Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: How can I leave the Catholic Church?

From a reader: I joined the Church through RCIA about five years ago. My experience as a Catholic has been pretty unsatisfactory and I’m beginning to wonder if I haven’t made a mistake. If I do decide that I’m not … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , | 89 Comments

QUAERITUR: Should I remove chapel veil to read during Mass?

From readerette: I recently feel called to wear a chapel veil and wore it for the first time this weekend. It was a very humbling experience. My pastor asked me to take off the veil when reading so as to … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged | 84 Comments

QUAERITUR: Should I teach my child to confess sins in kind and also number?

From a reader: I’m preparing my oldest child for his First Holy Communion. This great little Communion book from TAN publishers instructs the child to confess his sins and the number of times he committed them. Now for myself, in … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

QUAERITUR: How to tell priests you don’t want concelebration.

From a reader: Is there any way for the celebrant of a Mass to inform other clergy that he prefer that they NOT con-celebrate with him without offending them or seeming to be ultra-conservative or rejecting the accepted practice? Con-celebration … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged | 19 Comments

QUAERITUR: After what point of lateness can I no longer receive Communion, fulfill obligation?

From a reader: I remember my father telling me when I was young that if one arrived after the Gospel at Sunday Mass, one could not receive Communion and the Sunday obligation was not fulfilled. My question has to do … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , | 40 Comments

Birettiquette revisited

A priest friend lately asked me about how to handle a biretta while in choir.  This only the first time I have been asked about birettas in the last days.  Therefore, I will repost some information I have shared before. … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , | 11 Comments

QUAERITUR: Am I forbidden to kneel after the Agnus Dei?

From a reader: Our parish has always knelt for the Second Elevation (after the Agnus Dei). This is a regular Novus Ordo Mass. Our priest retired and now our new temporary priest has instructed us to remain standing. I want … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , | 42 Comments

QUAERITUR: Does a parish priest have to ask permission of a bishop to allow marriages in the Extraordinary Form?

From a priest: I am a priest almost 3 yrs ordained last year I was asked to officiate at a wedding which was to be conducted according to the 1962 missal. The PP would not allow the wedding to go … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged , | 14 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is a Communion rail obligatory for TLMs?

From a reader: I am interested in seeing the EF come to my local parish. The main church is a monstrosity, but there is a separate chapel that might do nicely. Unfortunately, there is no altar rail in the chapel. … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Brick by Brick | Tagged | 16 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can a priest wear a Cross around his neck?

From a seminarian: I am currently a Seminarian and still have 5 years ahead of me until, God willing, ordination. I personally feel a priest should always wear his clericals if not also a cassock, I plan to be in … Continue reading

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