Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Our old, misused friend, “Ecclesia supplet”

From a  reader… QUAERITUR: I attended a lecture today and it was about Ecclesiology The author said that those who are outside the Catholic Church can be saved because of the overflow of graces via Ecclesia Supplet. Provided they have … Read More

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15 Comments

ASK FATHER: Communion service on priest’s day off.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve never looked up any documents about “communion services”. Other than the obvious occassions where Holy Communion is distributed outside of Mass (viaticum, Good Friday, etc.), what’s the story with “Communion services”? Are they allowed? We … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged
21 Comments

ASK FATHER: Confession of serious sins in both kind and number.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: According to canon law, we are obliged to confess our mortal sins in “both kind and number.” Would my sins be absolved if I failed to mention the venial sins in number? YES!  Number, too… for … Read More

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ASK FATHER: “Transgender” nun?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: What is going to happen when someone who identifies as a male , but is in a sane biological based world female, wants to become a priest of some male who competed on the girls soccer … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, B as in B. S as in S., Pò sì jiù, Sin That Cries To Heaven, Women Religious, You must be joking! | Tagged
8 Comments

ASK FATHER: 1st Communion at another parish because grandparents can’t travel

From a reader… I am hoping for your wisdom and guidance here. My daughter is preparing for 1st communion (May 2018) at our home parish. However, my parents, living in another state, are not in good enough health to attend … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Baptized but never lived as a Catholic, soon to marry

From a reader… QUAERITUR: A cousin of mine was baptised in the Catholic Church as an infant to fulfill the wishes of persistent grandparents. But was in no way raised in the Church and never recieved any other sacraments – … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, 1983 CIC can. 915, ASK FATHER Question Box, One Man & One Woman | Tagged , , ,
13 Comments

ASK FATHER: Confessor gave a penance I could not do. Was the absolution invalid?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: A few weeks ago I went to confession, and after some words of consolation and admonition, Father gave me my penance. He said I had to pray to the Holy Spirit during Lauds and Vespers for … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION | Tagged , , ,
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ASK FATHER: CONFESSIONAL DRAMA! Penitent says, “Bless me, Father” and actually wants a blessing!

From a reader… QUAERITUR: One of our wonderful [traditional order/institute] priests this Sunday mentioned – prior to his sermon – that he was surprised that so many of us were not correctly following the ritual of Confession. He said that … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Lighter fare, Mail from priests, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , ,
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ASK FATHER: Blessed candles for use at home

From  a reader… QUAERITUR: I recently purchased some beeswax candles which I want to have blessed in order to use them at home. My question is this: is there a preferable material for devotional candles? Is there a difference between, … Read More

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8 Comments

ASK FATHER: Does Pope Francis really want to change the Lord’s Prayer?

First, if liturgical translations frustrate you, just use Latin.  It is, after all, the official language of worship of the Roman Catholic Church. I have had a couple dozen panicked or confused emails, and a few more that are simply curious, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Patristiblogging, WDTPRS | Tagged , , ,
17 Comments