Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Where should Father distribute Holy Communion?

From a reader… Is there a certain place the Priest celebrant stands to give out Communion or can he go to anywhere in Church? Yesterday he moved a lay distributor where he usually is and went to side aisle. Just … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Another nitwit priest changes words of absolution. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: During my recent confession, the words the priest used to absolve me was: “I release you from your sins in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit” Is it a big deal saying “release” … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can I go to a different parish for Mass in Latin?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am a new comer to the Latin Mass. [?] Words cannot express how much we have missed since coming to the Latin Mass thru my children’s Catholic school. Our parish does not have a Latin Mass, yet … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Priest continues to use old, outdated translation for Mass

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Pater, our parish priest has this book “Vatican II Weekday Missal” which he uses to celebrate Holy Mass. The problem that it is the old translation of the Missal. My question is, when we attend that Mass using … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Giving Latin Church children sacraments before the usual ages.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: My husband and I could potentially have our three children (ages 5, 2, and infant) receive their remaining Sacraments of Initiation while on an extended visit with family in a different state. Though Latin Rite, we … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Liturgy director tries to forbid altar boys from wearing cassock and surplice.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our diocesan liturgical director is trying to prevent parishes from having altar servers wear cassocks and surplices, claiming they’re “clerical garb,” so lay people can’t wear them. Is his claim legitimate? Is there any official statement … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Prayers for a sick pet

From a reader… My 10 year old Golden Retriever is in rough shape. How far is too far when praying for pets? What is a Catholic to do when his pet is sick or in danger of death? Is praying appropriate? I’m … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Dogs and Fleas | 24 Comments

ASK FATHER: What documents are needed for us to marry?

From a senior reader… QUAERITUR: My fiancee (age82) and I (age 76) are both widowed and lifelong Catholics. We know what documents we need, but what other church requirements must we go through before marriage. You should have your baptism certificates, which will … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Does a declaration of nullity mean a marriage never existed?

From a reader… My diocese’s website says, “A declaration of nullity does not say that the marriage never existed,” yet the site also says that a declaration of nullity means “that the marriage was invalid from the moment of the wedding.” These statements … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Is it a mortal sin to criticize the Pope?

From a reader… Can a Catholic criticize the Pope? Or is it a mortal sin to do so? Yes. No. Not necessarily. Catholics are obliged to have filial love for and obedience to our Holy Father. Neither that love nor that … Continue reading

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