Spirituality
‘Thanks’ or ‘no thanks’ when a Muslim offers to pray for you?
A reader wonders whether to thank or decline a Muslim woman's prayers. There's no harm in thanking her for prayers, Father Ken Doyle writes, reminding us we are all children of the one God.
Catholics have questions of liturgy after death
Father Ken Doyle clarifies church teaching on a funeral for a non-Catholic spouse, and the presence of cremated remains in a Catholic funeral Mass.
Is it OK to attend a Presbyterian service instead of Mass?
Just because it is hard for people to understand the African immigrant priest at Mass is no reason for them to dismiss the obligation for Sunday Mass, writes Father Ken Doyle in his weekly Q & A column.
Catholics love statues, but not as idols — and the Bible approves
Father Ken Doyle explains Catholics don't worship statues, and even points to a Bible passage directing that sacred images be created.
Is Pope Francis still considered a Jesuit?
A reader from Philadelphia asks Father Ken Doyle if the pope is still a Jesuit since members of the order vow to obey the pontiff. Also, Father Doyle advises a reader to pray for people rather than spreading rumors about them.
Annulments need a witness, funerals ‘cost’ $0
Columnist Father Ken Doyle clarifies what one really needs for the marriage annulment process and what money really has to do with a funeral, in his pastoral answers to perennial questions.
Pope: Love’s giving, not receiving; it’s best through action, not words
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Love is more about giving than receiving and is best expressed through action, not words, Pope Francis said.
Church is essential for faith; there are no ‘free agents,’ pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Christians are not made in a laboratory, but in a community called the church, Pope Francis said.
Bride-to-be has wedding set, now she needs a priest
It disappoints Father Ken Doyle when he finds couples selecting the reception hall first and then "backing into" a church that might be nearby and a priest who might happen to be available. Our columnist has a few thoughts about that and offers help.
God’s endless love, mercy help church be blessing for world, pope says
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Beginning a series of audience talks about the church, its identity and mission, Pope Francis said it would be "a bit like a son talking about his mother, his own family," because the church is the mother of Christ's disciples and is called to be united as a family.