Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Mail from a priest: “It finally dawned on me that the dysfunction could be demonic.” Then a short rant from @FatherZ

A priest sent an interesting email, in the wake of what I wrote HERE about the need to perform exorcisms of all church properties.   I short, I wrote: […] If I were a diocesan bishop, I would immediately go through my entire … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Can a deacon serve as acolyte in the Extraordinary Form Mass?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can a deacon serve as acolyte in the Extraordinary Form Mass? Sure.  If there are not enough servers for the sake of a Solemn Mass, and for some reason you have a plethora of deacons and … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Hard time getting kids confirmed with traditional rites. Can you go to another diocese?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I wonder if you can help me out here. I have a good old friend who is having the dickens of a time with the confirmation of his children. He and his wife and children really … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: A soul in anguish about the state of the Church. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father, I feel [unsafe] going to Church, which I unfortunately cannot bring myself to do. I firmly believe in the Catholic Faith and all of its traditional teachings. However, going to Mass anywhere has proved … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Cri de Coeur, GO TO CONFESSION, Our Catholic Identity, Pò sì jiù, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , | 35 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can I really fulfill my Mass obligation at an SSPX chapel?

UPDATE 24 June I had a note from Peter Vere which, with his permission, I should add to the post. A number of folks have sent me the following link, in which you mention my name directly, regarding the SSPX. … Continue reading

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ACTION ITEM: How you can help defend the Seal of Confession in California

Every once in a while, some legal case pops up whereby one side tries to undermine the Seal of Confession. These attempts usually go down in defeat. However, each time they are advanced, the needle is bumped ever so slightly … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, GO TO CONFESSION, Liberals, Mail from priests, Si vis pacem para bellum!, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

“This ‘Communion in the hand’ thing needs to stop.”

I received this from a priest… Dear and Reverend Father, I thought that you may find the attached image useful, as heartbreaking and enraging as it is. Today, an elderly woman came into my office. She was very confused and … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Do we receive also the Holy Spirit in Communion?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, as the solemnity of the Holy Trinity is close ahead, a friend of mine was wondering: if the Trinity can never be split, do we receive the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist? I thought not … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Obligation to attend the local parish instead of going somewhere else

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Someone told me that I am bound to attend mass at my territorial parish, even though it is a rule that is not followed by many people. I was told this as reason for why I … Continue reading

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Blistering NRO piece flames the recent USCCB meeting

Beware.  This piece from NRO might provoke thoughts that require confession.  I’m not kidding. That said, this blistering entry by Declan Leary jabs a serious bruise.    Themes: passing v. lasting – passivity and reaction v. activity v. proaction. Let’s … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Pò sì jiù, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , | 15 Comments