2013

54 shows, even though I was off the air for 12 weeks!

December 30

Candido from Facebook (may have been asked): My sisters were watching a exorcism movie about a German girl who died during the exorcism. They asked me what would happen the her soul, would it go to heaven or hell?

Three films, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" (which focuses on the court case and not the exorcism), "Requiem" and "Anneliese: The Exorcist Tapes," are loosely based on Michel's story.

In 1975, after much hesitation, two priests got permission from the local bishop and performed exorcism rites on her secretively. She died on 1 July, an investigation revealed that she was malnourished and dehydrated; her parents and the priests responsible were charged with negligence. It was stated that her death was due to the strain of the rites and the investigation concluded that she could have been saved if medical help was given to her even a day before. This case attracted media and public attention since the Catholic church allowed such an old rite to be performed. After a guilty verdict, the defendants were sentenced to six months in jail but given three years of probation and a fine. The case has been labelled as a misidentification of a mental illness, negligence, abuse and religious hysteria.

Her parents stopped seeking medical treatment and relied solely on the exorcism rites. 67 exorcism sessions, one or two each week, lasting up to four hours, were performed over about ten months in 1975-1976.[3] Michel began talking increasingly about "dying to atone for the wayward youth of the day and the apostate priests of the modern church", and she refused to eat towards the end.

Elizabeth. A friend recently gently chastised me for receiving the Eucharist in my hand. She said I should receive on the tongue because I could leave some of Our Lord on my hand and not realize it. I was never taught how to receive on the tongue. Is she correct?
Caitlin. I'm a cradle Catholic and my husband believes in God. However, his faith has been faltering from his experiences in Iraq. He is out of the military now, but I am active duty and overseas, so we are separated yet again. My husband does not do well with our constant separations, and he has since taken up with another woman and moved her in to our home. How can I bring him to see what he is doing to our family when he will barely talk to me?
Candido from Facebook (may have been asked): My sisters were watching a exorcism movie about a German girl who died during the exorcism. They asked me what would happen the her soul, would it go to heaven or hell?
Joan. Abbington, Massachusetts. Would like to welcome Fr. back and to ask for prayer for herself and others in new Year.
Sylvia. She has a prayer request for increase in faith.

November 22

Memorial of St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr (d. ~176-180?).

Patron saint of musicians because "while the musicians played at the celebration of her marriage, she sang in her heart to God."

First evidence of a feast in her honor ion Rome is from the fourth century.

One of seven women commemorated in the Roman Eucharistic Prayer (I) other than Our Lady:Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia.

Cecilia's body was discovered to be incorrupt in 1599.

Last Friday of Ordinary Time — Sunday is the feast of Christ the King!
End of the Year of Faith
End of the daily catechism reading.

http://www.flocknote.com/gospel — read the four gospels, with a commentary, in a year

http://www.flocknote.com/catechism — read the Catechism in a year

Anima Christi.

We couldn't get a satisfactory connection for me to do the show by telephone, so Mike played a "best of" show. Drat!

September 30

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
The Spirit comes to us in our weakness and empowers us to pray: "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!'" (Rom 8:15). "Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief" (Mk 9:24). "Chastity is the bulwark of civilization." Any topic OK. All calls welcome. Anima Christi

Theresa. iCatholic on iPhone. I have a question annulments?

My cousin was married for a short time (due to the fact she got pregnant at a young age) She eventually remarried, asked for an annulment but was denied. She has been married now for 30yrs Has raised her children as Catholic. Her ex husband also Catholic re-married now both couple's can not receive the Sacraments. Can they try a 2nd time to get an annulment ? I was told no, that they couldn't. Is this true? And if so why ?

Barbara. Kenmore, New York. I am a Confirmation Rel Ed teacher. In teh back of our books are lists of patron saints. We noticed that St. Isadore was named as patron for the computer. How do I find out how that came to be?
Shawn. Boston, Massachusetts. I teach Religious Education to high school students. Do you have any suggestions to involve them more? Also, in some places, we have changed to providing catechisis in the homes instead of in larger groups. Is there a reason for this change.?
Matt. Boston, Massachusetts. Are we forbidden to meditate using Eastern mysticism, Buddaism or other meditation techniques COMPLETELY? OR, allowed to do so if we are meditating using as a Catholic focus?
Fran. Rochester, New York. The Vatican Justice Committee ruled last week that certain politicians have been banned from receiving the Eucharist, based on their actions in leadership. Are priests/ parishes notified about these decisions? How does that take place?
Anonymous. Please pray for my health, finding a job, and special intentionS.
Angie. Was the Lazarus in yesterday's reading the same Lazarus that Jesus raised from the dead? Or was that one of those common names like James and John?
Leti. Please keep my friend Isaac Miranda and all of his family in your prayers. He lost his mother last week to cancer and it is very hard on him. I ask for prayers for him to keep him strong in this sad time for him.
Andover, Massachusetts. I have recently come back to the Catholic faith. I understand that we have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. How are the people from the Old Testament (and even before biblical writing) redeemed?
Matt called back specifically to thank you! He said that was a VERY helpful response to his meditation question!
Jen. Rochester, New York. I have a Lutheran mother who received Communion when she attends Mass with me. Although we talk about it and she agrees not to, she still does. How do I approach this gently but firmly?
Paul. Buffalo, New York. What are the similarities and differences between sins and crimes? Generally, good Catholics know better than to commit a crime, but alas fall into sin. Sin is readily dissolved, however crimes result in civil consequences like jail time.
Brian. Hudson, Massachusetts. Prior to the beautiful children we have now, my wife suffered a miscarriage. I have heard now that the child couldve been buried, but the hospital didn't offer that to us way back then. Is that possible? Also, will we be reunited with that child, although not fully formed, some day?
Ken. Salem, New Hampshire. How do I get my wife to go back to church again? I think it will effect my children as well.
Elizabeth, East Aurora, New York. Please pray for my daughter. She is in terrible pain from an injury and her oldest son is giving her such a hard time, being disrespectful.
Paul. Buffalo, New York. What are the similarities and differences between sins and crimes? Generally, good Catholics know better than to commit a crime, but alas fall into sin. Sin is readily dissolved, however crimes result in civil consequences like jail time.

September 23

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
[X] Mike's segue:
On Miracle Mondays, we are calling all Catholics to fan into flames the spiritual gifts that they have received in the sacraments, especially through the power of Confirmation. The Spirit comes to us in our weakness and empowers us to pray: "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, "Abba, Father!'" (Rom 8:15). "Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief" (Mk 9:24). Any topic is OK. All calls welcome. Feast of St. Padre Pio of Pietralcina. Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Maureen Burton from Brockton, Massachusetts, listening on 1060 AM Radio writes: I have really enjoyed listening to your program on my way home from work. God bless you, and I will pray for you. Please pray for my husband Jack and myself. We are having financial issues, and I pray we will work this out and be fine.
Bob, Niagara Falls, NY. Bob doesn't understand where/what the Pope is trying to say in his recent interview.
Anonymous. Prayer request for health, get a job and special intentions.
Jim, Buffalo, NY. Has a question regarding indifference on how persons judge Catholics.
Michael. Rochester, NY. Has a comment & prayer request. Prayer request is for difficulty with sin and confession. Comment is regarding the media and the Pope and yesterday's gospel.
John. Rochester, NY. John would like prayer for his mother, Loretta, who recently passed away; a prayer of thanksgiving for her, the repose of her soul and for all the Hospice staff who assisted. Also, he has a question -can Fr. explain redemptive suffering.
Marilyn, Buffalo. New York. She has a comment regarding Bishop Malone's "take" on the Pope interview. She feels positive about it.
Joan, Abbington, Massachusetts. She is trying to connect with her younger brother and is seeking a prayer from Fr. and possibly guidance about how to do that.
Joe, Buffao, NY. He has a question regarding Purgatory and the releasing of souls.

September 20

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
[X] Segue:
Thinking with the Church I believe what the Church teaches and I aim to teach what the Church believes. Faith 'n' Reason Fridays have the same goal as that of Vatican II: "To strive calmly to show the strength and beauty of the doctrine of the faith" (John Paul II, "Fidei Depositum"). Eph 4:11-16 ¹¹And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, ¹²to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, ¹³until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ, ¹⁴so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery, from their cunning in the interests of deceitful scheming. ¹⁵Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, ¹⁶from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the body's growth and builds itself up in love. We're calling all Catholics to think faithfully and believe intelligently, but we'd love to talk with any of God's children, ex-Catholic, non-Catholic, agnostic, irreligious, or anything in between. 1-877-511-5483. John XXIII's prayer for Vatican II.

Anonymous:

I have been a fallen away catholic in the past few years, but I have had very strong desire to deepen my faith starting last year. Why did Jesus have to die on the cross if God is a loving God? I don't understand why God can't just forgive us instead of having Jesus going through such a horrible death?
I have experienced spiritual darkness/dryness like what Mother Teresa had. I felt God abandoned me at times, and I lost confidence that God would answer my prayers. A friend said I shouldn't focus on my needs, but instead center on God, place him first, and love and worship him as my Creator. After she said that to me, I felt totally defeated and miserable. What should I do?

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest, and Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs.
Anonymous. My boyfriend and I have been dating for five years. We have talked about marriage. He does not believe in marriage- to stay with someone the rest of your life or as a way to show someone you love them. However, he will get married to me because it means something to me and he loves me. Would it be a sin for me to marry him if he does not believe in the sacrament of marriage? He knows how much I love God and respects that. He is Catholic but not brought up as a practicing Catholic.
Christopher. Houston, TX.

1.) for the repose of the soul of Msgr. Charles C. Domec + 2.) for the physically health of my mother Deborah. 3.) for all priests, bishops, deacons, religious, & seminarians. 4.) for Vicky who is battling breast cancer.

Brian. Hudson, Massachusetts. My friend asked this question and I need to explain it in layman's terms... Why, in the Bible, are stories in the Old Testament so "fire and brimstone," but in the New Testament there is a lighter tone, full of love?
Brian. Hudson, Massachusetts. (Brian has called back. He wants to clarify his question.)
Kathy. Can a person who has had an abortion, even after going to confession truly be forgiven by God and enter into heaven?

September 16

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
[X] Mike's segue:
It's God's job to answer our prayers as He pleases. God looks at the secrets of our hearts. He is closer to us than we are to ourselves. He is paying attention to us 24 x 7 x 365. Any words will do — even just a look in God's direction is enough. That's how mothers respond to their children. God is the source of all mothers' love; He is at least as loving as a mother toward us. We do not have to figure out in advance how God will react to our prayers. All we have to do is pray. What happens next is in God's hands. Learning by doing Our prayers don't have to be perfect. God is perfect. Our trust is in Him. Our faith is in GOD, not in our faith. That's why faith is always as small as a mustard seed. Our part is next to nothing compared to God's action in inspiring our prayers. "Amen, I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you" (Mt 17:20). Prayer is like pizza: "It doesn't have to be perfect to be good." We can't go wrong by praying. We learned how to walk by walking badly, how to talk by talking badly, and how to ride a bike by riding badly. We can learn how to pray by praying badly. Like Peter, we need to get out of the boat in order to find out whether it is Jesus whom we see walking on the water in the heart of a great storm (Mt 14:22-33). "Peace Within" by St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

Brian. Hudson, Massachusetts. If we have free will, and yet God knows everything, how is it really free will?
Anna. Auburn, New York. I have a question about the concept of Universal Salvation. Is the concept that after you die, you go to heaven or hell, and that is it for eternity?
Memorial of Saints Cornelius (d. 253), Pope, and Cyprian (d. 258), Bishop, Martyrs. Cornelius and Cyprian said that those who had participated in pagan sacrifices forced on them by the Emperor could return to the good graces of the Church by repenting and doing penance. They were opposed by Novatian, who held that apostates had to be re-baptized in order to re-enter the Church.
Michelle. Boston, MA. When Pope Francis was returning to Rome from World Youth Day, he said, "If a person, or secular priest or a nun, has committed a sin and then that person experienced conversion, the Lord forgives. And when the Lord forgives, the Lord forgets. This is very important for our lives. When we go to confession and we truly say 'I have sinned in this matter,' the Lord forgets. We do not have the right to [keep on remembering our sins] because [then we would] run the risk that the Lord will not forget our sins. So many times I think of St. Peter: he committed one of the worst sins denying Christ. And [despite] this sin they made him Pope. We must think about this fact often."

I have two questions about what the Pope said:

Does God really forget the sins that we have confessed with true contrition? If so, how we are to forget them as well?
I have heard that Blessed John Paul II went to confession every week. How could that be, if we are supposed to forget our past sins?

Rafael. Father,a friend insists that we are Jesus' children and that Jesus is the Father. She cites John 10:30 "I and the father are one." How do I convince her that she is in error? Thank you.
ANONYMOUS. She requests prayer for God's intervention with a court case with eviction that she is experiencing. She is praying for the funds necessary to purchase a home and unite the family.
Jeffrey. Merrimack, New Hampshire. He has a question regarding the similarities between the different Christian religions and also would like Fr. to further expand on the Trinity.
James. Mendon, Massachusetts. He has a question regarding the parables and good works and how to balance them.
Anna. Auburn, NY. Anna has a question regarding How is it fair that we only get one choice to choose God at the end of our lives when some people have such difficult lives.
Kathy, Rochester, NY. She asks for prayer for strength and perseverance in dealing with her anorexia nervosa and for healing for her sister who is dealing with a serious digestive illness.

September 13

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
[X] Mike's segue:
We Apologize We have good reasons for what we believe. The goal of "Faith 'n' Reason Fridays" is to think faithfully and believe intelligently so that we may: Preach Jesus faithfully. Love our neighbor as Jesus has loved us. We should be able to provide the reasons for our belief. In the Catholic tradition, faith is rational, free, supernatural, and certain. Faith is not a blind act or a leap in the dark. It is a step that our intellect sees is "right and just and fitting and helpful for our salvation." God created us as intelligent beings. Our powers of the intellect are part of being in the "image and likeness" of God (Gen 1:27-18). God is not offended by our thinking about what and why we believe. On the contrary, Peter tells us we should "always be ready to give an explanation [Greek: apologos] to anyone who asks you for a reason [Greek: logos — word, logic, reason, principle] for your hope" (1 Pet 3:15). Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 347-407 AD Bishop of Constantinople. Patron of preachers and called Golden-Mouthed because of his eloquence. The Orthodox honor Chrysostom as a saint and count him among the Three Holy Hierarchs, together with Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzus. Ruined his health by intemperate penances. Memorized the Bible. Archbishop of Constantinople. His last words are said to have been, "Glory be to God for all things." One of the greatest liturgies of Eastern Christianity is attributed to him — "The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom." John Henry Newman described John as a "bright, cheerful, gentle soul; a sensitive heart." Benedict: "He also reached out to dissenters, favoring patience over aggressiveness in their regard, because he believed that in overcoming theological error, 'nothing is more effective than moderation and gentleness.'" Helped to reconcile Antioch to Rome.

