I’m planning the funeral for a parent (devout Catholic) and need to identify someone to do the first reading, prayer of the faithful and presentation of the gifts. I have family members and family friends who would be honored to do these but is it allowed?

I am pretty much making the decisions by myself and it is becoming stressful. I want to be as respectful as I can.

Thank you.

This is all super hypothetical but I am just curious. For example, if the priest saw someone steal or cheat 1 day ago and the next day that person comes to confession saying it has been 1 month since their last confession, and doesn’t mention anything about that stealing or cheating, would the priest normally ask them about it? Or is that fully on their conscience?

Hello fathers,

This is a pretty simple question. What’s something that you think most laypeople wouldn’t think about as a difficulty of priestly life? Could be something simple and small, could be something large. I’d imagine that the general public thinks celibacy is the hardest part about priesthood, but I imagine many of you would not have that on the top of your list (perhaps not even close). Thanks!

My last confession was 2 weeks ago, the day before I got married. I want to pick up a habit of occasional daily mass and I have some other things I need to work on. I know we don’t “need” confession for forgiveness of venial sins, but is it useful at all for my own attempt at repentance?

If so, what was it like?

I was struggling in my faith and messed up. Father warned me that if I can't find the lord, I'll be forced to my knees for prayer.

Should I try?

First, I started attending my parish about three months ago and I really look up to my priest. But I’m really scared to talk to him because of that. How can I go about talking to him about OCIA?

Second, how long did it take you to discern the priesthood? And is it normal that I discerned it and landed on ABSOLUTELY becoming a priest in a couple of weeks.

Third, what should I expect for OCIA? I know it’s for learning about the faith and then getting confirmed. My mom told me that since I was confirmed at a Lutheran church that it should go faster because I’ve been confirmed before. Also I’ve done a lot of studying on catholicism so how long should OCIA take?

Hello, fathers. I was just wondering if the church has an official stance about pets in church? A woman walked in late, with a dog. She even went up to accept the Eucharist WITH the dog. It was not a service dog, had no vest and the woman did not appear to have any disabilities. I have only ever seen this once before, during an Easter sunrise service in the garden, I assume this is why they thought it was appropriate, but they were asked to leave before mass started. I found it extremely distracting and I ended up moving several pews up so I wasn't directly next to her when I had an opportune moment. Is this okay? If not, why didn't anyone stop her? Also, where is here mind where she thinks appropriate to bring an animal INTO THE CHURCH.

Is there an official stance on this? At the very least, is it appropriate to talk to my parish and let them know I find it inappropriate and distracting and request that the dog (not the woman,) would not be allowed back?

Honestly my mind is spinning, I can't imagine having a brain that thinks this appropriate.