About this blog…
“This blog is like a fusion of the Baroque ‘salon’ with its well-tuned harpsichord around which polite society gathered for entertainment and edification and, on the other hand, a Wild West “saloon” with its out-of-tune piano and swinging doors, where everyone has a gun and something to say. Nevertheless, we try to point our discussions back to what it is to be Catholic in this increasingly difficult age, to love God, and how to get to heaven.” – Fr. Z
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Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes
QUAERITUR: Confirmed or ordained but not in the state of grace – Fr. Z rants
From a reader: My question is regarding confirmation. Do those who receive the sacrament have to be in a state of grace in order for it to take? (the answer, I assume, is yes). I ask this because I am … Read More
QUAERITUR: Can I make the Act of Contrition in Latin?
From a reader, edited: Would it be acceptable, when in the confessional, to recite the Act of Contrition in Latin? Over the past several years I have become proficient in a fair number of Latin prayers, including those of the … Read More
QUAERITUR: Validity of baptism when water touches only the hair – Fr Z rants
From a deacon: I was wondering how safe it is to assume that water flowing over the hair along with the correct words constitutes a valid baptism. I ask because there were just 12 babies baptized in my parish and … Read More
Kindling your interest in a new way to devour books
I like listening to audio books. They allow me to do other chore-like things which don’t in themselves require intense concentration. They are great for long road-trips in a car or on an airplane. I have also enjoyed – for … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Just Too Cool
Tagged audio books, Kindle, text to speech
25 Comments
25 Comments
“Aestate pueri si valent, satis discunt.”
There is a little poem in the Epigrams of Martial which reminds us not to work children too hard during the summer, not to over schedule them or task them with too many organized activities or lessons. Ludi magister, parce … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Lighter fare
Tagged Epigrams, Ides of October, Latin language, Martial, school, summer vacation
8 Comments
8 Comments
Old book for confessors: examination of conscience in different languages
We recently saw from the Congregation for Clergy a guide for confessors along with an examination of conscience for the confessor himself. While sorting through some things I ran across a fascinating old confessional aid for priests. It is an … Read More
QUAERITUR: Coming back to the Church after falling far away
From a reader, edited: I was raised catholic and as so many have fallen away from the church, unfortunately very far. I am trying to find my way back and am wondering what suggestions you would give as a place … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity
Tagged fallen away Catholics, reversion
Comments Off on QUAERITUR: Coming back to the Church after falling far away
Comments Off on QUAERITUR: Coming back to the Church after falling far away
QUAERITUR: The number of altar steps and validity of Mass.
From a reader: A few years ago some modifications were made at our church including raising the floor level of the sanctuary. As a consequence the three steps that used to lead up to the high altar are now just … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box
Tagged altar, altar steps, footpace, predella, Roman altar
19 Comments
19 Comments
Capital suggestions of minuscule importance
From a reader: I have noticed that when you cite documents you are inconsistent with how the titles are written. For example, you wrote “Lumen gentium” with a small g, but “Redemptionis Sacramentum”. What gives? Typos? You also stick superfluous … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes
Tagged capitalization, Church documents, majescule, miniscule, orthography
16 Comments
16 Comments
