Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Penances appropriate for a married layperson

From a reader: I have a question regarding what kind of penances I should do as a married layperson. I feel a strong desire to do penance both for personal sins and as a sacrifice for the conversion of my … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Index of Forbidden Books

From a reader: Is the Index Librorum Prohibitorum still binding, and if so, what does that mean for the faithful? Is it a sin to read books on the list? No and No.  

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QUAERITUR: Does a parish priest need the bishop’s permission to do….

From a reader: Does a parish priest need permission from his bishop to say Mass facing Jesus? Does he need permission to say, “No women on the altar.” Does he need permission to forbid stupid (but technically “approved”) songs from … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , | 23 Comments

QUAERITUR: Celiac Disease revisited

From a reader: My husband has Celiac Disease. The communion is wheat. What is he to do? You have options. First, you can tell the priest(s) at the parish about the condition and ask if your husband could receive only … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Should I, a deacon, go on “strike” when I see liturgical abuses?

From a deacon: Dear Father Z, my parish priest is leftist and modernist (like the vast majority of priests and bishops here in ___) and always changes the words of the Missal, adding his personal opinions. His homilies are more … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Priest at Mass as mere “presider”?

From a reader: I have attended a spiritual recollection of cathechesis assistants of ___. The augustinian frater who led the sessions concentrated on the Vatican II, said in his presentation about the SC constitution: “We all celebrate the Mass, the … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , , , , , , | 19 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can girls choose male saints’ names at Confirmation?

From a reader: My younger sister is going through Confirmation classes and, God-willing, will be confirmed next year. She seem to have her heart set on Maximilian Kolbe as her Confirmation Saint/name. Interestingly enough, the Confirmation class teacher (of 25 … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, Saints: Stories & Symbols | Tagged , , , | 53 Comments

QUAERITUR: Winter Solstice Mass?

From a reader: In [a parish bulletin] bulletin, they are announcing a “Winter Solstice Mass” on Dec 22nd. I have never heard of such a thing. Please advise! This is considered a “solstice” mission with the window aligned with the … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Are we now in the end times?

From a reader: Are we now in the end times? Yes, we are. We have been in the end times ever since Our Lord ascended to the right hand of the Father. Because of Our Lord’s promises to return even … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Four Last Things, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , | 44 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can we write down notes and thoughts during Holy Mass?

From a reader: I tend to think of some of my best ideas during Mass. I keep a small notebook and a pen in my pocket. Is it permissible to jot down quick thoughts? Sure, I think that is okay… … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | 34 Comments