Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

About the Apostolic Pardon given to the dying. Wherein Fr. Z informs and admonishes!

Looking back at some posts, I found this which (though from happier days in 2021, despite everything) bears repeating. Two recent email exchanges brought up the importance of the Apostolic Pardon (AP).  It is also sometimes called the Apostolic Blessing. The AP … Continue reading

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A Fr. Z OLDIE rant! First Blessings by new priests. Indulgenced? NO! Latin texts for blessings.

This has been ordination season, for deacons and priests even in the Diocese of Libville.  It is always a pleasure to read of ordinations.  HOWEVER… there are issues concerning claims of indulgences and about the manner of newly ordained priests … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Our choir is scheduled to sing something that seems blasphemous

From a reader… QUAERITUR: You’re probably the only priest who can properly help me navigate this, given your knowledge of the fine arts, particularly classical music, as well as being solid on Catholic morality. You’re also the only priest whom … Continue reading

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Should bishops “quiz” confirmands? UPDATED with responses from bishops

UPDATE 25 May: Another response rolled in from a bishop whose name you would recognize. Thanks for the invitation. Here as some thoughts. 1. Yes, I was slapped when I was confirmed – although, it was just a tap. And … Continue reading

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The Lord’s Ascension and Roman Beans

We have lovely customs in our wonderful Roman Catholic Church, including special blessings on certain feast days, often tied to the changing of the seasons… in Rome, that is.  It’s the Roman Church, after all. Tomorrow, the Feast of the … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Why do people today freak out about exorcisms?

My mention of a “minor exorcism” the other day prompted a minor flood of email questions.   Some of them deal with how people today seem to see or imagine exorcisms. I answered a question a while back along these lines, … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Kissing the priest’s hand in the Latin Mass v. the liturgical spirit of Judas. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Finally I got my first Latin Mass and it was wonderful.  I want more more more and I can’t understand why the Pope doesn’t want us to have it.  I know he doesn’t like things he … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Can we eat meat on Friday in the Octave of Easter?

We are now in the Easter Octave – Happy Easter! Let’s get out in front of this before the calendar clicks over to Friday. First, allow me to post a shot of last night’s (Wednesday’s) repast. The beef is so … Continue reading

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MASS STIPENDS, INTENTIONS – Do’s and Don’ts

Dear readers, Occasionally someone sends a donation but it is marked for Mass intentions. You should never send money for Mass intentions without first discussing it with the priest involved.  Perhaps sending to an order or institute, sure, you can … Continue reading

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14 Feb. 2024 – Ash Wednesday – Fasting, Abstinence, and You (with remarks on coffee) – UPDATED with comments about brushing your teeth

According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church, Latin Church Catholics are bound to observe fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday. Here are some details. I am sure you know them already, but they are good … Continue reading

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