Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: A Baptist going up for a blessing during Communion time

Please use the sharing buttons! From a reader: I am a Southern Baptist woman ( born and raised). I have been listening to EWTN For a year and attending Mass since Christmas. I had not gone down for a blessing … Read More

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31 Comments

Tips For Priests

Here is a fun and useful… Tip For Priests! I occasionally post about some poor priest whose phone erupts during Mass or in the confessional.  By “erupt”, I mean Father forgot either to leave the phone in the sacristy (best) … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Lighter fare | Tagged , , ,
25 Comments

QUAERITUR: Priest says I was forgiven when I got into the confessional.

From a reader: I went to confession on Good Friday at my parish Church. I had a new Priest who I had never seen before, a Jesuit, [Oh dear.] young, [Oh dear oh dear.] from south Asia [Oh dear oh … Read More

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28 Comments

QUAERITUR: Layperson, Notary Public, witnessing invalid civil marriage of Catholics

From a reader: I was recently asked to officiate a wedding ceremony for a couple of friends of mine. I am a Notary Public living in the state of Florida so I am legally permitted to perform such a ceremony. However, what restrictions, … Read More

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12 Comments

A priest on giving blessings at Communion time

I have in the past written about the wide-spread practice of giving blessings during Communion time. This is not to be done, because it is outside what is prescribed at this very important moment during holy Mass. Of course this … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, HONORED GUESTS, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, The Drill | Tagged , , ,
113 Comments

QUAERITUR: What to do about liturgical abuses?

I am under siege in email from frustrated people pouring our their tales of liturgical abuses, perpetrated or scheduled, for Holy Thursday. They ask “what am I supposed to do”? Most of the time, there is nothing we can do … Read More

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40 Comments

Benedict XVI’s sermon for Holy Thursday evening Lord’s Supper Mass – a theology of kneeling

The Pope’s sermon for Holy Mass evening “Supper” Mass. Within this sermon there is a tremendous reflection on the posture of kneeling. My emphases and comments: Dear Brothers and Sisters! Holy Thursday is not only the day of the institution … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Pope of Christian Unity | Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
13 Comments

Penances assigned in confession, memorization, and helping people be less afraid. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

I have in the past ranted that priests, when hearing confessions, do well to give simple penances which people can do immediately and then know they are completed. I have been to confession to priests who assign something too complicated, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION, HONORED GUESTS, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , ,
61 Comments

Card. Ranjith works personally to improve liturgical worship in his diocese

I desire to redirect you to our friends at Rorate who have presented some exquisite reflections and directives from His Eminence Malcolm Card. Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo.  May he be emulated far and wide. You may remember that last year Card. … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Fr. Z KUDOS, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , , , ,
37 Comments

QUAERITUR: Too many people for confession. Priest gives General Absolution.

From a reader: This past Saturday afternoon, I went to confession (or, rather, I tried to go to confession). The good news is that the line was full of penitents. There were at least 25 people waiting in front of … Read More

Posted in "But Father! But Father!", "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, The Drill | Tagged , , , , ,
47 Comments