Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

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

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? … Read More

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”?

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 … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Orders of women religious who accept later vocations

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 … Read More

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

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.” … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Concerning the thumb and forefinger

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 … Read More

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?

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. … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Vegetarian wonders about Friday penance

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. … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Recorded music during Mass

From a reader: Father, is it possible to play recorded mp3s of Gregorian chants during Mass? This scenario is based on the following assumptions: there is no choir available, the existing choir was newly formed and had little time to … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Penances appropriate for a married layperson

From a reader: I have a question regarding what kind of penances I should do as a married layperson. I feel a strong desire to do penance both for personal sins and as a sacrifice for the conversion of my … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , ,
35 Comments

QUAERITUR: Index of Forbidden Books

From a reader: Is the Index Librorum Prohibitorum still binding, and if so, what does that mean for the faithful? Is it a sin to read books on the list? No and No.  

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