Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: When confessing, do I have to hear, understand the absolution for it to be valid?

From a reader: A confessor I go to has recently made it his practice to whisper the words of absolution while I am saying the Act of Contrition. The first time he did this I did not catch it and … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Father took away our kneelers! What can we do?

From a reader: Our very new parish pastor removed our Communion kneelers this past Sunday. They had been in standard use for at least the last 10 years if not longer. Many parishioners are quite upset, but he certainly isn’t … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Do the faithful have the right to make a confession anonymously?

From a priest: Do the faithful have the right to anonymous confession? If anonymous confession is not available, are they excused from confession until they can get to an anonymous confession? Do priests have a right to anonymous confession? Can … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Father coughed so I didn’t go to Communion.

From a reader. QUAERITUR: Shortly before the consecration on Sunday, the priest had a fit of coughing, and coughed into his right hand. What should he have done? I was worried about the transmission of germs, and did not go … Continue reading

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Friday Penance, the Octave of Christmas, and You

We are in the Octave of Christmas, that stoppage of liturgical time when we can rest in place and contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation from various angles. During the Octave of Easter, we are not obliged to do penance … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Bp. Jenky (D. Peoria) requests… Rogation Days?

From a reader: Bishop Jenky (Diocese of Peoria) has just announced that he is petitioning the Congregation for Divine Worship to allow for Rogation Days to be added to the liturgical calendar for the Church of Peoria.  (Letter of announcement available on … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Father had an iPad in the confessional!

From a reader: My daughter came home from confession last night and said Fr. M was using his Ipad during her confession. She was behind the wall/grate but you can easily see through it. She also heard him whispering while … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Can I change my voice to fool the confessor?

From a reader: I have a problem. Whenever I go to confession (traditional screened booth), my confessors can recognize my voice, and sometimes indicate that they know it’s me. I abhor this with a deep purple abhorrence, and am now really self-conscious … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Maniple on straw-subdeacon?

Here is a new way to get an “Ask Father” question: Twitter! From a few days ago: While they usually don’t wear one, I know of no universally authoritative statement that forbids a straw subdeacon from wearing a maniple whilst … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Geneflecting for Communion in 3rd trimester

From a reader: I attend a NO parish where the priest is working diligently to restore dignity and beauty to the Mass. We are blessed to have him. He encouraged the use of the veil when I (and another woman) … Continue reading

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