Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

QUAERITUR: Deacons, blessings and the older Roman Ritual

From a reader: The Code of Canon Law (1169.3) restricts deacons to only giving blessings expressly permitted by law. The current Book of Blessings reserves very few blessing to priests only. My question: what blessings, if any, would a deacon … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
11 Comments

QUAERITUR: can glass chalices be used?

Another question: Father,     What do you say about the use of glass chalices in Mass? Is this practice allowed by the Church, and if not, why? I say that they are entirely forbidden, they may not be used, and … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
33 Comments

QUAERITUR: what can be blessed?

I got a question as a follow up to my QUAERITUR about blessings the other day. Your blog piece is timely indeed. Thank you.While looking at our local diocesan newspaper yesterday, there was a photograph of a Spanish Mass with … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
10 Comments

QUAERITUR: servers using clerical collars

A question came from a reader: Is it permissible for non-seminarian (male) altar servers to wear the Roman Collar whilst serving the altar?  I’ve heard a lot and read a lot of conflicting reports.  Besides aesthetics, MAY they wear the … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
24 Comments

QUAERITUR: bells at the consecration

I receive this question by e-mail: During the Consecration of the Mass if the church bells are rung how should it be done?  We had a TLM at our Cathedral the other day; very nice.  THe bells were rung, the … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
43 Comments

QUAERITUR: changing from altar “servers” to altar boys

A priest reader sent this. Perhaps some of you can post concrete experiences.  We don’t need rants against altar girls here, just concrete help. I would be interested if any of your readers have any resources that would be helpful … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: priestly handwashing before Mass

This came by e-mail: Dear Father, As always, thanks for all your work on your blog. I had a question regarding the handwashing of the priest before Mass in the Extraordinary Form (and optionally in the Ordinary Form). Does the priest use soap … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
15 Comments

QUAERITUR: “novus ordo” vestments without orphreys for TLM

A question came by e-mail: Dear Fr Z, I am hoping you can help me with a question about vestments.  Is it permissible for priests praying the Extraordinary Form of the Mass to wear "novus ordo" vestments, i.e., Gothic style WITHOUT … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
31 Comments

QUAERITUR: Roman Canon “Memento” of the living

In another thread Fr. Fox asked: I know you are busy, so I understand you may not have time to deal with this; but I’d love to hear your take on one section of the Roman Canon as it appears … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: What to wear when serving Mass

I received a question via e-mail: Father,Recently we have been trying to introduce the Tridentine Mass to my parish, and fortunately we now have a new priest who is open to tradition. We have yet to overcome several obstacles, including … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box |
36 Comments