Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: The smoke of Satan

From a reader: I have a question regarding this document in reference to Pope Benedict XVI’s Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. In Conferentiarum Episcopalium, which was issued by the sacred Congregation of Divine Worship on October 28th, 1974, the use of … Read More

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23 Comments

QUAERITUR: Eucharistic Adoration for the first time: use an iPhone?

From a reader: My confessor strongly recommended I spend time in adoration. I’ve been hesitant because I’ve never done it before, but I decided to do it tonight after Mass. I just have one problem… What exactly am I supposed … Read More

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44 Comments

QUAERITUR: veils and burses

Before the enthusiasts of the chapel veil question get all revved up, this is about chalice veils and burses, which are designed to hold the corporal when during Mass it is not in use upon the altar. From a reader: … Read More

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24 Comments

QUAERITUR: permanent deacons taking role away from priests

From a reader: I’ve noticed recently that permanent deacons seem to be taking over the roles of priests during Mass with anything and everything they are permitted to do, even what should normally be done by priests when one is … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Are Orthodox “Masses” valid?

From a reader: A friend of mine, who runs the R.C.I.A. program in my parish, recently told me that an Orthodox Mass is just as valid as a Catholic Mass. Is this true? (I thought that the fact that the … Read More

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33 Comments

QUAERITUR: Good Friday – vestments for other priests present

From a priest: There is a big debate happening among some of us concerning the vesture for the Liturgy of the Passion on Good Friday. On one side the camp, there is the argument that ALL priests in attendance should … Read More

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15 Comments

QUAERITUR: Use of force to defend a church from vandalism

From a reader: Is is okay to fight in churches ? Can one shoot or punch vandals ? Can one defend the priest, or himself, or the Sacrament ? Many who comment on destruction stories want to put up watches. … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Chapel veils revisited – What color?

From a priest: A quick question: a woman approached me wondering if there was anything inappropriate in wearing a white veil as an older, married woman.  She was told by another parishioner that white is only proper for young women … Read More

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

Card. Burke on women covering their heads in church

The great Canonical Defender, Dr. Ed Peters has an interesting note on the use… here we go again… about women wearing head coverings in church. He has something from Cardinal Burke in the topic. But first, in a nutshell here … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Linking Back | Tagged , , , , ,
116 Comments

Question about Pope Benedict’s Holy Thursday adoration at Altar of Repose

If any of you watched the Holy Father’s Mass at the Lateran, and perhaps recorded it, could you do me a favor? I noticed that the Pope’s time of silent prayer before the Altar of Repose after Mass was especially … Read More

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10 Comments