Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

QUAERITUR: How to explain devotion to TLM to people who don’t like it

From a reader: Do you have any tips for charitably explaining one’s devotion to the TLM with those members of the Church, who, having attended the TLM in their youth, remember it as something dreadful or imposing? I think this … Read More

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

Photos of your Advent Wreaths

How about some photos of your Advent wreaths? If you don’t have one, perhaps your parish does.

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27 Comments

QUAERITUR: unbleached beeswax candles

From a reader: My wife recently completed a course on how to make yellow beeswax candles.  My pastor has indicated he would love to receive them as a donation for requiem Masses, funerals, Tenebrae, All Souls, Good Friday, etc. (we … Read More

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PRAYERCAzT 30: 3 tones of the Christmas Preface (1962MR)

Welcome to another installment of What Does the Prayer Really Sound Like? Today we will hear the three tones of the Preface for Christmas in the 1962 Missale Romanum and the 2002MR as well. I don’t speak them this time.  … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, PRAYERCAzT: What Does The (Latin) Prayer Really Sound L |
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QUAERITUR: Nuptial blessing during a TLM

From a reader: For a traditional Latin Solemn High Nuptial Mass with three priests, are there any known restrictions on which priest may administer the nuptial blessing, and which priest may deliver the homily? In other words, may the priest … Read More

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Friday Penances: a Catholic practice or not?

Last March, in the wake of sexual abuse of children by clergy, Benedict XVI wrote a pastoral letter to the people of Ireland.  He asked the Church in Ireland to do penance, especially on Fridays. One of the practices that … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, POLLS |
75 Comments

I am resolved: A Christmas Pudding

Upon my return at-long-last home found a box from my amazon wishlist which included, from some kind soul, 2 pudding basins! I once tried (successfully) to make a pudding with an improvised setup.  It was a anxious experience. This time … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z's Kitchen, Lighter fare | Tagged ,
50 Comments

Do your sins bug you?

Been to confession lately? Preachers often reach for analogies to help people understand spiritual realities. Here is a good one, picked up from Ironic Catholic. If you are squeamish, read this anyway whether it is fiction or not. New York, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Just Too Cool, New Evangelization | Tagged , ,
16 Comments

QUAERITUR: Hanukkah

From a reader: Is it okay for us to observe Hanukkah in anyway? It think it depends on what you mean by “observe”. We can sure watch with respect what Jews do at this time of year. After all, the … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Saints: Stories & Symbols |
22 Comments

Buying stuff for Christmas from monasteries and relgious

Given that this is the day when US retail stores hope to move into the black, thus “Black Friday”, I think we can give some attention to our own Christmas gift shopping here. I think some monasteries and religious houses … Read More

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