Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

That smudge.

Ash Wednesday is around the corner.  In the UK’s best Catholic weekly, the Catholic Herald, the lovely and persistent feature-writer Anna Arco has an article with comments about that ash-smudge. Don’t rub off your ashes, urges bishop By Anna Arco … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Clerical Sexual Abuse, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
19 Comments

QUAERITUR: Bishop consecrating chalice, vestments during Mass

Sacred vessels are important.  They are consecrated (like the hands of priests) to touch the Body and Blood of the Lord. I had this in my email: I am trying to locate the rite (prayers and rubrics) for the consecration … Read More →

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

QUAERITUR: Of blasphemy and sacrilege during Mass

From a reader: The pastor at a local parish has used a “super-soaker” water gun during the sprinkling rite at Mass on several occasions. In a conversation with a parishioner from the parish, I incorrectly described the act as “blasphemous.” … Read More →

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

Concerning the “liturgical vigilante”

Be sure to check out Pat Archbold’s perspicacious and amusing piece over at the National Catholic Register entitled, “Liturgical Vigilantes“. A few of good bits: As general rule, vigilantes are not born, they are made. Their steely resolve to right … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged ,
62 Comments

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, LENT, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
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 →

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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, New Evangelization, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged ,
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 →

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

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