Real Presence

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 6/06/23

Real Presence

Question: How do you explain “Real Presence” to children?Answer: The first Communion class is filled with excitement to the point of bursting! They are just awestruck by every new thing they learn about Jesus. Their enthusiasm is contagious as they rattle off the names of the things ... Read More »

Role of Catholics in Societ

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 6/01/23

Question:  We live in a country that upholds the separation of Church and state. What is the role of Catholics in society?

Answer:  The role of the Church in the world has taken different forms over time, but the theme is the same. Be disciples in it! As the ... Read More »

Sharing Your Faith

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 5/26/23

Sharing Your Faith

Question:  My friend has never heard of Christ and I want to share the Gospel with her but I'm afraid to. How do I share my faith?

Answer: There are a lot of ways to bring up the topic of religion, without being judgmental or pushy. ... Read More »

Why Are There Liturgical Cycles?

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 5/18/23

Why Are There Liturgical Cycles?

Question: Why Does the Church Have Different Liturgical Cycles?

Answer: While most Catholics know that the Church Year is divided into various seasons (e.g. Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, etc.), many are unaware that the one Church Year is not like the one that follows. ... Read More »

Can Catholics Gamble?

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 5/10/23

Can Catholics Gamble?

 Question: The Bible says that Jesus condemned gambling, but I notice that so many parishes have them at festivals and other events. What’s correct?   

Answer: Although Jesus speaks of our relationship with material wealth and the very human struggle with greed, the gospels do not include ... Read More »

Obligation: Mass or Communion 

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 5/04/23

Obligation: Mass or Communion 

Question: Are Catholics obligated to attend Mass each Sunday, or receive Communion each Sunday?

Answer: The questions about Mass attendance and the reception of Holy Communion are clearly outlined in what are traditionally called the “Precepts” of the Church. These specific teachings are intended to ... Read More »

Genuflecting & Kneeling / The Tradition of Genuflection

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 4/28/23

Genuflecting & Kneeling 

Question: Does it matter what leg you kneel on when genuflecting?

Answer: Genuflection is an act of devotion that literally means “to bend the knee.” For many Catholics, it’s an almost automatic gesture that we perform before entering our pew or row of seats at Mass. ... Read More »

Confirmation Sponsor

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 4/18/23

Confirmation Sponsor

Question: What are the requirements for being a confirmation sponsor?

Answer: Although many dioceses have specific requirements for who can be a sponsor for the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Code of Canon Law identifies certain requirements that are true for all dioceses and parishes. First, the sponsor ... Read More »

Confession & First Communion

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 4/12/23

Confession & First Communion

Question: Do children need to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before their First Communion?

Answer: For centuries the Catholic Church has taught that a person needs to be in a state of grace (free from mortal sins) in order to worthily receive the Eucharist. To ... Read More »

Easter - This week we answer three questions

Posted by Lenny Ricciardelli on 4/06/23

Easter

Question: Why does the date of Easter change every year, while most other celebrations are celebrated on the same day?

Answer: Every feast is celebrated at a certain time for a reason. Saints feast days are commonly the day of their death. While we don’t know Jesus’ exact ... Read More »