Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: Kissing the priest’s stole after receiving absolution

From a reader: I’ve encountered the custom of the penitent kissing the sole of the priest after he is given absolution. I have been unable to find any information about the origins or the application of this practice. I have … Read More

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28 Comments

Bp. Zubik (D. Pittsburgh) on Obama to Catholic Church: “To Hell with You.”

His Excellency Most Rev. David A. Zubik, Bishop of Pittsburgh has issued a powerful statement about Pres. Obama’s attack on religious liberty, the 1st Amendment, and the Catholic Church. Here are some excerpts.  I am NOT making this up. […] … Read More

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

Bp. Sample: “We cannot – we will not – comply with this unjust law.”

His Excellency Alex Sample, Bishop of Marquette, has made a powerful statement in the face of the Obama Administration’s open attack on the Catholic Church, the 1st Amendment, and the religious freedom of all Americans. My friend Fr. john Boyle … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Fr. Z KUDOS, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, Religious Liberty, The Drill, The future and our choices, The Last Acceptable Prejudice | Tagged , , , , , ,
32 Comments

Pray for Bishops!

The US Bishops are going to need steel… spines in the upcoming battle for religious liberty. Bishops, however, remain human beings, sinners, susceptible to many negative pressures. And do not forget that the Enemy of the Soul hates bishops with … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , ,
12 Comments

QUAERITUR: The traditional Roman Ritual and “reserved blessings”: can priests use them?

From a priest (slightly edited): Dear Fr. Z, I was talking to a fellow priest the other day regarding blessings. I was relating to him how I loved using the Extraordinary Form blessings from the 3 Vol. set [translated by … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, The Drill | Tagged
15 Comments

Fr. Z endorses idea from NcFishwrap. Sky to Fall. Lord to Return. Film at 11.

Was that booming CRACK I just heard the opening of the Fifth Seal? You know that things are getting pretty serious when Fr. Z endorses an idea from the National catholic Fishwrap. But it was a good idea, and around here … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Biased Media Coverage, Brick by Brick, Emanations from Penumbras, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, Religious Liberty, The Drill, The future and our choices, The Last Acceptable Prejudice | Tagged , , , , ,
19 Comments

QUAERITUR: The origin of giving flowers to Mary during weddings.

A priest friend recently asked if I knew the origin of the “custom” during weddings of giving flowers to Mary, by placing them at her statue or image (which some protestants probably think is mighty strange). I must admit, I … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: The Leonine Prayers after Mass in the Ordinary Form. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader: I recently went to FOCUS student leadership summit and Curtis Martin, the founder, told the story behind the Leo XIII’s prayer to St. Michael. Well the students at the summit loved the prayer, and spontaneously started praying … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Brick by Brick, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Religious Liberty, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , ,
26 Comments

QUAERITUR: Going to confession after many years

From a reader: The more I read you the more I’m intent on going to Confession again. I’m 31, and haven’t been since I was confirmed. As you know, it just hasn’t been consistently preached that it is necessary. I … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , ,
13 Comments

NJ Bishops defend true marriage

I note with interest at the National Catholic Register (the Catholic one) that the bishops of New Jersey have issued a statement about same-sex “marriage”. New Jersey Bishops Release New Statement on Marriage Same-sex ‘marriage’ ‘is not marriage and should … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Religious Liberty, The future and our choices | Tagged , ,
8 Comments