Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

ASK FATHER: Guidelines for sitting in choir, including birettaquette and also hoodiquette. With a short Fr. Z rant.

From a Dominican… QUAERITUR: Regarding the Pontifical Mass, there were Dominicans in choir. There is a resurgence of the traditional Dominican Rite. I am writing to ask if you can point to a source that tells what Dominicans are supposed … Read More

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ASK FATHER: We can eat halal meat?

For some reason the issue of idols keeps coming up. Pope Francis had a meal catered for 1500 poor people.  He served them lasagne alla bolognese, lasagne in the style of Bologna.  Sort of. By the way… it’s lasagne, plural, just … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Why didn’t the Assistant Deacons wear surplices during the Pontifical Mass at the Shrine? #MassoftheAmericas Wherein Fr. Z analyzes and then rants.

The other day, His Excellency Most Rev. Salvatore Cordilone of San Francisco celebrated a Pontifical Mass at the Throne at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  It was televised.  A new musical Mass setting was used and new vestments … Read More

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@FatherTF good explanation of “Perfect Contrition”

Sometimes we Catholics use technical terms which, over time, have become a little confusing.  For example, recently I wrote a clarification about what praying for the “Pope’s intentions” really means. My good friend Fr. Tim Finigan, His Hermeneuticalness, has a good post … Read More

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ASK FATHER: I’ve lost all desire and motivation to pray, fast, etc. It all seems so pointless.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’ve lost all desire and motivation to pray, fast, etc. I’ve become apathetic towards the spiritual life. It all seems so pointless. God stopped listening and caring about me years ago, and I feel as though … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Gaining indulgences and “the Pope’s intentions”. Prayer for the Pope, or for what the Pope designates?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: The people in the chapel I attend – lay people and even the priests – insist on saying that the rules for indulgences include praying for the pope. [No.] I have tried and failed to instruct … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Should I accept an invitation to be installed as an acolyte?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: First, thanks. Your blog helped me find my way back into the Church after many years and was very formative for me. I and several other men I’m close with have been asked by our pastor … Read More

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ASK FATHER: For Communion can I chose to go only to the priest and not the lay ministers?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I felt very uncomfortable when I attended a weekday Novus Ordo mass and the priest called up 3 EMs (when there was maybe 40 people) and then positioned himself on one of the sides to hand … Read More

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PRIESTS: Are you available to take a “Gregorian Mass” intention?

In the past I have played “yenta” and put lay people who want Gregorian Masses (30 consecutive Masses for a single intention – usually, but not limited to, for the deceased). I have a few requests that are languishing. Priests: … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Am I still forgiven if I don’t to my assigned penance?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw a tweet about a question on confession.  The person said the penance she got from the priest in confession was hard but she didn’t completely do it.  She wanted to know if she was … Read More

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