Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Abstinence on Easter Friday

From a reader: According to the Ordo of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Easter Friday "is not a day of abstinence or penitential observance".  Yet on their liturgical wall calendar, there is a fish symbol on April 17th, indicating … Read More

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QUAERITUR: Gift for a transitional deacon

From a reader: My question is what would be appropriate gifts for a young man to be ordained to the transitional diaconate?  He is a convert and like most of us, very much enjoys the traditions and physically beautiful aspects … Read More

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34 Comments

QUAERITUR: giving a gift anonymously to a priest/confessor

From a reader: Perhaps I am being overly scrupulous, but I have a difficult time giving gifts to my Priest, much as he deserves them.  I do not want him to think that I am currying favor and want to … Read More

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QUAERITUR: What to do with old palms from last year’s Palm Sunday?

From a reader: Having entered Holy Week I’m confronted with an annual problem. What do we do with blessed Palms received on Palm Sunday, or the crosses made with them? They dry out through the week and, inevitably, pile up … Read More

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33 Comments

QUAERITUR: Confessions on Good Friday

Every year I get e-mails about priests who will not hear confessions during the Triduum, especially on Good Friday.  They say the directions in the Missal forbid confessions. Wrong. Some priests, liturgical experts, and even diocesan liturgy offices wrongly claim … Read More

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60 Comments

QUAERITUR: Passion (during Mass) in… What the…!

From a reader: As announced at 1 of the Parishes in DBQ,  IA last Sunday:  "The Passion will be proclaimed in mime at the 4:15 Saturday Mass and 9:30 Sunday Mass." Do I even have to ask the obvious question? In … Read More

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QUAERITUR: How early can the Easter Vigil begin?

From a reader: There is a parish in our diocese that is advertising (in the bulletin and even in the diocesan paper) a 4:00 p.m. Easter Vigil.  Are there ANY circumstances which allow for such an exception to the rule … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Latin examination of conscience

From a reader: I am looking for "examen conscientiae" in Latin, but I cannot find anything suitable for la layperson. The only one I found so far is in the book "Manuale sacerdotum" by  Joseph Schneider (availabe in Google Books), … Read More

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22 Comments

QUAERITUR: Music just not right for Mass. What to do?

From a reader: The director of music (and Liturgy, sigh)  at our parish, a woman with an incredible voice, learned a contemporary song several years ago which she and a male member of the choir sing together whenever possible.  If … Read More

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27 Comments

QUAERITUR: Good Friday – plain Cross or Crucifix

From a reader: I need some help.  For years I remember my parish using a beautiful Crucifix for Veneration on Good Friday (nearly 6 ft. tall and everything).  I am now Liturgist there, working alongside a … pastor who insists … Read More

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44 Comments