Category Archives: Sacraments

Why Would an Illegitimate Man be Barred from the Priesthood?

Q: I heard about a boy who wept when he found out that he could not be admitted to our local seminary. The reason I heard was because he was an illegitimate child. I also read in the Catholic Encyclopedia … Continue reading

Posted in Clergy Issues, Holy Orders | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Would an Illegitimate Man be Barred from the Priesthood?

Laypeople Can Always Baptize–But When Should They?

Q: My son was married to a non-Catholic girl for 7 years, and they have three boys. Just after she gave birth to the third, my daughter-in-law snapped and ran out on my son, taking the children with her and … Continue reading

Posted in Baptism, Parish Life, Sacraments | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Laypeople Can Always Baptize–But When Should They?

If the Church Has Never Permitted Divorce, Why Did Henry VIII Expect the Pope to Give Him One?

Q: I understand that the Catholic Church does not approve of divorce.  But I do not understand why Henry VIII asked the Pope to grant him a divorce from his wife, and expected the Pope to grant it.  Was there … Continue reading

Posted in Marriage, Sacraments, The Pope | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on If the Church Has Never Permitted Divorce, Why Did Henry VIII Expect the Pope to Give Him One?

Marriage and Quasi-Domiciles

Q: For four years our son was away at college, over 500 miles from home. He just graduated and is now engaged to a girl he met at school, and they want to get married in our parish here. Our … Continue reading

Posted in Marriage, Parish Life, Sacraments | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Marriage and Quasi-Domiciles

Do Catholics Have to be Confirmed Before Getting Married?

Q: In our parish RCIA program, I have a couple that were married civilly, but plan to marry next year in the Catholic Church back in her hometown. Both are baptized Catholic and have received Holy Communion, but neither has … Continue reading

Posted in Canonical Issues Involving Non-Catholics, Confirmation, Marriage | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Do Catholics Have to be Confirmed Before Getting Married?