Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: The A Word after Septuagesima

From a reader: The A word was uttered today at the local (n.o.) Mass this morning. Is the A only buried by traditional Catholics on Septuagesima Sunday?   (Or can I answer my own question – there is no more Septuagesima … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
32 Comments

QUAERITUR: words of absolution

From a reader:       I know you are busy but I have a quick question regarding the valid words of absolution in the sacrament of penance.  If the priest says the whole formula starting with God the Father of Mercies, … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
28 Comments

QUAERITUR: children at Mass

And now a reader is seeking to get me killed by asking about children at Mass. My wife and I recently attended a TLM for First Friday, and had an unpleasant experience before Mass. Our 1 year old daughter noticed … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
126 Comments

QUAERITUR: non-concelebrating priests and Communion

From a priest reader: Except when the Archbishop (or another Bishop) is celebrating here at the parish I am not inclined to concelebrate. I prefer to attend in choir as does my associate when one or the other or a … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests |
14 Comments

QUAERITUR: starch and albs

On a lighter and more immediate note: Is it allowed or recommended  to starch an alb? The priest that says the EF Mass for us needs help with the cleaning, mending, etc. of his albs and other liturgical garments. I … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: retreats

Last night in Z-Chat someone raised a question about good retreats. This is a good topic for us to discuss. I think tough times are coming.  Knowing where good retreats are available could be very handy. Too often people run … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, The future and our choices |
60 Comments

QUAERITUR: Did Rome say “versus populum” is “the norm”?

From a priest reader: I thought I read, when Mother Angelica opened her new shrine, there was somewhat of a dispute, because she wanted Masses said "ad Orientem" and others said she couldn’t.  The matter, I think, was appealed to … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests |
37 Comments

QUAERITUR: prayers of the faithful written by children

From a reader: Yesterday my husband (who teaches in a Catholic school …) was having a discussion with the principal of his school regarding having the children write the general intentions for the school Masses.  My husband feels strongly that … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
12 Comments

QUAERITUR: How long must we fast before Communion in a TLM?

From a reader: When [receiving Holy Communion] in the Extraordinary Form Mass is one required to observe the older fast (as opposed to the 1 hour fast required for the OF)?  If so, how many hours of fasting is required? … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
35 Comments

QUAERITUR: How many times may I receive Communion in a day?

A reader in a comment under another entry asked a question about reception of Holy Communion. Can [you] communicate twice if one Mass is 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time and the second one is Conversion of St. Paul.   Yes. … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
21 Comments