Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: Video in place of sermon

From a reader: Is it permissible to have a video homily, instead of an actual spoken homily by the priest or deacon? Now the message was from the [b]ishop of ____ and was about the annual sharing appeal, but it … Read More

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Concerning ashes.

Today is Sexagesimus Sunday.  Ash Wednesday is but a week and a half away. “Remember man that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return.” I am sure you are making your plans for your Lenten practices.  No, really… … Read More

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11 Comments

QUAERITUR: Do I have to use ecclesiastical pronunciation of Latin?

From a reader: If I am to pray in Latin, how beholden am I to the regulated ecclesiastical pronunciation? I ask because I have a hobby that involves some pronunciation in classical Latin. Learning two pronunciations of the same language … Read More

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32 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can a priest simply refuse to hear a confession?

From a reader: I’ve never cried over Church related matters until last night after I was refused Confession. I’m in grave mortal sin, and I tried to go to confession twice yesterday, but I had no luck. The first parish … Read More

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54 Comments

QUAERITUR: How old can an altar “boy” be?

From a reader: Is there an upper age limit to serve as an altar “boy” at a TLM? I am a 35 year old father who converted at about age 30.  I’m encouraging my six year old son to consider … Read More

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38 Comments

QUAERITUR: Holy Communion at two Masses on the same day?

From a reader, comes a question I have answered quite a few times, but which bears repetitio. Are there any circumstances in which one can receive Communion more than once a day? I spent Christmas at Clear Creek Abbey in … Read More

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9 Comments

QUAERITUR: advice to a new Catholic mother?

From a new mother: What advice is there for a new mother? I have no examples in my life, I became Catholic on my own. But since I’ve had my baby, all of my previous devotions I had adapted into … Read More

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Can. 915 – Lunge, parry, riposte – Dr. Peters, Bp. Hubbard and Gov. Cuomo (D. Albany), Dr. Peters

The great canonist Ed Peters, on his blog In the Light of the Law, let’s us know about an exchange over an issue of canon law he has had with the Diocese of Albany, NY. Dr. Peters, a referendarius (consultant) … Read More

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52 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can I go to another parish for a “big” confession?

From a reader: I was recently listening to one of your podcaZts about St. Augustine, and became convinced of my need to make a good confession. A quick questions: I would prefer not to confess at my own parish if … Read More

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23 Comments

QUAERITUR: Dress code for teens for dances, etc?

From a reader: We belong to a Catholic homeschooling group and now that our children have reached their teen years, we are beginning to organize dances and formal social events for them. The question of modest dress came up after … Read More

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107 Comments