John from Facebook: When my wife and I took the Catholic Biblical study program in Buffalo, we used Mark's Story of Jesus, by Werner H. Kelber. Have you ever read this book? What do you think about its position on Mark's Gospel?

Biblical criticism.

Historical-critical methods.

Exegesis.

Christopher. Houston, Texas. Please pray for the following:

1.) for the repose of the souls of Father Smart Chinyanwa, S.S + & Bishop George Fitzsimons +

2.) for the physically health of my mother Deborah.

3.) for those celebrating birthdays & anniversaries during the month of September.

4.) for Vicky who is battling breast cancer.

Dennis. What's the best way to going about learning about early church history? Good books, websites, videos etc. Also, could you pray for me? I have been going through a lot of problems and I am hurting really bad inside and I really feel like I am dying inside. Thanks.
TheFathersKnowBest.com- you were correct. It's dot com
Michael. Rochester, New York. In the Gospel of Luke, the angel proclaims "Glory to God in the Highest... Goodwill to all men." Does this really mean that there is a place for anyone who has good will in heaven?
Mark. Hudson, New Hampshire. I have a question about the Pope's recent statement about atheists going to heaven, if they follow their conscience. Is there more to that?
Molly. Buffalo, New York. I have been married for one month, in an Interfaith relationship. How do I evangelize to my husband, in such a close relationship?
Angelo. Chicago, Illinois. iCatholic on iPhone. Can you explain what a "Mission" country is? Is there a qualification?
Paul. Little Rock, Arkansas. iCatholic on iPhone. Earlier, you said that Catholic participants are down in numbers. Is that true for all denominations? Second, in the Old Testament, there is a part where God mentions blessing those that bless him for generations, and also cursing generations. I am concerned about this.

September 9

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
[X] Mike's segue:
Christianity is a miracle-based religion: "And if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty, too, your faith" (1 Cor 15:14). God's power has not lessened. The right question is not "What would Jesus do?" but "What is Jesus doing?" Jesus is alive and well. He is doing everything in our own day that He did in His ministry on earth and in the apostolic age. "With God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26). Our God is a Healing God "Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. ... These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover" (Mk 16:15, 17-18). "And now, Lord, ... enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (Acts 4:30). Every Mass is a healing Mass: "Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." Feast of St. Peter Claver, SJ. Anima Christi.

Anonymous: Do you think that God was loyal to Job by making him undergo all the trials and suffering in the Book of Job?

Job.

Mike Denz from WLOF: "On Friday, you spoke about not starting a battle that we cannot win and not beginning to build a tower that we can't afford to complete. That was the gospel reading yesterday. Isn't it the case that many holy people such as Mother Teresa and Mother Angelica start great works without having cash in hand to finish them?
Jane. Prayer request for her husband, out of work for nearly 4 years and desperate to find employment. He is 66 years old and should be retired. However, we were blessed with a child late in life who is now 16 years old and we need the income. I pray so very hard. I know Our Lord has a perfect plan but my husband is suffering so through years of trial.
Megan. I would like to have a prayer of praise and thanksgiving. A few weeks ago I wrote in for prayers for my audition. I auditioned yesterday for this chorus, after having been out of music for 5 years, and I'm glad to say that I was chosen to join. Thank you and God bless!
Vera, Rochester, NY Would like to pray for husband Bob who suffered a stroke and is suffering with vertigo and Vera is suffering with Parkinson's disease.
JOAN. Abington, Massachusetts. Would like to thank Fr. for answer to a prayer.
CHRIS, BUFFALO,,NY. Has a question regarding Transfiguration.
Phillip. Lancaster, NY He has a question-his friend who is nondenominational Christian has stated there are 24 different versions of the Bible. Which is the correct version?
Bill. Boston, MA. Has a question regarding the Miracle of the Tilma.

http://www.sancta.org/eyes.html

Dave. West Seneca, NY. He has a question as to how to explain to a non Catholic how the Church is holy in spite of the Scandals.
Robert, Concord, MA. Is looking to speak with Fr for prayer . He is homeless and broke and needs prayer!
Antonia, Boston, MA. Prayer request for successful venture with an invention so as to relieve financial hardship and then spread her blessings to others.
Jim, New Hampshire. Jim had a question regarding an incident he heard about when Pope Francis when he was an Archbishop. The Holy Eucharist had fallen to the floor and had turned into living flesh. Does Fr. have a comment regarding this?

(5:52 PM) father: In collaboration with Ron Tesoriero, Mike Willesee, one of Australia's best-known journalists (he converted to Catholicism after working on the documents of another Eucharistic miracle) wrote a book entitled Reason to Believe.

Ana from outside Arkansas. She requests prayer for her son, Jonathan. He is rebellious and does not want to attend Mass.

Sept 6

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy.
[X] Mike's segue:
We are Calling All Catholics to think about these things (Phil 4:8): - whatever is true, - whatever is honorable, - whatever is just, - whatever is pure, - whatever is lovely, - whatever is gracious, - anything excellent, - anything praiseworthy. We are Calling All Catholics to think faithfully and believe intelligently. Although we are calling Catholics to plunge into the sacred mysteries of God's love, we welcome calls from any of our listeners. "Faith 'n' Reason is just our starting point. We don't hold it against you if you'd like to take a different tack in today's show. Sunday is the birthday of Mary (nine months after her Immaculate Conception, which we celebrate on December 8). The Pope is also Calling All Catholics, along with all Christians and people of good will, to fast and pray tomorrow, Saturday, September 7, to ask God to bring peace to Syria. He will lead a vigil in Rome from 7 PM to 11 PM. The vigil will be on this station from 1 to 5 PM EDT tomorrow. Prayer: Help us, Mary, to overcome this most difficult moment and to dedicate ourselves each day to building in every situation an authentic culture of encounter and peace. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us! Memorare

Letitia: I attended a Mass in which the priest wanted to call each person by name at Communion. The Eucharistic Minister asked me my name before giving me communion. I felt very uncomfortable. Is that allowed? Is there any way to stop priests from doing things like this?
Brian. iCatholic Radio. When does bad teaching cross the line to heresy?
Janet. Burt, New York. I have a friend that claims that in the Dark Ages, Catholics hid the Bible. Can you clarify?
Anonymous. Please pray for health, a job and special intention(s). Thank you.
Bonnie. Springville, New York. Prayer intentions (a list of names)
Joseph. Boston, Massachusetts. Regarding the role of the Eucharistic Minister, is it appropriate to consume the precious blood remaining at the end of the month?
Jim. Rochester, New York. Please pray for our friend, Terese.
Marty. Boston, Massachusetts. In the Mass, when the priest consecrates the host and wine, he says that Jesus said a blessing. What was that blessing?
Dawna. Boston, Massachusetts. When you are a Eucharistic Minister... but you move, join another church and are still a practicing Catholic, are you still a Eucharistic Minister? Second, I want to remind people that it is First Friday- the devotion to Sacred Heart.
John. Rochester, New York. Is the story of Noah a real story or a parable? Also a prayer intention: please pray for Laura a young mother who has an incurable cancer and my brother Isaac who is recovering from gall bladder surgery.
Anonymous. Pennsylvania. (Didn't want to give city but listening on WQHE 88.3) Why do some parishes decline some individuals to their parish?

August 30

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy. This will be the last 4:00 PM CAC! Boo-hooo!
[X] Mike's segue:
"Calling All Catholics" has been on at 4:00 PM since early in 2009, when the time was changed to help get more publicity for the 10th Anniversary celebration of the foundation of The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio. Now we are returning to the original 5 o'clock hour. I know that we will not be able to reach many of our 4 o'clock listeners an hour later. I feel sad that we are leaving you. It has been great to be with you. Thanks for all of the good times we had together. We hope you enjoy the new 4 o'clock show! All of our human actions come from our minds. Who we think we are determines what we think we can or should do. God wants to reach us through the God-like gift of intelligence that He has given us. Eph 4:17 ¹⁷ You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; ¹⁸ darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart, ... ²³ [Instead,] be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ²⁴ and put on the new self, created in God's way in righteousness and holiness of truth. Sequence for Pentecost

John from Facebook: The house next door to my parents has a reputation for being haunted. It's changed hands many times in the past few years but everyone who has lived there has had their stories. The current neighbor has been having some big problems there. I went over and said the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the intention of the dead and those in purgatory. I put some blessed salt around the rooms and said the Saint Michael prayer. He said things were quiet for about three weeks and have since started up again. Is there a blessing he can get for his home? Can any priest do this?
John. Potsdam, New York. Please pray for all catechists as we begin a new year.
Michael. Mass-eh-dun, New York. As a godparent, I ask you to pray for the godparents of my children. Also, as a godparent, I encourage all godparents to step up and take on their role, seriously.
Anonymous. Please pray for health, getting a job, and special intentions (plural).
Chris. Rochester, New York. Someone gave me a pamphlet on the 12 year prayer of St. Bridget. It says that when completed, there is no suffering in purgatory. I don't understand that. Won't there always be suffering in purgatory?
Kim. Rochester, New York. I have a friend who is not a practicing Catholic. He is confused about God and his faith. If I try to bring it up, he gets upset and says it confuses him more. I pray for him and his conversion. What else can I do for him? There are so many things about our faith that he isn't informed about, as a Catholic.
Anonymous. Cheektowaga, New York. I have a relative that is involved in Tarot cards. How should I handle this, as a Catholic?
Annie. Hamburg, New York. I work for Hospice. Please pray for Mary, who passed away today. For her soul.
Angie. iCatholic Radio. I'm curious about today's readings. I'm struck by the fact that in the parable the wise virgins that ha the extra oil for the lamps are rewarded for being ready. I get that part, but I'm confused why they are not considered selfish for sharing with those that came unprepared. What is your take on this?
Peggy. "Side of the road" (when asked where she was calling from ) I am one of the listeners you will be losing from the 4:00 hour. I want to thank you for all of your prayers and good guidance! God bless all of you.
John. When I pray for friends involved in the new age I alway ask for St. Peter's intercession. I always think of his confronting of Simon Magus.
Bill. I am trying to understand knowledge through faith. What do you think about this illustration? A little boy is about the board a school bus for the first time, on his way to kindergarten class. The mom tells her son, "I will be right here waiting for you when the bus brings you home." The boy knows this to be true because he knows his mother. Is this knowledge through faith?
Annie. Hamburg, New York. I called with a prayer intention earlier (from Hospice). I also have a request that you pray for my friend, Sandy. She has breast cancer and seems to be healing.
Bonnie. Springville, New York. Please pray for my intentions: Jerry, my Dad, Bob, Diane, my Aunt Barb and myself.
Ellen. Buffalo, New York. I would like to talk about today's saint of the day. She is not very well known, and recently canonized. Also, please pray for the desires of my heart.

St. Jeanne Jugan. Today is the feast of St. Jeanne Jugan, in religion St. Mary of the Cross (1792-1879), foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Jenn. iCatholic Radio. Please pray for Father Dev. He is having a difficult time.

August 23

Prologue
[X] Water. Joy evangelizes. How to pray the Fatima Prayers together.
[X] Mike's segue:
Rebecca from Collins Center said that she heard more faith than reason on the show last Friday. Oh, well! Such is life with live, Catholic, talk radio! As I prepare for the Friday shows, I pray that God will fill us with wisdom, understanding, counsel, and knowledge by the power of His Holy Spirit. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that we cannot love, embrace, or defend what we do not know. Seeking the gift of understanding so that we may think faithfully and believe intelligently is just our starting point on Fridays, but we don't hold it against our listeners, callers, and correspondents. We are here for you today. We will go wherever God leads us through your questions, comments, needs, and concerns. It's random reality radio. The lines are open to all of you, whether or not you think of yourself as a Catholic. We are waiting for you to show us what God really wants us to talk about today. 1-877-511-5483 If you want to make sure that your question, comment, or petition gets heard on the air, call and talk with us. Live calls go to the head of the line. Feast of St. Rose of Lima. Fatima Prayers

Dennis from Facebook: With the shortage of priests. Do you ever see a day when say confession could be heard over the phone?
Betty. Please pray for Allan Akens, who has just now been taken to the emergency room for what appears to be a stroke. He is a serious diabetic.
Marilyn. Buffalo, New York. I have another philosophical question. Regarding "global warming," in considering Genesis... Is global warming man-made or part of God's plan?
Sherry. Arlington, Virginia. iCatholic. I have a question about suffering and "offering it up". I am not a cradle Catholic, so I did not get the benefit of learning about this while growing up. What I've done is simply a mental prayer like this: "Dear God, I offer you this pain (or discomfort, or whatever suffering I am going through at the moment)". Is this adequate? Sometimes I add " to join in Christ's suffering on the cross in order to help redeem the world (or for some other purpose like to help a sick friend or family member)". Is this an acceptable way to offer up suffering? Thank you. We love your radio show!
Kathy. Spencerport, New York. Someone loaned me a book called "HUNGRY SOULS , supernatural visits, messages, and warnings from Purgatory." It is written by Gerard J.M.Van Den Aardweg. Published by TAN Books. It doesn't have the imprimatur, and I hesitate to read it. Should I read it?
Karen. Rochester, New York. I have two questions. 1- I am not Catholic and am confused by praying to Mary. When I pray, I worship. 2- How does a person find a church that is aligned to Rome?
Ana. Springville, Arkansas. Thank you for your prayers and intentions for my nephew. It means a lot to our family. You are a wonderful inspiration!
Martha. Rochester, New York. For the previous caller, I just wanted to point out that all prayer to Mary is Christ-centered. Saying the rosary is meditation on the mysteries of the rosary which are the life events of CHRIST. Saying the rosary honors Christ and Mary brings all prayers to Christ. She does not take them as worship for herself. Also, if you have ever asked for someone to pray with you on earth, praying to the Saints is the same thing as they are outside of time and space and can pray WITH you or bring your prayers to God.
Joyce. Buffalo, New York. I want to thank you for your prayers for my husband and I ask that the good results continue.
Michael. Auburn, New York. Is there ever a circumstance when a Catholic priest can say a funeral service for a confirmed Christian (Presbyterian)?
Kathryn. Rochester, New York. I have 6 adult children. Most of them are not receiving the sacraments. I also have 10 grandchildren and I worry about their spiritual upbringing. Please pray for them.

