Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: Why do male religious get to final vows in about five years from date of entry while females take seven years or more before they may solemnly profess? (Flushing, NY) A: The short answer is that differences in timelines for formation — […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: I heard that in the old days, seminarians were instituted as exorcists as part of “minor orders.” How does someone become an exorcist today? Is there some sort of special ceremony or liturgy? A: The short answer is no, there is not […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: As another follow-up to the question of what laity do during the Our Father at Mass: When the law is silent, would not the Church’s liturgical law envision that custom in a parish governs what the faithful do or not do in order […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: In a recent column you wrote that it “wasn’t appropriate” to hold hands during the “Our Father” at Mass, because the Church’s law is silent on this point. But couldn’t you read it the opposite way, meaning that since it’s not actually forbidden […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: Catholic governors commit an obviously sinful act when they sign extremely permissive abortion laws. On the other hand, there is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion in my parish who told me she is pro-choice, but I’m not aware she has done anything […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: The priest of my parish says it’s not appropriate to hold hands or lift your hands up during the Our Father at Mass. Is this true? And if so, why do so many people continue to do it? A: While in my opinion […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: As a parish priest, I found your recent article on the Church’s teaching on Freemasonry interesting, and I have a follow-up question: How can one deal pastorally with parishioners who are quick to suspect people of being Freemasons? I can think of one […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: I’m a Catholic working at a funeral home and assisting at many Catholic funerals. I’m not always in the church for the entirety of Mass. I’m sometimes out during the Gospel and homily or after Communion since I’m helping with the arrangements. Since […]
Jenna Marie Cooper writes Question Corner for OSV News (OSV photo) Q: In the Gospel’s account of Peter’s confession of Christ, Jesus responded with: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” I sometimes wonder if it wouldn’t have been better if Jesus would have skipped the wordplay and simply said: […]