Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Blessings at Communion… again.

From a reader: In the OF some Priest’s will bless those who present themselves in the Communion line with their arms crossed. (Although I am doubtful to the legality of this) So can a Priest who is celebrating the EF bless … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | 13 Comments

QUAERITUR: “openly gay EMHC, an ex-priest”

From a reader: I come from a mid-sized parish with at least 10 EMHCs every Sunday, which just seems like way too much. I’ve also noticed that they give blessings, with the laying on of hands and everything, to catechumens, non-Catholics, etc. I’m … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

QUAERITUR: Priest returns to his ad libs during Mass.

From a reader: After almost four weeks of doing his best to “say the black and do the red,” our pastor has started to revert to ad libbing at Mass. At our Christmas Masses, he began by welcoming the congregation … Continue reading

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

QUAERITUR: No record of First Communion in Baptism records! What to do?

From a reader: We belonged to Parish #1 for several years, and that’s where three of our children were baptized. We moved to Parish#2 in time for our oldest to receive religious education and First Holy Communion. It is now time for our … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: What to do about altars with huge Nativity scenes in front of them?

From a priest: As I prepare to take some time away from the during Christmastide, it occurs to me that all of the altars in my home town will have large, practically immovable, Nativity scenes in front of them. I … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

QUAERITUR: Long confession lines, having only venial sins, and blocking someone else’s chance to confess

From a reader: Last week I was in line for a long time, and finally entered the confessional around 3:25. As I was leaving, the sacristan came in behind me to tell Father it was time to prepare for Mass. There were still … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Can a priest act as a deacon in the Novus Ordo? Wherein Fr. Z confesses (and rants).

From a reader: Does the [Novus Ordo] preclude the possibility of a priest serving as a deacon and not concelebrating? From the Caeremoniale Episcoporum: “22. Presbyteri, qui celebrationes episcopales participant, id solum quod ad presbyteros spectat agant; (SC n. 28) … Continue reading

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

QUAERITUR: Getting a blessing at Communion time. Fr. Z rants.

From a reader: We hope to bring 2 children (extended family) to Mass on Christmas Eve. They have not been baptized. QUAERITUR: Are unbaptized children allowed to go up to Communion with their arms crossed and receive a blessing? What … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , , | 33 Comments

Learning Latin responses for the TLM

Every once in a while I get a request to record the Latin responses for the TLM so that people who want to serve Mass can learn them more easily. A friend sent me a link to online recordings made … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Just Too Cool, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

QUAERITUR: Rubrics for Aztec dancers during the offertory

From a reader: On the fest of Our Lady of Guadeloupe the local parish here had Aztec liturgical dancing during the offertory. Everything else was fine, but this seemed a bit off. It opened with the dancers running to the altar … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , | 70 Comments