August 19

Prologue
[X] Water bottle. We should talk with any last callers left on the line at the end of a show. Easy to set up. A little more mic for me, please. I think you had me on your Fr. Poblocki setting last Friday.
[X] Mike's segue:
It's time for another adventure in live, Catholic, talk radio. We don't have a great show planned. We are counting on you, our listeners, to bring the show to life for and with us. We open up the phone lines — 1-877-511-5483 — and we never know what will happen. Anything goes. Our topic is Catholicism, but you don't have to be Catholic to call in. We will talk with and pray for anybody who wants to call. As I prepare Monday shows, I remember Father Mark Illig and his desire to have a program where people could ask for prayers. That's why I call this a Miracle Monday, and hour of power. On Fridays, we discuss theory. On Mondays, we have practice — in theory! But we will talk with anybody about anything that concerns them — philosophy, theology, spirituality, canon law, Scripture, devotions, Church history — you name it. We're here for you. Let us know what you need. We'll do everything we can for you with the gifts we have been given. We want you to know the joy of the Master and to feel how close He is to you today, right now, right here. Come as you are, and He will provide everything you need to enjoy the banquet of love. Let us pray: Prayer of St. Francis.

Chris. I am confused by the writings of Sister Joyce Rupp. She seems to encourage calling God "she" on Sister Rupp's website. I am confused because Jesus has taught us to refer to God as Father, and it seems Sister Rupp is saying it's ok to call God "she". Is this correct?
Gary. LeRoy, NY. My wife who is Presbyterian says that we Catholics are rich; as is the Vatican. Why doesn't the Vatican give money to the poor to help solve World Poverty? How do I answer her?
Billy, Buffalo, NY. Is the rise of Islamic uprising foretold in the Bible?
Kathy, Rochester, NY. Prayer request for strength, courage and healing for her sister, Dolores, who suffers with digestive disorder. She also asks for prayer for herself who suffers with anorexia.
Barb, Rochester, NY. She wishes to better understand Fr.'s reply to the 1st caller.
Joanne. Henrietta, NY. She wishes to ask Fr. about authors who have had near death experiences and feel so divine when they "die". Is that what we will feel when we die ?
Ana. Springville, Arkansas. Prayer request for her nephew who was killed in Mexico. A prayer for the repose of his soul.

August 16

Prologue
Call and response? Mike says, "We are calling all Catholics," and I respond with a short statement of what we are calling them to do? We are calling all Catholics: to love God whole-heartedly; to repent of sin to make reparation for sin to feast on soul food to meditate on the mysteries of the faith to preach Jesus, in season and out to preach Jesus, and Him crucified to preach Jesus, risen from the dead and ascended into glory! Even though the title of the show is directed to our Catholic brothers and sisters, we are eager to talk to any of our listeners who want to understand what the Church teaches, regardless of their religious affiliation or lack thereof. Prayer of St. Benedict

Christopher. Please pray for..1.) for all pilots, those who work in the aviation industry, & travelers. 2.) for the repose of the souls of Msgr. David Kennedy + & Albert P. Marcello, Jr. + 3.) for the physically health of my mother Deborah. 4.) for all priests, bishops, deacons, religious, & seminarians.
Anonymous from Facebook: What should we say when people with different values say Catholics are judgmental? I think it is a common accusation.
Victoria. Welland, Ontario. I am the bride-to-be of Michael who has called in the past. I am not very nervous about getting married. Do women get nervous too? Thank you also for all you have helped us with!
Anonymous (from last week). Fr. Marty, what should we say when people with different values say Catholics are judgmental. I think it is a common accusation.
Bonnie. Springville, New York. I have a few prayer requests.
Harriet. Rochester, New York. I have had quite a bit of difficulty with electricity at my house. My family has additional health concerns. Please pray for my family.
Scott. Rochester, New York. I ask that you pray for my blindness. Also, in the story of Lazarus, Jesus mentioned a chasm. Since I have been blind since birth, I can not imagine what Jesus is visualizing. What is that?
Anonymous. Amherst, New York. You talked about FAITH & REASON... I see how the two can be arm in arm. I lost my job. Since then, it seems like I have been “black balled” in the industry. I stood up for something based on my faith, but it has been falsely questioned by others. Since then, unemployment has led to a lost marriage, eviction, money troubles. I begin each day with faith. But, my reason is causing me to falter in faith. I have read Job. I have counseling. Yet, I wonder where this will all lead or when things will get better. Please pray for my family.
John. Henrietta, New York. (HE STUMBLES ON HIS THOUGHTS... help him. He mentioned St. bernadette, St. Benedict, St. bernard) I am confused between two saints.
Joyce. Buffalo, New York. I would like you to pray for my husband, Bob, who may be facing bone marrow cancer. We do not know yet but we are placing ourselves in God's hands.
Dolores. Hamburg, New York. Thank you for recently saying Mass at St. Bernadette's for ProLife!
Jim. Buffalo, New York. Why has the Catholic Church in US taken such a lax stance on the chastisement of Cathoolic officials?
Rebecca from Facebook last week: Who are your favorite Catholic philosophers?

Philosophy.

August 9

Prologue
Check that Father's mic is ON. :o)
[X] Mike's segue:
Welcome to another adventure in live, Catholic, talk radio! On Faith 'n' Reason Fridays, we strive to think faithfully and believe intelligently. We are calling all Catholics to see how the world looks through the eyes of faith. Blind faith, a.k.a. "fideism," is a vice, not a virtue. Fideists say, "I believe just because I believe. I can't explain why, nor can I give good reasons for what I believe. I just believe." Faith is a vision of reality granted to us by God-revealing-God. Everything looks different when we see the world through the eyes of faith. Jesus says, "Let those who have eyes to see, see, and those who have ears to hear, hear!" Come, Holy Spirit

—  —

I want to comment on this first e-mail first. Thanks!

Rebecca from Collins Center via e-mail: I listened to CAC for the first time yesterday. What questions! From sacramental species to injustice against different immigrant groups. It was all I could do to keep from calling in to ask what three things you would take with you to a deserted island, what would happen if I put holy water in my iron and how to say "milieu" in Polish.

We take 'em as we get 'em.

I wish we could say that we have a great program planned, but we don't. We're relying on you to call in with your questions at 1-877-511-5483, e-mail to cac@thestationofthecross.com, or by commenting in the Station of the Cross Catholic Radio thread on facebook.com.

—  —

Robert from Rochester: two followup comments on yesterday's discussions. The call came in too late for us to take it. Read the first one, let me comment, close it out, then take the second comment.

I think we need to make a greater effort to teach people that the Precious Blood is no longer wine.
Why does God make things so difficult? It is hard for us to appreciate God's will due to Original Sin.

Concupiscence

Feeling guilty after Confession

John from Cheektowaga via e-mail: In the tenth chapter of Mark, between the teaching about divorce and the danger of riches, Jesus says "In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." I believe Jesus is saying we should be child-like, not child-ish. To be child-like, I imagine, is to trust. This is in the Divine Marcy mantra, “Jesus I trust in You.” My question is how to be like a child — more trusting, more innocent — especially in today world?

This is an exhortation, not a law.
No formula.
Watch children, and learn from them: nursing baby, children running and playing, children asking questions, children believing everything their parents tell them (the Santa Claus years). Directness, simplicity, innocence, dependence.
Would any of our listeners like to call and comment on how they have learned from children how to be child-like?

Michael. Rochester, New York. Listening yesterday about the "Our Father," and reading the August newsletter, I thought wouldn't it be wonderful to forgive all who have hurt us and ask for forgiveness?
Christine. Buffalo, New York. I have lost three people, including my daughter, recently... all close to my heart. I am in pain and feel abandoned. What advise do you have? A prayer?
Bonnie. Springville, New York. Please pray for six people in my thoughts: friends and family members.
Gina. Niagara Falls, New York. Thank you for mentioning the book by Fr. Robert D (?). I was blessed to hear him speak at Sacred Heart Church here in about 1979 or 1980. Great man!
Margaret. Hilton, New York. Jesus said something about those the Father gave.... There are many who reject God. Are we to pray for ALL? Or those "called to whom the Father gave?"
Dawn. Rochester, New York. I heard on a broadcast before that the Old Testament had the trinity shown in the Ark of the Covenant. I can't find that in the Bible. Is it written there?
Kathy. A friend of mine told me that the Pope mentioned something about there "not being a Purgatory." What are your thoughts?

August 8

Prologue
Check my mic before launching into the segue. Thanks!
Mike's segue:
The "Open Forum" on Tuesdays and Thursdays are ordinarily devoted to "Fr. Poblocki's Passionate Pastoral Apologetics." He is enjoying a well-deserved vacation these days and will be back soon. Fr. Poblocki serves as a parish priest, seems to know the whole communion of saints as his best friends forever, and provides apologetic insights based on his studies, spiritual reading, and personal experience in ministry. NASCAR had the Intimidator (R.I.P.); The Station of the Cross has "the Poblockinator" (Mario Vinti from Facebook). "Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Pet 3:15). Memorial of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (!). A great day not only for Dominicans, but also for the Franciscans, who love and honor St. Dominic almost as much as they love and honor St. Francis. Members of both Orders call both saints "Holy Father." For centuries, it has also been the custom for Friars Preachers to invite a Friar Minor to preach on the feast of Saint Dominic, and vice versa. Pope Innocent III was inspired to approve these new Orders because he saw in a dream one or the other of these saints reaching up to support the tottering Church, lest it fall to ruins. Today in Saint Peter's Basilica, colossal statues of Saints Francis and Dominic flank both sides of the Chair of Saint Peter. Prayer to St. Dominic.

Prayer intention from Valerie: Please keep my daughter, Audrey, in prayer. She's a recent alumna of a Jesuit University and started her year of service with Jesuit Volunteer Corps this week.
Angie. Brainerd, MN. About a week ago we had a great sermon on the Our Father, which got me thinking. The Protestants add to it when they pray it, “For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever.” I'm just trying to figure out how that fits in with their belief in sola scriptura, since this is a prayer directly out of the bible. As Catholics, this part is only said during the mass after the priest says his prayer. I see in comparing a couple different bible versions I have (Catholic vs. non-Catholic), that it is in the non-Catholic versions this way. Where did this difference come from?

Ushers and Sunday Obligation

Dan from Facebook: I was called out of the pew at Mass to assist with the collections, because they were one usher short — so I had to get up and head to the back of the church during the General Intercessions. Although I had to interrupt my standard participation, is my Sunday obligation still fulfilled?
Anonymous from Facebook: I made the mistake of licking my upper lip while the consecrated Host and Wine were in my mouth. I don't know if I got any of the wine onto my upper lip. What would you recommend doing in the future if this sort of thing happens? Would I be committing sacrilege if I didn't wipe off my face with a towel or something before, say, eating?
Andrew from Facebook: Andrew from e-mail: Many Pro-Choice 'Catholics' appeal to old theological teachings of the church that talk about a male child becoming ensouled at 40 days and a female child becoming ensouled at 80 days. They then argue that before this the child has no soul and is just a blob of cells that can be aborted. This is a strange teaching and doesn't fit our modern canon law. What is its origin and how did it change? All I can say from the biological side of things is that somewhere in this time frame is when a fetal heart beat will show up. Before that it is complex and difficult to tell if an embryo is alive or dead; that makes following church teaching in the treatment of these patients especially difficult in the case of infection. When God created the universe, why did he make so hard to answer questions like this?
Kevin from Buffalo: What do you think about Reza Aslan's best-selling book, Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth?

Jimmy Akin, "14 Things ...".

In the end, there are only two hard historical facts about Jesus of Nazareth upon which we can confidently rely: the first is that Jesus was a Jew who led a popular Jewish movement in Palestine at the beginning of the first century C.E.; the second is that Rome crucified him for doing so.

Dorothy. Rochester. Has a comment about your discussion on The Our Father with regard to the word "trespasses."
Henry. Buffalo. There's an article in NCR to encourage Priests to learn Spanish to be able to communicate better with that population, yet another article in The Register, Cardinal Mundelein instituted policies to break down the ethnic identity of the Polish community in Chicago. How do you reconcile these two policies?
Joe. Buffalo. What is the protocol to make a good Confession?
Laura from Facebook: When I say my rosary in the morning, I do pray "O my Jesus forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of your mercy." And I also add: "and console the souls most abandoned." Is it OK for me to make this addition to the Fatima Prayer?

August 6

[X] Mass at 1:00 PM

Prologue
Feast of the Transfiguration Sam Giangreco, the Seminarian Mike and I should strive to keep our questions short. Sam should strive to give longer answers. We want our audience to get to know him as person and to hear his story. Mike and I have got lots of time in other shows to share our stories. Our goal today is to pitch to Sam and let him swing away at the pitches. The pitch for calls should suggest that people ask Sam questions. He is the star of today's show. We want to put him at center stage and shine a spotlight on what God has done and is doing in his life and among the seminarians. None of the questions below is urgent. They are there if we need them, but we can take them up another day or move them to the Treasury of Unanswered Questions. Possible closing question: "Is there anything else that you would like to talk about now?" Prayer for Vocations

Elana. (little girl) Said she and her family have adopted Sam who is currently speaking. Would like to talk to him and Father.
Nick. (Sam's brother) Can you please ask Sam, "Who is your favorite brother... & Why?"
Steve. My 21 and 20 year olds do not attend mass even though they were raised in the faith and attended Catholic schools. My wife and I are practicing Catholics and are raising our 11 year old to be as well. I would appreciate any suggestions on how to bring them back to the Church.
Sam's younger sister. "Who is your favorite sister?"
Michelle. Buffalo, New York. Said she was a student of Mike's but also has a question for Sam about seminary.
Natalie. Sam, are there any saints to whom you have a particular devotion or who played a part in your discernment?
Andrew. I'm very glad that you are on track to become a diocesan seminarian, but out of curiosity, had you been called to a religious order, which one would have appealed to you the most (i.e. Jesuits, Dominicans, etc.)
John. What more can we do to help our men consider the priesthood?
Eleanor. Boston, New York. Would like to ask Sam about seminary.

August 2

Prologue
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Phil 4:8). Wednesday was the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, a.k.a. "The Jesuits." Today is the feast of Blessed Peter Faber, the first companion of St. Ignatius and the roommate of St. Francis Xavier. Pope Francis has announced his intention to canonize Faber. When he was sent to Germany to help bring former Catholics back home to the Church, "he was convinced that mere learning, intellectual arguments, and heated debates would fail to convert anyone. Before all else, personal holiness was what the Church needed. It preceded the retrieval of orthodoxy. Holiness of life - this would persuade more surely than words." As Patrick Coffin says on "Catholic Answers Live," "Be a saint. What else is there?" An intention left over from Monday: Anonymous, Rochester, NY. She asks for prayer for the upcoming selection of a Bishop in Rochester — that he may be a "good and holy Bishop" and also prayer for the protection of families. Kevin from Buffalo: Please pray for my mother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Anima Christi.

Karen, Niagara Falls, NY. What happened to Jesus after he died and before he ascended into heaven?

Descent into hell.

