FALL FROM GRACE

Today’s questions concern the fall from grace of Adam and Eve, general and in person confession, receiving Communion from a priest, and whether non-Catholics can receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

IS FIGHTING A MORTAL SIN?

Is fighting a mortal sin? Today, Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer questions on a range of topics, including fighting in sports, the birthday of Jesus, and which souls were in heaven before Jesus ascended.

THE PASCHAL MYSTERY

Viewer questions for Frs. Trigilio and Brighenti concern the Paschal Mystery, and the mystery of Jesus’ whole life, the veneration of the Virgin Mary, and whether the major monotheistic religions believe in the same God.

LIVING SAINTS

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer emails about whether living saints become divine by receiving the Eucharist, the relationship between the body and soul in heaven, and how to be holy so as to reach heaven.

DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH

Will Pope St. John Paul II become a doctor of the church? Has the pope has properly consecrated Russia to Mary’s Immaculate Heart? Trigilio and Brighenti talk about both topics, plus the dangers of New Age in parishes.

MAY EVERYONE RECEIVE COMMUNION?

Can a pastor invite everyone, Catholic or not, to Communion? Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti respond, and also discuss whether confessions may be heard during Mass, and is it OK to come late or miss Mass due to work?

RECEIVING CONFIRMATION

Protocols are discussed for receiving the Sacrament in Confirmation, respectful reverence during Communion, the correct way to genuflect, how to establish perpetual adoration and spiritual direction for teenagers.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Viewers ask the Fathers if one can have a Mass said for the soul of a Muslim, how to tell Mormons that the Catholic Church is the true religion, and whether holy water is molecularly different than ordinary water.

THE SACRED HOST

The Sacred Host signifies the Body of Christ, and viewers ask what should be done if it falls on the floor in Mass. Frs. Trigilio and Brighenti explain how to cultivate Eucharistic spirituality among parishioners.

THE TEACHINGS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Among the questions asked. Are the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas still relevant for today? What prayers should we say after Communion? And how do we know the souls of the Blessed and beatified persons are in heaven?

GOD IS ALL GOOD

Viewer ask whether God is really all good if he killed people in the Old Testament, whether Adam and Eve were saved, if anyone is born evil, and why we have adoration chapels. Trigilio and Brighenti have the answers.

WHAT IS HOLY COMMUNION?

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti explain what Holy Communion is, the difference between mortal and venial sins, whether it’s a sin not to go to church on Sunday, and how we can best preserve liturgical traditions.

THE MORAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

Questions include the moral responsibilities of parents to children, whether one can receive the Precious Blood but not the Host, and why all human beings suffer the consequences of Original Sin, whereas Mary did not.

PRIESTLY WITNESS

Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer emails on the public witness of priests, why the Church is Catholic when Mary was Jewish, how to discern vocation, and how we receive Jesus’ humanity and divinity in Holy Communion.

RECEIVING THE SACRED HOST

Receiving the Sacred Host on the tongue, praying to Mary and the saints, the empty tomb of Mary in the Holy Land, Veronica’s veil and the Shroud of Turin are all topics in today’s mailbag for Fr. Trigilio and Brighenti.

PRAYING FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY

Prayer is on our viewers’ minds. They ask about saying the rosary for souls in Purgatory, praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet and having a Mass said for the dead. Plus, whether our mortal bodies rise for the last Judgment.

THE NARROW WAY LEADS TO LIFE

On the show, our viewers ask whether most souls go to hell and if there’s any recourse, including prayer, that will help them. Also questions on divorce and the validity of marriages and annulments, plus the sacraments.

THE LAST SUPPER

Viewers ask Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti if Jesus ate lamb at the Last Supper. Plus, the difference between mortal and venial sin, excessive penances in Confession and whether family members are reunited in heaven.

RECEIVING COMMUNION IN THE HAND

In today’s mailbag, learn when and why the practice of receiving Communion in the hand began, whether there’s a holiness index of spiritual progress for humanity, and how we can help family members reach salvation.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Why is First Communion given to young children? Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti explain, and also touch on the writings of St. Ignatius, why Catholics don’t celebrate Passover, and the nature of the historical Jesus.

CONFESSION AND PENANCE

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer emails about giving penances during Confession, getting over a suicide, and whether sharing the bread and wine at Mass allows us to experience Christ’s body and blood.

MARRIAGE AND ANNULMENT

Topics for today include starting over after an unhealthy marriage, forgiveness and praying to statues, the amount of details to give in Confession, and how to respond after being absolved for committing a mortal sin.

RECEIVING THE APOSTOLIC BLESSING

What are the benefits of receiving the Apostolic Blessing before death? Can Protestants receive absolution of their sins in Confession? Why does it take so long to enter the Church through RCIA? Tune in for answers.

