Catechetics

The Eucharist and Sacramental Validity, Part I

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. November 11, 2010

Q:  One of my fellow-parishioners has a violent allergy to wheat, so he can’t receive the Eucharist under the form of bread. He has to receive from the chalice instead. Why can’t priests get permission to use some other type…

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Have Pro-Abortion Politicians Excommunicated Themselves?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. October 21, 2010

Q: We heard a priest give a homily around the time of the last election, talking about “Catholic” politicians who always vote pro-abortion. He said that these politicians have already excommunicated themselves. But he didn’t explain that. Is that right?…

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Celibacy and the Priesthood

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. September 30, 2010

Q: If Catholic priests have to embrace celibacy, how is it possible for married converts from the Episcopal church to be ordained Catholic priests? This doesn’t make any sense to me.  –Phil
A: Phil is referencing the Apostolic Constitution signed…

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Can Cousins Marry in the Church?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. September 9, 2010

Q: Can cousins get married in the Church? I don’t want to marry my cousin, I’m just wondering!  –Jeremy
A: When it comes to the biological relationship between prospective spouses, the Church has laws which are based on natural law.…

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Does Mass Have to be Said in a Church?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. August 27, 2010

Q: Does a priest have to say Mass in a church?  –Paula
A: Now this is a simple question with an answer that is perhaps more complex than one would think!
When Canon 897 states that the Eucharistic Sacrifice is…

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Are They Excommunicated? Sanctions, Part IV

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. August 12, 2010

Q1: I remember that Archbishop Burke excommunicated a couple of women who claimed that they had been ordained Catholic priests a couple of years ago. Now I read that the Vatican has issued rules about punishing women who do that.…

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Sacraments and Personal Identity

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. July 29, 2010

Q1: Our son got his girlfriend pregnant. Both are Catholics. He freely admitted that the child is his, and wanted to give financial support and also to marry her if she agreed.  But for some reason the minute his girlfriend…

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How are Priests Selected to be Bishops?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. July 15, 2010

Q1: Is there a way for me to suggest that my pastor someday be made a bishop? –Kevin
 
Q2: Sometimes I hear that this or that new bishop was selected because he’s a good administrator. Doesn’t anybody take into account…

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What Does it Mean to “Defrock” a Priest?

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. May 6, 2010

Q: What does it mean when a priest is “defrocked”?  Sorry but it sounds like tearing his clothes off! –Jane
A: References to priests being “defrocked” have recently turned up in numerous articles in the newspapers.  Perhaps the most infamous…

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Canon Law and Altar Girls

by Cathy Caridi, J.C.L. April 22, 2010

Q: What does canon law say about altar girls?  How did we end up with altar girls after so many centuries without them? –Ginnie
A: The whole issue of permitting girls to serve at the altar has become so ideologically…

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