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FAITH FACTS
- Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas
- All Saints' and All Souls' Day
- The Church's Norms for Cremation
- Memorials, Feasts, and Solemnities
- Non-Christian Methods of Meditation
- Feast of Corpus Christi
- Triduum
- Divine Mercy and Purgatory
- Saint Joseph
- Lent for Children
- Shrove Tuesday
- Euthanasia
- Against Abortion, but Pro-Choice?
- The Tree of the Christ Child
- The History of the Advent Wreath
- Fasting for Advent
- The Solemnity of Christ the King
- Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
- Relics
- All Saints and All Souls Day
- What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
- Hell
- Saint Joseph
- Shrove Tuesday
- Fasting before Holy Communion
- The Feast of St. Blaise
- The Presentation of the Lord
- The Twelve Days of Christmas
- Ten Tips for a Good Confession
- The History of the Advent Wreath
- All Hallow's Eve
- Why Can't Women Be Priests? Part 2
- Why Can't Women Be Priests? Part I
- God or Atheism: Which is More Rational?
- Tattoos and Body Piercings
- Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 4)
- Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 3)
- Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 2)
- Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 1)
- Our Lady of Knock
- Divinization: Should Catholics Consult Psychics and Mediums
- Divine Mercy for the Souls in Purgatory
- The Name of God is Mercy
- Making Lent Meaningful to Children
- Abortion
- End of Life
- The Tree of the Christ Child
- Fasting for Advent
- Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas
- The Solemnity of Christ the King
- All Saints, All Souls
- The Gift of Indulgences
- How do Practicing Catholics Break the Commandments (Part 2)
- How do Practicing Catholics Break the Commandments (Part 1)
- Catholic Statues
- Mary's Assumption
- The Church and "Same-Sex Marriages"
- The Shroud of Turin
- The Sacred Heart and the Eucharist
- Mary, Mother of God
- Christian Joy
- The Easter Triduum
- The Color of Liturgical Vestments
- Making Lent Meaningful to Children
- History of Lent
- Ash Wednesday
- Shrove Tuesday
- God and Suffering
- Church View on Abortion
- Christmas Decorations
- Our Lady of Guadalupe
- What Are Relics?
- The Beauty of Dying
- Advent & Christmas Traditions
- Mary's Role in Our Salvation
- All Hallow's Eve
- The Gift of Children
- The Church's Norms on Cremation
- Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude & Temperance
- Cardinal Virtues: Prudence & Justice
- Cardinal Virtues: Introduction
- Contraception & Sterilization
- Holy Ghost Novena
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Want to know more about our Catholic faith? Monthly Faith Facts help adults to grow in knowledge and love of certain aspects of Catholic teaching. See a brief description of a topic below and a fuller exposition on the left.
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Catholic Traditions for Advent and Christmas
As we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, this week's Faith Fact discusses the season of Advent and presents Catholic traditions for the Advent and Catholic seasons. These family-friendly ideas include creative ways to use a Nativity scene and to celebrate saints' feast days.
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All Saints' and All Souls' Day
As we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed on November 2, this week's Faith Fact shows how God's gift of free will allows each of us to strive for the "crown of righteousness" (2 Time 4:8).
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The Church's Norms for Cremation
May a Catholic's cremated remains be present at the funeral liturgy? What may be done with a person's cremated remains after the funeral? This week's Faith Fact explains the Church's norms for cremation.
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Memorials, Feasts, and Solemnities
What are the different types of feasts in the Church and how are they celebrated? In light of the upcoming Holy Day of Obligation for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on this Thursday, August 15, this week’s Faith Fact discusses the differences between the Church’s memorials, feasts, and solemnities.
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Non-Christian Methods of Meditation
Should Christians look to non-Christian methods of meditation to draw closer to God? Can the Church's tradition meet the spiritual needs of those looking to non-Christian methods? This week's Faith Fact explores the origins of Yoga, Zen, Tai Chi and discusses whether these methods should be used in authentic Catholic spirituality.
