Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

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

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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

There has to be a better way! This story is so cool it breaks the boundaries of coolness.

This is so cool that it may need its own category.  This story combines human ingenuity, youthful motivation, and the free market. Meet Jack Andraka, Foe of Pancreatic Cancer. From Smithsonian: Jack Andraka, the Teen Prodigy of Pancreatic Cancer A high … Read More

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