Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Visiting priest says don’t receive Communion on the tongue because of colds and influenza

From a reader: Today at Mass, a visiting retired priest sat down after communion and proceeded to admonish those of us who receive the Holy Communion on the tongue saying that we should cease to do so because it is … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Guidelines for sitting in choir, including birettaquette and also hoodiquette. With a short Fr. Z rant.

From a Dominican… QUAERITUR: Regarding the Pontifical Mass, there were Dominicans in choir. There is a resurgence of the traditional Dominican Rite. I am writing to ask if you can point to a source that tells what Dominicans are supposed … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: We can eat halal meat?

For some reason the issue of idols keeps coming up. Pope Francis had a meal catered for 1500 poor people.  He served them lasagne alla bolognese, lasagne in the style of Bologna.  Sort of. By the way… it’s lasagne, plural, just … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Why didn’t the Assistant Deacons wear surplices during the Pontifical Mass at the Shrine? #MassoftheAmericas Wherein Fr. Z analyzes and then rants.

The other day, His Excellency Most Rev. Salvatore Cordilone of San Francisco celebrated a Pontifical Mass at the Throne at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  It was televised.  A new musical Mass setting was used and new vestments … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: I’ve lost all desire and motivation to pray, fast, etc. It all seems so pointless.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve lost all desire and motivation to pray, fast, etc. I’ve become apathetic towards the spiritual life. It all seems so pointless. God stopped listening and caring about me years ago, and I feel as though … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Gaining indulgences and “the Pope’s intentions”. Prayer for the Pope, or for what the Pope designates?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: The people in the chapel I attend – lay people and even the priests – insist on saying that the rules for indulgences include praying for the pope. [No.] I have tried and failed to instruct … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Should I accept an invitation to be installed as an acolyte?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: First, thanks. Your blog helped me find my way back into the Church after many years and was very formative for me. I and several other men I’m close with have been asked by our pastor … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Am I still forgiven if I don’t to my assigned penance?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw a tweet about a question on confession.  The person said the penance she got from the priest in confession was hard but she didn’t completely do it.  She wanted to know if she was … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: A priest asks about “behind the lines” warfare against the Enemy.

From a priest in a European country writes… QUAERITUR: First thanks for your blog. It`s one of the things that kept me sane during my seminary years. [Thanks for that!] I`m a newly ordained priest from ___. A few moments … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Be The Maquis, Mail from priests, Si vis pacem para bellum! | 12 Comments

ASK FATHER: Is Francis an Antipope because Cardinals conspired and the conclave was invalid?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: In your podcast the other about [Fr. Thomas G.] Weinandy’s idea of an “internal papal schism” you said that nobody is saying that Bergoglio is an Antipope. But there are people saying that and Bergoglio is … Continue reading

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