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Feast of Corpus Christi
The Feast of Corpus Christi is the celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. This week's Faith Fact explores the Holy Eucharist as a sacrament of faith, life, unity, worship, and love. Fr. Frank Pavone's insights into this mystery will inspire us to deepen our desire and love for the Most Blessed Sacrament.
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TriduumThe Latin word triduum refers to a period of three days and has long been used to describe various three-day observances that prepared for a feast day through liturgy, prayer, and fasting. But it is most often used to describe the three days prior to the great feast of Easter: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday and the Easter Vigil. Read more in this week's Faith Fact.
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Divine Mercy and PurgatoryThe message of Divine Mercy given through the Scriptures, Church Tradition, and the writings of St. Faustina is a message that extends to everyone in need of God’s mercy. Read more in this week's Faith Fact.
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Saint JosephAlthough the Bible does not contain any words spoken by St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, he is an important part of salvation history. As we celebrate his feast day this Monday, this week’s Faith Fact presents facts from the Gospels as well as the words of saints and popes to highlight St. Joseph’s importance in our faith.
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Making Lent Meaningful for ChildrenHow can we teach our children to live out the three penitential principles of Lent? As we begin the Lenten season, this week’s Faith Fact offers parents some ideas for helping their children incorporate fasting, almsgiving, and prayer into their Lenten practices.
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Shrove Tuesday
What is Shrove Tuesday and what is its purpose? As Louisiana celebrates the secular Mardi Gras season, this week’s Faith Fact reminds us of the spiritual significance of this period immediately before Lent.
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Euthanasia
Most people fear the process of dying, which involves radical dependency, a sense of powerlessness, and sometimes significant pain as well. This week's Faith Fact discusses the topic of euthanasia.
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Against Abortion, but "Pro-Choice?"
This week's Faith Fact discusses how to discuss pro-life with Catholics who say they are against abortion, but they are pro-choice.The Tree of the Christ Child
This week's Faith Fact takes us back to eighth-century Germany where St. Boniface, using the first Christmas tree, bravely evangelized the pagans.
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The History of the Advent WreathThis week's Faith Fact discusses the history of the Advent Wreath and provides a short, traditional prayer service for families lighting the wreath each evening.
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Fasting for Advent
As we celebrate Advent, this week’s Faith Fact contrasts today’s consumerist Christmas season with the practice of fasting for Advent, which was encouraged by Pope Leo the Great during the fifth century.
The Solemnity of Christ the KingIn honor of The Solemnity of Christ the King, this week's Faith Fact explains the reason the solemnity was established and discusses the need for Christians today to be obedient to the Kingship of Christ. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos and Relics
As we prepare for the visit of Blessed Seelos' relics, this week's Faith Facts contain his biography as well as an explanation of the role of relics in the Christian spiritual life. To learn more, watch Seelos: Timeless Intercessor on Formed. org. Copies of both Faith Facts are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
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All Saints and All Souls DayAre All Saints Day and All Souls Day linked with paganism and Halloween? As we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on November 2, this week's Faith Fact explains the origins of these special days. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, this week's Faith Fact explains the origins of the feast, the importance of the Divine Mercy image, and the meaning of the day. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Hell
"Of all Christianity's teachings, hell is certainly the least popular," notes Dr. Peter Kreeft. In this week's Faith Fact, he discusses the existence of hell, showing how the doctrine of hell follows from the doctrines of heaven and free will. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Saint JosephAlthough the Bible does not contain any words spoken by St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, he is an important part of salvation history. As we celebrate his feast day Monday, March 20th, this week's Faith Fact presents facts from the Gospels as well as the words of saints and popes to highlight St. Joseph's importance in our faith. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Shrove TuesdayWhat is Shrove Tuesday and what is its purpose? As Louisiana celebrates the secular Mardi Gras season, this week's Faith Fact reminds us of the spiritual significance of this period immediately before Lent. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Fasting before Holy CommunionDid you know that Catholics are supposed to fast one hour before receiving Holy Communion? This week's Faith Fact explains the specific requirements, as well as the exceptions for fasting before Holy Communion. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
The Feast of St. BlaiseAs we approach the feast of St. Blaise on February 3, this week's Faith Fact describes the various traditions associated with this fourth-century saint. St. Blaise's intercession is invoked especially for protection against ailments of the throat. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