Anonymous from e-mail: How perfect must my contrition be for the venial sins in my life? Sometimes I feel that I do not have a real intention not to commit the small sinful habits that are so hard to break. Am I making an invalid confession if I lack a real purpose of amendment?
Anonymous MK. Last night my brother told me that his wife had heard on "The Morning Show" that Pope Francis said it was ok for a divorced couple to receive Holy Communion. Is this true ? I have never heard this myself, could you please confirm this? Thank You & God Bless all of you for all the wonderful work you do.
Kim. Rochester, New York. I have 2 questions. First, has a saint ever fallen back into mortal sin, on their way to being a saint? (like St. Augustine, but after conversion) Second, after confession and being forgiven, is it wrong to believe you are going to heaven? is this a sin of assumption?
Rochester, New York. I received an annulment. Is it required to have counseling before an annulment or during the process? What is the Apostolic Signature? and Can one look at their annulment record (maybe with a Canon lawyer)?
Anonymous. Rochester, New York. I received an annulment. Is it required to have counseling before an annulment or during the process? What is the Apostolic Signature? and Can one look at their annulment record (maybe with a Canon lawyer)?
Michael. Mass-eh-dun, New York. I wonder about St. Gertrude the Great's prayer and releasing 1000 souls. What if we ask her to say it with us?
David. Rochester, New York. I have a family member who is divorced and remarried. This bothers me. They go to communion too. Should I mention something to them?
Anonymous. Rochester, New York. I have two questions. First, how do I respond to a friend who is Agnostic Atheist when they ask for proof of what we believe in? Second, why does God let people, like him, doubt? Why not make it obvious to him? A lightning bolt maybe.

http://catholictherapists.com/

29 July

Prologue
Miracle Mondays. Christianity is a miracle-based religion: "And if Christ has not been raised, then empty (too) is our preaching; empty, too, your faith" (1 Cor 15:14). God's power has not lessened. Not "WWJD," but what is Jesus doing. Jesus is alive and well. He is doing everything in our own day that He did in His ministry on earth and in the apostolic age. "With God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26). Feast of St. Martha. There is no feast of St. Mary of Bethany, the one who had "chosen the better part"!

Kathy from Cheektowaga: Recently I heard that it is important that if you have a crucifix in your home, it should be the Benedictine one. What is the difference between the crucifix and the Benedictine one, and why? Thank you.

Benedictine cross.

Anonymous from Dunkirk-Fredonia: Is it possible that there is true apostolic succession in some of the Protestant Churches that stem from the Reformation, just as there is true apostolic succession in the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches?

Validity of Anglican Orders.

Laura from Facebook: Is it appropriate for a priest to tell jokes after mass while on the altar as he is dismissing Mass? Some of his jokes left me feeling uncomfortable because I felt they were mocking in nature towards holy people or holy sacraments. I'm not sure if I should say anything to the priest when I'm left feeling uncomfortable.
Anonymous. Albuquerque, New Mexico. A relative died and they go to an SSPX Church. Is it ok to go to the funeral Mass there? If so, what about receiving Holy Communion there?
Kathy, Rochester, New York. Kathy asks for prayers for her sister Dolores who suffers from digestive disorder and also for courage and healing for herself.
Would it be a mortal sin to leave the church for the Greek Orthodox since the Roman Catholic Church is now soft on sacred tradition such as the acception of altar girls, extraordinary ministers, etc.
Anonymous, Victor, New York. Thanks for all the prayers as a "lost" family member has been located. Praying for him to return to the area and that a means may be had to have (obtain) a home to reunite the family.
Paul, Buffalo, New York. Has a "quirky" question he says. Does Fr. know if the River Jordan has the bountiful fish that the Scriptures describe as in the times of Christ.
Clarence, Buffalo, NY. Regarding Fr.'s earlier prayer to St. Martha, he stated you asked St. Martha to minister to us. Clarence asks "how exactly does she minister to us?"
Doug, Rochester, NY. He is heartbroken to see the overwhelming sin of premarital sex in our society, including Church members. Can Fr. speak to the sanctity of keeping sexual relations within the Sacrament of Marriage?
Paul from Not on the Line is Now on the Line!
Jim, Rochester, NY. The words evangelize and proselytize have been used today. Why is the word proselytize given a negative take? Isn't it similar to evangelize?
Karen, Niagara Falls, NY. Can Fr. say what happened to Jesus after he died and before he ascended into heaven?
Angie, Rochester, NY. She asks for prayer for a neice who is ill with liver disorder.
Anonymous, Rochester, NY. She asks for prayer for the upcoming selection of a Bishop in Rochester-that he may be a "good and holy Bishop" and also prayer for the protection of families.
The previous anonymous sender of e-mail no. 2 replies and asks " Since discipline tradition can change, does that mean we can one day ordain women and accept gay marriage? " (He now gives his name as Greg)

July 26

Faith 'n' Reason Friday:

Matthew 13:10-11

¹⁰ The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”

¹¹ He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.

The Deposit of Faith is real knowledge. It is something we can sink our teeth into. We can stake our lives on what God has revealed. The better we understand "the mysteries of the kingdom," the more we can cooperate with King Jesus in His work of saving souls — starting first with our own!

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Remember Fr. Mark Illig, whose letter to the station in 2004 led to the creation of "Calling All Catholics": "I was thinking of having a show played on a regular basis to talk about Healing Prayer and pray for people's intentions." Fr. Illig died in December of 2011. Fr. Illig himself was saved by prayer to St. Anne in his infancy, and he said that more than 100 childless couples had conceived after praying with him asking for St. Anne's aid.
Memorare.
Anonymous from e-mail: How does one discern whether one is suffering from scrupulosity as opposed to something like a merely delicate or sensitive conscience?

Scrupulosity

Virtue

Prudence

Erica's Mom died on Thursday morning.
Please pray for Lucy who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.
Please pray for Kristen who suffered a miscarriage yesterday.
Anonymous from Buffalo: A friend of mine no longer wants to have marital relations with her husband. Should I give her Christopher West's books on the theology of the body?
Anonymous from Buffalo: I found a copy of U. S. Catholic magazine in Church. It had one article about using "religious practices" from non-Christian traditions to "strengthen your Catholic core," and another article that argued against requiring that loyalty oaths be taken by catechists on the grounds that we all must "make up our own minds on important issues." Are those articles really consistent with Catholic teaching?

July 19

First show with Mike Denz.

"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect" (Rom 12:2).
St. Patrick's Breastplate.
Heidi from Facebook: I say the Divine Mercy chaplet frequently. Often, when repeating "Eternal Father, I offer you the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son," I wonder how can we make this offering when it is not ours? The sacrifice that Jesus offered is finished, and it already belongs to God completely.
Pope Francis has added "with blessed Joseph, her Spouse," to Eucharistic Prayers II, III, IV after "Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God."
Anonymous on Monday via e-mail. Please pray for a break in the heat. I am suffering very much because I have no air conditioning, and I have to go to the basement to seek relief.
Andrew from e-mail: Jesus, the Son of God, says in Matthew 24:36 that He does not know when He will return. How is this limit in Jesus' knowledge possible if He is God the Son?
Steve from Buffalo: Why didn't the Church protest the relaxation of divorce laws in New York State in 2010 with the same passion that it is now showing for opposition to same-sex marriage? Isn't the ease with which divorces can now be obtained just as destructive of the natural order? Is there some "Ick Factor" at work in the very public protests against same-sex marriage that was missing in the change of divorce law? Why can't the Church just get used to same-sex marriage as it apparently has gotten used to no-fault divorces?

Next up: polygamy, polyamory, and incest.

Joseph from land-mail: On one of your podcasts, you asked listeners to identify the saints who are most helpful for those with mental illnesses. Besides St. Jude and St. Dymphna, I have found St. Benedict Joseph Labré. I am now a member of the Guild of St. Benedict Joseph Labré for the Emotionally Troubled and Mentally Ill and their Families and Friends. They seem not to have a website at the present time. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benedict_Joseph_Labre
Michael. Rochester, New York. Had a great experience with the Creed yesterday and would like to share some treasures.
Bonnie. Springville, New York. She has a prayer request for "about" 9 people.
Kathy. Rochester, New York. Please pray for my friend and their family while caring for a parent, for my sister Doris's healing from a serious digestive issue and for perseverance and courage in coping with my anorexia nervosa.
Renee. Lake View, New York. Has a comment regarding divorce discussion. It was easier in past before Jesus' time to get a divorce.

July 12

Last show with Gina as moderator.

Concluding prayer from Lumen Fidei: Prayer to Mary, Mother of Our Faith.
Anonymous from e-mail: I am aware that if one knowingly omits a mortal sin in the Sacrament of Confession, he has committed sacrilege and invalidated the Confession. But if someone omits a particular venial sin, this does not invalidate the Confession or cause sacrilege (even though it is not a practice the Church recommends). Is this correct or incorrect?
From Caroline via e-mail: Matthew, Mark, and Luke all have passages in which Jesus tells His disciples that they must "pick up their cross" and follow Him.

In these passages, was Jesus specifically prophesying that He would die on a Cross? I get the impression from the gospels that the apostles did not understand the crucifixion while it was happening.
If Jesus really said exactly these words, then what possible meaning could they have had for those who heard Him? Crucifixion was a Roman instrument of public torture. Without foreknowledge of Jesus' death on the cross and victorious resurrection, what picture would the command to "pick up your cross" have given the disciples?
If Jesus did not say "pick up your cross" to the disciples, how did the saying ever get attributed to him by the evangelists?

Thomas from Amherst: I was listening to a podcast by Jimmy Akin about the resurrection of the body. He said that, just as with Jesus, our resurrection will cause our bodies to rise from the tomb. But he didn't talk about the case of bodies that have turned entirely to dust, or that have been cremated, either on purpose at the time of burial or by accidents like the train derailment in Canada or by being bombed during a war.
Anonymous from iCatholicRadio: A Protestant friend told me he plans to have a vasectomy in a couple of weeks. Do you know of anything I can send him quickly to try to change his mind? Please pray for him and for me as I speak with him.
Anonymous. Prayer intention for health, a job and special intention(S)... ( PLURAL please
Sarah. Buffalo, New York. Sometimes when suffering, I remember to offer that suffering for another's intention. It's easy to do for past sufferings because the pain has passed. BUT.. When in current pain, I know that offering it up won't make the pain go away. But, I feel guilty when I selfishly wallow in my pain after I just offered it up! Am I offering it up "wrong?"
Michael. Welland, Ontario. Michael has called before, he is getting married. His fear has turned to excitement and has a question about a ritual for the marriage... involving a chair??
Anonymous. Please pray for me to obtain a car for transportation.
Anonymous. Greece, New York. Please pray for a little 8 year old named Kendall who has a rare disease.
Kathy. Rochester, New York. Please pray for healing of my serious anxiety and anorexia that I have had for many years.. Also, pray for my sister Doris's healing from a serious digestive issue that is incurable.
Steve. I would like to say a prayer of thanks from a successful surgery.....4 months ago.

July 5

Feast of St. Anthony Maria Zaccaria, founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, also known as the Barnabites. Happy feast to Fr. Peter Calabrese!
It is also the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Portugal, a queen who strove to bring peace to her troubled family and nation.
Developing the Mind of Christ.
Prayer to Mary, Mother of Divine Providence.
Kevin from e-mail: Is it stealing to borrow CDs from the library and copy the music onto an MP3 player? Is it OK for me to lend my CDs to my friends, knowing that they will probably copy the music onto their computers?
Steve, Pennsylvania. My marriage is in trouble. How can I persuade my wife to trust me?
Erica from Buffalo, New York: There is a woman I know who is having a horrible, down-spiraling, Catholic-hating time as her second "husband," Bob, left her, because he now believes that they were not married and have been fornicating all these years. Both were previously married in the Catholic Church. Bob's first marriage was annulled; Linda's first marriage was not. I tried to explain to her that without an annulment, one cannot remarry, as she is still married in the eyes of the Church. She replied, "Our priest explained to Bob and to me together that, while getting an annulment is preferred, the Church knows some Catholics do not want one for whatever reason. The priest claimed that Vatican II acknowledged that the Church needed to embrace those people and created a new method of dealing with broken marriages called 'the internal forum solution.'" Is she right about that?
The New Evangelization and "remedial catechetics."

June 28

Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr.
Six days left in the Fortnight for Freedom (ends on Thursday, July 4).
Tomorrow is the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Prayer for the Protection of Religious Liberty.
Separating the wheat from the chaff: "Think about these things."
Zach from Amherst: Please pray for Missy, a friend of the family, who has a brain tumor and will undergo surgery tomorrow.
Mary Kathryn from Southern Calif: God Bless all of you for the wonderful work you do by providing The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio. Please pray for:

- My cousin's two-and-a-half-year old daughter, who was diagnosed with lymphoma. they are still running more test to determine what type.

- My neighbor's father, who had a heart attack and a stroke last night.

- My best friend's mother, who is having an emergency quadruple heart bypass this afternoon.

Zach. Amherst, New York. Please pray for Missy, a friend of the family, who has a brain tumor and will undergo surgery tomorrow.
Scott. Rochester, New York. I have a friend in the Lutheran church who has asked me to speak in her church during the homily time. As a Catholic, may I give a homily?
Michael. Rochester, New York. What is your favorite hymn, Father?
Bob. Boston, New York. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he mentions being taken to a "third heaven." I can not find a source to explain that. What does he mean?
Anonymous. Victor, New York. I would appreciate if Jesus would help us to find a temporary place, out of this situation. And complete funds for a new home.
Marilyn. Buffalo, New York. In Luke's gospel, Jesus mentions that it would be better that they be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck. Is Jesus endorsing capital punishment?
Michael. Buffalo, New York. What is the role that St. Michael plays in people's lives who are having a difficult time?
Mary Kathryn from Southern Calif: God Bless all of you for the wonderful work you do by providing The Station of the Cross Catholic Radio. Please pray for:

- My cousin's two-and-a-half-year old daughter, who was diagnosed with lymphoma. they are still running more test to determine what type.

- My neighbor's father, who had a heart attack and a stroke last night.

- My best friend's mother, who is having an emergency quadruple heart bypass this afternoon.

Frank from Buffalo in conversation: A poll was taken in Italy asking people to name their "favorite religious figure." St. Francis came in first, Jesus came in second. Doesn't that prove that Catholics can be too devoted to the saints?
John from Facebook:

- In the Old testament, there are passages that speak of the sons of God coming to earth and having relations with humans. Now would these be fallen angels? Even if they were, you stated before that angels are pure spirits and have no body, so I am confused how could they could father children.

- In the New Testament, the Angel tells Mary that "the Spirit will come on you and the Power of the Most high will overshadow you." The Spirit is, of course, pure Spirit, so how does the Spirit join together with Mary's humanity to produce Jesus? Does Jesus receive his human nature from Mary and His divine nature from the Spirit?

