Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

When did “Marriage” stop meaning what it means?

Years ago I worked with a German sister, deeply intelligent and one of the holiest people I have ever met. We were talking about nuances of meaning in a German sentence one day and, as an aside, she explained how … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Pò sì jiù, Religious Liberty, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , ,
30 Comments

QUAERITUR: Confirmed, but in state of sin. Am I confirmed?

From a reader: If a person is confirmed in Mortal Sin, does it ‘count’, or must he/she be conditionally re-confirmed. What you are asking is “Was the sacrament validly conferred?” or “Is she confirmed?” Yes.  The sacrament was validly confirmed and … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
24 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can the priest say the older, Latin Mass ‘facing the people’?

From a reader: A local retired priest wishes to begin offering the EF of the Mass, but he wishes to offer it versus populum. He honestly believes he has that option. Is there a specific Church document forbidding this? If … Read More

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

Are we now a nation of blatteroons?

When I take a break from movies with lots of explosions, I like period pieces.  You can’t beat a well done production of a Jane Austen novel or just about any of the 19th century writers. It happened the other … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, New Evangelization, O'Brian Tags, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , , ,
32 Comments

Miracles and You. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

The Canonical Defender Ed Peters has been asking for prayers and even the intercession of God with a miracle for his injured son, blogger and good Catholic activist Thomas Peters.  Thom is doing better but he has a long way … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, PRAYER REQUEST, Saints: Stories & Symbols, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged ,
5 Comments

Tax reform, USCCB, Catholic Charities USA

Our friend The Motley Monk has some observations about tax reform, the USCCB and government funding of charities.  Here is the first part: If you’re really interested in tax reform, the USCCB and Catholic Charities USA may not be… A Wall … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, The Drill | Tagged , , ,
18 Comments

Sister goes door to door asking Catholics to return to Mass

Never underestimate the power of an invitation. Once upon a time there were groups like Legion of Mary, which could canvass parish neighborhoods.  Once upon a time, priests even walked about neighborhoods working on a census.  Then again, parish neighborhoods … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Fr. Z KUDOS, Just Too Cool, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Women Religious | Tagged ,
40 Comments

Handy tool tip!

This has nothing to do with anything controversial for a change. I just used my diminutive keyring-sized multi-tool to fix something and I thought I would share the joy. This is the Swiss+Tech ST53100 Micro-Max 19-in-1 Key Ring Multi-Function Pocket Tool. … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Just Too Cool, The Campus Telephone Pole | Tagged ,
11 Comments

St. Paul: A big small victory for religious freedom!

In my native place, more anti-Christian news, but with a small victory: City of St. Paul stops fighting statue of Jesus atop bluff by Bill Keller ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) See Video HERE [Watch.  This man is an inspiration.] There’s a … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Fr. Z KUDOS, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Religious Liberty, The future and our choices, The Last Acceptable Prejudice | Tagged ,
8 Comments

QUAERITUR: Walking out of church because of the sermon.

From a reader: Today, the priest gave an overtly political homily that I have no doubt you would have found highly inappropriate. Think Fr. Michael Pfelger of Chicago. I sat through it in stunned disbelief but some got up and … Read More

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