Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Dealing with “blessings” from Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

From a reader… QUAERITUR: At Mass yesterday, I saw an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion dispensing “blessings” for those in line who have not yet received their First Communion or were choosing simply to come up for a blessing. As … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Father says that rubrics are only suggestions

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am a member of a consultative body for our parish. During a lively (for lack of a less-positive term) discussion at a recent meeting we were told by our pastor that the GIRM is, in … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Confession and absolution via text message? Phone? VOIP?

A question pops up once in a while and I have dealt with it before.  Can you be absolved over the phone or by internet?  NO.  That would be INVALID. I was alerted to this post at the site of … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Stole-less confession. Okay?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Does a priest have to wear a stole during confession? I surprised a priest and asked for confession and he did without a stole. No, a priest does not have to wear a stole. The stole is … Read More

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Request to readers: towel rack… yes… you read that right…

If I had to build a church or restructure one, there are some traditional things that I would be sure to include in the sacristy. I would make sure there are adequately deep drawers and closets for vestments, a vault, a … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Friday fish and chips cooked in beef fat? POLL: “meatless Fridays”

POLL BELOW! This is a repost of a by now classic here from a few years ago.  It is still useful (and fun). From a reader: I was watching TV last night & on the program they were talking about … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , ,
61 Comments

ASK FATHER: Lent and the ol’ aligator on Friday dilemma!

I have posted on this in the past, but repetita iuvant as we say in Latin. ORIGINAL: Someone sent me a copy of a letter written by the Archbishop of New Orleans to a member of his flock about eating alligator … Read More

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22 Comments

ASK FATHER: How to respond when homosexuals tell you they’re “married”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our comings and goings in civil society are going to be getting markedly more and more difficult, especially as “gay marriage” becomes legal in state after state, and as “transgendered” people are being allowed to have … Read More

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37 Comments

ASK FATHER: Children and ashes

From a reader: Are children of any age able to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday or is First Communion/Confirmation required first? My son is almost 2. Yes, children of any age can receive ashes.  That’s up to you parents and, … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Can I smoke marijuana?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I enjoy smoking marijuana from time to time (about once a week). I’m trying to be a better Catholic and was wondering if I absolutely have to give this up? To put it into context, when … Read More

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