Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Urbi et Orbi blessing

From a reader: I’ve read in several places, and heard at the time, that the twice-yearly papal Urbi et Orbi blessing grants forgiveness of all sin, and that there is a plenary indulgence attached to it. If the former is … Read More

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QUAERITUR: privileged altars

From a reader comes a good question: Do the spiritual concessions attached to a privileged altar still apply? I heard from a priest that they no longer do. If a pastor of a church suspects his high altar was (or is) … Read More

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QUAERITUR: baptism practices… AGAIN. Fr. Z rants.

WARNING – this has been updated and must be corrected!READ THIS BEFORE READING ANYTHING ELSE BELOW. If water does not touch the head, baptism is invalid. But most of my comments below still have their use. __________________ From a reader: … Read More

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QUAERITUR: Malachi Martin and his novel Windwsept House

From a reader: I’ve been doing some reading of Malachi Martin and in his novel Windwsept House he says that a Black Mass was celebrated in the Vatican.  He was interviewed about this and he says it’s true and that … Read More

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QUAERITUR: marriage validity question

In most cases I refer people with questions about the validity of their marriages directly to a real live parish priest who will be in a position to help them work out any problems they may have. This question, however, … Read More

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38 Comments

QUAERITUR: “We baptize you…” valid?

A friend asked a question by telephone. A priest in a parish baptized two children using the proper rite for baptism, pouring water properly, but saying "WE baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and … Read More

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30 Comments

QUAERITUR: RCIA in “traditional” parishes

From a reader: I’m curious about traditional parishes (both those which exclusively use the 1962 liturgical books and those which would self-identify as a traditional parish) and adult converts in the US. I don’t have the official documents ready at … Read More

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QUAERITUR: kneeling for Communion causing disruption

From a reader: Last month I was denied Holy Communion for kneeling by the associate priest at my parish in ___. I couldn’t believe this happened to me but had heard that this has happened before. I am new to … Read More

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57 Comments

QUAERITUR: Martyrology and the Liturgy of the Hours

From a reader: Can you talk a bit about how to integrate the Martyrology into Lauds in the Ordinary Form?  As I understand it, it can be inserted after the Collect and before the dismissal.  Connected to this, why does … Read More

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7 Comments

QUAERITUR: Birettiquette

I had a note from a priest reader about what I call "birettiquette", the proper use of the biretta in choro. I am looking for the proper use of the Biretta by a priest at Mass.  I know the general … Read More

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51 Comments