Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Who can dispense Holy Day of Obligation?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: A friend of mine just informed me that the Solemnity of Mary isn’t [wasn’t] a Holy Day of Obligation in the whole state of California. What ecclesiastical body has the authority to grant such dispensations? In … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Father was sick, we went to Mass, now we’re sick too!

From a reader… Our priest simply announced “I have the flu ” and proceeded with his sermon. Only a few , like me, refrained from receiving Holy Communion. My wife received and several days later she and I had it also. Since we are in … Read More

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Plenary Indulgences 31 Dec and 1 Jan

Today, the last day of the year, you have an opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, by taking part in the recitation or singing of the Te Deum in a church or oratory. Tomorrow, 1 January, … Read More

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9 Comments

27 Dec: Today we bless WINE!

Today we bless WINE! The liturgical year guided and nourish and shaped Catholics for centuries.  It does so far less now.  But once, people not only followed the turning of the earth and the wheeling of the stars and the … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Who can be elected Pope?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can a male catholic who has not been ordained to the priesthood become Pope? Yes. The prerequisites are that he be 1) male, because he must become Bishop of Rome, and it is impossible for females … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Signs of reverence for priests

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I was hoping to hear your insight into traditions that seem lost! Will you please share your thoughts regarding bowing for clergy, kissing the hands of priests and referring to priests directly as Your Reverence? We … Read More

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59 Comments

ASK FATHER: What am I supposed to do during Mass?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: At the TLM I understand that I, as a layperson, gain the graces simply by being present, but what am I supposed to do during it? I’ve heard that people used to pray the rosary silently. … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Pyxes left in the choir loft after Communion

From a reader…. QUAERITUR: I frequently find communion pyxes lying on the organ in the choir loft. They seem to be left there from a prior Mass where they were used to bring Holy Communion to the choir by an … Read More

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“Would it really be totally impossible to admit her to Communion?”

Some of the mistakes we make in life can’t be fixed. These days we expect everything to be fixable, to have a solution.  There must be some way to get around problems, some cure, some repair, some slight-of-hand. No.  Not … Read More

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40 Comments

ASK FATHER: Received into Church after strange Presbyterian baptism

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I was Baptized in the Presbyterian Church and converted to the Catholic faith 9 years ago at the age of 9. Becoming very interested in my own baptism I watched a video of a Presbyterian ministerconferring baptism. He … Read More

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