Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Why is Gregorian chant better than “Gather Us In?”

From a reader: Forgive me my ignorance – I am a relatively new Catholic, coming from the Methodist tradition. Why is Gregorian Chant more appropriate for Mass than “Gather Us In?” I like “Gather Us In.” It is singable even … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , | 146 Comments

QUAERITUR: What to give to a newly ordained priest?

From a reader: First, thank you so much for the work you do each day on your blog, in your articles, and everything else you do in your ministry. I know it gives constant support and inspiration to many. A … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , | 26 Comments

QUAERITUR: How much power does a bishop have over the liturgy in the diocese?

From a reader: I was introduced to Canon 838 and surrounding. My understanding is that the bishop is free to do whatever he wants liturgically provided that the Apostolic See has not decreed to the contrary. Of course, he is … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, 1983 CIC can. 915, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

QUAERITUR: seminarians and clerical dress and WDTPRS POLL

From a seminarian: I’m wondering, I seem to remember hearing about a letter or something where Pope Benedict asked seminarians to wear clericals when going to audiences or something… I believe this was in reference to his visit to the … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, POLLS | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 63 Comments

QUAERITUR: The smoke of Satan

From a reader: I have a question regarding this document in reference to Pope Benedict XVI’s Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. In Conferentiarum Episcopalium, which was issued by the sacred Congregation of Divine Worship on October 28th, 1974, the use of … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

QUAERITUR: Eucharistic Adoration for the first time: use an iPhone?

From a reader: My confessor strongly recommended I spend time in adoration. I’ve been hesitant because I’ve never done it before, but I decided to do it tonight after Mass. I just have one problem… What exactly am I supposed … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , | 44 Comments

QUAERITUR: veils and burses

Before the enthusiasts of the chapel veil question get all revved up, this is about chalice veils and burses, which are designed to hold the corporal when during Mass it is not in use upon the altar. From a reader: … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , | 24 Comments

QUAERITUR: permanent deacons taking role away from priests

From a reader: I’ve noticed recently that permanent deacons seem to be taking over the roles of priests during Mass with anything and everything they are permitted to do, even what should normally be done by priests when one is … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged | 46 Comments

QUAERITUR: Are Orthodox “Masses” valid?

From a reader: A friend of mine, who runs the R.C.I.A. program in my parish, recently told me that an Orthodox Mass is just as valid as a Catholic Mass. Is this true? (I thought that the fact that the … Continue reading

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QUAERITUR: Good Friday – vestments for other priests present

From a priest: There is a big debate happening among some of us concerning the vesture for the Liturgy of the Passion on Good Friday. On one side the camp, there is the argument that ALL priests in attendance should … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , | 15 Comments