Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: Priest’s role, duty when someone “misuses” confession

From a reader: When does the Seal of Confession actually take affect in that the priest can’t say anything outside of the Confessional? For example, if someone goes into the confessional/reconciliation room with no intention of confessing, but some form … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , ,
15 Comments

QUAERITUR: Traditional monasteries for silent retreats

From a reader: Do you know of any traditional abbeys or monasteries (specifically ones that offer the Extraordinary form of the Mass) that offer silent retreats? Can the readership help?

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged
28 Comments

QUAERITUR: Extraordinary Communion Minister at a TLM if the priest is infirm?

From a reader: May a duly commissioned Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion distribute the host at Mass in the Extraordinary Form when the celebrating priest is physically impeded from doing so? It would seem that paragraph 28 of Universae Ecclesiae … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, Universae Ecclesiae | Tagged , , ,
22 Comments

QUAERITUR: Advent wreaths, lumps of coal, and you

From a reader: Do you have any suggestions for where I can buy a good Advent wreath online? Why, yes! I do! Since the Mystic Monks don’t have Advent Wreathes, I suggest that you use my links to Amazon. They … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Brick by Brick, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged , ,
32 Comments

England/Wales: efforts to bring back lapsed Catholics

We have heard from time to time of efforts to bring lapsed Catholics back to the practice of their Faith.  WDTPRS thinks this is very important. To that end, I read in – of all places – The Guardian that … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged , ,
44 Comments

QUAERITUR: Does coffee break the Eucharistic fast?

From a reader: My confessor (who is also a canon lawyer) told me that it is OK to drink coffee before Mass, within the sixty minute period before you receive communion. He says it’s OK to do this because “coffee … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , , , ,
71 Comments

What is this thing?

Okay, you smart people out there. What is this thing? Which I think it’s used in the kitchen.  Or maybe not.  A sewing thing? No, it isn’t mine.  No, I don’t have a better photo.  No, I haven’t a clue.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z's Kitchen, Lighter fare, Preserved Killick | Tagged
33 Comments

QUAERITUR: Pastor “refuses” to let visiting priest say funeral

From a reader: Is it right for a pastor to refuse a family’s request for a certain priest to say the funeral mass of a loved one? There is no way to answer your question, given the lack of additional … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged
18 Comments

“resurrection glasses”

Sometimes I have written here about trying to see annoying or challenging people through what I have called “resurrection glasses”, that is, the inner lens a Christian ought to have well-polished which helps us to see how people may be … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Are Eastern Catholics also “Roman” Catholics?

From a reader: Are ALL Catholics, (Eastern Rite Church) considered Roman Catholics? Or do they go by the name of the rite, like Maronite Rite Catholics? Had to answer this question in school, and didn’t know the difference. I am … Read More

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