Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Why are we responsible for the sin of Adam and Eve when weren’t there?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, no priest/bishop/theologian/book has ever answered my question on how human beings after Adam & Eve can be responsible for their sins when, apart from our first parents, we weren’t even participants in their disobedience. I really don’t understand … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Why MUST one be in communion with Rome?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why MUST one be in communion with Rome? The Eastern Church has celebrated the sacraments without communion with Rome for 1000 years, but still they have wonderworking Saints. GUEST “ASK FATHER” ANSWER from a priest who participates here: Why … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Both Lungs, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Mail from priests | Tagged ,
27 Comments

ASK FATHER: Year of Mercy indulgence when no chance of confession

From a reader… I’m a shut-in in a rural area. EMs bring me Communion on Fridays. Confess once a year (prev. yrs ago @ 2 wks). Really no way to confess @ 3 wks for Plenary Indulgences (Priest has 3 parishes). Any exceptions … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Could the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issue a binding interpretation of #AmorisLaetitia

From a reader… QUAERITUR: As a recent convert and a lawyer (but definitely not a canon lawyer), in view of Pope Francis’ recent endorsement of the broad view of AL, can the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issue … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Parish prayer effort to beg protection from Islamic terror. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I will appreciate your help in leading me to a prayer to protect us from terrorism (specifically Muslim, if possible) that can be recited by our parish weekly during these threatening times. I do this at the behest of … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices, The Religion of Peace, Urgent Prayer Requests, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , , , ,
16 Comments

ASK FATHER: Pope Francis said Fr. Hamel is a martyr. Is he now “Blessed Jacque Hamel”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw today that Pope Francis confirmed that Fr. Hamel is a “martyr.” Does this mean we can now refer to him as St. or Blessed or Venerable Fr. Hamel? I strongly suspect that Fr. Jacques Hamel, recently … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Francis, Modern Martyrs, Saints: Stories & Symbols |
33 Comments

Would the young Joseph Ratzinger – or I – have had the same reaction if….

As I often write, we are our rites. In the new interview book with Peter Seewald, Benedict XVI was asked how the son of a Bavarian policeman became a priest. I have a measure of sympathy with Benedict’s answer. I, too, … Read More

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

How to pray the “Cursing Psalms” against our enemies

Saturdays are my field days.  I field strip my computers (scan, defrag, update etc.), police the Cupboard Under The Stairs, do laundry, try to fill up a garbage bag or two (that’s satisfaction), police both the fridge (especially on a wake-up) and my conscience.  Well, that last … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Preserved Killick, The Drill, What are they REALLY saying? | Tagged , , ,
21 Comments

Women-priest fakers AGAIN allow Protestants to define who Catholics are. Fr. Z rants about consequences.

First, those who promote ordination of women as deacons (aka deaconettes) claim that they are only interested in diaconate for women, not priesthood. While your planet’s yellow sun doesn’t give me mind reading powers, I think that’s not true. No … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liberals, The Drill, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , ,
41 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can “General Absolution” be scheduled in advance?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our Dean plans to hold ‘The Rite of Reconciliation of several penitents with General Confession and Absolution‘ as part of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In a note inserted in our parish newsletter, [Good… it’s in print.] … Read More

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6 Comments