Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: What documents are needed for us to marry?

From a senior reader… QUAERITUR: My fiancee (age82) and I (age 76) are both widowed and lifelong Catholics. We know what documents we need, but what other church requirements must we go through before marriage. You should have your baptism certificates, which will … Read More

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Down with pews! Away with them!

I have a recurring dream about having to build a church.  It’s Romanesque and open, uncluttered, especially by pews. My friend Fr. George Rutler is in Crisis.  He is talking about pews.   He has a few digressions – he … Read More

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z KUDOS, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests |
105 Comments

ASK FATHER: Does a declaration of nullity mean a marriage never existed?

From a reader… My diocese’s website says, “A declaration of nullity does not say that the marriage never existed,” yet the site also says that a declaration of nullity means “that the marriage was invalid from the moment of the wedding.” These statements … Read More

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14 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can we ask God to strike down enemies?

From a reader: Is it a sin to ask God to strike down an enemy of the Church? Christ the Lord has commanded us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Love for “enemy” comes in different forms.  It can be expressed … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, Hard-Identity Catholicism, New Evangelization, Semper Paratus, Si vis pacem para bellum!, TEOTWAWKI, The Coming Storm, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , ,
29 Comments

ASK FATHER: How to talk to other mothers about male only altar service?

From a reader… Our parish priest does not care for girl servers but allows it. Today we went to daily Mass and a new girl was serving (which was arranged by one of the moms, I don’t believe Father knew about it), … Read More

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35 Comments

ASK FATHER: Is it a mortal sin to criticize the Pope?

From a reader… Can a Catholic criticize the Pope? Or is it a mortal sin to do so? Yes. No. Not necessarily. Catholics are obliged to have filial love for and obedience to our Holy Father. Neither that love nor that … Read More

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ASK FATHER: How to explain the Eucharist to a 3 year old?

From a reader… Father, My son is three years old. I’m looking for a very simple way to explain the Eucharist to him. I have been pointing out the host to him and saying, “See that’s Jesus that Father is … Read More

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25 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can we pray to the deceased who are not saints?

From a reader… I know that the Church encourages the faithful to pray for the intercession of Saints and those who are on the path to being canonized. However, what does the Church teach in regards to praying to the deceased who … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Four Last Things, Our Catholic Identity |
14 Comments

ASK FATHER: “I went to confession at a SSPX parish for several years.”

From a reader… QUAERITUR: After I became Catholic, some friends introduced me to tradition and I began to attend a SSPX parish with them. I went to confession at this SSPX parish for several years. I have heard that the validity of … Read More

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19 Comments

ASK FATHER: “Glass goblet” for the Precious Blood

From a reader… QUAERITUR: On vacation I attended a mass where the precious blood was offered in a glass goblet, a man in a suit and tie (deacon?) gave the homily and the congregation stood after receiving (that bit shocked me). I’m … Read More

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26 Comments