Why Did Jesus Ride a Donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?
Dear Theologika, Why did Jesus ride a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? I thought he usually walked wherever he went. Did he get lucky and have a friend who’d lend him the donkey? I’d rather ride! Dear Rather Ride, The choice of a donkey was an...
How Long Is Lent?
Dear Theologika, How long is Lent? I’ve heard that it’s 40 days, but when I counted the days on a Lenten activities calendar there were 46. What’s that all about? Numbers Matter Dear Numbers, The season of Lent is 40 days. However, the number of...
Liturgical Colors
Dear Theologika, Why do the colors the priest wears when celebrating Mass change during the year? Can I choose the color I’d like him to wear to match my wedding’s color theme? Curious Bride Dear Curious, The colors of the robes (vestments) worn by...
What does “incarnate” or “incarnation” mean?
Dear Theologika, In the new translation of the Nicene Creed at Mass we say that Word of God “became incarnate of the virgin Mary.” What does “incarnate” or “incarnation” mean? Puzzled Dear Puzzled, The answer to your question is laid out in two passages from...
What Does Eucharist Mean?
Dear Theologika, What does the term eucharist mean? Where does it come from? I know that we call the Mass the Eucharist and use the same term for the Blessed Sacrament. Why the same name for both? ...
What does it mean to be Holy?
Dear Theologika, I’ve been hearing a lot recently about being called to be holy and about holiness. But I don’t know what it means to be holy. I know the saints are holy. I’ve heard that God tells people in the Bible to be holy because He is holy....
Church Leadership
Dear Theologika, Can you explain why there are so many types of religious leaders in the Catholic Church? Pope? Bishop? Priest? Deacon? Who are they and what do they do? The Christian church down the road from me just has a minister. They choose their own...Your gift helps make this ministry possible. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the Church and it’s future with Pope Francis. The reports from the local and regional meetings is being summarized for presentation later this year.