Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

September Ember!

A friend sent an email with a reminder about Ember Days.  These days were penitential in spirit.  They were also traditional times for ordinations.  The short mnemonic “Lenty, Penty, Crucy, Lucy” can help you remember when they fall. Today in the … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Confession line very slow and Father looks out at people waiting

From a reader… QUAERITUR: In our parish, when our Associate Pastor is hearing Confessions, he comes from behind the screen, opens the door and “greets” each person, in view of all waiting in line, then is very insistent upon hearing … Read More

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ASK FATHER: How to “steel ourselves” and not come down off from our crosses?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father Z, In your post regarding the 18th Sunday after Pentecost you advised us to steel ourselves and not come down off from our crosses. Would you be so kind as to offer some specific … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Catholic Identity, Semper Paratus, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices | Tagged ,
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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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Solitary Boast | Tagged
32 Comments

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 ,
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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 , , , ,
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