Category Archives: Liturgy Science Theatre 3000

Especially for discussion of liturgical abuses and wacky ideas

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 →

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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

QUAERITUR: priest in track suit for sacraments

From a reader: Well.. a priest I know of, turned up late for a baptism and didn’t vest before baptising this baby, he stayed in the tracksuit he was wearing…and also he does not wear a stole while hearing confessions … Read More →

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22 Comments

QUAERITUR: confession during Mass, not just before

In a comment under another entry, a reader asked: I have been told by some older folks that this was a very common practice at all Masses in years past. Is this no longer allowed in the NO Mass? Did … Read More →

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33 Comments

QUAERITUR: Pastor changes the offertory. What do I do?

From a reader: How should I approach my pastor about liturgical abuses he has been committing? The recurring abuse has been his changing the Offertorium to “Lord, accept this bread and wine. It comes from the earth, and it comes … Read More →

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

QUAERITUR: absolution without any confession

From a reader: There is a parish in our diocese that offers a rather unique penance service with no individual confession offered. A penance service is held and people simply file up in a line, say to the priest “I … Read More →

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12 Comments