Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

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

Wear the black, wear the red, and then pray in front of abortion clinics.

There is a great photo on the blog of Philip Gerard Johnson, for whom I have sometimes requested your prayers. These are seminarians of the Pontifical Seminary called the “Josephinum”. Because it is a Pontifical Seminary, and because it dates … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Emanations from Penumbras, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, The future and our choices | Tagged ,
46 Comments

QUAERITUR: Act of Contrition in Latin. Okaaayyy.

Every once in a while I get an email asking for the Act of Contrition in Latin. I am not sure why one would want to say her Act of Contrition in Latin.  It seems to me that the Act … Read More →

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

“Sinite parvulos venire ad me!”, or, A picture is worth a thousands words.

In the last couple weeks I have had posts about boys playing “Mass”, one had a great video, one had a photo I took of a photo at the funeral of a 60-year priest.  Yesterday I posted in a review of … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Just Too Cool, Mail from priests, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , , ,
10 Comments