Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Confessional etiquette

From a reader: When going to confession, if you know the priest is a Monsignor (name plate on confessional) would you begin, “Forgive me, Monsignor, for I have sinned,” or stay with the simple, “Forgive me, Father, for I have … Read More

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21 Comments

QUAERITUR: Distance of a priest’s valid consecration

From a reader: Dear Father – Like yourself I am not a fan of concelebration, but I would like to ask two questions. These questions came about in one of those after dinner discussions which come under the heading of … Read More

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17 Comments

QUAERITUR: Indulgences for 1st Blessings by priests… again

From a reader about to be ordained: About a month ago you blogged that new priest blessings don’t specifically have indulgences attached to them and recommended future ordinands ask their bishop to send a letter to the apostolic penitentiary so … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , ,
9 Comments

QUAERITUR: Does registering in a parish mean anything?

From a reader: What does canon law say about becoming a member of a parish outside of the geographical jurisdiction of the parish closest to you? For example: Joining another parish farther away from you, but in your diocese, because … Read More

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49 Comments

QUAERITUR: Are gold vestments permitted?

From a reader: Is gold a licit primary color for chasubles? I’ve seen it for many Eucharist-themed vestments, but I don’t know if that’s allowed or recommended. Yes.  Gold is allowed in the Latin Church as a primary color for … Read More

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21 Comments

QUAERITUR: Mass during space travel

From a reader: Could you hypothetically foresee Rome allowing Masses to be celebrated extra-terrestrially? While it might seem more possible on the Moon or a planet, what about zero-gravity where things can’t be poured and other difficulties would arise? We apply the … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Look! Up in the sky! | Tagged
34 Comments

QUAERITUR: Recessional Hymn – to sing or not to sing?

From a priest: Last Sunday at the end of Mass the musicians chose a song that just wasn’t striking a chord with me. I couldn’t muster the energy required to pretend to be gleeful and sing along. As I looked … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Is enduring a migraine a substitute for Friday penance?

From a reader: Would enduring a headache or migraine constitute a proper substitute for a Friday penance? I’ve seen in others how intense the suffering is. Enduring any illness can be penitential. Suffering can be offered up for the good of one’s soul … Read More

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24 Comments

External (TLM) Observance of Corpus Christi on Sunday… yes? no?

Today I had qualms… qualms I say… about the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost for the traditional celebration of the Roman Rite.   Why?  “External celebration”? One of the long-time readers here posted in a comment (tossing some of my words … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, The Drill | Tagged ,
48 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is Mass valid if the priest is in mortal sin?

From a reader: Sometime ago, I was told by a priest that if the priest is in mortal sin, the mass (primarily Holy Communion) is still valid, his argument being that you wouldn’t know that he was in mortal sin. I was … Read More

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