Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Uncovering the ciborum

From a reader: This past Sunday, September 16, 2012, I attended mass celebrated by an elderly priest. Present on the altar was a covered ciborium. At the time father consecrated the large host the ciborium remained covered, father uncovered the … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Confessor asked if I believe in “reincarnation” because I said I was sorry for the “sins of my past life”.

From a reader: I was wondering the correct formula for confession. I read online somewhere “Bless me father for I have sinned it has been X weeks since my last confession… I accuse myself of the following sins…” (list in … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: May the pascal candle be used at EF baptisms?

NB: In a comment below, a participant posted some points about when the paschal candle may be used in the Extraordinary Form.  Don’t just read my answer and then move on without also reading that comment.  You will know which … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: suffering and grieving over my past life

From a reader: Lately my mind has been getting assaulted by the remembrance of my past life and all my sins; it was rooted in egoism and hedonism- not a pretty sight, and I wish it would all go away. … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | 41 Comments

QUAERITUR: A rule that the priest is the only one in the sanctuary during the consecration?

From a reader: Is it a rule that the priest is the only one in the sanctuary during the consecration? No, there is no such rule. Surely the deacons (subdeacons) and other servers must be there near to the altar, … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Are Catholics obliged to go to Mass on only Christmas and Easter?

From a reader: Father please clear up for me our obligations for mass attendance. Many times we hear that we are obligated to attend mass only twice a year, Christmas and Easter. Yet we also hear that we must attend … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Applause during Mass

From a reader: One thing I have seen at several different parishes is the priest, during mass, after a song by the choir during mass either leading applause or in two instance saying something along the lines of ” How … 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: I went to a TLM and felt like crawling under a pew. But as Mass began…

From a reader: Thank you kindly, Father. I’ve been to the Extraordinary form once. My sponsor was the celebrant. There is something greater there than at novus ordo. Something heavenly and otherworldly was at play. I definitely felt the fear … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can I attend an “Anglican Use” parish?

From a reader: My city has a an Anglican Use parish, and my understanding is their Mass is just like the TLM except, not in Latin. I can deal with that. Is it permissible for regular Latin Rite Catholics to … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: “Essential Directives” for handling energetic toddlers during Holy Mass

From a readerette: I used to be a student and instructor in theology, and I had wonderful, quiet, pious times at Holy Mass. Now I am a mother, of an energetic toddler, and Holy Mass has become an Occasion of … Continue reading

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