Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: What if someone walks away with a Host?

From a reader: Father, what is proper procedure when someone walks up, receives the Eucharist in the hand (BTW, this is the best reason for forcing receiving it by the mouth) and tries to walk out with It? Twice I … Continue reading

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Serious discrepancies in USCCB’s derogations from the GIRM concerning EMHCs.

From a reader about a curious discrepancy on the site of the USCCB about the General Instruction/Institution of the Roman Missal. On the USCCB site for the new edition of the GIRM [2011] (HERE) there is a link to Derogations … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Things omitted from marriage rite. Was it valid?

From a reader: I attended a wedding recently. A Catholic woman married an unbaptized man in what was just the blessing- not the full Nuptial Mass. The priest allowed (!) the unbaptized groom to omit the “In the name of … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, The Drill | Tagged , , | 18 Comments

QUAERITUR: Should I divorce my spouse to protect him from my long dormant, unknown herpes?

From a reader: I have been married for 12+ years faithfully. To the best of my knowledge my husband has also been faithful. He says as much and I believe him. Recently I was diagnosed with genital herpes. As you … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Can a miscarriage be a sin?

From a reader: I was wondering if it was possible for a natural miscarriage to be a sin. The doctors couldn’t tell me why it happened, but statistically miscarriages are more likely when the mother is obese, as I am/was. … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Will I go to heaven if I die in the state of grace?

From a reader: Would it be accurate to say that if one were in the state of grace at death, one can be assured of reaching heaven after being purified in purgatory? If you die in the state of grace, … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Altar breads/hosts made in USA by religious?

From a reader: Just a quick question: are there any congregations of religious women in the United States that still bake altar bread? I know many communities will sell altar bread from a large manufacturer, but not sure of any … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Why bother going to Mass in the state of sin? Fr. Z rants with hellfire and brimstone.

From a reader: Fr. Z I’m struggling to wrap my head around what the point of going to Mass if we’re not in the state of sanctifying grace. My understanding is when we fall from grace, any good works we … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , , , , | 66 Comments

QUAERITUR: Bowing during the Creed

From a reader: Why do we bow during the Nicene Creed for the lines “by the power of the holy spirit…” and who started this practice? These lines are at the heart of the Creed.  They are, as it were, … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Re-blessing things with older Rituale Romanum

From a reader: The prayers in the old Roman Ritual are sometimes much richer than the prayers found in the current Book of Blessings. Since the added exorcisms and petitions in the older prayers might make a sacramental more effective, … Continue reading

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