Having a laugh by reading a horoscope or a fortune cookie is not a mortal sin. However, taking such a horoscope seriously, or paying an astrologer to tell you your future, is sinful. Father Chris Alar, MIC, reveals the danger of using New Age practices like tarot cards, black magic, and witchcraft to discover the future.

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He’s one of the most popular saints, especially for animal and bird lovers. Yet St. Francis of Assisi did not start out that way. He had an easy life, enjoyed the party scene, and even admitted, “I lived in great sin.” Father Chris Alar, MIC, reveals Francis’ remarkable journey to sainthood.

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In the New Testament, St. Paul writes, “We have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God” (Heb 4:14). So, if Jesus is the Great High Priest once and for all, who, then, are Catholic priests? Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains how Christ established the priesthood, delegating His authority to forgive sins on earth to the Apostles and their successors (bishops and priests) down to the present day, known as Apostolic Succession.

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The existence of angels is a dogma of our Catholic faith. And no one knows us better or loves us more than our Guardian Angel (it is perfect love), so you can always count on them. They are the guardians of our safety and salvation, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, explains, and they obtain for us the grace of final perseverance – if we are willing to cooperate with that grace.

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Catholicism teaches that we are only saved through God’s grace, but we must cooperate with that grace by living as “another Christ.” That means doing good – and a great way is through the Corporal Works of Mercy. Father Chris Alar, MIC, reveals the seven works of mercy in Scripture and shows how we can perform these in our daily lives.

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When people say, “I don’t need to go to church. I’m spiritual, I’m not into organized religion," remind them that Jesus Himself organized religion – the Catholic Church. Discover how, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus established the Church, giving His Apostles the authority to forgive sins and act in His Name.   

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There are many legends surrounding St. Patrick, whose feast day is celebrated on March 17. But what is the real story? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he reveals how an extraordinary young priest brought Christianity to Ireland, and in doing so, inspired a movement that spread the Catholic faith throughout Europe.

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The Catholic Church teaches that when someone takes their own life, it doesn’t mean that they automatically lose their soul. Father Chris Alar, MIC, takes this a step further and shows how your prayers today can help someone who has died for any reason, even years ago, at the moment of their judgment.

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It's an age-old question, and there's no perfect answer. While the Church does not teach "dog-matically" that our beloved animals will or will not be in Heaven, some think they will be, as the Scriptures describe animals at peace in the new creation. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares both sides of the topic and gives thanks to God for the gift of our animal companions.

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Of marriage, Jesus said, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mt 19:6). But is divorce always a sin, and is it ever allowed by the Church? How does it differ from annulment which, contrary to popular belief, is not a “Catholic divorce”? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he sheds light on this important subject.

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