Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Liturgy director tries to forbid altar boys from wearing cassock and surplice.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our diocesan liturgical director is trying to prevent parishes from having altar servers wear cassocks and surplices, claiming they’re “clerical garb,” so lay people can’t wear them. Is his claim legitimate? Is there any official statement … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Prayers for a sick pet

From a reader… My 10 year old Golden Retriever is in rough shape. How far is too far when praying for pets? What is a Catholic to do when his pet is sick or in danger of death? Is praying appropriate? I’m … Read More

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ASK FATHER: What documents are needed for us to marry?

From a senior reader… QUAERITUR: My fiancee (age82) and I (age 76) are both widowed and lifelong Catholics. We know what documents we need, but what other church requirements must we go through before marriage. You should have your baptism certificates, which will … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Does a declaration of nullity mean a marriage never existed?

From a reader… My diocese’s website says, “A declaration of nullity does not say that the marriage never existed,” yet the site also says that a declaration of nullity means “that the marriage was invalid from the moment of the wedding.” These statements … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Is it a mortal sin to criticize the Pope?

From a reader… Can a Catholic criticize the Pope? Or is it a mortal sin to do so? Yes. No. Not necessarily. Catholics are obliged to have filial love for and obedience to our Holy Father. Neither that love nor that … Read More

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ASK FATHER: How to explain the Eucharist to a 3 year old?

From a reader… Father, My son is three years old. I’m looking for a very simple way to explain the Eucharist to him. I have been pointing out the host to him and saying, “See that’s Jesus that Father is … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Can we pray to the deceased who are not saints?

From a reader… I know that the Church encourages the faithful to pray for the intercession of Saints and those who are on the path to being canonized. However, what does the Church teach in regards to praying to the deceased who … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Four Last Things, Our Catholic Identity |
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ASK FATHER: “I went to confession at a SSPX parish for several years.”

From a reader… QUAERITUR: After I became Catholic, some friends introduced me to tradition and I began to attend a SSPX parish with them. I went to confession at this SSPX parish for several years. I have heard that the validity of … Read More

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19 Comments

ASK FATHER: “Glass goblet” for the Precious Blood

From a reader… QUAERITUR: On vacation I attended a mass where the precious blood was offered in a glass goblet, a man in a suit and tie (deacon?) gave the homily and the congregation stood after receiving (that bit shocked me). I’m … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Priests who do not believe in the Real Presence

From a reader… It is my understanding that the priest’s intention to consecrate is necessary for transubstantiation to take place. I know that there are Catholic priests out there that do not believe in the Real Presence. If the celebrating priest does not … Read More

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29 Comments