Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Start teaching Gregorian chant to parishes before the new translation starts

Latin is not, as some claim, tooo haaard for parishes. From a priest reader: I’ve been thinking about the new translation of the Novus Ordo.  Suddenly, all of the old music will be out, of no use.  I wondered what … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Mail from priests | Tagged , ,
32 Comments

Berlin, NJ: Mater Ecclesiae starting sung Compline.

I continue to muse about Latin in parish worship.  I just isn’t that hard.  People can and will take to it and Latin can facilitate a deeper kind of active participation. I had a note from a reader who has … Read More

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

Fr. Z’s 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession

As a follow up to the dynamic discussion HERE, I thought it a good idea to repost my tips for making a good confession so that you can have them in hand, before Lent begins and you can make a … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Papal blessing at 1st Masses of newly ordained

  From a seminarian: I understand that in a rescript issued from the Holy See, on November 5, 1964, Paul VI granted the newly-ordained priest the privilege of offering a papal blessing on the occasion of his first Masses. Is … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: Mass obligation and SSPX chapels

From a reader: Does a Mass heard in a SSPX chapel fulfill the Sunday Mass obligation? Perhaps you have answered this question before. If so, I missed it. The 1983 Code of Canon Law, can. 1248 says: 1. "The precept … Read More

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

Video about how to serve Mass

In this day of desktop publishing… gosh, even that is a dated term now… and the ability to produce polished videos from your laptop from things you shoot from your mobile phone, we have an obligation to use the tools … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Brick by Brick, SESSIUNCULA |
23 Comments

QUAERITUR: If you wear an alb, do you need an amice?

From a reader: I just had a quick question: If a seminarian or anyone for that matter wears an an alb at Mass is it proper to wear an amice under it? I have a cassock and surplice but the … Read More

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

How to make altar boy program grow by 500%

I enjoyed this post from Stella Borealis: Boy altar server involvement in Mass increases 500% by making rules more demanding [Do I hear an "Amen!"?] By returning to more demanding altar server practices, two men were able to increase participation … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: we want the TLM, but no priest, no parish

From a reader: I must drive 1.5 hours minimum (in good driving conditions) to attend an EF mass.  There is only the […] offering it before noon.  I have 7, soon to be 8 children.  There are easily 12 parishes … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: EMCs, “leftover” Hosts after Communion calls

From a reader: But I can’t post to your forum.  I am an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist for my parish, serving the homebound.  I receive communion at mass, then take the Eucharist to those who are sick.  Sometimes they … Read More

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