The Presentation of the LordAs we approach the feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, this week's Faith Fact examines this important episode in the Holy Family's life as it is depicted in St. Luke's Gospel. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
As we approach the end of the Advent Season and eagerly anticipate Christmas Day, this week's Faith Fact explains the history of the popular Christmas carol The Twelve Days of Christmas. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Ten Tips for a Good Confession
This week's Faith Fact provides ten tips for a good confession to help us prepare for the Parish Advent Reconciliation Service this Tuesday evening. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
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The History of the Advent Wreath
As we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, this week's Faith Fact discusses the history of the Advent wreath and provides a short, traditional prayer service for families lighting the wreath each evening. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
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All Hallow's Eve
Is the celebration of Halloween a pagen feast? May Catholics celebrate Halloween in good conscience? This week's Faith Fact explores the history of this popular American holiday. Copies are availabe in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Why Can't Women Be Priests
Part 2
Why doesn't the Church ordain women priests? This week's Faith Fact discusses why our gender matters, whether or not the early Church ordained women, and the possibility - if any - of the Church changing her teaching on this issue. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Why Can't Women Be Priests?Part I
Why doesn't the Church ordain women priests? This week's Faith Fact discusses Jesus' institution of the priesthood as well as the role of women in the life of the early Church. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
God or Atheism: Which is More Rational?
"Is it rational to believe in God?" In this week's Faith Fact, Dr. Peter Kreeft explores the answer to this question by explaining the need for a "first cause" of the existence of time and matter. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Tattoos and Body Piercings
What does the Catholic Church teach about tattoos and body piercings? This week's Faith Fact discusses the teachings of the Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church on this issue. There are also questions to reflect on when considering getting tattoos or body piercings. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish website.
Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 4)
This week's Faith Fact completes a four-part series on the graces and fruits of perpetual adoration. This week's segment discusses the graces that a Eucharistic life bestows on the Church and the world. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish websites.
Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 3)
This week's Faith Fact continues a four-part series on the graces and fruits of perpetual adoration. This week's segment discusses the graces that a Eucharistic life bestows on a church parish. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish website.
Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 2)
This week's Faith Fact continues a four-part series on the graces and fruits of perpetual adoration. This week's segment discusses the personal graces that are gained by spending time with Jesus in the Adoration Chapel. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish website.
Graces and Fruits of Perpetual Adoration (Part 1)
As we celebrate Corpus Christi, this week's Faith Fact begins a four-part series on the graces and fruits of perpetual adoration. This week's segment discusses the primary purpose of Eucharistic adoration: to adore Our Lord because He is worthy of being worshipped for His sake. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Our Lady of Knock
During this month of May in which we especially honor our Mother Mary, this week's Faith Fact highlights Our Lady of Knock, an Irish Marian apparition. The Blessed Virgin, along with St. Joseph and and St. John the Evangelist, appeared to Irish peasants in a small farming village in 1879. The article discusses the historical and miraculous details of the apparition. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Divinization: Should Catholics Consult Psychics and Mediums?
This week's Faith Fact discusses the reasons why Catholics are prohibited from consulting people who claim to have psychic abilities. The article further explains that although messages may seem to be from God, the devil - in the words of St. Paul - often "disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Cor 11:14). Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Divine Mercy for the Souls in Purgatory
As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, this week's Faith Fact discusses the importance of praying for the souls in Purgatory and offers practical intercessory practices. Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
The Name of God is Mercy
As we continue our Lenten practices and examine our consciences to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this holy season, we should also meditate on the mercy of God. This week's Faith Fact presents a catechesis on mercy from Pope Francis, who uses Sacred Scripture to explain how "The Name of God is Mercy." Copies are available in the back of church and on our parish and school websites.
Making Lent Meaningful to Children
Christ teaches his disciples how to do penance, focusing on fasting, almsgiving, and prayer. How can we apply these principles to the lives of our school-age children?
Against Abortion, But Pro-Choice?“From the time that the ovum is fertilized, a life is begun which is neither that of the father nor of the mother; it is rather the life of a new human being with his own growth. It would never be made human if it were not human already.”
