Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Christmas gifts for priests

Quite a few people have asked for suggestions about things to get for their priests for Christmas. This topic comes up once in a while, as in ordination season and for the brethren’s birthdays and anniversaries. I can approach this … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Does a priest need a dispensation to say Mass “ad orientem”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hello Father. I recently asked my Pastor if he would ever celebrate the Ordinary Form of the Mass ad orientem. He replied that a dispensation is required from our Bishop. I’ve never heard such a thing. Could this be … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Our old, misused friend, “Ecclesia supplet”

From a  reader… QUAERITUR: I attended a lecture today and it was about Ecclesiology The author said that those who are outside the Catholic Church can be saved because of the overflow of graces via Ecclesia Supplet. Provided they have … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Communion service on priest’s day off.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve never looked up any documents about “communion services”. Other than the obvious occassions where Holy Communion is distributed outside of Mass (viaticum, Good Friday, etc.), what’s the story with “Communion services”? Are they allowed? We … Continue reading

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Your RORATE MASSES – UPDATES

Some of you have written asking about “Rorate Masses” during Advent. This is a beautiful custom – making a come back thanks to the spread of tradition – whereby Mass is celebrated illuminated only by candlelight. They are usually before … Continue reading

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BALTIMORE: New life for a parish with the TLM, FSSP: Sat 16 Dec – RORATE MASS

There is a good piece in the Baltimore Sun about the newly established FSSP parish at the St. Alphonus, a fine old church.  It is the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori.  Parish site HERE.   NB: They have a RORATE … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Confession of serious sins in both kind and number.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: According to canon law, we are obliged to confess our mortal sins in “both kind and number.” Would my sins be absolved if I failed to mention the venial sins in number? YES!  Number, too… for … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: “Transgender” nun?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: What is going to happen when someone who identifies as a male , but is in a sane biological based world female, wants to become a priest of some male who competed on the girls soccer … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: 1st Communion at another parish because grandparents can’t travel

From a reader… I am hoping for your wisdom and guidance here. My daughter is preparing for 1st communion (May 2018) at our home parish. However, my parents, living in another state, are not in good enough health to attend … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Baptized but never lived as a Catholic, soon to marry

From a reader… QUAERITUR: A cousin of mine was baptised in the Catholic Church as an infant to fulfill the wishes of persistent grandparents. But was in no way raised in the Church and never recieved any other sacraments – … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, 1983 CIC can. 915, ASK FATHER Question Box, One Man & One Woman | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments