Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

ASK FATHER: Reception of Eucharist multiple times with same Mass formulary

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Would it be wrong to receive the Eucharist attending the Saturday Mass of Anticipation & Sunday Mass? [Both with the same Liturgy]. Since matters of reception of the Eucharist in Communion more than once in a … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Friday penance on 6 January where Epiphany is transferred

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hi Father Z, I’m confused about this Friday and the obligation to do penance this Friday. Our Bishops’ Conference (Canada) transferred the Feast of Epiphany to the Sunday, but we who follow the 1962 Calendar observe it on the … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Which superhero would you be?

From a reader… some lighter fare. QUAERITUR: Sometimes I see faithful, traditional priests as heroes. That word might be overused today, but that’s how I see it. They work in obscurity and take a lot of hard knocks and keep … Read More

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18 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can priests say the “Tridentine Mass” alone, without a server?

From a priest… QUAERITUR: I know that Canon Law currently permits, although discourages, a priest to say a Mass alone (i.e. without server or faithful). I’ve heard that previously, it was forbidden under penalty of mortal sin to say Mass … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Friday penance, abstinence during the Octave of Christmas

From a reader… already… Is Friday, December 30, a Meat Friday since it falls within the Octave of Christmas? It is good to see that someone is planning ahead.  As I write we are a fortnight from the day in … Read More

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8 Comments

ASK FATHER: Enervating, paralyzing shame and going to confession

I have occasionally exhorted you to … GO TO CONFESSION! I shall continue to do so. I take seriously my duty to try to keep as many of you out of Hell as I can and get as many as … Read More

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29 Comments

ASK FATHER: What’s up with the ‘penitential wand’ and indulgences?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I recently read about the indulgences formerly attached to being touched by the ‘penitential wand’ in Rome in the Raccolta. I’ve been trying to find more information about this practice online, all to no avail. I … Read More

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17 Comments

ASK FATHER: Is ‘Alma Redemptoris Mater’ wrong?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: In general it seems that we only ask God to have mercy on us. This is most clear in litanies of the saints, where the response for a saint is ‘pray for us’, but the response … Read More

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3 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can SSPX priest still give absolution validly after the Year of Mercy?

From a reader… For the Year of Mercy, Pope Francis gave permission to receive Absolution from SSPX priests. Has that permission ended with the Year of Mercy or is it still in effect? We can’t find an official answer explaining … Read More

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12 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can we have Masses said for non-Catholics?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is it appropriate to have Masses said for deceased non-Catholics? What about Gregorian Masses? You are in our prayers! Thank you for your time and your ministry. It is praiseworthy and a work of mercy to … Read More

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9 Comments