Here are some follow-ups from the previous column: Someone in our diocese has contacted me regarding the anti-racism team of the Illinois Conference of Churches. I hope that, in a later column, I can report on our activity. No sooner did I write, joking about anti-racism activists and our need for superhero suits, than I discovered that DC Comics has published a young-adult graphic novel called Superman Smashes the Klan! We cannot forget that the story of the Man of Steel himself contains the theme of his being “alien” and “other.” Read More

Why do Catholics baptize infants? Why can’t the child grow up and decide for himself or herself? —Aaron Read More

Some ask, “What do I talk about?” Anything can be a topic of conversation: difficulties in prayer, temptations, struggles with good or evil desires, victories or defeats, noble aspirations, worries, joys, sorrows, defects, and sins. In addition, struggles with work, ministry, family, friends, or social relations are subjects for discussion in spiritual direction. Read More

I read with great interest the new assignments for many of our priests in our dioceses (effective July 1), along with the titles: dean, parochial administrator, pastor, rector, parochial vicar and pastor emeritus. It’s all “Father” to me. Would you please explain these different titles and responsibilities? — MaryBeth in Pittsfield Read More

The Glory Be prayer is hundreds of years old. The author did not know that the world will end when the sun goes nova in a few billion years, reducing earth to a burnt-out cinder. The last line is “world without end.” Why don’t they change it to maybe “heaven without end”? — Tom in Granite City Read More

“We really ought to have superhero suits,” I have joked to fellow members of my ecumenical anti-racism team. I was trained in 2005 and 2006 to serve on a team called Illinois Christians Encountering Racism, part of the Illinois Conference of Churches. Our current membership is scattered widely across the state. We would love to have the power to convene a meeting by flying to some central location. We settle for audio and video conferencing. Read More

The distinction between a spiritual director and a spiritual mentor is that a director must have a master’s degree in a field related to theology. A mentor must be certified to serve as guide and companion to others on their journey to holiness. In both cases, the director and mentor must be loyal to the teachings of the Catholic Church because sound doctrine is essential. One who disobeys the teachings of Christ is a dangerous and unreliable guide. As Jesus taught, “When the blind lead the blind, they both fall into a pit” (Mt 15:14). Read More

In the Creed we recite, “He rose again from the dead.” This seems to indicate that he rose before? Can you clarify? — David in Jacksonville Read More

Can Catholics practice yoga? — Tessie in Effingham Read More

I suspect that many of us, although we are finding plenty to keep us occupied during our time at home, are coming up with lists of things we want to do when it will be possible to circulate socially again. Read More

There are people who are trained and are competent to assist us as we journey in conforming our lives to God’s perfect will. We should seek wise counsel because the challenges are too numerous for us to journey alone. In the Gospel of Mark 10:17, a role example of director/directee takes place: A man runs up to Jesus. (the necessity of spiritual direction) He kneels down in front of Jesus. (humility) He asks Jesus’ assistance. (docility) “Good teacher,” he says. (recognition of the primary director of the soul) “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (desire to obey) Unfortunately,… Read More

 Why do Catholic churches have the “crucified Christ” on the cross versus the “risen Christ?” — Carol from Petersburg Read More

A pandemic miscellany: My parents, in assisted living in Decatur, found aggressive measures in their residence being taken relatively early. I am grateful for the management’s foresight. I have not seen Mom and Dad since early March. Needless to say, we keep in touch by phone. Read More

Why do I have to go to Mass every Sunday? It’s eerie, in a way, to be sitting out on my porch with the smell of freshly mown grass and the sight of flowering trees and look across at an empty church parking lot as we make our way through the coronavirus pandemic. I’ll be honest, it feels a little weird to be writing about why we have to go to Mass every Sunday when the faithful are not able to come to Mass! I’ll still answer the question, but I wanted to be authentic about the approach and wonder… Read More

With the waves of change and winds of uncertainty buffeting us these days, I’m reminded of two “go-to” Scripture passages that I often reflect on in times like this: “On that day, as evening drew on, he said to them, ‘Let us cross to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and… Read More

I want to go to confession, but I can’t due to the coronavirus. What is this I hear about making a perfect contrition? Read More

One of the many inspiring messages from praying with the Sacred Scriptures is that God creates us to be in community. We are not intended to be isolated. We need to depend on, seek council from and encourage one another. In fact, this is the underlying assumption of why the New Testament was written. St. Paul mentors Timothy and Titus. He writes to the churches throughout Asia Minor encouraging and calling them to share community with one another. He simply follows the example of Jesus as he mentored his Apostles every day for three years. Read More

Why do Catholics eat fish on Fridays and when did this start?— Stan in Liberty Read More

Please clarify the Catholic Church’s position on divorce. I had been taught as long as I remained unmarried after being divorced, I was still in good standing with the church, and could continue to receive the sacraments. I was recently researching mortal sins, and saw an article saying annulment was “permitted” by the church, but not divorce. I would sure appreciate clarification. — Anonymous in our diocese Read More

After the death of Jean Vanier on May 7, 2019, I wrote about his groundbreaking work in establishing relationships with people with intellectual disabilities. I in fact had a personal memory: Mr. Vanier had spoken to my seminary nearly 40 years ago. I felt the genuineness of his willingness to carry out this most important work. Read More