by paul | Dec 8, 2019 | Catechesis Q & A, Catholic Education, Church Teachings, General Knowledge, Priesthood
Why Do We Call Priests “Father”? Often non-Catholics ask, “Why do Catholics call their priests “Father”? They then cite Matthew 23:9: “You must call no one on earth your father.” How should you answer? A Catholic might respond,...
by paul | Dec 8, 2019 | Catechesis Q & A, Church Teachings, General Knowledge, Priesthood
What is the ‘Permanent Diaconate’? In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is the first of the three ranks in ordained ministry (followed by priests and bishops). Deacons preparing for the priesthood are transitional deacons. Those not planning to be...
by paul | Dec 8, 2019 | Catechesis Q & A, Church Teachings, Priesthood
What is Apostolic Succession? t is the line of bishops stretching back to the apostles; it’s the uninterrupted transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops. In order that the full and living Gospel might always be...
by paul | Dec 8, 2019 | Catechesis Q & A, Priesthood, Sacraments
What is the Sacrament of Holy Orders? Jesus chose twelve men to be apostles. After His ascension, the apostles had the important mission of spreading the news about Jesus, but they were lacking one member. At a gathering of the disciples, Peter told the group that a...
by paul | Dec 8, 2019 | Catechesis Q & A, Church Teachings, Priesthood
What is the Reason Why Women Can’t Be Priests? Why can’t women be fathers? Ten years ago this question would have made no sense. Obviously, women cannot be fathers for the same reason that men cannot be mothers: It is biologically and spiritually impossible....
by paul | Dec 8, 2019 | Catechesis Q & A, Church Teachings, Liturgy, Mass, Priesthood
Is Altar Service Only for Boys? he year 2017 will mark twenty-three years since the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments formally permitted girls to serve the altar at Mass. There are few topics which can generate as much discussion and debate as this...