Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: what to buy a priest?

People often don’t know what to give priests as gifts.   As a result I get several e-mails a week asking advice about this.  Here is an example from a reader: Hi Father Z, At our diocese, the diocese of _____ … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
52 Comments

QUAERITUR: Catafalque for Requiem in the Novus Ordo?

From a reader: I am the chief sacristan in my home parish in a large Hispanic community last Sunday all souls day many parishioners came after mass to ask we did not have a false catafalque and recite the prayers … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
33 Comments

QUAERITUR: When to cross yourself at Benediction

From a reader: I have a question that I haven’t been able to find an answer to. During Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, when the priest traces the sign of the cross with the monstrance, should the members of the … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Priest – “Can I celebrate ad orientam publicly without permission?”

A question from a priest reader: I am a diocesan priest.  Can I celebrate the Novus Ordo ad orientem publicly without special permission?  Are there rubrics on how to celebrate ad orientem? Reverend and Dear Father, Yes, yes, yes! You … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests |
25 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can a bishop forbid a priest to say Mass ad orientem?

From a priest reader.  This is edited to preserve anonymity.  My emphases: Dear Fr. Z.: I have been transferred to a new assignment.  At that time I determined to celebrate Mass ad orientem.  The bishop has received letters of complaint … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests |
21 Comments

QUAERITUR: Bought a Baronius Missal… how to set up the ribbons

Here is a question from a reader. It brings up good questions.  People often come to see their beloved old hand missals for Mass as treasures, dear old friend, a life-long companion.  Thus, they probably use their hand-missals in very … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Can the congregation sing the Our Father at a TLM?

From a seminarian reader: Can the faithful chant the Pater Noster with the priest in the extraordinary form? This will provoke strong reactions from the camp which holds that no one in the congregation should say or sing anything. But… … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
76 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can priests say 3 Masses on both 2 and 3 November?

A priest reader asks: I have always said all three Masses on All Souls day.  This year it will happen on Nov.2 for the OF  and on Nov. 3 for the EF. I am inclined to say all three Masses … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests |
22 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can “ad orientem” worship be forbidden?

UPDATE: 18:47 GMT I checked with a friend who is in a position to know these things in an authoritative way: Lawfully, I do not think so.  Provision is made for it in the Institutio Generalis.  cf. Medina’s response to … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Mail from priests |
27 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can a person be stopped from kneeling for Communion?

From a reader: Father,The Wanderer told me to write to you and see if you perhaps answer my question. My question is in regards to receiving Communion. Hasn’t the Vatican said that a person cannot be refused Communion if they … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, SESSIUNCULA |
41 Comments