Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Pastor “refuses” to let visiting priest say funeral

From a reader: Is it right for a pastor to refuse a family’s request for a certain priest to say the funeral mass of a loved one? There is no way to answer your question, given the lack of additional … Read More

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QUAERITUR: Loss of papal honors for priests who are “removed from the active ministry”

From a reader: Since you have worked within the hallowed halls of the Vatican, would you comment on the revocation of papal honors (e.g. Chaplain of His Holiness, Honorary, P.A.) of priest who have been “removed from the active ministry” … Read More

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QUAERITUR: Are Eastern Catholics also “Roman” Catholics?

From a reader: Are ALL Catholics, (Eastern Rite Church) considered Roman Catholics? Or do they go by the name of the rite, like Maronite Rite Catholics? Had to answer this question in school, and didn’t know the difference. I am … Read More

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49 Comments

QUAERITUR: Priest lost use of arm. Is Mass still valid?

From a reader: A priest I know has temporarily lost the use of his left arm because of surgery and has been saying Mass using his right arm only. He keeps his left arm under the chasuble, and someone else … Read More

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QUAERITUR: Is “I absolve you” alone sufficient for validity?

From a reader: Dear Fr. Z I recently went to confession, the priest said everything correctly (atleast, im pretty sure he did anyway) up until the part where he is suppose to say “I absolve you of you’r sins.” but, … Read More

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17 Comments

QUAERITUR: Mentioning names of those for whom Mass is offered.

From a reader: I will make this short. Why is the name of the person for whom the Mass is beign said not mentioned by the priest any more? There is no hard and fast universal custom about this from … Read More

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24 Comments

QUAERITUR: Usher dressing down mothers over children with TOYS, God forbid, during LATIN MASS!

From a reader: Today at Mass, it would seem my very active 3 year old was being a little too loud with one of his small toy cars (he wasn’t all that interested in coloring one of his three catholic … Read More

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156 Comments

QUAERITUR: Requesting Mass in Latin in the Ordinary Form

From a reader: Can one use the provisions of Summorum Pontificum as the basis for requesting that an occasional OF Mass be said in Latin? I want to have all my ducks in a row (i.e. asking an organist and cantor … Read More

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25 Comments

QUAERITUR: Before Mass ended the congregation blessed the priest

From a reader: On Priesthood Sunday just before Mass ended, the resident nun took to the ambo and asked the congregation to extend their hands to bless the priest. She then led a fairly lengthy blessing. My wife and I were uncomfortable with … Read More

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18 Comments

QUAERITUR: Praying “ad orientem” as a family in the home

From a reader: Since I have found your blog, I have read it with much interest. You recently had a post regarding “ad orientem” at Mass. What would be “proper”/traditional way to have a catholic family pray. We often pray in … Read More

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