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Week of January 04

Only St. Matthew tells us about the magi from the East who came to worship the new-born Jesus, but Matthew doesn’t provide their names (2:1-12). Instead he is happy to see this story as a sign that the non-Jewish world will acknowledge Jesus.

The Story of the Other Wise Man, written by Henry Van Dyke presents Artaban, a fourth wise man who missed joining the others, missed Jesus in Egypt and Palestine and met him only at the crucifixion. By that time his three gems for Jesus were gone, given away in various acts of compassion.

Our faith life often has bumpy spots, moments when we may wonder if God is listening or even cares about our various crises.

May this be a year when your search for God makes important strides. Why not return to the Catholic faith community in which you were baptized?



Questions & Answers

Many people have specific questions about Catholic practice and teaching. Here you’ll find reliable information drawn from the publications of St. Anthony Messenger Press, the publishing service of the Franciscan friars who sponsor OnceCatholic.org.


Frequently Asked Questions About Catholicism

Marriage Issues
 Not Fed
 Drifted Away
 Quarrel With the Staff
 Felt Excluded
 Abortion/Post-Abortion
 Church Teaching

 
Marriage Issues

Annulments seem fishy to me. Isn’t it just a way to get money out of divorced people?

Can I still attend Mass and take Communion if I'm divorced or wasn’t married in the Church?

How do I get an annulment? How much does it cost?

I’m divorced and want to remarry. Do I need an annulment?

My fiancé isn’t Catholic. Can I still be married in a Catholic church?

Why are divorced/remarried Catholics treated differently than other sinners?

 
Not Fed

Why are there different versions of Jesus’ life and teachings? I don’t know what to believe.

Why do so many Catholics seem passive about their faith?

Why don't Catholics pay more attention to Scripture?

Why should I go to Mass if I don't get anything out of it? I pray better alone.

Why wasn’t God there for me when I needed God?

 
Drifted Away

I’m thinking of returning to the Church but I’m not sure where to begin. Can you help?

What exactly do Catholics believe?

Why can't I incorporate other religious traditions into my spiritual search? Can people from other faiths be saved?

Why should I be Catholic? Isn't it enough to be a spiritual and moral person?

Why was it so much easier to believe in God when I was a child?

 
Quarrel With the Staff

How can people remain Catholic if they quarrel with the Church?

Why doesn't the Church have more holy people?

Why is the Church so imperfect?

 
Felt Excluded

Does the Catholic Church respect the gifts of different ethnic groups?

What does the Church have to offer single Catholics?

Why don’t women have the same opportunities in the Church as men do?

Why is the Church opposed to homosexuality?

 
Abortion/Post-Abortion

I had an abortion. Does that mean I’m excommunicated, or can I return to the Church?

Where should I begin to deal with the effects of my abortion?

Why does the Church treat abortion differently than other sins?

 
Church Teaching

Isn't abortion basically a matter of personal freedom?

What's so bad about living together before marriage?

Why can't women become deacons or priests?

Why is the Church opposed to birth control?

Why isn’t the Church more accepting of homosexuality?


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