~Declaration on Procured Abortion, no. 12As we remember the 43rd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion in all 50 states, this week’s Faith Fact demonstrates the error of being “personally against abortion” but also “pro-choice.”
Euthanasia: Broken Memories, Broken Bonds
As we welcome Fr. Jose Lavastida, who will be addressing End of Life Issues at St. Peter’s “Growth in Faith” this Sunday, this week’s Faith Fact explores the brokenness that results from euthanasia and assisted suicide.
The Tree of the Christ Child
“This little tree, a young child of the forest, shall be your holy tree tonight. It is the wood of peace, for your houses are built of the fir. It is the sign of an endless life, for its leaves are ever green. See how it points upward to heaven. Let this be called the tree of the Christ-child; gather about it, not in the wild wood, but in your own homes; there it will shelter no deeds of blood, but loving gifts and rites of kindness.”
~St. Boniface
As we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and in anticipation of Christmas, this week’s Faith Fact takes us back to eighth-century Germany, where St. Boniface, using the first Christmas tree, bravely evangelized the barbaric pagans.
FASTING FOR ADVENT
“[S]ince salvation of our souls is brought about not only by fasting, let us add works of mercy for the poor to our fasting…so that whoever from his just labors offers a sacrifice of piety to God, the author of all goods, he may merit to receive from them the reward of the heavenly kingdom.”
~Pope Leo the GreatAs we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, this week’s Faith Fact contrasts today’s consumerist Christmas season with the practice of fasting for Advent, which was encouraged by Pope Leo the Great during the fifth century. Pope Leo also urged the faithful to perform works of mercy during Advent, which is particularly relevant as we begin the Year of Mercy this Tuesday, December 8, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
CATHOLIC TRADITIONS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
As we celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, this week’s Faith Fact discusses the season of Advent and presents Catholic traditions for the Advent and Christmas seasons. These family-friendly ideas include creative ways to use a Nativity scene and to celebrate saints’ feast days.
THE SOLEMNITY OF CHRIST THE KING
As we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King next weekend, this week’s Faith Fact explains the reason the solemnity was established and discusses the need for Christians today to be obedient to the Kingship of Christ.
ALL SAINTS, ALL SOULS
As we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed on November 2, this week’s Faith Fact shows how God’s gift of free will allows each of us to strive for the “crown of righteousness” (2 Tim. 4:8).
THE GIFT OF INDULGENCES
In anticipation of our Parish Mission beginning next Sunday, as well as the upcoming Year of Mercy, this week’s Faith Fact explains the Church’s teaching on indulgences. By following the requirements outlined in this Faith Fact, attendees of the Parish Mission will have the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence
HOW DO PRACTICING CATHOLICS BREAK THE COMMANDMENTS? (PART 2)
As we prepare for the Parish Mission in October as well as the upcoming Year of Mercy, this week’s Faith Fact examines common ways that Catholics disobey the last five Commandments and offers remedies to combat these sins. The first 5 Commandments were addressed in last week’s Faith Fact.
HOW DO PRACTICING CATHOLICS BREAK THE COMMANDMENTS? (PART 1)
As we prepare for the Parish Mission in October as well as the upcoming Year of Mercy, this week’s Faith Fact examines common ways that Catholics disobey the first five Commandments and offers remedies to combat these sins. The remaining 5 Commandments will be addressed in a subsequent Faith Fact.
DO CATHOLICS WORSHIP STATUES?
Because Catholics include statues in their devotions, some people believe that Catholics worship the statues themselves. This week’s Faith Fact examines common misconceptions about the use of statues by faithful Catholics.
MARY'S ASSUMPTION
Why do we believe that Mary was assumed into Heaven? As we celebrate the Assumption of Mary this weekend, this week’s Faith Fact presents the history of the Church’s teaching on Mary’s Assumption.
THE CHURCH AND "SAME-SEX MARRIAGES"
Why does the Church oppose government-sanctioned homosexual “marriages”? In light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling legalizing so-called “same-sex marriage” in all fifty states, this week’s Faith Fact presents the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage by examining the words of the Bible, the Catechism, and the U.S. Bishops.
