Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

SYNODGATE: A canonist weighs in – Fr. Z gives advice

The esteemed canonist Ed Peters has something to say about #Synodgate – the heist of the Five Cardinals Book™ from the mailboxes of participants at last October’s Synod on the Family. (HERE) Thus, Peters: It was worse than a crime—it was … Read More

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Reason #142 for Summorum Pontificum

This is from Vatican Radio: (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis and the Roman Curia are in the middle of their weeklong Spiritual Exercises in Ariccia, outside Rome. According to L’Osservatore Romano, the retreat master, Carmelite Father Bruno Secondin, has shared reflections … Read More

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Request to readers: towel rack… yes… you read that right…

If I had to build a church or restructure one, there are some traditional things that I would be sure to include in the sacristy. I would make sure there are adequately deep drawers and closets for vestments, a vault, a … Read More

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“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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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

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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

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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 , , , ,
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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

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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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