June 26

The Fortnight for Freedom is underway. June 21 to July 4. That means there is time to start a novena today that ends next Thursday.
Prayer of Azariah.
Wednesday Wisdom
Rick: Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, and covenant ratification ceremony
Dan. Whitby, Ontario. CA. (101.7): I have a friend who lost an adult daughter a few years ago. She learned how to channel the dead, and was able to connect w her daughters spirit. She has become very well known in the medium sense because of this gift. She has many clients from this gift of communication w the dead. What is the Catholic Church's position on this type of communication? Are these gifts given by God?

2116 All forms of divination are to be rejected: recourse to Satan or demons, conjuring up the dead or other practices falsely supposed to "unveil" the future. Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone.

Do you reject the glamor of evil, and refuse to be mastered by sin?

Eddie. Rochester, New York. QUESTION: I want to know your thoughts about the Supreme Court decision?
Bob from e-mail: Why should I obey the human beings — all male! — who run the Church? They are all imperfect human beings like myself. They are led by their conscience. Why shouldn't I be led by mine?
Anonymous from e-mail: I was reading the Supplement to the Summa (Question 6, Article 4) in which St. Thomas says that if we are doubtful about whether we confessed all of our mortal sins in past confessions, we should mention the doubt to the priest in our next confession. Is that good advice?

June 21

Final vows for Jim Pribek, SJ. Entered the Society in 1987 and is taking final vows right now. That's 26 years of "formation." I entered in 1973 and took final vows in 1993, so it was 20 years for me.
EMAIL NO. 1. Elizabeth. Anderson, IN. via iPhone. Please pray for my brother who is entering his last year in the seminary and my grandmother who is still grieving the loss of my grandfather.
Marie from Amherst: Mother Teresa of Calcutta has been beatified and therefore is properly called "Blessed." The Church is praying for a miracle through her intercession so that she can be formally canonized as a saint.
From a Wisconsin friend of one of our listeners: "I write obits for the newspapers up here in NE Wisconsin. I occasionally take phone calls from people wanting to place an ad in the paper for St. Jude or the Virgin Mary. They spend anywhere from $20-180 for an ad. I find it perplexing to publish it in the paper and spend that money, when you can put that money toward a good cause, give it back to the church, etc."
Pastor James from the Southern tier: I live in the Southern Tier but also pastor in northern PA (just over the border). I have been invited to St Peter's Cathedral in Scranton to be a participant in the Fortnight for Freedom event on June 26. Since I will be meeting with Bishop Bambera and a Bishop from Baltimore, what is the proper protocol in addressing these men? Also do you call a Monsignor "Father"?
http://creationwiki.org/Bene_Elohim
http://creationwiki.org/Nephilim
Bonnie. Springville, New York. A few prayer intentions for Fr. (He might know them "by heart.")
Michael. Welland, Ontario. Has an update regarding his upcoming marriage
Barbara. Kenmore, New York. We talk to others about issues, like pro-life, marraige, etc, that are difficult to explain in passing or quickly because of their complex nuances. How can we do so effectively?
Elizabeth. Anderson, Indiana. I have trouble envisioning God as a loving God. I just think of the God being a just God. Do you have a suggestion for me to understand his love? Also, can you say a prayer for my brother who is entering his last year in the seminary, and for my widowed grandmother who is still grieving?
Martin. Rochester, New York. I have been divorced for over 3 years. I still view myself as married in Catholic Church. Is there always hope that God can have it work out? Perhaps have us return to each other?
Christina. Western New York. I am single and feel called to marriage. I am reading "Love and Responsibility." I wonder about being ready for children. I understand we need to be "open" to children. But are we supposed to KNOW?
Roman from Facebook: Sometimes I slip and say God's name in vain. I know this is a bad habit, but is it a mortal sin?
Sherry from Alexandria, Virginia: "In the Second Eucharistic Prayer, what does "welcome them into the light of your face" mean?

The Light of Your Face

14 June

32nd anniversary of my First Mass.
Nicolette: Please pray for Kristen's father, who is being ordained a deacon on Saturday and who will serve as a deacon at Mass for the first time on Sunday, which is Father's Day.
Opening prayer: Our Father, followed by the deliverance prayer from the Mass, ending "For the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are Yours, now and forever."
John from Facebook: I saw an Icon of the Trinity showing three glorious winged men seated at table with bread and wine. The caption says that the icon shows Abraham's hospitality to angels. I have asked you about angels before, and you said then that the Church teaches that angels don't have bodies because they are pure spirit. So how could Abraham feed the three angels?

Icon of the Holy Trinity

Awesome Lawson from a while ago: What is time like for God and the angels? If there is no time, nothing can happen, and it must really be boring.
Marie from Amherst: How does someone become a Jesuit? How does the Jesuit course of studies compare to those in other religious orders?
Andrew. Sometimes my prayers feel dry. How can I feel that the Lord is pursuing me as well and how can I feel His presence more in my life?

(4:15 PM) Gina: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Teresa_of_Calcutta

Scott. Rochester, New York. Regarding the first reading today, St. Paul talks about a treasure. Which treasure is he referring to exactly?
Michael. Welland, Ontario. He has a question about marriage. He has been a bachelor for 54 years and is getting married later this year. At times, he feels nervous, scared or anxious. He wonders if it is because he is making a vow in front of God. Is there a prayer that he can say, at those times?
Mike. Mass-eh-dun, New York. I noticed a theme in yesterday's reading and Gospel. In the Gospel, Jesus mentioned having a problem with someone and not working it out. I found it interesting that He taught that, not hid it in a parable.

13 June

Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, priest, Franciscan, Doctor of the Church, and thaumaturge.
32nd anniversary of my ordination.
St. Anthony's Prayer for the Help of the Holy Spirit
From Laura via e-mail: What would be considered a mortal sin for children? When would I know when they've committed a mortal sin so that I can make sure they get to confession before receiving the Eucharist? I had an incident this week where my oldest, who has Aspergers he is 12 and just received his First Communion about 3 weeks ago, was very disrespectful to myself and to an adult at a Boy Scout Picnic? I told my son that he probably should go to confession but I don't want to make him go because I don't want him to see the sacrament of Confession as a punishment. I want him to see the Sacrament of Confession in a positive way. At the same time I want him to understand the blessedness of the Eucharist and understand that before receiving the Eucharist, we each need to review our conscience to ensure that our soul is in a state of grace.
Andrew from e-mail: Is it true that the Canadian bishops rejected the teaching of Human Vitae in their Winnipeg statement? If so, what does their dissent say about the structure of the Church?
Marie from Amherst: I have heard you say from time to time that Greek was the original sacred language of Christianity. If so, how did Latin come to be the official language of the Church?
Scott. Rochester. He just wanted to congratulate Fr. Moleski on his anniversary of priestly ordination.
Jeff. I am 16 and thinking about the priesthood, however I am also a Elvis impersonator and I was wondering if I became a Priest would I be able to do both?
Bonnie. Springville. Please pray for her eyesight. Also, for Jerry for his eyesight, heart burn and leg pain. For her dad, Keith, for his heart, diabetes and his back. For Bob and Diane to heal their shingles. For Andrew, for preservation of his health. For Aunt Barb, who has cancer and has 3-6 months to live. And for Gerry and Stella who also have cancer.
Anonymous. Rochester. Please pray for his daughter who is getting married outside the Church. And please pray for him as he is also going through a spiritual battle.
Virginia. Buffalo. Please pray for her daughter's injured toe. This has been a longtime injury through which they have been praying to St. Anthony for healing.
Anonymous. Buffalo. Please pray for her health, for the doctor's to help them find what's going on, to find a job, and for a special intention.
Mary. Niagara Falls. Her sister is a fallen away Catholic. She now believes that once saved, always saved. How do you counteract this argument?
Mike. Rochester. He wants to talk about praying to Mary.
Anonymous. Amherst. Please pray for her while she is healing from growing up with her alcoholic father. Because of this she has issues with worrying. Please give any advice on how she may find and keep peace.
Dolores. Boston, NY. She'd like to say congratulations to Father and to tell you how she teaches her grandchildren about St. Anthony.

June 7

Mom and Dad's 64th wedding anniversary.
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart has been a World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests since 2002 (John Paul II).
Prayer of St. Faustina for Priests.
Conyr (Conner) from iCatholicRadio: Can an angel be a saint? When they refer to saint Michael the archangel is he a saint or do you have to be human to be a saint?
Christopher from Houston, Texas: Please pray for the repose of the souls of Matthew Pickens and Biko Benefield, and for their family and friends who mourn their deaths. The two young men were killed in an auto accident this week.

I also want to pray for Patrick Conway, age 18, who died in a motorcycle accident this week.

Anonymous from Facebook: I'm a breast cancer survivor. What does the Church think about the Susan G. Komen Foundation? A woman in my office asked us to sponsor her, and, without thinking, I said I would. But then I remembered that the Komen Foundation provides grants to Planned Parenthood. Am I offending God by sponsoring a someone in the Susan G. Komen race?
Andrew from e-mail: A Catholic friend of mine says that the Church is a feudal system, not a democracy. He claims that some Popes taught that democracy is dangerous or heretical. It dawned on me as we talked that this is because people will inevitably vote for some degree of sin since they are fallen creatures. This is why God has a kingdom not a republic. Jesus is king regardless of how we feel about it. Am I on the right track here?
Conyr (Connor). iPhone. Can an angel be a saint? When they refer to Saint Michael the archangel is he a saint or do you have to be human to be a saint?
Christopher. Houston. iPhone. Please pray for the repose of the souls of Matthew and Biko and for their family and friends who mourn their deaths.
Johnny. Texas. I heard that Blessed John Paul II consecrated the whole world to the immaculate Heart of Mary. Was Russia ever consecrated to the Immaculate Heart? Our Lady also promised an era of peace if we did. If we did consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart, then why is that the world has gotten worse in almost everything?
Mike. Rochester, New York. Last Fri, for the Visitation, you read the Magnificat. Thank you. Yesterday, on Catholic Answers we talked about the desire to be concerned about evil. Yesterday's reading was a good scary one.
John. Rochester, New York. Prayer Intention: For his mother who is in hospice. AND Question: Re: the recent Scout decision, many churches sponsor Boy Scout packs. Whta are your thoughts? Have Bishops made any public comment?
Ash. Long Beach, California. iPhone. Q: He is recently to the Catholic faith. When he is baptized, soon, will all of his sins from previous forgiven, washed away? Or, does he need to go to Confession- before? after?
Barbara. Kenmore, New York. What is the difference between a feast day and a solemnity?
Anonymous: I have a dilemma that I've been pondering. My husband and I have been invited to a non-Catholic wedding. I don't really want to go because it is a secular wedding and I suspect there will be a lot of drinking afterward. I explained my reluctance to my husband, but he wants me to go with him. I'm not sure what I should do. What do you think?
Laura from e-mail: In Luke 23:29, Jesus says, "For indeed, the days are coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.'" I come across this verse often when I pray a scriptural Rosary and I always wonder what Jesus meant. Was he talking about the current times when society is giving women the message that child bearing is more of a curse than a blessing?

June 3

Andrew from e-mail: Would a human clone have a soul? Do identical twins have the same soul, or does one soul split into two parts? If machines become intelligent, like R2D2 or C-3PO or the Terminator, will they have a soul? What about conjoined twins?
Randolf. Grimsby, Ontario. Canada. You said one day that the difference between Heaven and Hell is spiritual, not spatial. How do you reconcile that claim with the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16? "Between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours" (16:26). Aren't you using the same kind of logic that the Jehovah's Witnesses use when they claim that, for those who have eyes to see, Jesus has already returned to earth? They set aside Revelation 1:7 in the same way that you set aside Luke 16:26: "Behold, He comes with the clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they that pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth shall mourn over Him." Both of you dissolve the plain meaning of the passage on the basis of a spiritual interpretation.
Freddie. California. Android. He asks what Saint(s) to pray to for business.
Margaret. Cuyler, New York. Prayer request for victims as well as driver/owner of truck involved in fatality last week. Driver is a parishner.
Anonymous. Prayer request for good health, securing a job and special intentions.
Johnny. Texas. How is it that we as the United States can continue to allow Muslims into this country with teachings from the Koran to fight non-believers (Christians & Jews) and among many other crazy things? However I do understand there are several good Muslims who do not follow those teachings, but If our bibles taught to fight non-believers we could never get a work visa into any Islamic country. Shouldn't we expose these doctrines from Islam?
Carlos. Can you talk about Father Pedro Arrupe and his chance of canonization?
Sennis. Jos, Nigeria. (Joe-oss) Please pray for me to find a husband with whom I can start a family with.
Bob. Boston, New York. 2 questions for Fr. regarding the stigmata. Has anyone who is a non-Catholic rec'd stigmata and is there any person currently recognized as having stigmata?

http://www.stjeromecroatian.org/eng/frsudac.html

Fr Zlatko Sudac has the stigmata

Jessica. Gadsden, Alabama. Could you explain Purgatory for me?
Larry, Orchard Park, NY. Larry has a question regarding how to pray for people living in sin. He is on Hold, trying to get him off of hold.

May 31

A monsignor from Cheektowaga: I know you have addressed this question in the past, but I find that it comes up regularly whenever someone begins to take the faith seriously: how should we understand the teaching of the Apostles' Creed that Jesus "descended into Hell"?
Betty the Baptist from e-mail: I have heard that Pope Francis said that even atheists can be saved by doing good works. Surely it can't be any more clearly stated that we must believe in Jesus Christ to be saved and spend eternity with him. We Baptists believe that this is the only way for salvation. We do also believe that from the time that we give our hearts to Christ, we must then be obedient to Him, which means serving our fellow man and doing good works. We believe we will be rewarded for those good works, but not saved by them. If the Pope is right that we can be saved by doing good works, then it seems that my Lord and Savior need not have died for me.
Michael. Rochester. New York. Enjoyed your opening prayer. In Legion of Mary, uses Magnificat. Would like to comment on that.
Anna. Northwest Arkansas. Rosary Novena- trying to say almost every day. When you do the rosary novena for petition of her own family members, in addition can one Rosary really help those souls in Purgatory?
Randolf. Grimsby, Ontario. Canada. Questions regarding dialogue in connection to Luke 16:26.
Dolores. Boston. New York. Comment regarding Boy Scouts of America recent passing as well as question regarding saving of souls.
Michael. Rochester. Enjoyed opening prayer. Belongs to Legion of Mary. Comment regarding Magnificat.
Rene. Lakeview. New York. There is "Scandal" in Church but also in the whole world. She is against false accusations AS WELL as priests being condemned before a fair shot.
Randolf. Grimsby, Ontario. Canada. Questions regarding dialogue in connection to Luke 16:26.
Anonymous: Because lots of priests in the Roman Church are accused of pedophilia, and because church keeps covering up the scandals, I'm thinking of becoming Orthodox. They are also part of the early church, have valid sacraments, and have fewer problems with liberalism and modernism. Why should I stay in a Church that is full of heresy and scandals?

