Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Only half-way decent parish near us is still not good. What to do?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: When my wife and I attend Mass at our regular parish, we have always made it a point to receive Communion from the priest. Recently, when we did so, the priest stopped my wife, looked her in the … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Converts trying to make 1st Confession –

From a reader… QUAERITUR: My family and I are converting to the church from Protestantism. We are a family of six and we have been turned away from confession at multiple churches because the half hour before Vigil and Sunday Mass wasn’t … Read More

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ASK FATHER: People say Mass prayers together with the priest

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve been attending daily mass when I can at a particular parish. When at Mass I often hear some people in the pews who whisper to themselves every single word the priest says at mass. I would like … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , , ,
30 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can Lectors still bless bread and fruit?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Recently I have just read regarding the minor order of Lector (I know it has been abolished). It is said that the lector can bless bread and fruit. My questions are: Is the blessings reserved only … Read More

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7 Comments

ASK FATHER: Why no confessions on a feast day?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: At the end of today’s mass (Feast of the Assumption), the priest announced no confessions would be heard because “Sundays and solemnities are joyous occasions, so we don’t hear confessions.” I was dismayed. I find reconciliation … Read More

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PODCAzT 151: Pius X’s encyclical On Teaching Christian Doctrine

Today we are going to hear St. Pope Pius X’s encyclical letter of 1905 on Catechetics, On Teaching Christian Doctrine, Acerbo nimis.  This could have been offered to us today. As you listen, tune your ear for how Pius talks about … Read More

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4 Comments

The biggest problem today is Mass “facing the people”

I’ve written about Prof. Robert Spaemann before (e.g., HERE).  Even though German theologians today set a low bar for clarity and orthodoxy, Spaemann is clearly the best working theologian among them.  And he is faithful.  He is quite close to … Read More

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, "How To..." - Practical Notes, Be The Maquis, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, The future and our choices, Turn Towards The Lord | Tagged , , ,
8 Comments

New books by St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor of the Church, now in English

Lately I received notice of, and a concrete copy of, newly released English translations of works by the great Doctor of the Church St. Robert Bellarmine (+1621). St. Robert was a Jesuit (a good one), a Cardinal, theology and profession … Read More

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Desecrated church reconcilied in Missouri

There are sacred places, things and persons.  Mistreatment of a sacred place, thing or person is the sin of sacrilege. By blessings and consecrations, places, things and persons are taken from the secular, temporal, profane realm and given to the … Read More

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9 Comments

D. Manchester: New FSSP Parish

Here is some interesting news. But watch how it is reported by AP. There is a new FSSP parish in New Hampshire.  It looks like they are having their first Mass there today, Sunday 7 August. From AP (with my emphases and comments): … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Be The Maquis, Fr. Z KUDOS, Priests and Priesthood, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged , ,
80 Comments