Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Bp. Nickless (D. Sioux City) issues guidelines for Communion under both kinds and also EMHC’s

I have written before about His Excellency Most Rev. R. Walker Nickless, Bishop of Sioux City.   You may remember his outstanding pastoral letter. Bp. Nickless has issued Guidelines and Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under both … Read More

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Congratulations to Philadelphia

WDTPRS extends congratulations to the people of Philadelphia for the appointment of His Excellency Most Rev. Charles Chaput as their new Archbishop!  Condolences to the people of Denver, who must now begin a process of prayer in expectation of the … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , ,
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QUAERITUR: Deacons receiving Communion more than twice a day – Fr. Z rants

From a transitional deacon: Is it lawful for a deacon to communicate more than twice on a Sunday, or any other day, for that matter? I am currently a transitional deacon, and I am unsure if deacons can receive more … Read More

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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

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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

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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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Puir Slow-Witted Gowk, Slubberdegullions, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , ,
20 Comments

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

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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

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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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Just Too Cool, Our Catholic Identity, WDTPRS | Tagged , , ,
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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

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