Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: holding hands during the Our Father

From a reader: I’ve recently had an “argument” over whether it’s licit to hold hands during the Our Father during Mass.I’ve always been taught that this posture was not a part of the rubrics and should not be done.I’ve also … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
42 Comments

QUAERITUR: finger cleansing for EMHCs after Communion

From a reader: I have a liturgical question for you, if you don’t mind: Why is it that the Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist do not have to undergo ablutions after distributing Holy Communion?   They don’t? Well.. yes, … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
21 Comments

QUAERITUR: 15 Aug – Assumption – Day of Obligation?

Quite a few people have written asking whether this coming Saturday, 15 August, the Feast of the Assumption, is a Holy Day of Obligation. The answer is – at least for the United States – NO, it is not. According … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
31 Comments

QUAERITUR: “The homily consisted of rap music…”

From a priest reader: I recently attended an international conference in Omaha, Nebraska.  The homily consisted of rap music, dialogue with the deacon, dancing, racing back and forth across the "stage" (it was in a convention center), and the like … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
9 Comments

QUAERITUR: consuming blessed salt

From a reader: Is it a respectful and proper use of the sacramentals of Holy Water and Blessed Salt for a pious Catholic to either consume or cook with them, for the purpose of (without superstition) restoring and promoting health … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
20 Comments

QUAERITUR: Canon aloud in the TLM

From a reader: Is there any precendence for saying the Offertory and Canon audibly at a TLM?  I’ve heard a few people who are attached to a traditional group who say that the "silence" in the Mass pertaining to the … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM |
20 Comments

QUAERITUR: wedding processions

You would not believe the dopey things people want to do during weddings. I had a question from a reader about marriage processions. I had a (hopefully quick) question. I am getting married soon and just found out about entrance … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare |
26 Comments

QUAERUNTUR: lots of picky questions about minor orders and liturgical roles

A very enthusiastic reader sent the following list of questions. I don’t like lsits of questions.  I generally like to deal with them one at a time. Still… I will give some response according to my lights. My emphases and … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
12 Comments

QUAERITUR: blessing an iPhone for use in reciting the Rosary

From a reader: Fr. Z: Much of the time, I use one of the Rosary applications on my iPod touch in order to pray the Rosary.  Would it be appropriate to ask a Dominican or other priest to use the … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , ,
8 Comments

QUAERITUR: reciting the Office in the vernacular

From a reader: Under the provisions of Summorun Pontificum the Clergy are permitted to use the Breviarium Romanum in place of the Liturgy of the Hours, as I’m sure I don’t need to tell you. However there are those who, … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
17 Comments