Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: More than one intention with stipends for one Mass.

From a reader: Over the years, parish practice has allowed that there be several intentions listed at Mass. These collective intentions are a daily occurrence with some Masses having four or five intentions. Our bishop has recently begun to enforce … Continue reading

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

QUAERITUR: confession by phone, long-distance

From a reader comes a question about long-distance confession, using telephone or other technology. I am on the road at the moment and do not have good internet connection at the moment.  Same old story, I’m afraid: wifi settings are … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , | 14 Comments

QUAERITUR: bestowing “minor orders”

From a reader: With the recent news of the upcoming ordination of several men to the Minor Orders, I was wondering — perhaps you’ve spoken on this — what is the canonical standing of these men?  I know several people, … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged | 35 Comments

QUAERITUR: artificial flowers

From a reader: At the meeting of the Altar & Rosary Society this morning, the discussion about Christmas poinsettias came up. It was suggested that even though real flowers would be used for most of the decorations, that fake poinsettias … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | 34 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is it right to genuflect in a Catholic church?

From a reader: I have become confused by genuflexion and I am hopeful you may be able to clear up my problem. I am a convert from Anglicanism and in that tradition I had always genuflected when entering or leaving … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged | 50 Comments

QUAERITUR: Work or school on Holy Days of Obligation

From a reader: I have a question regarding Holy Days.  I am no longer a student, but when I was I always remember having school on Holy Days (and I went to a Catholic grade school and high school).  Yet, … Continue reading

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

QUAERITUR: In mortal sin, but I have to go to Mass. What do I do? Fr. Z rants.

From a reader: I feel horrible I fell in to mortal sin today and I am supposed to go to Mass, what do I do? Why is this hard? You go to Mass anyway.  Just go.  If you shouldn’t receive … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

QUAERITUR: “free from attachment to sin” for plenary indulgence

Several readers have asked along these lines: To get a plenary indulgence we have to be completely detached from sin, affection for sin, even venial sins.  Since only Our Lord and Our Blessed Mother were perfectly free from attachment to … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged | 23 Comments

QUAERITUR: “bishops in soutanes with big, gaudy riiiiiiings”

We now shift away from the less important issues – salvation outside the Church and American exceptionalism – to focus on something of momentous significance. From a reader: At times I have seen priests wearing a short black cape over … Continue reading

Posted in "But Father! But Father!", ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, Parody Songs | Tagged , | 26 Comments

QUAERITUR: “centering prayer” in a parish

From a reader: A parish close to us (not our parish, but one we go to for confession) has a centering prayer “ministry.” My understanding was that this was an extremely dangerous, if not forbidden practice, rooted in Buddhism. The … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged | 29 Comments