THE SHROUD: NOT A PAINTING, NOT A SCORCH, NOT A PHOTOGRAPH
Is the Shroud of Turin authentic? As Pope Francis makes a pilgrimage to Turin, Italy, this week’s Faith Fact presents an interview with one of the world’s leading experts on the Shroud.
THE SACRED HEART AND THE EUCHARIST
“We do not hesitate to declare that devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the most effective school of the love of God; the love of God…which must be the foundation on which to build the Kingdom of God in the hearts of individuals, families, and nations.”
~ Pope Pius XII, Haurietis Aquas, no. 123As we celebrate the Solemnity of Corpus Christi this weekend and prepare for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus next Friday, this week’s Faith Fact discusses true devotion to Christ’s Sacred Heart and His gift of Himself in the Eucharist.
THE FIRST MARIAN DOGMA: MOTHER OF GOD“Mary is truly ‘Mother of God’ since she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man, who is God himself.”
~Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 509What is the Church’s teaching concerning Mary’s divine maternity? As we celebrate Mother’s Day weekend, this week’s Faith Fact discusses the first Marian dogma: Mary, the Mother of God.
CHRISTIAN JOY
“Paschal joy . . . is the joy of the new presence of the Risen Christ dispensing to His own the Holy Spirit, so that He may dwell with them.”
~ Pope Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation on Christian Joy (Gaudete in Domino)What is Christian joy? How do we partake of it? As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, this week’s Faith Fact discusses Pope Paul VI’s apostolic exhortation on Christian joy, exploring natural joy and the joy of Christ, as well as the joy of Christians and the saints.
THE EASTER TRIDUUM
“The mystery of the Resurrection, in which Christ crushed death, permeates with its powerful energy our old time, until all is subjected to him.” ~Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1169
What is the Easter Triduum? What is the history of the observances of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday? This week’s Faith Fact shows how the Triduum “marks the culmination of the yearly celebration in proclaiming the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
THE COLOR OF LITURGICAL VESTMENTS
What is the significance of the colors of the liturgical vestments used at Mass? This week’s Faith Fact explains why different colors are used for the liturgical seasons and for particular solemnities and feast days.
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MAKING LENT MEANINGFUL TO CHILDREN
How can we teach our children to live out the three penitential principles of Lent? As we continue the Lenten season, this week’s Faith Fact offers parents some ideas for helping their children incorporate fasting, almsgiving, and prayer into their Lenten practices.
HISTORY OF LENT
“The two elements which are especially characteristic of Lent -- the recalling of baptism or the preparation for it, and penance -- should be given greater emphasis in the liturgy and in liturgical catechesis. It is by means of them that the Church prepares the faithful for the celebration of Easter, while they hear God’s word more frequently and devote more time to prayer.”
~The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (Vatican Council II), no. 109What are the origins of Lent? Did the Church always have this time before Easter? As we begin the season of Lent, this week’s Faith Fact discusses the history and purpose of the forty days of preparation for the Easter celebration.
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ASH WEDNESDAY
“I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.”
~Daniel 9:3.
What are the origins of Ash Wednesday? As we prepare for the start of Lent, this week’s Faith Fact discusses the use of ashes in the Old and New Testaments and in the history of the Church.SHROVE TUESDAY
What is Shrove Tuesday and what is its purpose? As Louisiana celebrates the secular Mardi Gras season, this week’s Faith Fact reminds us of the spiritual significance of this period immediately before Lent.
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How can an all-good and all-powerful God allow suffering? Does suffering disprove the existence of a loving God? As we witness the sufferings of our family and friends as well as our brothers and sisters around the world, this Faith Fact answers these troubling questions.
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HOW LONG HAS THE CHURCH BEEN AGAINST ABORTION?
“Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being.” ~Donum vitae, 5
How long has the Church been against abortion? As we prepare for the annual March for Life and our parish’s Festival of Life, this week’s Faith Fact demonstrates how Old Testament revelation as well as early Church teaching condemned the practice of abortion.
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