Are things which are called "Catholic" on the Internet
really Catholic?
Not necessarily. There are many good Catholic things on the Internet. However, there are many things which claim to be "Catholic" and may even have that name in their title, but they are not. Indeed, some of them may be anti-Catholic. It is best to check with your parish priest (or, if necessary, with the diocesan Chancery office) if you have doubts about the authenticity of any Catholic groups, organizations, schools, colleges, programming, publications, computer sites, etc. There seems to be a lot of fraud "out there"
Reprinted from September 18, 1998
Is it a mortal sin for a Catholic to vote for a politician
who condones and votes for abortion and similar things?
It could be. Cooperation in evil can be a sin and even a grievous sin. However, sometimes these matters can be complicated and delicate. Talk this matter over with your parish priest or with the priest who hears your confession. Your priest will not tell you how to vote, but he can help you to form your conscience in a proper way.
Reprinted from October 23, 1998
Is there still a Legion of Decency for Catholic rating of
films or are we suppose to follow the ratings of the Motion Picture Association
of America?
The United States Catholic Conference has an office for films and broadcasting
which rates films on their moral suitability. Their rating system is different
from that of the MPAA, which seems to use non-Christian moral standards. The
USCC rating systems is: A-I (general patronage); A-II (okay for adults and
adolescents); A-III (adults only); A-IV (adults, with reservation - not for
casual viewing and open to false impressions and interpretations); O (morally
offensive). Catholics, especially parents, should not these USCC ratings before
viewing a film or allowing minors in their family to view one.l The MPAA system
is: G (general audiences); PG (parental guidance suggested); PG-13 (parental
guidance and not for children under 13); R (restricted - children under 17
should be accompanied by an adult); NC-17 (children under 17 are not admitted).
The MPAA system is not very useful for Catholics. The USCC system should be
followed. Motion pictures and videos could be serious occasions of sin.
Reprinted from October 23, 1998
In certain circumstances may an unbaptized person receive Holy Communion in
a Catholic Church (A Jewish girl at her wedding to a Catholic man)?
No. There are no circumstances or situations which ever permit an unbaptized person to receive Holy Communion at a Catholic Mass. If such a person would do so, this abuse would have no spiritual or supernatural effect. She would materially receive but not validly or licitly. Any Catholic who would deliberately connive in such an abuse would, of course, incur a grave sin. Incidentally, a wedding, with an appropriate dispensation form a bishop, between a Catholic and an unbaptized person normally is not allowed to be celebrated in connection with Holy Mass.
Reprinted from October 23, 1998
Where do Swiss Guards at the Vatican come from? Are there
any girl Swiss Guards?
They are Swiss soliders and policemen in the service of the Holy See. Their duties include guarding the borders of Vatican City (an independent country since 1929), protectding the person of the pope and watching over various apostolic properties in Rome. They were formed by Pope Julius in 1505. They come from the Catholic Cantons of Switzerland and are all Swiss citizens. I am not entirely certain about their gender, but I believe they all must have served their term of service in the Swiss army in Switzerland before they can become Swiss Guards at the Vatican. This would mean at the present time they are all males.
Reprinted from September 25, 1998
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Is it okay to watch EWTN and Mother Angelica on TV?
Certainly. Why not? As a matter of fact, it is laudatory to do so. I think Mother Angelica might even be pleased if you sent her a donation. If the person asking this question is a minor, however, my answer is contingent upon you having your parents' permission.
Reprinted from September 25, 1998
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Is it permissible to use artificial flowers around the altar
in church? Our altar society is struggling with this problem.
My advice to your gropu is to confer with your pastor about this matter and to abide by his decision. If they look fine and are suitable to adorn the altar, fresh flowers or plants usrely would be preferable. However, while I could be mistaken, I do not know of any legislation prohibiting artifical flowers or plants, provided they look good. However, these can quickly be covered with dust, fade, look shoddy and seem unworthy.
Reprinted from September 25, 1998