Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: confession during Mass, not just before

In a comment under another entry, a reader asked: I have been told by some older folks that this was a very common practice at all Masses in years past. Is this no longer allowed in the NO Mass? Did … Read More

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33 Comments

QUAERITUR: positive promotion of good practices rather than correction of abuses

From a reader: You have posted numerous times regarding how to address issues of abuse within a parish in respect to how to compile evidence regarding said abuse, and by what channels to contact the local bishop or the prefect … Read More

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19 Comments

QUAERITUR: Pastor changes the offertory. What do I do?

From a reader: How should I approach my pastor about liturgical abuses he has been committing? The recurring abuse has been his changing the Offertorium to “Lord, accept this bread and wine. It comes from the earth, and it comes … Read More

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31 Comments

QUAERITUR: Are Mass intentions for the living forbidden?

From a reader: Recently, I went to my parish office to make an offering for a Mass to be said for the young daughter of a friend of mine that is recovering from …. The receptionist informed me that the … Read More

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23 Comments

QUAERITUR: When Mass is in an unconsecrate place do you still kneel?

From a reader: Every year we attend a youth conference held in a local hotel. Ever since I can remember, they have everyone stand during Mass. They have even had announcements before the Masses saying that “we will follow the … Read More

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QUAERITUR: recording my own confession

From a reader: Under stress, my mind goes blank. I find Confession really stressful, so therefore can not mentally absorb the advice of the priest nor remember hardly anything he says afterwards. I feel I am missing a lot of … Read More

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25 Comments

QUAERITUR: absolution without any confession

From a reader: There is a parish in our diocese that offers a rather unique penance service with no individual confession offered. A penance service is held and people simply file up in a line, say to the priest “I … Read More

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12 Comments

QUAERITUR: seminarian wants advice about going to a fuzzy seminary

From a seminarian: I was wondering if you could offer some advice. I am what people in today’s church would call ‘ultra-conservative’ I love the Old Mass, Old Breviary etc. etc. I’m at a very [minor] seminary right now …. … Read More

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6 Comments

QUAERITUR: strange things for a First Confession

From a reader: My son recently made his first Confession as part of a Reconciliation service for his entire grade. While they did have individual confessions, there were parts that seemed illicit and possibly invalid. 1. No one was given … Read More

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25 Comments

QUAERITUR: cutting back confession hours before Christmas

From a reader: In the parish where I presently reside, it was announced today that the normal two hours of confessions heard on Saturdays, would be only one hour next week, and no more Saturday confessions before Christmas. The three … Read More

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22 Comments