HAVING YOUR MARRIAGE BLESSED

Can a marriage be blessed with only one spouse present? Trigilio and Brighenti answer this and other questions on homosexuality, abortion, blessing people with holy oil or water, and whether nuns can give blessings.

FULL COMMUNION WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

Viewers ask about the streamlining of the annulment process by Pope Francis, the withholding of Communion from those actively living the gay lifestyle, and if Lutherans could be received into the Catholic Church.

FINDING LIFE IN THE MASS

Trigilio and Brighenti respond to emails concerning the divine life Catholics find in the Mass, entering the Catholic Church but not believing all it teaches, and a Catholic-Anglican wedding respecting both traditions.

GAINING A PLENARY INDULGENCE

How can we gain plenary indulgences for souls in Purgatory? Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti respond, and answer questions about Communion in the hand, the Saturday Vigil Mass and priests facing the altar for Latin Masses.

THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY

Today’s topics include proposing another set of mysteries for the rosary, music that promotes demonic influences, whether God changes his mind and plan for people, and when the Sunday obligation to attend church began.

THE NECESSITY OF BAPTISM

On the minds of viewers today are whether Baptism is necessary for salvation, why Confirmation completes Baptism, the truth about abortion in the public arena and Catholic teaching prohibiting the use of birth control.

THE EUCHARIST IS NECESSARY

The Fathers speak on whether believers in Jesus should receive Communion, how to relate to those struggling with sexual identity, including the transgendered, and how to build the love of faith in the current generation.

MASS AND CONFESSION

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti respond to viewers about understanding the Mass, how often one should go to Confession, the difference between sacrifice and penance, and how to explain Catholic teaching on contraception.

REAL PRESENCE IN THE EUCHARIST

Today’s viewer questions for the Fathers concern the Lord’s presence in the Eucharist, the loss of reverence in church, whether Jesus as the Son is God himself, and how to convince an atheist of the existence of God.

BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF THE TRINITY

Viewer emails answered by Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti include why Baptism is to be in the name of the Trinity, whether the current pope is our last, and what happens if a person dies without receiving the Last Rites.

DOES GOD HEAR PRAYERS?

One of our most frequent questions is whether God hears the prayers of unbelievers. Trigilio and Brighenti have the answer, plus what to do about priests changing the Liturgy, and why parishes ring bells for Communion.

HOW TO BECOME A PRAYERFUL CATHOLIC

Learn how to become a prayerful Catholic with today’s viewer feedback. Plus, Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti explain how to get back to Confession after many years, and how to know if the sick should receive Communion.

CATHOLIC AND CHRISTIAN

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer emails concerning the difference between Catholic and Christian, why we believe in the Church, receiving Confirmation later in life, and how to explain the Gospel to Muslims.

GETTING OUR NAMES IN THE BOOK OF LIFE

Today’s viewer questions include what we can do in heaven, whether weekday Mass may fulfill our Sunday obligation, why contraception is prohibited in Catholic marriage, and how the homebound can receive the Sacraments.

THE BEST WAY TO DISCERN VOCATION

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer questions on how best to discern vocation, where to start in seminary, the Glory Be prayer, why Adam and Eve committed Original Sin, and the feasts celebrated in Ordinary Time.

RECEIVING THE HOLY EUCHARIST IN THE HAND

Questions about Communion dominate the mailbag today. Our hosts explain the restrictions for those awaiting an annulment, the number of archangels, and why the names of apostles and disciples were changed in the Bible.

PERCEIVING JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST

Is Jesus physically perceived in the Eucharist? How much power does the devil have? What’s the difference between soul and spirit? These questions and more are answered on today’s show by Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti.

PRAYERS FOR THE DEAD

Viewers ask whether a Jewish person’s prayers help the dead, whether teenagers should serve as Communion ministers, why saints are included in the Eucharistic Prayer and whether Christ celebrates Mass with the priest.

BEING CLOSE TO GOD

Becoming closer to God is the theme of this week’s emails. Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti discuss how to find true faith, how to go straight to heaven, adoration of the Lord, and whether we can hug the tabernacle.

JUDGMENT AFTER DEATH

Today’s topics include - immediate judgment after death, whether there’s still marriage in heaven, praying for others to accept Jesus as Lord, what happens when we die, and when the bread and wine become Eucharist.

PRIESTLY BLESSING AT MASS

On viewers’ minds today, is missing Mass still a sin? And did Jesus suffer for both mortal and venial sins? Also, whether priests sometimes feel inadequate, and why the priestly blessing is given at the end of Mass.

CALLED TO THE CONTEMPLATIVE LIFE

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer questions about becoming religious later in life, why a priest wears a stole for Confession, the practice of placing salt in babies’ mouths at baptism and why we pray the rosary.