May 24

Jean from Alden: My brother is Baptist. He says we're asleep until the Last Judgment. What scripture verse deals with that? What does the Church teach?
Karen from Penampang, Malaysia, via Facebook: Can I find out who my guardian angel is? This website says that they can reveal my guardian angel's identity.
Christopher. Houston, Texas. Prayer requests 1.) for the repose of the soul of Father Todd Reitmeyer + 2.) for those traveling during this Memorial Day weekend
Jean. Alden, New York. Hi FR Marty, here is the scripture verse 1 Thessolonian 4:13-17 " If you chose to pray to saints You have to realize they are asleep"
Michael, Welland, Ontario. Wants to about Prince of Hosts.
Mike. Rochester, New York. Wants to know Father's fondest Memorial Day holiday when he helped someone OR can Fr. discuss the differences between traditional Catholic Churches (likely more suburban) or a Mission Churches (likely inner city).
Jennifer. Texas. Please pray for my parish St. Bernard. That we can grow in faith and members. For God to lead us with what he wants us to do for him. Thank you God bless.
Dennis. Father, if you apply for an annulment but for whatever reason it is denied are you still in good standing with the church? Can you also pray for me I have to go back to court on Tuesday. I am very nervous and I can't relax..I can really use all the prayers I can get. Thank you and God Bless.
Anonymous. Rochester. Please pray for Jesse who going though a bad drug addiction. Missing for 3 days now.
Joan. Massachusetts. Wants to wish Fr a happy holiday weekend.

May 17

Anonymous. Please pray for a friend who is being treated unfairly at work. She is looking for a new job, but they are hard to find.
Anonymous. Victor, New York. Prayer requests: Urgent need to find a place to live; have to get out of the place she is in now. Funds are needed to obtain a home of her own. Unity in the family and for the poor souls in purgatory.
Anonymous from e-mail: If a priest, at the end of Confession, says "I absolve you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," omitting the words "of your sins," does that constitute a valid absolution?
Anonymous from Buffalo: Someone recently asked you how the authenticity of the sayings of Jesus could be verified. Your answer was that they cannot be verified according to modern standards of scholarship. So, if the sayings of Jesus in the New Testament cannot be verified against objective sources, why should anyone trust the gospels? How did the Church identify authentic gospels? On what grounds did it falsify other gospels?
From a Facebook friend: Is it "right" to ask for a real miracle for oneself or is it the epitome of selfishness?
Bonnie. Springville, New York. Bonnie has a few prayer requests she would like to speak with Father about.
Patricia from Facebook: Father my friend would like a definition of what a consolation would be, or an experience of such.
Lucia from Denton, Texas: How do I respond to someone when they tell me, "I only go to Mass when I FEEL the urge to go"?
Scott, Rochester, New York. Question regarding the Solemnities i.e. Corpus Christi or Pentecost). Is it mandatory to be prayed or can they be omitted? Or can the Sequence prayer be used. Where does the Sequence prayer come from?
Nickolaus, Miami, Florida. I Phone. Nick has a question about Saint Vincent Ferrer. He was such a "large " saint who lived an incredible life, yet, he seems to be such a "hidden Saint".
Scott. Rochester. Is it mandatory for the solemnities of Corpus Christi or Pentecost to be prayed or can they be omitted? Can the Sequence prayer be used? here does the Sequence prayer come from?
John from Facebook: Is the tradition of having a sequence of annual feasts rooted in the Church's Jewish heritage?

Jewish Liturgical Year

Anonymous. Question for Father regarding the Jewish faith. The Jewish people believe they are the chosen people of God yet they don't believe Jesus is the Messiah. Are they still God's chosen people?
Amy from e-mail: I recently spoke with some women friends about the ordination of women and allowing priests to marry. They claimed that these two issues are founded on human law rather than divine law, and then argued that because some day there will not be enough priests to serve the people, other options must be discussed. Are these issues open to discussion?

May 14

Billy. Buffalo, New York. Would like to discuss with Father ways that a parent can get their teenager to go to mass.
Michael. Rochester, New York. Would like to discuss the importance of participation at mass with Father.
Yasmin. El Paso, Texas. Please pray for Christ's peace & love in my family, that Christ may softened our hearts and help us to forgive. Also, please pray for our upcoming ACTS women's retreat.
Rob. Farmington, New York. Is having some negative feelings about an upcoming job change being unfair and would like to discuss with Father. Rob got an award at work and then was suddenly given a job change. He feels he was somehow short changed
Mary. Niagara Falls, New York. Has sister who has fallen away from Catholic faith and attends non-denominational church. Sister believes there is no point in praying for the dead and references bible verse about Lazarus. What can I tell her from a Catholic perspective?
Anonymous. Prayers please for health, finding a job, and special intentions.
Christian: I am a convert to Catholicism, and the only Roman Catholic in my family.

If I miss Mass on a holy day because my mother is too busy to take me, is that a mortal sin?
Should I should attend Wednesday night youth groups at my grandmother's Protestant Church? I asked my priest on the issue and he said no. What is your opinion?

Anonymous from e-mail: Many members of my family are at odds with each other. There are fights, threats of lawsuits, lies, backstabbing, and bitterness. How can I cope with such behavior?
Phil from Indooroopily, Australia, not too far away from Woolloongaba, via Facebook: We had a Catholic priest in Brisbane many years ago who broke the seal of confession (publicly) and everyone saw that as a reason they don't need to confess to a priest. They say they can confess directly to God.

May 10

NOT ON THE LINE. Rosemaria [sent to CAC on Wednesday...]: Asking prayers for a man named Tom who fell and was severely injured. He is in the hospital and may not live long. A friend of the family called to ask me to spread the word for prayers for a miracle. I know his wife through pro-life activities.
NOT ON THE LINE. Donna from the Southern Tier: My 41-year-old daughter, Anne Marie, is suffering from bone cancer. I feel devastated.
NOT ON THE LINE. Alice. Batavia, New York. Please pray for me, as I am having problems with my right eye.
NOT ON THE LINE. Anonymous. Would like prayers for finding an immediate place to stay and also for the funds for getting a home of their own in order to unify the family. Also, prayers for all of her family to return to the faith.
A listener just called to see if Fr. Marty was aware that the Holy Spirit prayer he recited at the beginning of the show is often sung with Beethoven's “Ode to Joy.” The hymn is called “Oh Come Holy Spirit Come.” He thought it might be good for people to know that.
Ana from Springdale, AK - Apple iPod - Was listening to this station this morning. They were talking about the Grreen Scapular. What is the difference between the green, the brown and the white.
Michael from Rochester. Has comments about the verse Father was quoting from Matt. 25. Seems to favor Democrats in all areas except abortion.
Leti. Denton, Texas. Please pray for my mother Genobeba and my sisters Maria, Lucia & Beba.
Shelly. from British Columbia. Internet. Jesus said, "Judge not." Is it okay for us to serve on a jury?
Mary. Amherst. Can you pray for Mary's daughter? She is a young mother and is sick.
Tony from Depew:

Why did God allow polygamy in the Old Testament? Dt 21:15-17 gives a law for two wives, while 1 Kings 11:3 says that Solomon had seven hundred wives of royal rank and three hundred concubines.
Why wasn't Abraham married to Hagar?

John Z. from Facebook: Why do so many of our protestant brothers and sisters reject tradition? It is as though they center their teaching on fragments from St. Paul's letters. I have listened to a lot of Pastors, and they never seem to preach on the Gospel passages that command us to express our faith in good works. In Matthew 25, for example, Jesus separates the sheep and the goats according to things they did or did not do for the least of His brethren.
From a friend of a friend via e-mail: "Is calling the Pope 'Holy Father' officially described in doctrine of the Church, or is it something which one could disagree with while remaining Catholic?"

Titles of the Pope.

May 3

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles.
Mass intention: Bill Kender and his uncle Gene, whose birthday is Thursday, May 9th.
NOT ON THE LINE. Bonnie. Butler, Pennsylvania. Please pray for a young man named Jimmy who it was recently discovered that he had a heart attack.
Sequence for Pentecost.
Anonymous benefactor: How can the Station give a third-class relic of St. Gabriel?
Mary, a benefactor: My husband and I got into the habit of attending the vigil Mass on Saturday nights when that was made necessary by my work schedule. Now that I am retired, I still prefer to attend Mass on Saturday evening. Some friends have told me that I am wrong to do so and that I should attend on Sunday instead.* Marina. iPhone. Recently we had a new priest assigned to our parish. He announced during Mass that when we go to confession with him we should begin with, "Forgive me, Father," instead of, "Bless me..." Is this a new formula or teaching?
Cindy. Rochester, New York. Can Father speak out spiritual direction? Can he say who should or can receive direction? Also, who can give spiritual direction? Is it just priests that can give direction?
Polly. Rochester, New York. What is the definition of Zionism?
Kim. Rochester, New York. Kim has a chronic illness that will eventually require surgery. She asks Jesus when she is suffering to unite her suffering with His for Souls. Kim would like to go to a healing mass but is wondering if this is what Jesus desires? Or could He wish her to continue to suffer and offer it up?
How did the tradition of celibacy for priests, bishops, and the pope became established in the Catholic Church? We know Peter was married because Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law in Mark chapter 1. Paul also mentions married bishops and priests in his letters to Timothy and Titus.
Sarah from West Seneca: 'I have heard priests say that God forgives and forgets. I find that thought very comforting. But I've also heard that on Judgment Day, the whole of our life story is told to everybody. I don't want everyone to know all of my sins! Does God forget our sins or doesn't He?'
From an anxious anonymous listener: Is there an exact list of "grave sins"? I'm worried that I might be committing mortal sin without knowing it.
What does the Church think about the Coptic fragment that people are calling "The Gospel of Jesus' Wife"?

April 22

Jesuit feast: Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Society of Jesus.
FACEBOOK NO. 1 — Jyoti: Please pray for me and my family and our health and relationships.
Sequence for Pentecost.
Anonymous from Amherst via e-mail: My son has been living with a divorced girl and her children for many years. They are about to buy a house together, and I think at that point they will want to get married. The new trend is for friends of the couple to obtain a one-day permit that would allow them to conduct a marriage ceremony out in the woods, or on a beach, or some such place, and invite all "the love gods, family and friends" to witness the love of this couple, blah, blah, blah. I think this something they may do, and I know I cannot witness this because God is not asked to be present, but if we do not attend, we are liable to break our relationship with this son and his siblings. What should we do?* Dan from Batavia: Has a prayer request for his friend who is dying of pancreatic cancer. Wants to speak with Father.
Ana from Northwest Arkansas: Wants to speak to Father in regards to marriage. Question about her daughter's marriage.
Anonymous: Has prayer requests for Health, Job and Special intentions. Please pray for all these for her.
Alison. Please pray for the repose of the soul of my Aunt Dolores who passed away last night and for comfort and peace for her family.
Barbara. Kenmore. Prayer request for anyone who will pass away today.
Anonymous. Prayer Request. Please pray for her daughter-in-law who is suffering from severe stomach pain and the Doctors cannot find the cause. Please ask the Holy Spirit to inspire the Drs. to find the cause and also pray for her son and his wife that they are able to deal with this cross.
Philip from Indooroopily, Australia: I've heard that devotion to Mary could help bring peace to the Middle East. Can you explain why that might be so?
Andrew from e-mail: Why did canon law's requirement to abstain from meat on every Friday get reduced in the United States to just abstaining from meat on Fridays during Lent?
Philip from Indooroopily, Australia, via Facebook: What are we to think about the apparitions in Medjugorje? I always believed it was our Blessed Mother until someone told me otherwise. Like what does she want? Why is she still appearing? It seems so odd that in every other approved apparition, she said what she had to say, and that was all. I've read about some of her messages and they don't seem to be coming from above.
John Z. from Facebook: I read about a Jesuit College that wouldn't allow the Knights of Columbus to form a chapter at the school because it wasn't an all-inclusive group? What are your thoughts?

“The Knights of Columbus, by their very nature, is a men's organization in which only Catholics may participate via membership,” says a letter obtained by The Cardinal Newman Society written by Sue Weitz, Vice President for Student Life. “These criteria are inconsistent with the policy and practice of student organization recognition at Gonzaga University, as well as the University's commitment to non-discrimination based on certain characteristics, one of which is religion.”

“To embrace the diversity and yet endorse a group based on faith exclusivity is a challenge that cannot be reconciled at this time,” Weitz wrote in closing. “It is a decision about social justice, equity, and the desire of the University to create and maintain an environment in which none are excluded.”

Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh states that Gonzaga honors and respects the purpose and good works of the Knights of Columbus, with which it has a long tradition and mutual collaboration at both local and state levels. The Knights of Columbus College Council (#12583) is already present within the student body and receives support from the administration. Gonzaga University's core Catholic and Jesuit identity recognizes, encourages and supports many student organizations that advance faith-related issues (for example, Gonzaga Right to Life, and the Blessed John Paul II Fellowship).

President McCulloh has received a request from the sponsoring student to review the decision regarding the recognition of the organization as a student club, and has decided to undertake this review. The review is expected to take 30-45 days.

April 19

Sequence for Pentecost
Anonymous from Buffalo: what words of comfort can one give to family and friends of someone who has taken his own life?
Alex: Are there four bodies in heaven? Enoch, Elijah, Our Lady and Jesus?
Jason in Los Angeles: Yesterday (the press) affirmed the Miracle of St. Januarius.. Would you please talk more about this?
Anonymous: I am a 16 year old Catholic thinking about a vocation to the priesthood. Should I cut off all my hobbies such as sports and dancing just to live my life in prayer?
Sandy from from Bruce, Michigan: Suffers from depression and has a niece who committed suicide.
Dave from from NY driving in a truck (not sure where he is exactly). Says that we are actually called to suffering.

April 12

NOT ON THE LINE. Stephen. Dallas. Please pray for my little sister, Danielle, who the doctors say may have MS. She will be undergoing testing soon. Please pray that this is a false alarm. Also what is the best way to pray for the sick?
Brian from Buffalo via Facebook: A valid Catholic marriage results from four elements: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they freely exchange their consent; (3) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another, and be open to children; and (4) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister. Exceptions to the last requirement must be approved by church authority. How long have these elements been in place? Roman period? Middle Ages? Or, has it been like this from the beginning of the Church?
John C. from e-mail:

During last week's show about pro-life issues, I saw that a U.S. Federal Judge lifted the age limit of 17 to girls for the morning after pill. This is really sickening - a 10 year old will now be able to buy the Plan-B pill when she gets some bubble gum. We need new judges!
I understand that the Cardinals in their recent conclave to elect a new pope, all spoke Latin in their formal discussions with one another. Is that true? Latin is such a beautiful language - too bad we don't hear (and understand) more Latin.

