Changing a child’s godparents Q. I was wondering whether you’re allowed to change your child’s godparents and, if so, how to go about it and

Missing Mass on cruise ship Q. Every summer, my husband and I go on a cruise. Not all cruise lines have a priest on board

Difference between priest and monsignor Q. Could you explain for me the difference (if any) between “priest” and “monsignor?” Under what circumstances is a priest

Q. What is the Catholic view on whether there is an actual, literal hell? A lot of people, including some who are Catholics, while they believe in an actual, literal heaven, say that hell is simply death. (Indiana)

Q. Throughout the year — but especially during the Christmas season — we hear from many sources (homilies, meditation guides, etc.) that Christ came “to free us from sin and death.”

Q. I am an 88-year-old Korean War veteran with a question that is not earth-shattering but one that bothers me almost every day. I talk and pray to God, to Jesus and to the Blessed Virgin Mary out loud — every morning and at night before I go to bed. (I live alone.)

Q. I am thinking of getting a tattoo on my arm of my late daughter’s handwriting. Is there anything in Catholic teaching against this? (I want to do this for my 75th birthday which is coming up soon.) (Louisville, Ken.)

Disposition of altar relics

Q. I know there is an official procedure for churches that are (sadly) no longer used for Catholic worship. What happens to saints’ relics in the altar if the church is sold or torn down? (southwest Indiana)

Flags in church?

Q. When I was at Mass yesterday, the congregation sang a rousing rendition of “God Bless America.” That brought to my mind the flag issue. I have been in many Catholic churches of late — especially for funerals — and I have not seen a single flag. What is the Catholic Church’s stance on American flags on the altar? (Niskayuna, N.Y.)

Q. I have a question regarding dating people who are divorced (Catholic or non-Catholic). At my age (42) it seems like the majority of those in the dating pool are in fact divorced. Many of these potential dates are through online dating apps, which don’t list the person’s whole history.