GOD IS FATHER

What books should we read after being away from the Church? The Fathers answer this and questions about mortal sin, the Incarnation, how to explain Catholicism to Protestants and Biblical references to God the Father.

THE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE

Viewers pose questions about whether Jesus converted from Judaism to the Catholic faith, how his feet were situated on the cross, what it means to take the Lord’s name in vain and the purpose of marriage for humanity.

MAKING A MARRIAGE WORK

This week, viewers write in looking for direction on how to make a marriage work. Father Trigilio and Father Brighenti give them some practical advice, and discuss the sin of gluttony, and the Seal of the Confessional.

JESUS IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER

Viewer emails pose some important questions this week. Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer whether Jesus is the only way to the Father, or whether Mary is also needed. And about living out chastity in one’s vocation.

WHAT IS THE GODHEAD?

Father Trigilio and Father Brighenti answer viewer emails concerning the nature of the Godhead, the sign of the cross, asking for guidance after returning to the Church, and the difficult aspects about being a priest.

EVERYTHING IN THE CHURCH HAS MEANING

Among the viewer questions answered on the show…what is the significance of having steps in a church, does keeping relics offer proper respect to the dead, and can too much devotion to the Blessed Virgin be unhealthy?

WHY DID JESUS UNDERGO BAPTISM?

What are the best spiritual remedies for anxiety and depression? Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer this question, and more about Jesus’ reason for being baptized and the emphasis on Saints in Catholic spirituality.

INVOKING SAINTS IN THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

The Fathers answer viewer questions on the names of the saints in the Eucharistic Prayer, whether Jesus refers to himself as God in Scripture, and why Greek language books are not included in the Hebrew Scriptures.

DO PRIESTS GET PAID ENOUGH?

Today’s viewer questions include the salaries and vacation time for priests, God’s plan for marriage, the necessity of doing penance, and the differences between the Catholic Faith and that of other Christians.

ENTERING THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti respond to questions about what it takes to enter heaven, whether Catholics should read Gnostic and heretical texts, and whether priests are required to learn a language besides Latin.

FORMATION OF CONSCIENCE

The Fathers answer viewer emails concerning moral relativism and the proper formation of conscience, liturgical vestments, the Virgin Mother and her role among believers, and Jesus the prophet and Messiah.

OUR DAILY BREAD

Questions include where the hosts for Holy Communion come from, the Immaculate Conception, the benefits of celebrating Christmas on December 25, the mortal sin of stealing, and whether the Bible has all the answers.

RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer emails concerning receiving Communion under the species of the Precious Blood, whether non-Catholics may receive Holy Communion, and why the Creed is said each Sunday.

THE PURPOSE OF LITANIES AND NOVENAS

Today’s viewer emails concern the purpose of litanies and novenas, honoring the saints, respecting other religions, Christian requirements, God’s plan for the future, and organizing the bible into chapters and verses.

CONSECRATION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Father Trigilio and Father Brighenti answer viewer emails concerning consecration to Mary, making a holy hour, whether heaven is on earth, and the witness of the martyrs.

DISCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD

Viewer emails are answered on discerning the priesthood, drugs, the benefits of Confession, receiving Communion more than once daily, whether Mary is the Mother of all Christians, and who and what may be anointed.

AVOIDING SCANDAL

Viewers ask whether scandals nullify good deeds, plus the disconnect between holiness and faith, overpopulation, the Holy Family, and why Mary Magdalene was prohibited from touching Our Lord after his Resurrection.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer viewer emails on how to live a Christian life, mental challenges, in-vitro fertilization, how many Masses priests may say daily, receiving Communion by name, and cremation.

GOING TO CHURCH EVERY SUNDAY

Topics include regular attendance at Sunday Mass, whether a Catholic may do yoga or undergo hypnosis, organ donation, gaining indulgences, receiving God’s mercy and forgiveness, the “Rapture,” and how to live by faith.

THE CHURCH MILITANT

Today’s viewer emails address the Church on earth, the notion of “one world religion,” how to honor and keep holy the Sabbath Day, whether the blind may serve in the Body of Christ, and how to evangelize Muslims.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR PRAYER LIFE?

The Fathers answer emails concerning falling asleep during prayer, why Moses didn’t enter the Promised Land, why people are Confirmed, when we ask God to forgive our sins, and what to do about an unfaithful friend.

WHY ARE PRIESTS CALLED FATHER?

Viewer questions are answered about why priests are called “Father,” when people are not allowed to receive Holy Communion, who can bless a home, whether Mary was perfect, and why abortion is always wrong.

DO ANGELS EARN THEIR WINGS?

