Would the existence of life on planets other than earth
contradict the Catholic Faith?
There is no contradiction of the Catholic Faith involved in this matter. As a matter of fact, many orthodox theologians and even some saints speculated on the possibility of life on other planets. If such life were discovered some day, it would have to be ascertained whether any of such life were rational. If it were, then the next step would be to determine if it has any connection with our primordial ancestors (Adam and Eve). If not, it would then have to be determined what status such rational life would have. Would it have a purely natural destiny, or like us, have a supernatural destiny? Would it be like us, that is, destined for union with God, but then fallen and now redeemed, or would it never have fallen? If fallen, would it be destined to be or have been redeemed and how? Most of all, it would have to be determined if the incarnation and redemption effected by our Creator through Jesus Christ, His divine Son, was the means of redemption for such beings? It is amusing to speculate about such things in the light of what God has revealed to us. Perhaps we shall only know the definitive answers about such things when we will be joined to God in eternity.
Reprinted from August 15, 1997
Strictly speaking, only God knows the future. The devils however, as fallen angels, retain their angelic nature, which gives them an intelligence far superior to ours. Therefore, they can guess about the future with more success than we can and may often be more accurate in their guessing. Most fortune telling, astrology and other attempts to foretell the future are sinful superstitions, a violation of the first commandment. However some activities in that area may involve diabolic invocations (ouija boards, tarot cards, etc) and thus can be even more sinful and perilous to salvation.
Reprinted from August 29, 1997
If a person lost his faith, can he be saved?
Faith is absolutely necessary for salvation of the Catholic Church treats the matter clearly and extensively (number 161). A person who has "lost his faith," may, in the future, regain it. Therefore, we (and the person) should never despair of the possibility of conversion and salvation while there is still life. Those who believe should strive to assist a person who has lost his faith by prayer, good example, and appropriate conversation. The Epistle to the Hebrews states, "Without faith it is impossible to please God…" (Hebrews 11:6). This is why the catechism says, "… without faith no one has even attained justification, nor will anyone obtain eternal life…"
Reprinted from December 12, 1997
What do the letters "S.T.D." stand for that we
sometimes see after the bishop's name?
They stand for the Latin "Sacre Theologiae Doctor," which means doctor of sacred theology. Unfortunately, these letters sometimes mean something else in our present culture and thus are subject to misunderstanding. Bishop Bruskewitz acquired his doctorate in 1969 when their use was unambiguous.
Reprinted from December 12, 1997
What does the Catholic Church say about the work of Doctor
Kevorkian?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church answers your question clearly in numbers 2324 and 2325: "Intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder. It is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the loving God, his Creator. Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment." There is much more about these matters to be found in the Catechism and I recommend that you study these matters there.
Reprinted from April 11, 1997
It is a stairway enshrined in Rome near the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. It was brought to Rome by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, in the year 326 AD. She brought it from Jerusalem and claimed that it was from the praetorium of Pontius Pilate. If this is so, then Jesus walked up that staircase when He was brought to Pilate for trail. Today pilgrims to Rome often ascend that staircase on their knees and kiss the glass enclosed spot on top, where legend has it that Christ stood in a pool of His blood to be condemned by Pilate.
Reprinted from April 11, 1997