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Week of June 28

The Catholic Church interrupts its cycles of Sunday in Ordinary Time to celebrate the birth of John the Baptist, a cousin of Jesus. John had a crucial role in the drama of salvation.

Theater professionals sometimes say, “There are no small roles, only small actors.” John the Baptist could have complained that he deserved a bigger role in salvation history. He carried out the part assigned to him.

We honor him as a saint because he believed in God’s plan enough to suffer martyrdom for it. May his example help us to use our time and talents to fulfill the unique role God has given us.



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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