Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Is it an insult for deacons to kneel during the consecration? (I’m not making this up.)

Posted on 18 February 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a deacon:
I was reprimanded today for kneeling at the altar during consecration and told there is an insult in the US church against this -I can find no documents that lead me to believe this is true. Any insight … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can I eat insect parts on Fridays?

Posted on 15 February 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Since the topic came up elsewhere, I thought it a good idea to revive this question from a reader and repost it:
From a reader:
Do insect products count as meat products, and therefore prohibited on Fridays and other days of abstinence. … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Linking Back, O'Brian Tags, Our Catholic Identity, Preserved Killick | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Lent, Alligators and You

Posted on 15 February 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Someone sent me a copy of a letter written by the Archbishop of New Orleans to a member of his flock about eating alligator during Lent.  The answer is “yes”.  You may eat alligator during Lent.
This is old news to … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Linking Back | Tagged , , , , , | 32 Comments

QUAERITUR: What will Benedict XVI be called after his abdication?

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Many have written asking what the Holy Father will be called after he abdicates his office on 28 February.
I haven’t seen anything from the Holy See about this yet.
However, I can speculate.  What are blogs for, after all?
First, I assume … Continue reading →

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI, Lighter fare | 57 Comments

QUAERITUR: Why can a Pope resign? Why isn’t being Pope “for life”?

Posted on 13 February 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I have received a lot of emotional email in the last couple days.  I am a bit emotional myself.
Many questions have been raised by the Holy Father’s impending abdication.
This is from a reader:
Can you please shed light on the question … Continue reading →

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI | Tagged , , , , | 40 Comments

QUAERITUR: Orders of women religious who accept later vocations

Posted on 8 February 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
Father, do your wonderful readers have suggestions about women’s religious orders that cater to late vocations (late 30′s)? Someone in our family is discerning.
I don’t, but I hope some of the readers here will.
The question of later religious … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Magisterium of Nuns, Our Catholic Identity, Women Religious | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

QUAERITUR: Do I say an “Amen!” in the 1st Eucharistic Prayer? POLL

Posted on 18 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
I have not spent too much time observing the four Eucharistic prayers but I recall that, particularly in the Roman Canon / Eucharistic Prayer I, the priest has the option of saying “Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Are the … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, POLLS | Tagged , , , , , , | 52 Comments

QUAERITUR: Concerning the thumb and forefinger

Posted on 7 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a priest:
It is now over five years since I learned to say Mass in the Usus Antiquior. [Hooray!] I have tried hard not to import random bits of rubrical practice into my celebration of the Novus Ordo. [That can … Continue reading →

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Puir Slow-Witted Gowk, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged , | 67 Comments

QUAERITUR: What is wrong with women being lectors?

Posted on 7 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a readerette:
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
I have been reading lots of comments, and seen some criticism of women lectors. What is wrong with women being lectors?
I will open the floor to readers in a moment.
First, only men are … Continue reading →

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , , , | 187 Comments

QUAERITUR: Vegetarian wonders about Friday penance

Posted on 5 January 2013 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:
Thank you so much for your tireless ministry!
I apologize if this question seems silly, but it’s been weighing on my mind for a while: I have been a vegetarian since I was about ten years old. When I … Continue reading →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | 18 Comments