Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: New Zealand – a Maori chant instead of consecration bells

From a reader: I was reading in the local Archdiocesan paper about a new development in the liturgy here in New Zealand. Instead of the use of bells at the time of consecration in some parishes (I know two) a … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
35 Comments

QUAERITUR: age for starting to train altar boys

An e-mail came with a question. It came without a subject in the subject line and I usually just delete them, but I opened this one. What is the "rule of thumb" ,age wise, for boys to start to train … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: extraordinary ministers and “approach the altar”

From a reader: I have a question about the Redemptionis Sacramentum requirement that the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion do not "approach the altar" until after the priest’s Communion… What is meant by "approach the altar"? Does it mean they should … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged ,
30 Comments

QUAERITUR: altar and ambo

From a reader: What is the significance of the ambo being elevated? Should it be as high as the altar? What should their positioning be relative to one another? I ask these questions, because I recently made the statement that … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
18 Comments

QUAERITUR: priest adds words to the consecration

From a reader: I had a question regarding a practice that occurs at my parish. One of our associates who offers Mass changes words here and there which I know do not invalidate the Mass, although it is a serious … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
10 Comments

QUAERITUR: use of a microphone during a TLM Canon

From a reader: a new tlm has begun in my town and some newcomers have complained about inaudibility and wanting to hear every prayer in order to better understand.  those in charge have put a mic on the priest and … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
23 Comments

QUAERITUR: yet another absolution formula variation

From a reader: I went to confession yesterday and the priest used the form "I absolve you of all your sins" instead of "I absolve you of your sins". I asked the priest and he said this was the approved … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
19 Comments

QUAERITUR: Sunday’s Mass on Monday

From a reader: A local parish has a Spanish-language Mass on Monday night, but uses Sunday’s liturgy.  Is this ever allowed, even with a dispensation?  If so, would it fulfill one’s Sunday obligation?  It seems very strange to me.   … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
6 Comments

QUAERITUR: oddities from a priest during Mass, invalid consecration?

From a reader: I have a question about the validity of the consecration.  I attended two NO Masses this week and as each priest said, "…broke the bread…", they broke the bread with an audible crack.  One priest held the … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
16 Comments

QUAERITUR: I comment on noise in church, the priest reacts badly

From a reader: My family always prays after the Novus Ordo Mass at our little country church (fits about 150) the prayers commonly recited after the Low Mass. Unfortunately, once the last note fades from the recessional, all other parishioners … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
51 Comments