Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: “The Body of ‘grace'”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am distressed. I went to mass today and received, as the priest said over and over, “the body of grace.” Don’t get me wrong, I love grace, but I was expecting the body of Christ. … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Forms of 1st blessings by new priests

I’ve had a couple emails lately with questions about forms or texts of blessings by priests.  ‘Tis the season: new priests are darting about, leaving whiffs of still-fresh chrism in their wakes, imparting “first blessings”.  As it turns out, I … Read More

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ASK FATHER & POLL: Sign of Peace at Mass. Not good. What to do?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, I notice that at daily mass or where the mass is sparsely attended parishioners will wave to each other from across the church. Is there a better way to handle this situation? Sure there is! … Read More

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QUAERITUR: The washing of altar linens

From a reader… QUAERITUR: My mother is an Extraordinary Minister of Communion and has to wash the altar linen used during the various Masses. Out of curiosity, and preventing possible sacrilege, what is the best and most respectful way to … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Prayers for putting on cassock, surplice

From a reader… QUAERITUR: While vesting for Mass, a member of the clergy (at least in the EF; the priests I know do it for OF too) will say a set of prayers as he is putting the different vestments … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Criticizing a priest’s homilies

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, our parish priest is a good man, well versed in Scripture, in the encyclicals. He is also charismatic. However, his preaching is dreadful. He uses the homily as an opportunity to teach and goes on … Read More

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ASK FATHER: How to support a friend’s vocation to the priesthood

From a reader: Father, I have a close friend who has been as close as a brother to me who is discerning the priesthood. I think he would make a wonderful priest or even religious brother. What steps can I … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Newly wedded couple kissing during wedding Mass?

From a priest… QUAERITUR: Do you think it is appropriate for a newly wed couple to share a kiss at their wedding mass? If so, the only place in the Ordinary Form I can think of it happening is at … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Excommunication after abortion and absolution

From a reader… QUAERITUR: When I was very far away from the Church in apostasy, I asked a girl to take emergency contraception (not sure if she was pregnant). I knew that this was an excommunicable act, but I persisted … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Emanations from Penumbras, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , , , ,
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ASK FATHER: Dispensation for the 4th of July?

From a reader… The Fourth of July is on a Friday this year. I’ve been told that there used to be a dispensation from the requirement to abstain from meat on a Friday 4th. Is that true? It would be … Read More

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