Stephen from Dallas: Please pray for my little sister, Danielle, who the doctors say may have MS. She will be undergoing testing soon. Please pray that this is a false alarm. Also what is the best way to pray for the sick?
Brian: A valid Catholic marriage results from four elements: (1) the spouses are free to marry; (2) they freely exchange their consent; (3) in consenting to marry, they have the intention to marry for life, to be faithful to one another, and be open to children; and (4) their consent is given in the presence of two witnesses and before a properly authorized Church minister. Exceptions to the last requirement must be approved by church authority. How long have these elements been in place? Roman period? Middle Ages? Or, has it been like this from the beginning of the Church?
Scott from Rochester: question about the Commandments regarding coveting.
Bonnie from Springville, NY: has prayer requests for Father
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=18
Mike from Macedon, NY: would like to ask for prayers for our Governor.
Anonymous from Victor, NY: please pray for protection of family member who is missing,funds for a family home and for spiritual health for family member with addiction.
Joyce from Buffalo: have prayer requests and wants to speak to you. Her mother in law passed away ( you prayed for her last week).
Franco from iPhone: What is the name of your opening prayer today? It was beautiful!
Ashley from Buffalo: pray for those who do not have a strong faith.
Sue from Rochester: please pray for her sister-in law who passed away on Divine Mercy Sunday at 3:30 pm.

April 5 (solo)

Last two days of the Solemn Novena of Divine Mercy. Today's intention is for "The souls who are detained in purgatory."
Divine Mercy Sunday is this Sunday (a.k.a. "Low Sunday," "Thomas Sunday," and "Quasimodo Sunday" — Wikipedia): ""Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow into salvation, for you have tasted that the Lord is good" (1 Peter 2:2).

"Divine Mercy" is the whole gospel message in two words. God, the Father, has saved the whole world through the Passion and Death of God, the Son. "For God so loved the world ..." (Jn 3:16).

Monday is the Feast of the Annunciation. It was transferred from March 25, because that fell in Holy Week.
Anonymous: "For us to conceive a baby soon." St. Anne, pray for us!
Cheryl Calire and Jann Armentrout, pro-life directors in Buffalo and Rochester, will join us to talk about a Vigil in Albany, April 15th.
Christian from e-mail: I was just received into the Catholic Church of the Western Rite, do I belong to the Roman Rite or Latin Rite? What do I identify myself?
Joyce from Buffalo: Would like to speak to father about a prayer request for her 102-year-old mother-in law, Helen, a prayer for the dying. She is in her last moments of life.
Arlene from Buffalo: Would like to speak everyone about abortions statistics that she read in the Buffalo News. 1 in every 3 pregnancy ending in abortion. Erie County is very high.
Dolores ... was listening to Catholic Radio and heard a clip about sending objections to the Contraception Bill. She does not know where to send her objection but thought she heard there were only a few days to send them. Do any of the guests or Father have this information?

http://www.nyscatholic.org Take Action.

Cheryl Calire. ccalire@buffalodiocese.org (716) 847-2205

Jann Armantrout (585)328-3210 armantrout@dor.org

albanyvigil@dor.org (585) 750-7524

April 1

Happy Easter! "Christ is risen — He is risen indeed, alleluia!"
April Fool's Day in the western world; Dyngus Day for many Polish communities.
Today is the fourth Day of the "Divine Mercy" novena. Jesus asked Sr. Faustina to pray today for those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him.
Divine Mercy prayers.
Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 22. They use the Julian Calendar from 45 BC rather than the Gregorian Calendar from 1582 AD, and also use a different method for calculating the date of the Passover moon from the Catholic method.
The seder meal for Jews was on Monday, March 25, so we are now in the last few hours of Passover week, during which time observant Jews continue to eat only unleavened bread (Matzah) — the eighth day ends in a little while at sunset today. The hobbit asked, "Can Christians attend the a seder supper?"
Mass intention: Kayla from Gregory, Texas, via Facebook, asked us to "pray for Melissa Ann Garcia, whose life was lost in a tragic accident ten days ago. Her 4 children were also involved in the accident and are still in the hospital. Her children and mine are friends, and my heart is deeply hurt for the loss of their mother. May God give them the strength to get through this difficult time and heal their wounds."
Phil from Indooroopily, Australia, not too far away from Woolloongaba, via Facebook:

Is the Most Holy Family Monastery website accepted by the Church? I am thinking that the answer is probably "no."
I am a Maronite Catholic. Please talk about the history of the Eucharist and why most Eastern Catholics and most Orthodox use leavened bread while the Western rites and some Eastern rites use unleavened bread.
You mentioned that the orthodox patriarch came to the Pope's mass... Did the orthodox patriarch accept Communion? Can an Eastern Orthodox accept Communion in a Catholic Church?
If I was an Eastern Orthodox, and I came to you for a confession, and you knew I was not Catholic, would you absolve me from my sins?

Kim. When Jesus said, "The first will be last and the last will be first," did He mean this to the apostles in a sense that they must be come the least here on earth to become the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? Did Jesus mean this to us as well?
Rich. Batavia. New York. When does Obama care kick in where we are forced to pay for abortion? When it starts are we supposed to not have insurance because it pays for Abortion?
Jim. Lewiston. New York. How do we offer our suffering to Christ? and Why? And what is redemptive suffering.
Doloris. Boston. New York. Two Questions. 1. Have you heard of or know anything about the Holy Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulture? 2. What is the Church's position on the writings on Teach Des Chardian? (sp???)
John. Eucharist was distributed on Friday at my Roman Catholic Church. Being a convert I thought that Eucharist was not to be given on Good Friday Can you please clarify.

March 26

The March for Marriage is taking place today in Washington, D.C.
Prayer for the Protection of Marriage.
Android tablet users can now download the iCatholicRadio mobile app!
"This program is brought to you by you, and it is brought to life by your calls and correspondence. If you enjoy listening to and participating in this show, please be generous to the Station of the Cross Catholic Radio during our upcoming fund drive."
Popestuff:

Betty from Cheektowaga via e-mail: What was the significance of Benedict changing his shoes? Why did the press reports about his retirement mention it so often?

Anonymous: Please pray for Shelley in recovering from a recent open heart surgery.
Chris: I have a friend who told me: "I'm not too happy with the church. Changing those prayers was not necessary. I also don't care for the fact that in many scriptures they change the words so it is now “politically correct.” What the heck is that all about? Leave God's word & His holy scripture from the Apostles alone. Okay, just my little gripes." Can you tell me how best to respond ?
Rebecca from Buffalo, New York: My husband and I are currently expecting our second child and we could not be more excited. Sadly, I must report that since we have been married, we have used contraception as our means of family planning. Now, becoming closer and more understanding of our Catholic faith, we are planning to explore Natural Family Planning methods that are approved by the Church. We are both very nervous about this. The couple that presented at our pre-cana class prior to our wedding did not provide us with any foundation to understanding the approved methods and how they are actually implemented. Could you talk about Natural Family Planning and provide us with some direction or resources?
Kim: In today's Gospel, Jesus said, the one who eats this bread after I dip it in the wine will betray me. Judas ate the bread and satan entered into him. He then went and betrayed Jesus. Would Judas have been forgiven if he went to Jesus and was truly sorry for what he had done? Was what Judas did an example of how we are lead into temptation and by not avoiding temptation we sin?
Anonymous: Based on Matthew 16:18 why did Jesus start a new religion? Is Judaism that bad?
Debra from Vancouver, Washington: Is it wrong for a female to sell her eggs so another couple may have a chance to have a baby?
Christopher from Houston, Texas, sent via iPhone: Did Judas receive the Eucharist at the Last Supper?
Dan from Batavia, New York: Would like to speak to father about his friend who has cancer.
Joyce from Buffalo, New York: Her 102 yr. old mother-in-law is in hospital with many complications, and she would like to talk to speak to father and have his prayers.
Rita from Rochester, New York: Prayers please for her daughter-in-law Rachel, 33, who recently. and prayers also for the family as they mourn her passing.
Bob from Boston, New York: Was Judas affiliated with any other organizations of the time?

March 22

Suggest we do a daily pitch — 10 seconds. "This program is brought to you by you. If you enjoy listening to this show, please be generous to the Station of the Cross Catholic Radio during our upcoming fund drive."
Sunday is Palm Sunday!
Our visitor from last week, Mother Olga, asked our prayers for herself and for the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth.
Psalm 18. "I love you, LORD, my strength."
Popestuff:

What is a "Jesuit"?
Marie in Amherst: For first time since the schism in 1054 AD, an Ecumenical Patriarch attended the pope's installation Mass.
Dan from Batavia, New York: I heard the news of black smoke on The Station of the Cross at the same time I was trying to explain to someone the importance of our prayers for the Holy Spirit to guide the Cardinals. Out of nowhere, it hit me that the Cardinals were in the shoes of Jesus during the Conclave, in that Jesus Himself chose the first Pope. Is that the right way of thinking about the election of Pope Francis?

Phil from Indooroopily, Australia, not too far away from Woolloongaba, via Facebook: Was Vatican II a bad thing for the church? I know a lot of people who wish it never happened, and many want to bring back the traditional Latin mass.

Dan from Bativa, New York, at the end of last week's show: What led to the second Vatican Council adopting a new stance toward non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian religions?

Elizabeth from Clarence, NY: Mother of five and first time listening: Would like to share the blessings. She is very happy to have found the station and saw it on a bumper sticker.
Brian from Facebook: Greetings Nicolette and Fr. Marty, I understand a deacon and priest are ordained by a bishop. A bishop is ordained by the Pope. How does the Pope become 'ordained'? Is it strictly by election or is there a 'laying on' of hnds by the Cardinals?
Barbara from Kenmore, NY: May the elderly who are suffering from Alzheimers or some other form of dementia receive the Blessed Sacrament? She heard that they cannot. She is Eastern rite and wonders why babies can, but those with dementia cannot.
Bob from Boston, NY: Are there others instances of Eucharistic Miracles besides (Luciano)?
Ellen from Buffalo: Wants to tell you the name of the book — Joan Carroll Cruz, Eucharistic Miracles.
Freddy from from Chicago on Android: Can you take communion when living together and are engaged?
Delores from Boston, NY: Wants to say that there is another Eucaristic Miracle she heard of in Bueno Aires.
Chad from Rochester: If two people married in a Protestant ceremony and now want to become Catholic, does their marriage have to be endorsed by the Catholic Church?

March 15

Peace Prayer of St. Francis.
Mother Olga.
Anonymous from Rhode Island: She heard that once the cardinals choose a pope, that man has the option to refuse the election. Is this correct? She wondered how this could be the work of the Holy Spirit, unless that also was in His plan.
Paul W. from Facebook: I work in construction and climb ladders all day long. I worry that not eating but one meal (meatless) on the days of "fast and abstinence" might not afford the strength I need to perform at work. Is there any exception for fasting under these circumstances?
Jessica from Tonawanda, NY: Question for Mother ... What kind of a response do you get wearing a habit? What do you think of lay women who choose to dress plainly?
Scott from Rochester, New York: How can I explain purgatory to non-Catholics... It isn't in the scriptures?
Jerry Please pray for my recovery from recent surgery as I am told it may take a lengthy amount of time.
Christian: On the 30th I will be fully Roman Catholic and I ask to please keep me in your prayers. My question is I have found money next to a group of girls in school and I did not know who it belonged to, so I took it. Would this be considered stealing and will I need to confess this? I already made my first confession, and I also want to know if you have advice on how I can overcome temptation.
Please pray for Health, to get a job, and special intentions.

"Go to Joseph."

Nick from Toronto, Canada: Follow up on purgatory. The priests are not mentioning it at Mass.
Carla from Rochester, New York: Wants to say hi and that I was happy that Mother blessed my stomach last year and the baby turned out fine.
Anthony: You mentioned the Syrian Catholic Church, are they Roman Catholics?
Anonymous: Please pray for my health, to find a job and for my special intentions.
Kimberly from Rochester: Prayer Request: for healing of serious intestinal problems.
Ellen from Buffalo, New York: Very Happy Mother is here. Comments on St.. Joseph.
Lisa from Buffalo, New York: I have a job offer to be a health mother for 20+ Chinese girls at a Catholic School. Many of them are Buddhist. Do you have tips?
Dan from Bativa, New York: What led to the second Vatican Council adopting a new stance toward non-Catholic Christians and non-Christian religions?

8 March (solo!)

Memorial of St. John of God (1495-1550).
Sunday Gospel: Parable of the Merciful Father.
Prayers for the Dying.
Thank Kathy Gallagher for being on the show last week.
Pray for fathers and mothers who have had abortions.
A former student of mine asks for prayers for himself as he returns to the practice of the Catholic faith.
Danielle: "I work in a fast-food restaurant. We offer a special discount on Wednesdays as well as Fridays during Lent. How did Wednesdays came to be a secondary day of fast and abstinence during Lent?"
John from Webster, NY: Are there any exceptions to not receiving Communion more than twice/day?
Paul from Amherst: What do you know about Gary Wills who says Jesus is one of God's prophets and also that the Letter to the Hebrews is illegitimate?
Steve from Buffalo: do you have a comeback for "that is not very Christian of you"?
Barbara from Kenmore: do you know anything about a March for Marriage in Washington? She think she heard it on Al Kresta.
Michael from Welland, Ont. Canada: Is your guardian angel's name the same as our name (e.g., Michael)?
Sandy from Buffalo: Gan you tell her what happened to Hagar and Ishmael after they were sent out?

