Category: Bulletin Articles

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 9-24-23: There seems to be some confusion as to what the congregation should be doing at different parts of the Mass. What do the rubrics specify? Also, at the sign of peace, is it proper to offer each other the sign of peace if the priest or deacon has not invited… Continue reading Mass Postures

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 9-17-23: In Fr. Hurley’s homily last week, he referred to four periods of fasting that used to be observed in the old Church calendar. Can you shed some light on what they were? It’s time to get back to work after my summer hiatus from the “Ask Deacon Joe” column. I… Continue reading Ember Days

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 6-4-23: Many of my friends say they are going to the church for adoration. Can you explain a little about this? I remember from my childhood learning the mnemonic, ACTS, to learn the different ways to pray: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. And at Mass we pray with all these intentions.… Continue reading Adoration

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 5-28-23: Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. He carries the guilt of his sin without end. (ref. Mk. 3:29) Please explain. This is the question about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, the “unforgivable sin”, which is also mentioned in Mt. 12:31 and Lk. 12:10. The Catechism gives… Continue reading Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 5-21-23: I am renewing my driver’s license and considering joining the organ donor registration. What is the Church’s position on organ donation after death? Paragraph #2296 of the Catechism states: “Donation of organs after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a manifestation of generous… Continue reading Organ Donation

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 5-14-23: Please advise me on Reiki. Is it accepted by the Church? Reiki was developed in Japan in the late 19th century. It is a technique that claims to reduce stress and also promote healing. The Reiki training manual explains that Rei is the all-knowing God-consciousness and Ki is life energy,… Continue reading Acceptabilty of Reiki

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 5-7-23: On April 13, one of the saints of the day was Margaret of Castello. Her biography indicated that she received equipollent canonization. What is equipollent canonization? This was a new term for me, so I looked it up. It is also called equivalent canonization. Before I address the question, let’s… Continue reading Equipollent Canonization

Bulletin Q &A Article, published 4-30-23: When did Jesus become a Catholic? Or would he never have said he was Catholic? When would the Apostles stop considering themselves Jewish? Jesus was born a Jew by nationality and brought up in Judaism, the religion of the Jews. He followed the Jewish laws, but often confronted the… Continue reading When Did Jesus Become Catholic?

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 4-16-23: What is meant by solidarity? As an ordination present, Jenni made me a stole to use when I presided at baptisms. It has colorful handprints of all my children and godchildren and of my parents and godparents—all those that I had a part in their baptisms and those that had… Continue reading What is Solidarity

Bulletin Q&A Article, published 4-9-23: At the end of the world, will there be a battle between Jesus and evil? Or will he just come to save us and he’s already won the battle? Will there still be purgatory for people who aren’t quite ready for Heaven when that time comes? Happy Easter everyone! Christ… Continue reading Jesus’ Second Coming