Category Archives: Liturgy Science Theatre 3000

Especially for discussion of liturgical abuses and wacky ideas

QUAERITUR: at consecration the priest holds ciborium not host

From a reader: I’m sure you’ve covered this before, but if during the actual words of consecration the priest just holds the ciborium and then after the words, during the elevation picks a host out and holds it above the … Read More

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9 Comments

QUAERITUR: Can a pastor/liturgist force servers to receive Communion under both kinds?

From a reader with my emphases: Our parish liturgist has sent out the following to all Altar Servers and Acolytes who assist at the Novus Ordo mass. “Servers at Saint Mary receive both Species if they receive at all.  If … Read More

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36 Comments

QUAERITUR: Lay people decide on their own to have a Communion service, help themselves.

From a reader: At Mass yesterday morning, the substitute priest forgot to show up. Several members of the congregation took it upon themselves to have a “Communion Service” with all the readings, etc. One of the EMHCs opened the Tabernacle … Read More

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32 Comments

Blessings at Communion time… again

I just hammered out my weekly column for the paper.  Among other things I wrote about the issue of blessings during Mass at Communion time. I have written about this before (try HERE and HERE and HERE and HERE and … Read More

Posted in Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged
19 Comments

QUAERITUR: An EMHC told us not to kneel and shook her head at us

From a reader: I have something that has really been bothering me that maybe you could help me with if you find the time.I am not trying to “tattle” or nit pick anything, but I am very uncomfortable with this … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: 1st Vespers of Epiphany? 2nd Vespers of Solemnity?

From a reader: In my diocese the Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated tomorrow rather than on the sixth. Which Vespers therefore takes precedence? Second Vespers of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God or First Vespers of the Epiphany? … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 |
16 Comments

QUAERITUR: To whom should I write?

From a reader: I’m just returning from a confession where the priest used the words “He absolves” instead of “I absolve.” The priest was a Benedictine who is the pastor of a Diocesan parish. So do I write to the … Read More

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QUAERITUR: Ember Days with the Novus Ordo

From a reader: I was wondering if you could help me out. Are Ember days optional in the Pauline Mass? I ask because a friend of mine says hat they have been done away with in the Pauline Mass because … Read More

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6 Comments

QUAERITUR: Permanent deacons and the Roman collar.

I have had a number of questions from permanent deacons about the use of clerical dress, either in a liturgical setting or as street clothing. After consulting a trustworthy canonist, I will respond to them all here. In 2009, the … Read More

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

QUAERITUR: priest switches from incense censer to a bowl

From a reader: Our pastor has stopped using the traditional censer at Solemn Masses (of which he has very few –only the highest of feasts) in favor of using a free-standing incense bowl that he places in front of the … Read More

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32 Comments