Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Pope Francis said Fr. Hamel is a martyr. Is he now “Blessed Jacque Hamel”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw today that Pope Francis confirmed that Fr. Hamel is a “martyr.” Does this mean we can now refer to him as St. or Blessed or Venerable Fr. Hamel? I strongly suspect that Fr. Jacques Hamel, recently … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Francis, Modern Martyrs, Saints: Stories & Symbols | 33 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can “General Absolution” be scheduled in advance?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our Dean plans to hold ‘The Rite of Reconciliation of several penitents with General Confession and Absolution‘ as part of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In a note inserted in our parish newsletter, [Good… it’s in print.] … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

ASK FATHER: Formal defection from Catholic Church to Orthodox Church

From a reader… QUAERITUR: My brother, who was baptized in the Catholic Church as an infant and received the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at the usual ages for our diocese, was received into the Greek Orthodox church by … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , | 25 Comments

ASK FATHER: Mass intentions for groups of people

From a reader… QUAERITUR: As the anniversary of 9/11 approaches I would like to have mass said for the members of the NYPD and FDNY who died on 9/11. Sadly, when added up that means several hundred names. Can a … Continue reading

Posted in ACTION ITEM!, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , | 2 Comments

ASK FATHER: What are the best arguments they have in the favor of the novus ordo?

From a reader… and please note that when I get emails with strings of questions I usually delete them instantly.  Answering this is an exception to the rule, which I indicate clearly on the ASK FATHER form.  If ya’ll want me … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , | 59 Comments

ASK FATHER: Minimum to fulfill Mass obligation

From a reader… So a friend of mine who’s familiar with the old Mass but doesn’t offer it mentioned that you could fulfill your Sunday obligation (in the EF) so long as you arrived by the lifting of the veil … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

ASK FATHER: Praying for the Holy Father’s intentions when those intentions are… odd

UPDATE: A reader sent: Father:   When the Pope is saying “human person at center”, I think this article might explain the thinking.  [The serendipitous article in question is from today’s page at Crisis.] Person as opposed to power and goods … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests | Tagged , , | 27 Comments

ASK FATHER: Confessions during Mass – followup

Not long ago I answered a question about why priests might not offer opportunities for confession on feast days.  HERE  As part of that entry we moved into the issue of priests hearing confessions during Mass (not the celebrant, obviously). … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , , | 44 Comments

ASK FATHER: How are we supposed to remain Catholic these days?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: How are we supposed to remain Catholic in these days? A commission to study women deacons, after 2-3 previous studies said no? Beg forgiveness from gays? As if the Church was ever wrong to oppose the vice I’ve … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, Semper Paratus, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices | Tagged , , | 33 Comments

ASK FATHER: What to do if your parish is extremely liberal?

From a reader… I am starting the academic year at ___ and attended Mass at the local parish for the first time this Sunday and was disheartened. The tabernacle is absent from the sanctuary, the church itself is round, and many practices during the liturgy felt/were … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , | 30 Comments