Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

The crisis of priestly vocations: good advice from a smart priest

More on the issue of vocations to the priesthood.  Allow me, first, to say that the “crisis” of vocations was created and it’s perpetuation is also not only tolerated but, in some places, fostered.  That said, it is probable that in most … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Priests and Priesthood, Seminarians and Seminaries, Semper Paratus, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices, Turn Towards The Lord | Tagged , ,
29 Comments

ASK FATHER: Civil divorce but stay together as married couple?

From a reader: I (think) I have a tough question (“hagan lío”?): Can a man and a woman, who validly embraced the Sacrament of Marriage 10 years ago and who STILL WANT to carry on living as husband and wife … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, HONORED GUESTS, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , ,
22 Comments

Watching Texas, etc. Dear readers… plan for disasters.

I have just tuned in for the first time in several days with any real attention to the news. I see that about an hour and a half ago as I write, N. Korea launched a missile over Japan. My … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Semper Paratus, Si vis pacem para bellum!, TEOTWAWKI | Tagged ,
7 Comments

What is the best translation of St. Augustine’s “Confessions”?

On this glorious feast of St. Augustine, allow me to repost an answer to a question I get fairly often and answer off the blog: QUAERITUR: What is the best translation of St. Augustine’s Confessions? It depends a little on who … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: Recitation of Office completely silently? Prepare, Fathers, to wince!

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have seen a tendency for people who have a duty to say the Office attempt to satisfy their obligation without mouthing the words with air passing through the lips. Has the liturgical law changed? I’m … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: 1965 Missal at Fontgombault

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I read this over at Tradinews [in French… my trans]: When the Abbey of Fontgombault and the communities that were founded from it took up again the celebration of the traditional liturgy, they obtained permission from the … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged ,
14 Comments

Reader Feedback and a Lesson about Rash Judgment

I appreciate the feedback I get from readers through my CONTACT form (always on the top menu).  It makes my day and keeps me motivated. I was just a teenager when I started reading your words of wisdom on the … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Reader Feedback, The Drill | Tagged
1 Comment

ASK FATHER: Heavy-handed priest imposes quirky personal whims on TLM

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I kindly ask your opinion (and perhaps advice) on the following matter of great importance to our local TLM community. The rector of the church (who sometimes celebrates the EF for us, but we are not … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: Deacon consumed unconsecrated Hosts which dropped to the floor

From a reader… QUAERITUR: At Mass on the Assumption, the lady carrying the hosts for the offertory was unable to carry the container level (appeared to have Parkinson’s and was shaking) and dropped several on the floor. The deacon noticed, … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: Communion for organist after Mass

From a reader… QUAERITUR: When leaving Church I noticed a deacon (not the deacon of the Mass) giving the Eucharist to the organist after the Mass had ended (up in the choir loft). There is singing or playing any time … Read More

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