Should I refrain from communion if I don’t remember when I last ate?

Q: Dear Trent, we’re supposed to refrain from eating for an hour before Holy Communion, but I can never tell if it’s actually been an hour or not. A few times I’ve stayed in my pew because I wasn’t sure if it had been an hour since I last ate. What should I do? A: None of us, not even the priest offering the Mass himself, knows the exact moment when he will be receiving Holy Communion.... Read More

I am always worrying that God is not happy with me…

Q: Dear Trent, I’m always wondering if God is really pleased with me. I try to do my best in everything, but no matter what I do, there’s always a doubt that God might see something wrong with me. A: A good way to overcome this doubt is to stop looking for validation, because the very search for it tends to make one feel even worse. As long as you have surrendered yourself to God and are... Read More

I am struggling with scrupulosity, can I overcome this on my own?

Q: Dear Trent, I tend to worry about trivial details, even to the point of being kept from participating in the sacraments. However, I want to work out the matter on my own because I’m afraid the priest I ask for help will be unable to do so because he won’t understand me. What do you think I should do? A: Thanks for your question on this central aspect of overcoming scrupulosity. It can... Read More