Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Vigil of Epiphany: Blessing of Epiphany Water

Wonderful customs come with the Feast of the Epiphany.  Real Epiphany is 6 January, by the way. On Epiphany we can bless gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Please bring all your spare, unblessed myrrh to your priest… and your gold.  Bring … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Just Too Cool, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, What Fr. Z is up to | Tagged , , ,
3 Comments

31 Dec & 1 Jan: Plenary Indulgences!

Today, the last day of the year, you have an opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, by taking part in the recitation or singing of the Te Deum in a church or oratory. Tomorrow, 1 January, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION | Tagged , , ,
4 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

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

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

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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , , ,
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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Just Too Cool, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , ,
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

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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, SSPX | Tagged , ,
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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, 1983 CIC can. 915, ASK FATHER Question Box, Four Last Things | Tagged , ,
9 Comments

ASK FATHER: Seminarian gives homily at Mass

From a reader… QUAERITUR: It has happened at least two times now where our pastor has preached 30 second homily and then says, ” and now our resident seminarian will offer some words on today’s gospel. ” The seminarian then … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Seminarians and Seminaries | Tagged , , ,
32 Comments