Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Turn towards the Lord!

The esteemed scholar and liturgist Klaus Gamber said that the single most damaging thing that happened in the wake of the Council was the shifting around of orientation at the altar.   In The Spirit of the Liturgy, Joseph Ratzinger picked … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests | Tagged , ,
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ASK FATHER: “Dear Fr. Z, why do bad things happen?”

From a reader… no… readers… no… many readers, all the time! In summary… “Fr Z, why does X [X = bad thing] continue to happen in my [FILL IN BLANK]?” Many questions come in with the formula or some variation … Read More

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Happy news from Bradford

Within me two people are constantly vying for control.  First, there is the pessimist.  He says, “Things can’t possible get any worse!”.  Then, there is the optimist.  He responds, “Oh, yes they can!” Seriously, we do have good news. From … Read More

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, "How To..." - Practical Notes, Be The Maquis, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged , , , ,
11 Comments

June, Piety and You

June is traditionally dedicated to foster devotion and piety for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Speaking of piety, consider what you might do regarding your own pious, devotional practices. Hint: don’t be afraid to be pious! We lose nothing by … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: VEIL WARS!

From a reader… Our Latin Mass Community has no canonical status in the diocese. The FSSP has permission to be here, and we share (not rent as some communities do) the parish with the “Vatican II Congregation” (that’s how the … Read More

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Goals for Faithful Catholics in this time of confusion

A theologian friend feeds me stuff which I occasionally share here with some editing and editorializing. Perpend: Cardinal Raymond Burke gave a talk in Rome on May 7. I couldn’t attend, but the great organization, Voice of the Family, who … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants |
12 Comments

Brick By Brick in Ohio

From a reader… Back in December you posted a Brick-by-Brick report about the TLM returning to Athens, OH (HERE) and I just wanted to update you that Fr. Jonas Shell continues to celebrate the TLM weekly on Saturday mornings with a regular attendance of about 20 … Read More

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged
5 Comments

ASK FATHER: Should I say “Amen” if the priest is making up prayers?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: When I attend Mass in the Ordinary Form, the priest sometimes illicitly modifies the texts or even makes up his own prayers. Is it sinful for me to silently pray along with the priest or to answer “amen”? Does … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Saints: Stories & Symbols | Tagged ,
23 Comments

Beware of scams and fraud

This morning I had several calls from someone (clearly from India) purporting to be from “technical support”, who started asked stupidly invasive questions. Friends, legitimate tech support for your products does NOT call you out of the blue and tell you … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box |
27 Comments

ASK FATHER: Is divorce never an option?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I hope you are doing well! First, I want to thank you for your blog. Your writings have been very educational and inspirational. I’m hoping you might share your thoughts on an example that came up during a discussion … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , ,
14 Comments