CATHOLIC Q & A

In this question and answer compendium, topics encompassing many aspects of Catholic religious, practical, and moral life are discussed, including the Bible, the Mass and sacraments, divorce and remarriage, saints, attitudes toward other religions, and end of life issues. Since shortly after Vatican Council II, Father John J. Dietzen has been addressing questions about Catholicism in his weekly columns; these authoritative, comprehensive, and up to date answers about Catholic belief and life will inform and challenge practicing and lapsed Catholics, curious Christians, and others who wish to learn more about the Roman Catholic faith. Written in an engaging and warm pastoral style, this comprehensive reference avoids tedium while conveying concise information and covers many situations that are not addressed in the traditional Catechism. Areas where church teaching is silent are explored, and official church positions are explained in plain language. Hundreds of questions are drawn from years of ministry and counseling, while new queries have been added to address current trends and issues.

John J. Dietzen is a retired Catholic pastor whose career has spanned 40 years in pastoral ministry, marriage and family education, and journalism. His weekly question and answer column is syndicated nationally in nearly 40 Catholic newspapers, and he also writes a weekly column for the Peoria Journal-Star. He teaches philosophy and conducts parish missions and retreats for men, women, and couples and serves as episcopal vicar for retired priests in his diocese. He lives in Peoria, Illinois.