Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: “penitus” in the Good Friday rubric about celebration of sacraments

From a priest reader: Dear Fr Z, For some time I have been wondering about the word "penitus" in the rubric on Good Friday:  "Hac et sequenti die, Ecclesia, ex antiquissima traditione, sacramenta, praeter Paenitentiae et Infirmorum Unctionis, penitus non … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: What to do about visiting priest preaching error?

From a reader: I’ve been troubled by a sermon I heard last Sunday.  It seemed inappropriate, and I’m seeking your advice on what to do. A visiting priest oftentimes gives homilies heavy on so-called "social justice" themes.  Because of his … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
19 Comments

QUAERITUR: Does a TLM on Saturday evening fulfill a Sunday obligation?

From a reader: Some in our local parish have suggested the 4 pm Saturday slot for a traditional Latin Mass that would count as a Sunday Mass. I.e. what in the Novus Ordo is called a vigil or anticipated Sunday … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
66 Comments

QUAERITUR: hand missal for TLM

From a reader: I am a new reader of your blog, and I want to let you know how much I enjoy it.  My wife and I have recently started attending the Latin Mass in our area.  Now we want … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, REVIEWS, SESSIUNCULA |
28 Comments

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