Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

A priest asks about exorcisms

From a priest: I am a young priest in the Diocese of ….. A number of months ago you posted from a conference on exorcism you attended in Tulsa. In one of those posts you said something to the effect … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests | Tagged , , | 19 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is it a sin to fast during the Easter Octave?

From a reader: I listen to the Catholic Channel on Sirius/XM a lot and yesterday a priest who is usually fairly reliable made the comment that it is a sin to fast during the Octave of Easter. My wife started … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , , | 28 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is it a sin for children to “play Mass”?

From a readerette: A few years ago, my brother-in-law related a story that his family had invited their (then) pastor to dinner one night. When the pastor arrived at the home, he saw my brother-in-law, then a child, playing priest, … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , | 68 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is permission needed to say the Novus Ordo in Latin?

From a reader: I have searched high and low. When is it  permissible for priests to celebrate the Novus Ordo (Editio Typica) in Latin in the U.S.? Is the permission of the local bishop needed? I am always surprised when this comes … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , | 45 Comments

QUAERITUR: What will the former Pope’s coat-of-arms look like?

From a reader in the combox under another entry: I propose that for Benedict’s new coat of arms, he should keep the keys but remove the mitre and pallium, replacing them with a white galero with 21 tassels. I have … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can we obtain indulgences and pray for Holy Father’s intentions if there is no Holy Father?

Please use the sharing buttons!  Thanks! Many people have sent email asking about obtaining indulgences during the time when the See of Peter is empty, as will happen from 8 p.m. Rome time on 28 February until a new Bishop … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

QUAERITUR: Sundays, open restaurants, and you.

From a reader: I have had a discussion with a good traditional Catholic that has told me going out to eat after Mass on Sundays, or for that matter any Holy Day of Obligation, is a sin against the 3rd … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , , | 34 Comments

QUAERITUR: Are deacons “ministers of the cup”?

From a reader: I am a Candidate for Holy Orders as I prepare for ordination to the diaconate in 2015. We are being told that as deacons we are ministers of the Cup. For our formators this means when there … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , , , , | 25 Comments

QUAERITUR: Extraordinary Ministers of Communion giving blessings as if they were priests

From a reader: I talked to our parish Director of Liturgy today about our 12 (!) Eucharistic Ministers who routinely bless children and adults. She informed me that this has been approved by our bishop, and then berated me for … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , | 73 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is it an insult for deacons to kneel during the consecration? (I’m not making this up.)

From a deacon: I was reprimanded today for kneeling at the altar during consecration and told there is an insult in the US church against this -I can find no documents that lead me to believe this is true. Any … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments