Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: “Nice to see you!”, during Communion

From a reader: While about to receive Communion today I was told by a Eucharistic minister “nice to see you” immediately after she had said “Body of Christ,” to me. I had not even responded, “Amen” yet. Is this permissible? … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged | 41 Comments

QUAERITUR: Eating, plays in churches

From a reader: I was in a discussion with someone about eating in the Church not necessarily at Mass AND use of the Church for plays, community events, shelter, etc.   What are the rules for behavior inside a Catholic Church?  … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged | 47 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can choir director teach a song at homily time?

From a reader: I am a choir director and my pastor would like me to teach the congregation a song during the homily. He will introduce me and I come to the front and take over from there. I am … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , | 17 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can I buy a relic?

From a reader: I wanted to know if it is permissible to buy relics. I know that Canon Law says that it is absolutely wrong to sell them. But what about buying them? Also, how do I go about confirming … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Saints: Stories & Symbols | Tagged | 7 Comments

QUAERITUR: Jews using a Catholic church for their services

From a reader: EWTN is reporting that a priest at St. Louis parish in Austin is allowing a Jewish group to use his parish for Jewish holy day celebrations.  There is a picture at the EWTN article here: The altar … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , , | 36 Comments

QUAERITUR: Fragments – When does reverence become neurosis?

From a priest reader: I’ve been a priest for ten years, and the celebration of the Holy Mass is still the high point of my day.  I’ve always been scrupulous about cleansing the sacred vessels after Holy Communion and the … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests | Tagged , | 25 Comments

QUAERITUR: how to address a deacon?

From a reader: What is the correct form of address for a religious who is a deacon?  The internal lore of the community is that one retains "Brother" but some of the younger brothers are insisting on "Deacon."  I have … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , | 66 Comments

QUAERITUR: Do priests consecrate everything on altar? Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader: Prior to the consecration, the altar servers are negligent in removing everything extraneous from the altar.  They have left the cruet of water on the altar, and more importantly, the carafe from which the wine was poured.  … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , | 29 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can the pastor tell the assistant what to preach?

From a reader: I am newly ordained.  An issue has arisen between myself and my Pastor, and you could say, a small number of vocal parishioners. [Imagine my surprise.] It appears as though I am too orthodox for them and … Continue reading

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

QUAERITUR: Non-Catholic choir singing at St. Peter’s Basilica

From a reader: In your valued opinion, and those of your readers, is it permissible/proper/desirable/good for a Protestant choir to sing at Mass in St Peter’s Basilica? Certainly the controversy over bad Catholic choirs being allowed to sing for Mass … Continue reading

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, New Evangelization, Pope of Christian Unity | Tagged , | 52 Comments