Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: Seminarian looking for Latin tools

I want to get the readership into this with suggestions. From a reader: I’m a seminarian for ____. I’ve been trying to get hold of a good ecclesial Latin dictionary and grammar for awhile and haven’t had much luck. Do … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick | Tagged
34 Comments

Latin in the Ordinary Form, seminary. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

I am forever lamenting the sloppy, inaccurate term long used by many of the traditionalist camp, “the Latin Mass”, to describe older, pre-Conciliar form, Extraordinary Form, Usus Antiquior, “Tridentine” Mass, even Traditional Latin Mass or TLM. The Latin Mass… ought … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , ,
69 Comments

Brick by continuity brick in Macon, Georgia

From a reader about St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Macon, GA where Fr. Allan McDonald is building brick by brick.  You will remember Fr. McDonald from his rodent wars and his efforts at true continuity in liturgical worship.  Fr. McDonald … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z KUDOS, Just Too Cool, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
14 Comments

Priests, holiness, and avoiding a spiritual peril

I am getting a lot of email and phone calls about something in the news recently about accusations made against a priest. I don’t know enough about the case in question to offer anything other than my sincere hope with … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, Wherein Fr. Z Rants |
53 Comments

WDTPRS POLL: How is your Lent going so far? Part I

Lent is a preparatory time of penance in introspection, involving fasting, good works, and confession. How is your Lent going so far? Pick the answer closest to your situation. If you care to make a comment in the combox, please … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, Our Catholic Identity, POLLS | Tagged
27 Comments

Archbp. Gullickson: “ad Orientem” will be our saving grace

Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, Nuncius to the Antilles, has a blog called Island Envoy. We have heard from His Excellency before, when he had sharp words about bishops who resist Summorum Pontificum. Here is something from Archbp. Gullickson’s latest entry: What … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged
29 Comments

PRAYERCAzT: The Lorica of St. Patrick

The Latin word loríca means “a leather cuirass; a defense of any kind; a breastwork, parapet”.  In effect, it means “armor”.  It has come to be associated with a prayer attributed to St. Patrick (+ 5th c.) . “Loríca” is … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, PODCAzT | Tagged
16 Comments

QUAERITUR: Promoting use of the Communion rail

From a priest reader: I am pastor of ___ in ___.  I have a weekly EF Mass that draws 50-100 people, a nice group of diocesan seminarian servers, and a good little schola. I am considering returning the distribution of … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: EMHC told to put unconsumed, recognizable Host down the sacrarium/drain

From a reader: I attended the class in our parish to become an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. I do not want to distribute Communion at Mass because I think it is not needed, but I would like to bring … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Can a deacon not receive Communion?

From a priest reader: Should (can) a Deacon assist at Mass if he does not intend to receive Holy Communion? I’m not sure. The only person obliged to receive Holy Communion at Mass is the priest celebrant. He MUST receive. … Read More

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