Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Can we eat meat on Friday in the Octave of Easter? (Hint: YES!)

First, allow me to post a shot of  “Florentine” steak which two of the priests I dined with enjoyed on Holy Thursday. They could also enjoy it today, Friday in the Octave of Easter. From a reader… QUAERITUR: My wife … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Priest and the Roman Canon… what do we say now?

Priests have written, one with some precise notes and cites, and I’ve seen one piece in my email by Louis Tofari, who knows his way around an Ordo. QUAERITUR: With the death of Francis, what do priests say in the … Read More

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Holy Thursday Plenary Indulgence

A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, is granted to the faithful who: Visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration lasting at least half an hour; OR Piously recite the verses of the Tantum ergo after the Mass of the Lord’s … Read More

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Yes… Communion rails are returning and it isn’t going to be stopped…

Today I received a text from a priest friend who sent photos of the brand new COMMUNION RAIL which they just installed in the “old church”. This one these places where they built a new church but kept the old … Read More

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Are there any Excel wizards out there?

UPDATE: You can stop offering now! I have a couple I’m looking at. UPDATE: A priest saw this post and wrote to say that he needs it too! Several people have responded so far, so hold off until I see what … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Is speeding a sin?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am a leadfoot driver, have been for decades. My wife says I could have been an Indy racer. My driving record is solidly good and I drive a well-handling sedan. To limit speeding, I set … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Mass “for the gift of tears”… for someone else?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can a Mass for the gift of tears be said for someone else or is it only for the celebrant or person requesting the Mass? The prayers seem like a powerful source of conversion for self. … Read More

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During this “watch”, each evening at St Peter’s Gregorian chant is sung… but hardly anyone sings. Why is that?

From a priest reader… As I’m sure you’ve noticed, each night in St. Peter’s Square, a small schola has sung the Oremus pro Pontifice for the Holy Father. It’s a gesture that is simultaneously reverent and traditional, yet incredibly simple. … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Is still possible to gain indulgences during a papal interregnum?

From a reader…. QUAERUNTUR: I was wondering if it is still possible to gain indulgences during a papal interregnum (i.e., praying for the Holy Father’s intentions being a requirement to gain the indulgence)? Also are there any traditional practices during … Read More

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ASK FATHER: How can Septuagesima and Sexagesima be “70th” and “60”? It doesn’t add up.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I don’t get it.  “Septuagesima” means “seventieth” and “sexagesima” means “sixtieth”, which are ten apart.  But the Sundays are seven days apart. 10 isn’t 7.  Is there an explanation? Here is something I’ve penned before. Roman … Read More

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