Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

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 →

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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 →

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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

QUAERITUR: Is “I absolve you” alone sufficient for validity?

From a reader: Dear Fr. Z I recently went to confession, the priest said everything correctly (atleast, im pretty sure he did anyway) up until the part where he is suppose to say “I absolve you of you’r sins.” but, … Read More →

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

Christmas Pudding: really aged edition!

Once again this year I shall make a Christmas Pudding.  Stir-Up Sunday is getting close! With that in mind, I thought I would share this interesting article from The History Blog: 112-year-old Christmas pudding found in cupboard What is probably … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Just Too Cool | Tagged ,
22 Comments

QUAERITUR: Mentioning names of those for whom Mass is offered.

From a reader: I will make this short. Why is the name of the person for whom the Mass is beign said not mentioned by the priest any more? There is no hard and fast universal custom about this from … Read More →

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24 Comments