Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Advice to new priests in first assignments who suffer under liberal pastors. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

In June and into July, many newly ordained priests have reported to their first assignment as associate or assistant (as my old pastor used to say, “The first three letters are the same”).   These days we hear often the … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liberals, Mail from priests, Priests and Priesthood, Semper Paratus | Tagged , ,
35 Comments

ASK FATHER: Is it a sin to laugh or joke when in need of confession?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is it grave matter to laugh or joke when in need of Confession? (That is, when one has committed mortal sin and intends to go to Confession at the next opportunity.) Aristotle points out that man … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , ,
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Implementing ‘ad orientem’ worship with charity, prudence and courage

My friend Msgr. Charles Pope has a piece at the National Catholic Register about celebrating Holy Mass ad orientem. Msgr. Pope is determined to teach his flock about ad orientem worship.  He thinks that Card. Sarah should, in his role as Prefect, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
39 Comments

ASK FATHER: Last prayer at the point of death

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Forgive the morbid nature of my query, but with the nature of the world today (and the mindset of an undertaker) a question has been on my mind. If one were to know death was imminent, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Four Last Things, GO TO CONFESSION, Hard-Identity Catholicism | Tagged ,
27 Comments

Fr. Z’s Kitchen: Odd Brit Sandwich, Priest Killer Pasta, Beautiful Youth Missal

So there I am, minding my own business, watching an episode of Endeavour (UK HERE prequel to Inspector Morse UK HERE), and there’s Thursday eating a “cheese and pickle” sandwich. “?!?”, quoth I. “That can’t mean what it seems to mean. … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z's Kitchen, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , ,
24 Comments

Death in the Streets of Nice, and You.

Yet again we have cause to mourn the murdered.  Yet again, in France. We have serious decisions to make about our future.  This is a war. I strongly urge you to consider that this, friends, is coming our way, courtesy … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, The Religion of Peace | Tagged , , ,
34 Comments

ASK FATHER: Future spouse doesn’t want kids to attend Novus Ordo, but I do.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am engaged to a girl who was raised attending a SSPX chapel her entire life. We will be married by a diocesan priest in the traditional form. She is unsure whether she can receive communion … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, SSPX | Tagged , , , ,
8 Comments

The connection of morals and “ad orientem” worship

Satan has been dealt a serious setback by Card. Sarah, and the Enemies minions are on the move.  Spiritual attacks will now multiply on the priests and bishops who undertake what Card. Sarah has suggested. I saw this, from Msgr. C. Eugene … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
19 Comments

Card. Nichols’ Letter to priests, reacting to Card. Sarah’s ‘ad orientem’ appeal

I was sent the text of the official letter that His Eminence Vincent Card. Nichols sent to the priests of the Archdiocese of Westminster as a reaction to the unofficial, personal appeal made by Robert Card. Sarah, Prefect of the CDW, to … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, The Drill | Tagged , , ,
28 Comments

ASK FATHER: I have no one to ask to be godparent for my baby.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have a baby due in a few weeks and it is, of course, my responsibility to baptize him promptly in the Catholic Church . I have attended the required class and paid the fee at my parish; … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
22 Comments