In the know with Father Joe
Why is there so much violence in the world?
I write this article with a heavy heart.
We live in violent times. Some will ...
Do I really have to talk about Jesus?
To be a good Christian witness, is it enough to be a good person – or do I have to talk about Jesus?
Priest, pastor, nun, brother: How are these roles different?
These questions sure made me do some research! It’s funny, but I found that ther...
What's the point of small faith-sharing groups?
All over the country, a movement is really taking shape in the form of small fai...
How can I be a better Catholic?
Dear Fr. Joe: I came into the Church last year, and I really want to be the best...
What are our obligations to Planet Earth?
We begin by looking at animals and how our faith teaches us to treat them.
In...
Why should I go to Holy Week services?
I’m glad you asked that question: I know that, at first glance, the Holy Week sc...
Should we send our kids to Catholic School?
Someone told me that, as Catholics, we are supposed to send our kids to Catholic...
Are Catholic superstitions OK?
Dear Father Joe: Is it OK to pray for Notre Dame to win their football games? Af...
Are there sins my pastor can't forgive?
Dear Father Joe: I read that, as part of the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis is ...
A vocabulary lesson for Mass
GREETINGS IN CHRIST! This article is going to be a little different. The last fe...
Do I have to believe everything the Pope says about the environment?
Q: Dear Father Joe: The pope’s new encyclical on the environment contains assert...
Can you be anointed more than once?
Dear Father Joe: What is the difference between the sacrament of the sick and la...
Social justice in this world
Dear Fr. Joe: What exactly are the principles of social justice?
The fir...
Dear Father Joe, How can I get more involved at my parish?
My Father was sick and recently died. I was touched by how the people in his par...
What is RCIA?
Dear Fr. Joe: What is RCIA? I see and hear a lot about it at Church but I ...
I don't think people at mass should dress 'like that'
Dear Fr. Joe: I’m appalled by some of the clothing I see at church on Sunday – e...
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Dear Father Joe: So many good people I know have suffered horribly in the last m...
What does the synod mean?
Dear Fr. Joe: I keep reading conflicting things about the synod – some bloggers ...
Why do I have to do all this for my kids’ religious ed?
Dear Fr. Joe: My parish expects parents to jump through a lot of ‘hoops’ in orde...
Why are Christians being persecuted in the middle east?
Dear Fr. Joe: I’m reading and hearing about all the horrible things happening to...
Why should I believe in God?
Dear Father Joe: Why should I believe in God? Do you have proof he exists? ...
What's the point of going to Church?
Dear Father Joe: I am spiritual, but I have a problem with organized religi...
Why should I get married in the Church?
Dear Father Joe: My parents are demanding that my fiancée and I get married in t...
Why can't Catholics be Masons?
Dear Father Joe: What is the Church’s teaching regarding being a member of a Fre...