Patrick answers a wide range of questions from naming children after saints and the nuances of choosing Old Testament versus New Testament names to the subtle reverence Catholics bring to sacred images and Eucharistic practices, even when these collide with interfaith customs in hospital chapels. The discussion winds through what truly fulfills the Sunday Mass obligation post-COVID, explores Catholic marriage validity for non-Catholics and atheists, and lands on the thorny art of sharing moral beliefs without sounding judgmental.
- Denise (email) – Is it preferable to name a baby after a New Testament person rather than an Old Testament person? I understand that there is nothing wrong with using an Old Testament name, but is it better to use a New Testament one? And is using a saint’s name the best of all? (01:00)
- Mark (email) – I recently received a Divine Mercy visor clip for my truck. When I’m not using the visor to block the sun, Jesus is upright and watching over me. However, when I need to block the sun with the visor in order to see better while driving, the image is upside down. I worry that having The Divine Mercy image upside down while using my visor is somehow disrespectful. What is your opinion? (05:00)
- Emily (email) – According to Redemptoris Sacramentum (paragraphs 183–184), every Catholic has a serious duty to protect the Eucharist from any irreverence or abuse. What can I do when a hospital chapel has a tabernacle (but no crucifix), the tabernacle is pushed to the side next to Muslim prayer rugs and Qurans, an electric sanctuary lamp, and a multi-religion pillar on the main altar? (06:35)
- Theresa – Is it okay to watch Mass online instead of physically going to Mass when it doesn’t work out with things going on in your life? (11:25)
- Sebastian – What authority governs non-Catholic marriages that they must have children? How can we live an upright life voicing concerns but not be a morality cop (14:43)
- Anne – I’m a Roman Catholic Chaplain for a hospital. We have electric light in our chapel where Jesus is, but it’s also interdenominational chapel. (27:25)
- Sean – How would you help a close parish friend who is suddenly consuming marijuana? (35:56)
- Cyra – If someone is baptized Catholic marrying baptized Christian, and not married in faith or not wanting kids, is that a valid marriage? (38:36)
- Lisa – Priest asked a family to bring home the blessed sacrament for the weekend. Is that okay to do? (45:40)
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