Featuring viewer questions concerning angels, who may receive Holy Communion, when holy oil is to be used, why it’s good to pray for other people, why God is called “Our” Father, and the value in being baptized.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TABERNACLES AND MONSTRANCES

Fathers Trigilio and Brighenti answer emails on the Eucharistic significance of tabernacles and monstrances, sexual intercourse before marriage, the blessing of children, Original Sin, and the reason for Christ’s death.

WHO IS THE MORNING STAR

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the identity of the “morning star” mentioned in the Bible, whether Catholics give Sacred Tradition of the Church priority over the Bible, the usefulness of the Sacraments, and more.

NON-CATHOLICS RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about whether non-Catholics may receive Communion, coincidences as signs from God, the need of the faithful to confess every sin to a priest and the confessional rite in the Mass, and more.

SKIPPING PURGATORY AND STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about skipping purgatory and going straight to heaven, divorced people converting to Catholicism, the need for Confession t before receiving Communion, and more.

PETRINE AND PAULINE PRIVILEGES

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the Petrine Privilege, a godparent’s role, committing sacrilege and still attaining heaven, whether heaven is a real place or a state of mind, and more.

INTERIOR RECOLLECTION

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about interior recollection, venial sins, promises made to the faithful in the Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy devotions, consecration to Mary, and more.

TEMPORAL PUNISHMENT

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about temporal punishment due to sin, making general confessions, returning to church after a long absence, the incompatibility between Zen Buddhism and Christianity, and more.

SACRAMENTS AND SCANDAL

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the validity of sacraments performed by defrocked priests, why Jesus died in a tortuous fashion, whether any soul experiences heaven until the Last Judgment, and more.

FREQUENT RECEPTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the number of times a person may receive Holy Communion in a day, the number of godparents the baptized are allowed to have, the purpose of the Creed and the Confiteor, and more.

SEMINARY FORMATION TODAY

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about seminary formation, holy days of obligation while traveling, vestment colors for funerals, and more.

MAKING A GOOD CONFESSION

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about making a good confession, the time when Jesus gave the apostles the power of miracles, the hell of the dead being distinct from the hell of the damned, and more.

MAKING REPARATION FOR SIN

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about making reparations for sins, whether souls in heaven experience sadness if relatives do not go to heaven, respectful behavior in church, valid ordinations post Vatican II, and more.

FINAL PERSEVERANCE

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about final perseverance; the Eucharist containing the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ; prayer intentions for the rosary; the Virgin Mary’s sinlessness, and more.

THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the Communion of Saints and the Last Judgment, the Sola Scriptura approach and the authority of the Church, public and private revelation, and more.

CLOSENESS TO GOD IN HOLY COMMUNION

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about when Holy Communion began to be taken in terms of bread alone without wine, cremation and burial in the eyes of the Church, whether the Church has always been Catholic, and more.

BURIAL IN CONSECRATED GROUND

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the blessing of burial in consecrated ground, annulments and the indissolubility of marriage, the availability of indulgences to those suffering from mental illness, and more.

DOES THE DEVIL EXIST?

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the existence of the devil, availability of books on the Liturgy, purgatory according to the Early Church Fathers, and the impossibility of celebrating the Eucharist outside of the Ma

OBEYING ONE’S CONSCIENCE UNDER PRESSURE

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails regarding the pressure to attend same-sex weddings, Church teaching on homosexuality, the temptation of Christ by the devil, and more.

ART AND IDOLATRY

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about distinguishing art from idolatry, the nature of grace, the necessity of infant baptism, and more.

RECEIVING HOLY VIATICUM

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti about how often one may receive Holy Viaticum, choosing sponsors for the Sacrament of Confirmation, whether unwed mothers should use contraception, and more.

HOW TO HEAR GOD MORE EFFICIENTLY

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails, offering suggestions on hearing God better, relating to children who have fallen away from the Faith, the Church's position on organ donation, and more.

PENTECOST AND THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about the Feast of Pentecost and the descent of the Holy Spirit, sinning after repenting, and actions to take when dealing with bad thoughts.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VOCATION

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about choosing the right vocation in life, recognizing children’s role-playing as priests as the beginning of vocations, Holy Communion for vegetarians, and more.

READING THE BIBLE FOR PRACTICAL ANSWERS

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about reading the Bible for practical wisdom on life, the Catholic position on the “Rapture,” the practice of Eucharistic Adoration after Mass, and more.

MARRIAGE IS A SACRAMENT

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about marriage, including: the Wedding at Cana and marriage as a sacrament, how a parent can talk to a child in a same-sex relationship, asking for the intercession of the saints, and more.

PARTICIPATING IN THE MASS

Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Ken Brighenti answer viewer emails about viewing the Mass on television, the use of water along with wine during the Consecration at Mass, tithing and the offertory at Mass, and other questions about participating in the Mas