The Chaplain Is In

Father Vincent Serpa, Chaplain at Catholic Answers, takes questions of a pastoral nature in this hour devoted to the care of souls, growth in the spiritual life, and healthy relationships.

Questions Covered:

• What is the best way to admonish sinners especially when you receive the response, “Don’t be so judgmental”?
• What is your guidance on controlling lust?
• How detailed do you have to be when confessing sins?
• What does the Church teach in regards to the effects of frequent reception of Holy Communion?
• Can you give advice on how to choose Godparents for my child?
• I’m thinking of reading the bible daily. How do I choose where in the bible to start?
• I participate in the 1st Friday and Saturday devotions. I’m supposed to go to confession this week to meet the required time frame to receive the indulgences. If I can’t make it, will I still receive the indulgences?
• My wife’s father left the Catholic Church and she was raised evangelical. She doesn’t understand why she can’t receive communion. How do I explain to her that the Church is not excluding her? How do I bring her back to the faith?
• I’m going to be confirmed this year. I am nervous about the fact that the Holy Spirit is going to enter inside of me. What should I expect and is there anything for me to be nervous about?
• The parents of my nieces are Jehovah’s Witnesses and my dad said we could baptize them ourselves if we are in fear for them. Is this true?
• I have heard conflicting answers to this question. If I am in mortal sin and am not able to get to confession is it okay for me to receive communion if I say a firm Act of Contrition?
• My husband is a recovering alcoholic. He is a hoarder and also goes to overeaters anonymous. He is also controlling of me. This is really hard for me. I don’t believe in divorce. What do I do to accept this and offer it to the Lord?