Category Archives: Our Catholic Identity

QUAERITUR: Why is Gregorian chant better than “Gather Us In?”

From a reader: Forgive me my ignorance – I am a relatively new Catholic, coming from the Methodist tradition. Why is Gregorian Chant more appropriate for Mass than “Gather Us In?” I like “Gather Us In.” It is singable even … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , ,
146 Comments

Australian analysis of the Toowoomba Tumult. Fr. Z muses.

It seems that Australia is the ground zero right now for discussions about ecclesiology, that is, the make up of the Church, who the Church is, how the Church is governed, what the Church believes. The removal of the Bishop … Read More →

Posted in New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , , ,
26 Comments

Observations on the Toowoomba Tumult. Fr. Z rants.

I am about to rant about Toowoomba and the NCFishwrap. Join a protest against the NCFishwrap during their fundraising drive by sending money to me.  I explain it here, but just trust me.  It’s a good idea. My rant today … Read More →

Posted in Biased Media Coverage, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, Throwing a Nutty, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , ,
27 Comments

QUAERITUR: How much power does a bishop have over the liturgy in the diocese?

From a reader: I was introduced to Canon 838 and surrounding. My understanding is that the bishop is free to do whatever he wants liturgically provided that the Apostolic See has not decreed to the contrary. Of course, he is … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, 1983 CIC can. 915, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill | Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
13 Comments

QUAERITUR: seminarians and clerical dress and WDTPRS POLL

From a seminarian: I’m wondering, I seem to remember hearing about a letter or something where Pope Benedict asked seminarians to wear clericals when going to audiences or something… I believe this was in reference to his visit to the … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, POLLS | Tagged , , , , , , , ,
63 Comments

WDTPRS POLL: Your Mass preparation and follow up during the week

I am curious about your preparation for Holy Mass or Divine Liturgy on Sundays and Holy Days or Feasts.  This applies to both forms of the Roman Rite and other Rites as well. Please choose the best answer and, if … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Our Catholic Identity, POLLS, The Drill | Tagged , , ,
38 Comments

Of Monnica and Martyrs

Today in the older, venerable, traditional Roman calendar, is the feast of St. Monica, widow and mother of St. Augustine of Hippo.  In the post-Conciliar calendar her feast was transferred to the end of August.  Monnica, is a spelling that … Read More →

Posted in Our Catholic Identity, Saints: Stories & Symbols | Tagged , , , , ,
10 Comments

SSPX reaction to the Anglican Ordinariate and the recent converts

Long-time participant HE alerted me to the following from the site of the SSPX. They are happy about the reception of so many former Anglicans entering into the Roman obedience. As you know, Anglicans are able to enter full union … Read More →

Posted in Brick by Brick, Just Too Cool, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , , , ,
19 Comments

Minnesota: Bp. Sirba testifies for defense of marriage amendment

The Catholic Spirit, Archdiocesan newspaper of my native place, has a piece about the testimony in defense of marriage given to the House Civil Law Committee of the Minnesota Legislature by His Excellency Most. Rev. Paul Sirba, Bishop of Duluth.  … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Fr. Z KUDOS, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
18 Comments

Not “your” body? Not your “choice”!

I found this on Fallible Blogma. I want to add a note. One of the things we were reminded of during the pontificate of Bl. John Paul II was that we are our bodies. His “theology of the body” served … Read More →

Posted in Clerical Sexual Abuse, Emanations from Penumbras, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , ,
26 Comments