Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

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

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Your RORATE MASSES – UPDATES

Some of you have written asking about “Rorate Masses” during Advent. This is a beautiful custom – making a come back thanks to the spread of tradition – whereby Mass is celebrated illuminated only by candlelight. They are usually before … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Just Too Cool, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Solitary Boast, The Campus Telephone Pole | Tagged ,
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BALTIMORE: New life for a parish with the TLM, FSSP: Sat 16 Dec – RORATE MASS

There is a good piece in the Baltimore Sun about the newly established FSSP parish at the St. Alphonus, a fine old church.  It is the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori.  Parish site HERE.   NB: They have a RORATE … Read More

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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
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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 , , ,
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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

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POLL: Starting your confession: “Bless me, Father…” or “Forgive me, Father…”

In another post, I responded to a question from a reader about blessings at the beginning of sacramental confession, following the words, “Bless me, Father, I have sinned…”. Of course, some people begin their confession differently. It occurred to me … Read More

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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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