Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Now that canon law allows for females to be instituted acolytes, can a female be straw subdeacon in a Solemn Mass?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Now that canon law allows for females to be instituted acolytes, is it possible, prudential, for a female to be a straw subdeacon in a solemn high mass? Listen here wise guy.  You are probably not … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Pò sì jiù | Tagged ,
16 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can I get a dispensation from my Sunday Mass obligation from an SSPX priest?

From a reader…. QUAERITUR: I generally fulfill my Sunday obligation by assisting at a Mass said at a nearby SSPX chapel.  We have an opportunity to attend a family reunion in a few months.  Given how far away we live … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law, SSPX | Tagged , ,
16 Comments

Of Benedictines, Easter Cards and YOU. Or… If you send cards for Christmas, how much more for Easter?

I often mention that the Benedictines of Norcia make great beer and that when you but, you help them.  (That beer is really good.) So, too, I mention the Benedictines of Le Barroux who make wine (and they now have … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Our Catholic Identity, The Campus Telephone Pole | Tagged ,
1 Comment

ASK FATHER: Marital relations in marriages of non-Catholics or Catholics to non-Catholics

From a reader…. QUAERITUR: In what status does the Church consider the marriages of non-Catholics/Catholics to non-Catholics and marital relations within such marriages? I ask due to a couple I know of where neither spouse is baptized and the husband … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, HONORED GUESTS, One Man & One Woman | Tagged ,
2 Comments

ASK FATHER: If Francis isn’t the real Pope, then do the priests of the SSPX still lack faculties to absolve sins?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: If the SSPX, until 2015, lacked faculties for confession, then, in the event that Benedict is still the pope and not Francis, does that mean the SSPX actually still lack faculties and sins are not being … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: Must I avoid TV, news, movies if you know that the Lord’s Name will be taken in vain?

From readers… Lector 1 quaeritur: Must I refrain from listening to a useful source of news and information because the presenter takes the Lord’s Name in vain or curses? Lector 2 quaeritur: Is it a sin to watch a movie … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: Subtle different between “Laetare” and “Gaudete”?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can you explain the difference between gaudete and laetare? Gaudete seems to be 2nd person plural, imperative, while laetare appears to be an infinitive, both seem to mean rejoice in those respective forms. But the roots … Read More

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

ASK FATHER: Abstinence on a Friday of Lent that is also the Feast of the Annunciation. What to do?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: What is required / recommended regarding fasting and abstinence when a solemnity falls on a Friday in Lent? And another… I can’t make out if the Lenten Friday rule of abstinence applies to the Solemnity tomorrow? … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
14 Comments

Help needed from EASTERN Catholics, Byzantine, Slavic about a title of the Blessed Virgin

In another post here, concern was raised about a way that the Blessed Virgin is to be addressed in the upcoming (tomorrow) Consecration of “all humanity” and “especially” Russia and Ukraine.   Mary is referred in pretty much all language versions … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Both Lungs, Our Solitary Boast, The Drill |
25 Comments

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth and YOU

Context: After having been tempted by the Enemy, Our Lord goes into Galilee to preach in the synagogues. Here, He in the town He grew up in after the sojourn in Egypt, Nazareth. Continuation of the Holy Gospel according to … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes | Tagged ,
1 Comment