Question: What is a prophet? Answer: In the Old Testament, a prophet was someone who brought the word of God to the people by the power of the Holy Spirit. “He has spoken through the prophets,” as we say in the Nicene Creed. Sixteen books in the Old Testament (the “prophetic books”) are by these prophets. The four “major prophets” are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and … Continue reading
Question: Did St. Paul really mean to say that bishops must be married? Answer: In one of Paul’s letters, he wrote, “Now a bishop must be above reproach, the husband of one wife” (1 Tim 3:2). Some non-Catholic Christians try to use this as proof that bishops should be married. However, that is not in fact what Paul is trying to say. Here is the … Continue reading
Question: What is Sacred Tradition and why do Catholics believe in it? Answer: Sacred Tradition is basically all the ways in which the teaching of the Apostles, the “deposit of faith,” is passed on and preserved by the Church. This deposit was preserved and passed on through the writing of Sacred Scripture, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but it is also found in … Continue reading
Q&A Potpourri #3 What should I do to become Catholic? Call the Director of Religious Education or the Pastor at your local Catholic church and inquire about entering the RCIA process. If you have to wait several months before you can begin the process, then spend that time reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church in order to get the best possible understanding of what … Continue reading
Q&A Potpourri #1 What is baptismal grace? Baptismal grace is the grace that a person receives when he or she is baptized. This grace has the effect of cleansing a person of all sin. Can you baptize your child a second time as a Catholic so as to change the godparents? No. According to the Catholic Church, a person can only be baptized once. Who … Continue reading
Question: Does the Bible say anything about having priests in the Church? Answer: Yes it does. God told his people through the mouth of Jeremiah, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jer 3:15). It was through His holy priesthood that God guided his people and provided for their worship and holiness both in the … Continue reading
Question: What is Pentecost? Answer: Most people only know Pentecost as a Christian holiday, one that commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit fell on the apostles and disciples of Christ as they gathered in the Upper Room after the Ascension. While the apostles and disciples remained in Jerusalem out of obedience to Christ (cf. Acts 1:4-5), Scripture tells us that Jews from many different … Continue reading