63 Questions to Ask a Catholic Priest

If you’re curious about the Catholic faith or thinking about becoming Catholic, you may have a lot of questions for a priest. Asking questions is a good way to learn more about a subject, and that goes for Catholicism, too. If you want to learn more about the Catholic faith but don’t know where to start, don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask a Catholic priest that will help you begin your journey

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you want – after all, priests are there to help you! With that said, let’s dive in.

63 Questions that can help you learn more about the Catholic Church and its teachings:

How did you become a priest?
Are you happy with your decision?
Do you think you’ll remain a priest for the rest of your life?
Do you have close friendships with other priests?
Who was your favorite teacher in seminary and why?
Where did you do your seminary training?
What do you like best about being a priest?
What do you like least about being a priest?
Do you have any funny or memorable stories from your time as a priest so far?
How do you spend your free time? (Outside of worship and confession)
Who’s your favorite saint and why?
What’s your favorite passage in the Bible?
What do you like most about the Catholic Church?
What reform would you like to see in the Church?
How can I get involved in my local church community?
I’m struggling with my faith – where can I turn for help?
What really happened during the Reformation?
What is Catholic Social Teaching and how does it affect me?
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the Catholic Church today?
What do you think Catholics can do to make a difference in the world?
What do you think is the most important thing Catholics should do in their daily lives?
What are some different Marian devotions practiced by Catholics?
What are some of the different ways that Catholics can pray?
What’s the Catholic Church’s stance on social issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and contraception?
What’s the difference between the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations?
How do I know if I’m called to become a priest or religious sister/brother?
I want to learn more about Catholicism, but where do I start?
What are the different sacraments and what do they mean?
What are the benefits of the sacraments for me and why are they important?
Confessing my sins – is that really necessary? Why can’t I just ask God for forgiveness directly?
What is confession and why is it important?
How often should one confess?
What are the steps to a good confession?
What’s the Catholic Church’s stance on same-sex marriage?
Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the saints? Isn’t this idolatry?
Who are the saints and why are they important?
What’s purgatory and do I have to go there after I die?
Is there anything Catholics believe in that’s not in the Bible?
Who was Pope Benedict XVI and why did he resign from his position?
Who’s Pope Francis and what has he done for the Catholic Church so far?
What does “ex-cathedra” mean and when was it last used?
What is an indulgence and how do I obtain one?
Why do Catholics believe in the Eucharist?
What’s transubstantiation?
How does the Eucharist nourish us spiritually?
What’s the difference between mortal sins and venial sins?
What are some examples of venial sins?
What are some examples of mortal sins?
If we die with mortal sins unforgiven, will we go to hell?
How can we be sure that our deceased loved ones are in heaven?
Do unbaptized infants go to heaven?
Can you explain limbo? Is it still a thing in the Catholic Church?
What do you think about Catholic education?
What do you think about theological studies for lay people?
How can the laity support priests in their ministry?
Do you think there should be more women priests?
Do you think there should be married priests?
What do you think about interfaith dialog and cooperation, especially with Muslims?
What are your thoughts on social justice and caring for the poor and needy?
What do you think about the current state of the Catholic Church in America?
I’m not Catholic, but I want to learn more about the faith – where do I start?
What resources are available to me if I want to learn more about Catholicism or convert to Catholicism?
Is there anything else people should know about priests or the priesthood that they may not know?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Catholic priest and a monsignor?

A Catholic priest is a member of the clergy who serves as a religious leader within the Catholic Church. They are responsible for performing various religious rituals, such as celebrating Mass and leading prayer services.

In contrast, a monsignor is a higher-ranking member of the Catholic clergy who usually holds an administrative position within the church. They may have more authority over other priests and are often involved in various decision-making processes within the Church.

Overall, there’s a significant difference between a Catholic priest and a monsignor, with the latter having more responsibility and authority within the Church hierarchy.

Why do Catholics confess to a priest?

Catholic confession is a central part of the Catholic faith because it allows Catholics to seek forgiveness for their sins from a priest. This process helps Catholics maintain a close relationship with God, and it also allows them to confess their faults and resolve to better themselves in the future. There are many reasons why Catholics turn to confession.

These include a desire for spiritual renewal and a connection to God, a need for guidance and support from the Church, and a desire to receive absolution for past transgressions. Ultimately, confession is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and has played an important role in shaping the spiritual lives of Catholics throughout history.

Why do Catholics call priests fathers?

Catholics call priests “fathers” because they see them as spiritual leaders and guides. Priests play an important role in the Catholic community by counseling, supporting, and inspiring their parishioners. They are also seen as authorities on matters of faith and morals, helping Catholics understand the teachings of the Church and live them out in their daily lives.

In addition, priests are often seen as fatherly figures who provide Catholics with a sense of comfort and stability in times of need. By referring to priests as “fathers,” Catholics recognize the important role these men play in guiding them on their spiritual journey.

What are the qualities of a good priest?

A good priest has a deep understanding of the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church and a strong commitment to serving others and spreading the message of love and compassion that is at the heart of Christianity.

A good priest must also have a strong spirituality and faith exemplifying humility, empathy, compassion, and kindness in all aspects of his work. In addition to these qualities, a good priest also strives to keep abreast of the latest theological developments to provide advice and support to those seeking spiritual growth.

All in all, a good priest embodies the core values and beliefs of Catholicism and helps others follow their own spiritual path with grace, compassion, and wisdom.

Conclusion

We hope this list of questions has helped you feel more prepared to speak with a priest about Catholicism! If you have other questions that we haven’t covered here, or if you’re looking for more information on any of the topics we did cover, feel free to reach out to your local parish priest or visit your diocese’s website for more information.