Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Lighting Advent wreath during Mass – REVISITED

From a reader some years back. QUAERITUR: Father, is it appropriate to replace the penitential rite with the lighting of the advent wreath? No. Just… no. The longer explanation is, course, Nooooooooo. Attention to the wreath during Mass seems like … Read More

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ASK FATHER: How to pray the “Cursing Psalms” against our enemies?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can you once again address the maledictory Psalms and how to use them? I think you last did so over 3 years ago. Thank you! Wow.  Another third rail question today. This is what I wrote … Read More

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ASK FATHER: “I utterly reject Bergoglio, so how can I remain a Catholic?” Fr. Z’s rant and beatdown.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Now, to the point: How can I remain a Catholic when I UTTERLY reject Jorge Bergoglio as a false prophet of the devil? I can in no way continue to acknowledge him during Mass. Going to … Read More

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ASK FATHER: For the TLM does the tabernacle have to be in the center?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Fr. Z, are there some sorts of specified rubrics for the celebration of Mass in the Extraordinary Form if the tabernacle is off on the side, in what might be termed a side chapel, but is … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Visiting priest says don’t receive Communion on the tongue because of colds and influenza

From a reader: Today at Mass, a visiting retired priest sat down after communion and proceeded to admonish those of us who receive the Holy Communion on the tongue saying that we should cease to do so because it is … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Guidelines for sitting in choir, including birettaquette and also hoodiquette. With a short Fr. Z rant.

From a Dominican… QUAERITUR: Regarding the Pontifical Mass, there were Dominicans in choir. There is a resurgence of the traditional Dominican Rite. I am writing to ask if you can point to a source that tells what Dominicans are supposed … Read More

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ASK FATHER: We can eat halal meat?

For some reason the issue of idols keeps coming up. Pope Francis had a meal catered for 1500 poor people.  He served them lasagne alla bolognese, lasagne in the style of Bologna.  Sort of. By the way… it’s lasagne, plural, just … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Why didn’t the Assistant Deacons wear surplices during the Pontifical Mass at the Shrine? #MassoftheAmericas Wherein Fr. Z analyzes and then rants.

The other day, His Excellency Most Rev. Salvatore Cordilone of San Francisco celebrated a Pontifical Mass at the Throne at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  It was televised.  A new musical Mass setting was used and new vestments … Read More

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10 Comments

ASK FATHER: I’ve lost all desire and motivation to pray, fast, etc. It all seems so pointless.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve lost all desire and motivation to pray, fast, etc. I’ve become apathetic towards the spiritual life. It all seems so pointless. God stopped listening and caring about me years ago, and I feel as though … Read More

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31 Comments

ASK FATHER: Gaining indulgences and “the Pope’s intentions”. Prayer for the Pope, or for what the Pope designates?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: The people in the chapel I attend – lay people and even the priests – insist on saying that the rules for indulgences include praying for the pope. [No.] I have tried and failed to instruct … Read More

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