Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

“Do not exaggerate, overestimate, what a Pope can do….”

The inimitable Fr. Hunwicke has a good reminder at his fine blog HERE about papal authority (my emphases): Two points. Despite the anxieties entertained by the Intellectuals on both sides of this question … the Traditionalists and the Tablettentendenz … … Read More

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27 Comments

ASK FATHER: Friday fish and chips cooked in beef fat? POLL: “meatless Fridays”

POLL BELOW! This is a repost of a by now classic here from a few years ago.  It is still useful (and fun). From a reader: I was watching TV last night & on the program they were talking about … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , ,
61 Comments

ASK FATHER: Lent and the ol’ aligator on Friday dilemma!

I have posted on this in the past, but repetita iuvant as we say in Latin. ORIGINAL: Someone sent me a copy of a letter written by the Archbishop of New Orleans to a member of his flock about eating alligator … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Lighter fare, Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , , , ,
22 Comments

Ass. of U.S. Catholic Priests promotes “General Absolution”. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

I saw a piece at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about a request of the Ass. of U.S. Catholic Priests to the USCCB’s Pres. Archbp. Kurtz.  The Ass. of U.S. Catholic Priests have requested: expanded opportunities for sacramental confession and reconciliation … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ACTION ITEM!, GO TO CONFESSION, Liberals, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , ,
42 Comments

ASK FATHER: How to respond when homosexuals tell you they’re “married”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our comings and goings in civil society are going to be getting markedly more and more difficult, especially as “gay marriage” becomes legal in state after state, and as “transgendered” people are being allowed to have … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Pò sì jiù | Tagged ,
37 Comments

ASK FATHER: Children and ashes

From a reader: Are children of any age able to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday or is First Communion/Confirmation required first? My son is almost 2. Yes, children of any age can receive ashes.  That’s up to you parents and, … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Can I smoke marijuana?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I enjoy smoking marijuana from time to time (about once a week). I’m trying to be a better Catholic and was wondering if I absolutely have to give this up? To put it into context, when … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Isn’t the priest supposed to genuflect after the elevation?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Has the rubric requiring priests to genuflect after showing the Eucharistic Species to the people been altered? Did someone get an indult or something so that bowing is now legitimate? I wonder because at our local … Read More

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11 Comments

ASK FATHER: Things are bad in the liberal Catholic Church. Can I become Orthodox?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve tried for many years to stay in the church but simply things get worse here, with the impositions of liberal catholics and bishops who prefer a round of applause rather than defend our faith. I … Read More

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52 Comments

ASK FATHER: When the ‘sign of peace’ is forced on you

From a reader… QUAERITUR: My husband and I were at a local novus ordo this past Sunday because of weather and illness we were not able to travel to our regular EF Mass. During the sign of peace we keep … Read More

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