for 18 years. Now I go only on Sunday because I just don’t like this priest; some of the things he does at Mass put me in such a bad mood that I feel that […]