Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Liturgical jam up – Lenten Sunday, St. Joseph, Pope Francis’ Anniversary on same day

From a reader… QUAERITUR: 19 March [3rd Sunday of Lent] is the anniversary of our Holy Father Francis’ “coronation”. In the 1962 Missal, this is to be commemorated. I am confused about the date, however: The Una Voce directory and Divinum … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Septuagesima and pre-Lent preparation?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: As you know, the season of Septuagesima starts next Sunday. How can I make the most of it to help prepare for a successful Lent? My understanding it was originally used to ease in to the … Read More

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OLDIE ASK FATHER: St. Blaise Blessing from a laywoman

From a reader… ORIGINALLY 3 Feb 2016. QUAERITUR: Yet another weird anomaly for our Modernist parish is having laity assist the priest in blessing throats on St. Blaise’s Feast. The laymen make no “Sign of the Cross” at least, merely … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Ordinary Form Mass with a Communion rail?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ll ask the question up front: Is it illicit to celebrate the Ordinary Form while using a communion rail? If not, would use of a rail while celebrating the OF preclude reception of Communion in the … Read More

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What to do if you don’t know what to do. Wherein Fr. Z … advises.

My in-box is filled with email from people who are frustrated, angry, confused. I am with you.  I jot people’s names down and I pray for you.  I am shifting my other practices around to include mortifications.  After all, as … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Varia concerning today’s problems in the Church

Since I am on the road and busy with many times, but since these are pressing issues, allow me to respond, but collectively. From readers… QUAERITUR: Given the rate things are going for this current pontificate, would it be sinful to … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Can the Novus Ordo be “ad orientem”, in Latin, with Deacons?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can a Novus Ordo be ad orientem with Latin, chant, a subdeacon and deacon in traditional vestments? Not only can the Novus Ordo be celebrated ad orientem, it ought to be.  The rubrics indicate that this is the standard, … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Can absolution be granted when no purpose of amendment exists?

Under another entry here a commentator asked: Can absolution be granted where no purpose of amendment exists? If granted, with no purpose of amendment, does it even ‘take’? No. And No. In normal circumstances, when there isn’t danger or some … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Diluting Holy Salty Water… Salty Holy Water… just plain Holy Water

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hello Fr Z! Our pastor puts a lot of salt in the holy water. So much so that a MASSIVE crust forms on our font at home. Is it OK to dilute the holy water a … Read More

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ASK FATHER: “I was filling out a family liturgical calendar and got to thinking…”

From a reader… This doesn’t really apply to next year, but I was filling out a family liturgical calendar and got to thinking. My wife and I have recently started abstaining meat on Fridays. We were married on the Feast of the Dedication of … Read More

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