Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Bishop consecrating chalice, vestments during Mass

Sacred vessels are important.  They are consecrated (like the hands of priests) to touch the Body and Blood of the Lord. I had this in my email: I am trying to locate the rite (prayers and rubrics) for the consecration … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Of blasphemy and sacrilege during Mass

From a reader: The pastor at a local parish has used a “super-soaker” water gun during the sprinkling rite at Mass on several occasions. In a conversation with a parishioner from the parish, I incorrectly described the act as “blasphemous.” … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Video in place of sermon

From a reader: Is it permissible to have a video homily, instead of an actual spoken homily by the priest or deacon? Now the message was from the [b]ishop of ____ and was about the annual sharing appeal, but it … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Do I have to use ecclesiastical pronunciation of Latin?

From a reader: If I am to pray in Latin, how beholden am I to the regulated ecclesiastical pronunciation? I ask because I have a hobby that involves some pronunciation in classical Latin. Learning two pronunciations of the same language … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Can a priest simply refuse to hear a confession?

From a reader: I’ve never cried over Church related matters until last night after I was refused Confession. I’m in grave mortal sin, and I tried to go to confession twice yesterday, but I had no luck. The first parish … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, New Evangelization, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged ,
54 Comments

QUAERITUR: How old can an altar “boy” be?

From a reader: Is there an upper age limit to serve as an altar “boy” at a TLM? I am a 35 year old father who converted at about age 30.  I’m encouraging my six year old son to consider … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Holy Communion at two Masses on the same day?

From a reader, comes a question I have answered quite a few times, but which bears repetitio. Are there any circumstances in which one can receive Communion more than once a day? I spent Christmas at Clear Creek Abbey in … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: advice to a new Catholic mother?

From a new mother: What advice is there for a new mother? I have no examples in my life, I became Catholic on my own. But since I’ve had my baby, all of my previous devotions I had adapted into … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Can I go to another parish for a “big” confession?

From a reader: I was recently listening to one of your podcaZts about St. Augustine, and became convinced of my need to make a good confession. A quick questions: I would prefer not to confess at my own parish if … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Dress code for teens for dances, etc?

From a reader: We belong to a Catholic homeschooling group and now that our children have reached their teen years, we are beginning to organize dances and formal social events for them. The question of modest dress came up after … Read More

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