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Understanding Our Faith
Fr. Michael Kerper, a priest of the Diocese of Manchester, regularly answers questions about the Catholic Faith in the diocesan magazine Parable. Fr. Kerper’s answers are listed below by topic. If you have a question for Fr. Kerper, send it to editorparable@rcbm.org.
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Sacred Scripture and Tradition
Since when can Catholics marry on a plane?
Why Do Christians Read Different Bibles?
The Lord's Prayer - Why Two Versions?
Are Marian Apparitions Real Events?
Do Christians, Jews and Muslims All Pray to the Same God?
Why were the mysteries added to the traditional rosary?
What is the meaning behind the Glory Be prayer?
Does the Hail Mary take our focus away from the Lord?
Did Jesus actually give us the Lord's Prayer?
How can the Church create new doctrine that isn't found in the Bible?
How can original sin be inherited?
Was Christ born on Christmas or not?
Is there proof of God's existence?
Why are the psalms so violent?
Why do Catholics “pray” to Mary?
The Sacraments
Can someone with dementia receive the sacraments?
Can God forgive a sin if the sinner is not really sorry for the sin?
How do I explain receiving Communion to my non-Catholic relatives?
What is the Act of Contrition?
Was I wrong to receive Holy Communion?
Is it really Christ’s body and blood?
Can a non-Catholic be a godparent for my child?
Why do I have to go to Confession?
I am divorced. Can I receive Communion?
Why can't we have a Catholic wedding at our favorite inn?
Life and death
Can Catholics believe in reincarnation?
Parish life
Why don't the monks help out in the parishes?
My son goes to CCD. Why does he have to go to Mass?
Why does everyone do something different at Mass?
Morality and Values
How can you be "spiritual" but not religious?
Why didn't Jesus condemn slavery?
Why doesn't Pope Francis like pets?
What do I have to accept to be a Catholic?
What does it mean to be in the state of grace?
Do we have to give money to every beggar who comes along?
What is the difference between mortal and venial sin?
What is right, my conscience or the Church?
The Structure of the Catholic Church
Why is the Confirmation Age Being Changed?
Why is the election of the pope so secretive and medieval?
Why doesn't the Catholic Church form its own political party?
Why don’t we elect our bishop?
What is the difference between a Mass and a “Sunday service?”
