QUESTION CORNER Q: I enjoy reading your columns in our diocesan newspaper. Recently you responded to a person who is concerned about missing Mass due to agoraphobia. (Editor’s note: Agoraphobia is defined as an extreme or irrational fear of crowded spaces or enclosed public places.) As a psychiatrist, I wish you would have added that […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Catholic burial for unbaptized son?
QUESTION CORNER Q: My son passed away recently at the age of 35. We held a memorial service for him since we could not have a funeral Mass. (He was not baptized as an infant — which was my decision, of course, not his.) I have been a Catholic all my life, have followed Christian […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Father Peyton on way to sainthood?
QUESTION CORNER Q: A friend told me recently that the cause of Father Patrick Peyton had been sent to the Vatican for sainthood. Do you know how it stands and when he might be declared a saint? (I hope and pray that it will be in my lifetime.) Also, what are the stages for someone […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Do prayers change God’s mind?
QUESTION CORNER Q: I’m confused about something and would be grateful for your help. Does prayer change God’s mind? Can someone be moved to the head of the line if we pray hard enough? (Cuba, Missouri) A: To answer this question, we first need to admit our limitations. I cannot pretend to know the mind […]
Father Kenneth Doyle What are the duties of a pastor?
QUESTION CORNER Q: Can you please explain what a pastor’s duties are and whether he has anyone overseeing him? Does he report directly to the bishop? Does the bishop ever meet or check with the pastor to see how things are going? (Syracuse, New York) A: A pastor, as the word itself signifies, is essentially […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Does he need an annulment first?
QUESTION CORNER Q: I need some clarification on the church’s marriage laws. I am a Catholic currently married to a divorced non-Catholic whose first marriage was not in the Catholic Church. I tried to arrange to marry him in the church, but a parish priest told me that my husband-to-be would need to get his […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Is yoga communing with devil?
QUESTION CORNER Q: My wife was recently at a gathering of her prayer group that meets every week. At the end of this particular meeting, a deacon spoke to the group and said something that has disturbed both of us. He said that when you practice yoga, you are communicating with the devil. Neither of […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Netflix series is affecting our faith
QUESTION CORNER Q: My husband was brought up a Catholic and has always been very committed to the church. I am a convert, and we are raising all of our kids in the Catholic faith. Two of my sons (who are now young adults) and my husband have watched the Netflix series “The Keepers,” and […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: Uses for cellphones in church?
QUESTION CORNER Q: Recently a reader complained about irreverent behavior in church prior to Mass, including cellphone use. As part of your response, you stated that cellphone use is always inappropriate. Judging behavior is also ugly behavior, at least as repugnant as irreverence. I use my cellphone prior to Mass while seated in church. I […]
Father Kenneth Doyle: No Roman reaction to resurrection?
QUESTION CORNER Q: I have always been puzzled by the lack of reaction to Christ’s resurrection from Jewish citizens and Roman officials. It is well-documented that Jesus suffered and died, and his execution was authorized by Roman leaders; but, even at a time of no media coverage, how could Christ’s return to life have gone […]
