Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: When a bishop writes a book, does it need an “Imprimatur”?

From a reader: When a bishop/cardinal writes a book (e.g. Cardinal Wuerhl’s “Seek First the Kingdom”, is an imprimatur required, and if so, who is the ecclesial authority for that imprimatur. If no imprimatur, does that mean doctrinal/moral error in … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

QUAERITUR: Immaculate Conception 2013 – Holy Day of Obligation… NOT

From a reader: I know that the Immaculate Conception is transferred to December 9th this year. Is it obligatory to attend mass on that day? This year, 2013, 8 December falls on a Sunday.  For this reason, according to the Ordinary Form calendar, the … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , | 33 Comments

QUAERITUR: Indulgences for Poor Souls, but cemetery is locked.

From a reader: I pass a Catholic cemetery to and from work every day (in fact, it is the diocesan cemetery where my spouse and I bought plots). I want to stop and say prayers for the souls in Purgatory, … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

QUAERITUR: Pilgrimages

From a reader: Do you lead regular pilgrimages each year? If so, do you post these on your blog so we could also go? My husband and I try to go on pilgrimage once a year. God bless you! I … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Can a rector or bishop forbid seminarians or priests use of the cassock?

From a reader: In my diocese there are a small number of seminarians who wish to wear their cassock after their first year of study at the seminary. They have approached the bishop and rector about doing so, but both have refused to … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, Seminarians and Seminaries | Tagged , , , , | 41 Comments

QUAERITUR: Legal name changes and baptism certificates

From a reader: When you get married in the Catholic church, you are required to obtain a baptismal certificate. If you have your name legally changed such that it no longer matches the name on the baptismal certificate, where do you stand. Is … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Forcing people to pray “spontaneously”. (Turn the tables on ’em.)

From a professed sisterly readerette: Many teachers on our staff are involved with the Charismatic Movement, including our principal. At the end of our faculty meetings she goes around the table requiring each teacher to make a spontaneous prayer. I am not comfortable … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Just Too Cool, Lighter fare | Tagged , , , | 40 Comments

QUAERITUR: Sacraments for children at some different parish?

From a reader: Can I arrange for my daughter to eventually attend catechism classes, and have First Communion and Confirmation in a parish outside of our geographical parish? Or is she required to receive the sacraments in our geographical parish unless the parish … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , | 21 Comments

QUAERITUR: People’s names on chalices, windows, etc.

From a  reader: I have noticed that on some of the vessels, vestments, and crucifix at Mass, there is an inscription to a deceased person. Is this a tradition? Is there some sort of indulgence for the deceased person? Yes, it is … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Can bishops forbid people from going to SSPX chapels?

From a reader: A little over a year ago, the bishop of the Diocese of Calgary issued a statement banning Catholics in Calgary from attending the SSPX church stating that: “1. According to Canon 300 – No association may call itself catholic except … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , | 65 Comments