Question Corner: Can I go to a Methodist church since there are no Catholic churches nearby? May 8, 2024By Jenna Marie Cooper OSV News Filed Under: Commentary, Question Corner Q: I recently moved to a rural area, and my current parish is now nearly an hour drive away. There are no Catholic churches in my new area. There is, however, a Methodist church right across the street from my new home, in easy walking distance. They are open for services on Sunday morning and Wednesday night. I know the two faiths are different in some key areas, but, as a Catholic, how wrong would I be if I simply went to this Methodist church? I asked a cradle Catholic friend about this, and they said as long as I go to Catholic Mass once a year, I’ll be considered active in the Catholic faith, but if I miss over a year I’ll be considered a “lapsed Catholic,” and that if I ever want to come back I’ll be considered a “revert,” and have to go through RCIA again. Could you comment and clarify? (Southern Indiana) A: There are several questions within your question. To start with the first one: It is not wrong or sinful for a Catholic simply to attend a non-Catholic religious service. However, a Methodist Sunday service would not fulfill the Sunday obligation for a Catholic. Deliberately missing Sunday Mass is in itself “grave matter” and a serious sin that should be brought to the sacrament of penance. Still, it’s good to recall that the church’s law does not bind us to do the impossible. The sinfulness of your personally potentially missing Sunday Mass in your own situation might be diminished due to mitigating factors. Regarding the idea that a Catholic only needs to attend Mass once a year to remain “active,” I think your friend might be a little confused. As noted above, Catholics are required to attend Mass every Sunday. But strictly speaking, a Catholic is only required to receive Holy Communion once per year (after the sacrament of penance if the Catholic is conscious of having committed a mortal sin in the past year). Among Catholics this is sometimes colloquially referred to as the “Easter duty.” Naturally, we as Catholics are encouraged to go to confession and receive Holy Communion much more often than once a year! But if a Catholic for whatever reason discerns that he or she is not spiritually prepared to receive the Eucharist on a weekly basis, it is legitimate for him or her to fulfill the Sunday obligation by attending Mass without receiving Communion, as long as they receive Communion at least once during each Easter season. While we might popularly use the term “active Catholic” to describe a Catholic who takes their faith seriously, technically “active Catholic” is not a category in canon law. Canon law does have some specific penalties such as excommunication that might restrict a Catholic from fully participating in the life of the church; and canon 916 reminds us that a Catholic should not receive Communion if they are conscious of having committed a serious sin that has not yet been absolved. But once someone is baptized Catholic or formally received into the Catholic Church, they are always considered Catholic, even if they fall away from the faith or fail to practice it regularly. Nothing — not even neglecting the Sunday obligation — can “de-activate” a person’s identity as a Catholic. Because of this, a lapsed Catholic who wanted to return to a full practice of the faith would not be eligible for RCIA, that is, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. RCIA is primarily intended for catechumens, or unbaptized persons who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation. As such, RCIA would not be appropriate for a Catholic who has already been fully initiated. In the majority of situations, all a lapsed Catholic would need to do to return to a full participation in the life of the church is sincerely repent and make a good confession. Read More Question Corner Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics? Jenna Marie Cooper January 7, 2026 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/qc-virgin-mary.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Beyond the Gospel accounts, Mary’s perpetual virginity is something that has been continuously affirmed though our sacred tradition. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/qc-virgin-mary.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics? Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation? Jenna Marie Cooper December 31, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-new-year.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Jan. 1 is not a holy day of obligation because of the civil new year, but because it is the feast of Mary, the Mother of God. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-new-year.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation? Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean? Jenna Marie Cooper December 29, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-protomartyr.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); The martyrs always bear witness to the truth in the most convincing way of all, by dying for what they believed and staking their life on the reality of heaven. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-protomartyr.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean? Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons? Jenna Marie Cooper December 17, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-women-deacons.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); While we should not expect to see women literally ordained alongside male diaconate candidates, the question of deaconesses in general is a complex and multifaceted one with many positive implications. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-women-deacons.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons? Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’ Jenna Marie Cooper December 10, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/iowa-choir-1-min.png’, description: ‘Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); The church does not have any explicit rule about when the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” can be sung. In principle, it’s perfectly allowed to sing this throughout Advent. However, I think I can guess why your choir director wants to hold off on using this hymn until later in the season. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/iowa-choir-1-min.png’, description: ‘Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’ Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent? Jenna Marie Cooper December 3, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-advent.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Catholics aren’t required to “give anything up” for Advent. And even while the practice of taking on an additional, personal Lenten penance is a well-established and praiseworthy custom, Catholics technically aren’t required to do anything extra for Lent beyond the usual fasting and abstinence from meat (see Canon 1251 of the Code of Canon Law). jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-advent.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent? 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Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics? Jenna Marie Cooper January 7, 2026 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/qc-virgin-mary.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-286372’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Beyond the Gospel accounts, Mary’s perpetual virginity is something that has been continuously affirmed though our sacred tradition. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/qc-virgin-mary.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-286372’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Why is Mary’s perpetual virginity so important to Catholics?
Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation? Jenna Marie Cooper December 31, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-new-year.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-286243’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Jan. 1 is not a holy day of obligation because of the civil new year, but because it is the feast of Mary, the Mother of God. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-new-year.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-286243’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Why is New Year’s Day a holy day of obligation?
Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean? Jenna Marie Cooper December 29, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-protomartyr.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-286153’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); The martyrs always bear witness to the truth in the most convincing way of all, by dying for what they believed and staking their life on the reality of heaven. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-protomartyr.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-286153’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: What does the term ‘protomartyr’ mean?
Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons? Jenna Marie Cooper December 17, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-women-deacons.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-285758’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); While we should not expect to see women literally ordained alongside male diaconate candidates, the question of deaconesses in general is a complex and multifaceted one with many positive implications. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-women-deacons.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-285758’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Will the Catholic Church have women deacons?
Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’ Jenna Marie Cooper December 10, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/iowa-choir-1-min.png’, description: ‘Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-273539’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); The church does not have any explicit rule about when the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” can be sung. In principle, it’s perfectly allowed to sing this throughout Advent. However, I think I can guess why your choir director wants to hold off on using this hymn until later in the season. jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/iowa-choir-1-min.png’, description: ‘Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-273539’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: When can Catholics sing the Advent hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel?’
Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent? Jenna Marie Cooper December 3, 2025 jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-advent.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-before-273215’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Catholics aren’t required to “give anything up” for Advent. And even while the practice of taking on an additional, personal Lenten penance is a well-established and praiseworthy custom, Catholics technically aren’t required to do anything extra for Lent beyond the usual fasting and abstinence from meat (see Canon 1251 of the Code of Canon Law). jQuery(document).ready(function($) { $(‘#facebook-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { facebook: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘facebook’); } }); $(‘#twitter-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { twitter: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { twitter: { via: ‘CatholicReview’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘twitter’); } }); $(‘#pinterest-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { pinterest: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { pinterest: { media: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/qc-advent.jpg’, description: ‘Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent?’ } }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘pinterest’); } }); $(‘#linkedin-after-273215’).sharrre({ share: { linkedin: true }, urlCurl: ‘https://catholicreview.org/wp-content/plugins/genesis-simple-share/assets/js/sharrre/sharrre.php’, enableHover: false, enableTracking: true, disableCount: true, buttons: { }, click: function(api, options){ api.simulateClick(); api.openPopup(‘linkedin’); } }); }); Continue Reading Question Corner: Do Catholics give things up for Advent?
