Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: Can a rector or bishop forbid seminarians or priests use of the cassock?

From a reader: In my diocese there are a small number of seminarians who wish to wear their cassock after their first year of study at the seminary. They have approached the bishop and rector about doing so, but both have refused to … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, Seminarians and Seminaries | Tagged , , , ,
41 Comments

“Let’s go to the movies this afternoon.” Otherwise…

GO TO CONFESSION! Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession o{]:¬) We should… 1) …examine our consciences regularly and thoroughly; 2) …wait our turn in line patiently; 3) …come at the time confessions are scheduled, not a few … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION |
13 Comments

CLOCK CHANGE – EUROPE 26/27 Oct – USA 2/3 NOV

It is “Fall Back” time again today… for European readers. Change your clocks tonight before going to bed so that you won’t be late for Mass. Readers in North American (except I think for Alaska) change next week. This has … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes |
11 Comments

QUAERITUR: Legal name changes and baptism certificates

From a reader: When you get married in the Catholic church, you are required to obtain a baptismal certificate. If you have your name legally changed such that it no longer matches the name on the baptismal certificate, where do you stand. Is … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged ,
7 Comments

Bp. Paprocki: same-sex marriage activists no to be admitted to cathedral

Bp. Paprocki seems to be a “hard identity” Catholic. We need “hard identity” Catholicism. That doesn’t mean being mean. That means being clear. “Hard identity” Catholicism doesn’t reject compassion or diplomacy or joy. That’s what liberals do. “Hard identity” Catholics … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z KUDOS, Hard-Identity Catholicism, New Evangelization, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , , , ,
27 Comments

QUAERITUR: Forcing people to pray “spontaneously”. (Turn the tables on ’em.)

From a professed sisterly readerette: Many teachers on our staff are involved with the Charismatic Movement, including our principal. At the end of our faculty meetings she goes around the table requiring each teacher to make a spontaneous prayer. I am not comfortable … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Just Too Cool, Lighter fare | Tagged , , ,
40 Comments

Abuse by priests

I saw a great post about the motives of liturgical abuse at the blog Waiting For Godot To Leave (fun title). Here is some of it.  See the rest there.  My emphases and comments: The Precision of Abuse – Liturgical and … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Clerical Sexual Abuse, Liberals, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged ,
38 Comments

QUAERITUR: Sacraments for children at some different parish?

From a reader: Can I arrange for my daughter to eventually attend catechism classes, and have First Communion and Confirmation in a parish outside of our geographical parish? Or is she required to receive the sacraments in our geographical parish unless the parish … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged ,
21 Comments

QUAERITUR: People’s names on chalices, windows, etc.

From a  reader: I have noticed that on some of the vessels, vestments, and crucifix at Mass, there is an inscription to a deceased person. Is this a tradition? Is there some sort of indulgence for the deceased person? Yes, it is … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
6 Comments

GUEST POST: How to get the pastor to listen to a request.

Over the years I have offered tips on how to write to ecclesiastical officials, make requests in parishes, obtain your objective to have a TLM, etc. I have lately started adding that we have to be more careful these days … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, HONORED GUESTS | Tagged , ,
16 Comments