Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Does a short homily or no homily invalidate the Mass?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: One would think having the bishop allow a diocesan priest to do the Tridentine Mass would fill the faithful with joy. However this priest (who strongly objects to the NO) also is angry with his TLM … Read More

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ASK FATHER: What is a reasonable donation to a priest for a request to say a Mass?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: What is a reasonable ordinary donation to a priest in connection with a request to say a mass. Or a reasonable range? I understand that it is not strictly necessary to send a certain amount, and … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Cancelled Priests, Canon Law, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged
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ASK FATHER: Father rushes through the weekly Novena. What to do?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: At my parish, we have a new pastoral administrator….  Don’t know the whole story, but suffice it to say that Fr. W does not really seem to want to be in parish ministry.  Our parish has … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Catholic Identity, Our Solitary Boast, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices | Tagged
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Canada: A bishop is determined that a church be closed. Parishioners fight back.

Reality is sometimes harsh. For example, if a parish is not able to pay its bills, it’ll probably have to close or be “merged”.   Either way, a few  hearts will be broken.  I don’t say “lots of hearts” because if … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Canon Law, The future and our choices | Tagged ,
16 Comments

ASK FATHER: Are evil dreams from the Devil?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Both of my parents were fortunate to receive the last rites and the apostolic blessing.  I was filled with peace at their deaths because I had hope they may have been saved.  That peace has been … Read More

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ROME 22/10 – Day 2: Still getting it together and an ASK FATHER question

The Roman sun rose today at 7:06 and will set at 18:53.  The Ave Maria is slated for 19:00, which is a 15 minute shift from yesterday.  Gosh, things change so fast. Breakfast today was more along the lines of … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, ASK FATHER Question Box, Fr. Z's Kitchen, On the road, What Fr. Z is up to |
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ASK FATHER: Can a Catholic layman officiate at the marriage of non-Catholics?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is there any situation in which a Catholic layman could officiate a wedding? A friend has been asked to officiate at a non-Catholic wedding ceremony between 2 non-Catholic persons and is unsure whether the Church would … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, 1983 CIC can. 915, ASK FATHER Question Box, One Man & One Woman |
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ASK FATHER: Hand missals in large print for people with low vision

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Do you know of anyone who prints missals in large print? My wife has what is called low vision. Perhaps one of your regular readers knows this. Looking around a little I found these. St Joseph … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged ,
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Travel, foreign currency, ATMS and YOU!

As I prepare for my upcoming Roman Sojourn, thanks to readers, I am making sure all my financial tools are tidy and functioning.  Included in these tools is WISE, a nifty way to transfer funds and exchange with low fees … Read More

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Daily Rome Shot 571, etc.

From a friend in Rome, today. TAN BOOKS has been faithful for years. Their recent titles are excellent. I’m just now looking at their new edition of the Seven Last Words of St. Bonaventure, due out later. Priestly chess players, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Chess |
4 Comments