1 March

Sunday gospel: parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13). God is a good gardener. He wants us to produce good fruit.
Discussion of Reproductive Health Act with Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference.
Jess: What are the implications for pregnant women in the future and bearing children? My husband and I are concerned about how this affects bringing new life into the world and why as Catholics we should be concerned.
Bob wants to know if this law passes, will abortion be legal through whole pregnancy?
Rob from Williamsville: question whether there are positive initiatives in NYS that will replace this negative one?
Julia in Webster, NY: Do you know that Justin Bieber's mother is on a mission to help women who are being forced to have abortions?
Chad from Rochester, NY: What is the progress of this bill. Where is it now?
Polly from Tonawanda: What can we do to help?
http://www.nyscatholic.org
http://newyorkersforlife.org
http://www.facebook.com/NYS4Life

22 February

Sunday is the Second Sunday of Lent: the gospel is the Transfiguration.
No meat on Fridays; both fast and abstinence required on Good Friday.
Today is the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle: celebrates selection of Simon as "the Rock," the first liturgies celebrated by Peter in Rome, the ancient wooden cathedra preserved and venerated in Rome as the chair on which Peter sat to baptize catechumens, and the enduring role of the papacy in the Body of Christ.
Prayers for the Pope.
FACEBOOK NO. 1. Philip. Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Please pray for my cousin Denis who has a drug addiction and is suffering with depression. Please also pray for his parents who are elderly and are hurting from his decisions.
NOT ON THE LINE. Fran. Rochester. New York. How were all the words attributed to being spoken by Christ in the Bible verified as authentic?
From a friend in Amherst: When was the shortest conclave before the election of a new pope? When was the longest? How long and short were they?
Erika's Mom, Marie, who has recently had stage four cancer return after a time of remission.
Scott from Rochester: in a weight loss program and wondered if eating meat on friday is okay for medical pruposes.
Sennie from Jos (Joh-os), Nigeria: Please pray for God to soften my heart and that His will may be done in my life and that of my family.
Yasmin: El Paso, Texas: If you have received the Eucharist during a morning mass, and attended mass later, is it required that we take communion again? Is it bad not to? Does it make a difference if we do, being that Christ is already inside us? Any reference readings or your answers on this would be great, thank you!
Roberta: I have been having a debate with some fellow Catholics. We all believe the basic truth that God is in everyone and it is His action that causes us to seek Him. However, some say that the Holy Spirit is in everyone regardless of their actions. Some people believe that you cannot serve two masters and if someone is choosing evil then God cannot coexist in their heart. Can you clarify this for me?
Anonymous from Williamsville:

- If a person is aware of grave sin, should he decline serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion?

- If you are aware that someone presenting for Holy Communion is not a Catholic, should I, as an Extraordinary Minister, refuse to give him Communion?

Mary from Buffalo: Can her non-practicing friend receive Communion?
Dan from Akron, NY: where does the term "Son of Man" come from?
Tom from Grand Island, NY: Is it a sin to error on the side of caution re giving Communion? (ie if you have reservations)?

15 February

Saint Claude La Colombière, spiritual director for St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

An Act of Hope and Confidence in God.

Thomas from Facebook: Does Ecclesiastes 10:20 imply we are psychic? "Even in your thoughts do not curse the king, nor in the privacy of your bedroom curse the rich; for the birds of the air may carry your voice, a winged creature may tell what you say."

ESP* Michael from Rochester: Thanks for telling me about St. Cecelia, the Roman martyr and patroness of musicians. Do you know of a prayer to St. Cecilia?

Rick from Amherst: What did Jesus mean when He said He used parables so that people would not understand, not be converted, and not be healed (Mark 4:10-13)?
Deloris from Boston, N.Y.: Look up Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great. 1000 souls released from Purgatory. "Offer it up."
From Facebook: What is the real oath of the Knights of Columbus?

Knights of Columbus

Mike from Rochester, NY: How to have more self control during lent. and ask about confession
Anonymous: How does a person make repatriation for sins?
John: Prayer to St. Cecilia.
Bill, driving through WNY: asks for prayer intention for his mother on her 83rd birthday.
Gina: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/lightning-bolt-hit-vatican-not-1705156
Bob from Boston, NY: wants to answer question father proposed about lighting.
Brian: My guess is that this cross is constantly struck by lightning but somebody happened to catch it at this particular time.
John These prayers are off of a prayer app on my iPhone. It's just named Prayers
Joyce from Buffalo: Prayer for her friend of 45 years who was buried Tuesday.

8 February

Snow holiday! I slept for three hours in the afternoon.

1 February

Tomorrow is Candlemas, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (formerly the Feast of the Purification of Mary), 40 days after Christmas.
Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time.
Candlemas Prayer.
Yasmin: Can you explain the 3 crosses we make before the Gospel is read during the mass? What does it mean, where did it originate from?
Ginny from Buffalo, NY: Wanted to give glory to God for getting through a trying dental visit. Wants to thank God for the Priests. Is asking for sacrifices for the missions (ex: waiting 30 min after you get a snack or a coffee before you partake to offer it up for their needs).
A friend complained that I had missed the point of the question on Monday from Kathy in Pennsylvania.

I thought you missed the point of the question a few days ago when you went into the long explanation of the natural union between Adam and Eve. All I can say is that one of my nephews announced at Christmas his "marriage" sometime in February and is not sure what kind of ceremony they will come up with, but wants everyone to be there and will pay everyone's plane fare and lodging. All of this has caused his parents great pain, discussions over whether they will go, anger on the part of the other children that dad would be so old fashioned — while his siblings all think this is fine — it is like the "new normal" — why get excited?

Sandra from Denver: prayer for preservation of her eyesight. She is suffering from glaucoma.
Margaret from Kyler: Brown Scapular question
Freddy from Chicago: Looking for the meaning behind a situation after meeting his neice and her boyfriend and his dad.
Alice from New Orleans: Louisianna. Can you grieve too much for a person.
Doloris from Boston, New York: Is wondering if the book "The Patriotic rosary" is valid? Can we get the Children in the Catholic schools can learn to make rosary books and have books then to learn about it? Can we get the priests at the schools to promote the Bishops rosary.
Henry from Rochester, NY: If God know everything then how do we have free will.
Bonnie from Springville: Has a few prayer intention for my friend Jerry who fell on ice, for my father, for my brother who is traveling ...
Greg from Genessee: Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation?

28 January

Feast of Thomas Aquinas, OP, the Angelic Doctor
Miracle Monday
Lust destroys the family; the family is the foundation of society; when the foundation fails, society fails
Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas for Chastity
Development of the sacrament of marriage From Kathy in Pennsylvania: "My daughter has moved in with her boyfriend, and they intend to have a non-Catholic wedding in their home. My husband and I are devout Catholics and have avoided attending other non-Catholic family weddings.

What can we say or do to persuade her to repent and marry in the Church?"

Dan from Facebook: Please pray for Ken, who is suffering from stage 4 brain and lung cancer. I am praying above all else for his final salvation, but of course for his physical needs as well.
Sandra from Denver, Colorado: Does God know all of our decisions that we make through out all of our lives. Also, what is predestination? Do Catholics belief in this idea?
Dan Facebook:

I was wondering if you could offer me some guidance on how I might bring the Gospel into conversations with co-workers, family, etc.? Obviously, it will depend on the situation, but any advice you could provide would certainly be much appreciated. — Preaching the Gospel
Jesus' words and the consensus of many theologians throughout the centuries seem to indicate that the vast majority of human beings will go to hell. Also, well-known Catholic evangelist Dr. Ralph Martin recently wrote a book called "Will Many be Saved?" that seems to have settled this question. On the one hand, this gives us a major impetus for evangelization; on the other hand, it can tempt some of us to despair. I have to confess that I find myself being sent into a depression by such thoughts. How do you cope with this reality? How do you maintain the joy and enthusiasm appropriate to being a disciple of Christ while at the same time accepting the terrible reality that "many are called and few are chosen"? Hell

Prayers asked for an unmarried couple living together.
Mike from Rochester: Comment on the beginning of the show about the destruction of Society from the sins of lust. Also revelations of St. Lucy. Questions on the desires of evolutionists- which is contrary to Catholic tradition.
Bruno from Rochester. Has a question about 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. Verse 55 says "where O death is your sting". Is looking for background info on this. As he writes his exegesis.
Yasmin: A family member of mine has chosen to start attending mass regularly with us, and seems open to God's love. Recently, we were talking about the mass. I know that as a cradle catholic, we don't always know why we do things. He asked about the order of the mass, whether it's always the same. I mentioned that there is an order, but that depending on the time of the year, the readings and what we do may change. Is there an actual reason why the Catholic church has adopted an order rather than having different agendas like protestant worshiping services?
Sue from Rochester: The Canticle of Zechariah Luke 1. The part where he says "this is the oath ff". How do we explain this in the light of people persecuted for their faith.
Eloise: Prayers requested for Nathaniel 5 yrs old. He has recently been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.

25 January

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle.
Three days left in Nine Days of Prayer, Pilgrimage and Penitance.
Prayer request from a recent caller for help in conceiving.
Year of Faith
Prayers from St. Paul
Sandra from Denver, Colorado: I would like to know if God knows all of our decisions that we make through out all of our lives. Also, what is predestination? Do Catholics belief in this idea?
Dot from Rochester: Please pray for all those who attended the March today in DC, as well as for my blindness.
Anonymous: She would like to know what the purpose of the collection for Catholic Relief is for this coming weekend and does the money go directly to the cause?
Kimberly: Is the Holy Mass the only time the Hosts are consecrated ?
Polly, from Tonawanda: Wants to ask Father if he saw any footage of the Pro-Life event today and if he believes this will have a positive effect on the HHS Mandate?
Steve from Buffalo: Will the acceptance of married Anglican priests change the Church practice of ordaining men vowed to celibacy? Will it open the door to women priests or same-sex marriage?
Liz: Would like to know information on the Church teaching of Yoga.
The first Michael from Rochester: Thanked us for talking about marriage preparation last week. Loved the training session. Learned a lot about intimacy. Becoming a "best friend" to his fiancee. Is a musician. Wants to know about St. Cecilia.
Kim in Rochester would like to thank father for prayers last week as they had a very positive result!
Other Michael from Rochester: Baltimore Catechism, "inclination to sin" (concupiscence).

18 January

National Vocation Awareness Week
End of the first week of Ordinary Time.
"U.S. Bishops Call For ‘Nine Days Of Prayer, Penance And Pilgrimage' Surrounding 40th Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade."
Novena to the Infant Jesus
Shelley from Nanimo, B.C., Canada via Facebook: I long to share Christ with others. What is the best way to answer people who say that Catholics are too judgmental?
John from Facebook: I notice it seems like that every day is a feast for the Church. Is there any day that is not a feast?
Yasmin from El Paso, Texas: I teach 2nd year communion to children ages 8-10 years of age. Recently, one of my students has been disturbed and frightened by voices she says she is hearing, telling her that God doesn't exist and to not believe. Her mom mentioned that she is very paranoid, and has started sleeping wearing her rosary, and lighting candles and having holy images near her. Not that this is something that is odd, but I was hoping you would have some advice on how to address this. I want her to know that whatever it is she is experiencing she shouldn't be scared. Maybe a prayer I can share with the kids ...? I would appreciate any thoughts you have on this.
Freddie from chicago. IL: Wants to ask for prayers and a blessing for his new relationship (girlfriend)
GINNY from Buffalo: Asks for prayers for her god daughter meghan who is having seizures and a friend's son scott who also suffers from seizures
Kimberly: During the benediction when the Eucharist is exposed, why do the priests use incense? Also Father can you pray for my friends Jim and Chrissy. Chrissy is fighting stage four lung cancer and needs vital treatments which their health insurance will not cover. Her treatments have stopped until the medical bill can be covered.
Alice from Batavia, NY: What is blessed hope? How does a man become a Cardinal?
Kim from Rochester: Wants to ask about possible help available from parish/ catholic church with alcoholics
MIKE from Welland, Ontario, Canada: Why is it necessary for priests to have a meeting with a couple before marriage and why does the couple need to attend a marriage prep class?
Ale (uh-lay) from El Paso, Texas: Hello, I was noticing on your facebook page, that after your name, you have the title "International Priest of Mystery". What does this mean, exactly? Also, I really enjoy listening to your responses to questions asked, where would I be able to attend mass and listen to your homilies?

11 January

My FIFTH anniversary as the regular guest on Faith 'n' Reason Fridays (!).
Solo. Gina was away helping others.
Sunday is the Baptism of the Lord in the Roman rite.
Brian says Merry Christmas and Congratulations! Asks, "Fr. Marty could you do a 'St. Thomas for Dummies' version of the proofs of existence for God please?
Jackie. Buffalo, New York. Is IUI (intra-uterine-insemination)against the Catholic Faith? And what is the most effective way to prayer for infertility?
Polly. Tonawanda, New York. Where in the Old Testament do we start taking this Scripture literally?
Email #1 My aunt was married in the church, then she got a divorce and her husband remarried and she remarried outside of the Church and only in legal court. Both of them never requested an annulment. My aunt divorced again and her husband is still married to his second wife. It would seem to me they have both committed adultery and one still is. Would an annulment should the Church say it was not originally a valid marriage be able to clear this mess up and what would my aunt have to do to be in the proper graces of the Church? Also should she not be receiving Communion right now?
Martina writes, "Recently heard a visiting priest state in his homily that the god that Jewish and Christian religion worship is the same as Muslim's “Allah”. I know the first part is true but what about “Allah”?"
Suzanne. Buffalo, New York. In today's Buffalo News, there's an article about a teacher in a Cheektowaga High School who had some Christian items in her classroom and was asked to remove these from her room. She complied, but is now suing the district. Do you have an opinion about this Fr. Marty?
Jackie also wants to know effective ways to pray about infertility, too...

4 January

Eleventh Day of Christmas (counting Christmas as day 1). Merry Christmas!
Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious.
Sunday, January 6 is the Feast of the Epiphany.
Epiphany Prayer.
Steve C. from Facebook: I pray to St. Christopher, but I'm aware that there is some controversy about who he was, how he became a saint, and why he got demoted after Vatican II. Can you clear up St. Christopher's status for me?
Zach from Amherst: Were all the authors of the Bible Jewish? I thought I heard that Luke may have been a Gentile.
The statement, "It is Semipelagian to say that Christ died or shed His blood for all men without exception" is declared and condemned as false, rash, scandalous, and intended in this sense, that Christ died for the salvation of the predestined alone, impious, blasphemous, contumelious, dishonoring to divine piety, and heretical."
Jeff. Please pray for my dad Vern who is receiving test results this afternoon that could show he has serious lung issues.
Linda from Ladies of the Lord: What is the prayer that people say when making the sign of the cross on their forehead, lips, and breast before the gospel is read?

Proclamation of the Gospel

Rusty from Facebook: When picking a vocation for the Catholic Church, can you chose your vocation or is it assigned to you? I am considering a vocation and I am interested in being a diocesan exorcist.
Mike from Rochester: Wants to wish happy new year and speak about evangilization
Anonymous from Buffalo: Can you give advise on being married to a person that has developed mental illness
Tafoya: I found out about 2 weeks ago that my son has been experimenting with marijuana. I am so scared, worried ,and heart broken. My son had strong faith was very involved with the church, a member of the youth group, an alter server and went on many trips with the church. He is now 19 years old and I just do not know what went wrong. i have talked to my son and he admitted to experimenting with marajuana. I do not know what to do. I pray 24/7. please pray for him his name is Daniel.
Kim from Rochester: Asks for prayer for her employment as she attended job interview today and has been unemployed since june 2012
Scott from Rochester: Wants to ask about friend that has been away from church for 20 years and do they need to go to confession 1st
Dan from Facebook: Is it permissible for Catholics to donate goods (canned foods, clothing, etc.) to the poor through the Salvation Army? The only reason I ask is that I understand that this is a pro-choice organization — but my church is collecting clothing items for the Salvation Army during the Advent season.