Category Archives: Our Catholic Identity

Conscience, Communion in this epoch of mercy. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

In this epoch of mercy, encounter and accompaniment, it seems that the categories of law, doctrine and conscience are becoming less and less meaningful. Certain churchmen today are opining about, for example, conscience and the reception of Holy Communion.   … Read More

Posted in 1983 CIC can. 915, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged
19 Comments

ASK FATHER: I’ve been such a sinner. Is striving for holiness a waste of time?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: d’ve lived a pretty sinful life and reverted back to the faith. Since then I have been striving to become a saint, but I’m starting to get the impression I’m wasting my time. I’m a member of a … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Four Last Things, GO TO CONFESSION, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
22 Comments

ASK FATHER: During Year of Mercy can I go to SSPX Masses for my Sunday Obligation?

From a reader… May I attend a Mass by an SSPX priest during the Year of Mercy to fulfill my Sunday obligation? What is the current status of their Mass and is it affected by the Year of Mercy declaration … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Hard-Identity Catholicism, Our Catholic Identity, SSPX | Tagged , ,
39 Comments

ASK FATHER: Baptism with slight separation of matter and form… valid? Am I baptized?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I was born to Southern Baptist parents and baptized at age 7 by immersion. I clearly remember standing waist-high in a pool of water… the Baptist minister pronounced the Trinitarian formula and AFTER WHICH, he immersed … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
9 Comments

ASK FATHER: Frequent confession to overcome pornography

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, I am a new Catholic and I’m struggling mightily to overcome a past life filled with pornography. Sometimes I fail the day after a confession. Some Priests have told me not to go more than … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , ,
31 Comments

ASK FATHER: Can’t go to Mass on Sunday. Are we obliged to go on Saturday?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’m satisfied that Canon 1248 clearly grants us a generous concession to fulfill / satisfy our obligation to assist at Mass on a Sunday by going on Saturday evening. If my Church has a Saturday evening … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , ,
22 Comments

ASK FATHER: Lutheran wife is against me, a convert, going to Mass

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am a convert from Lutheranism, and my wife and children remain irregularly practicing Lutherans. My wife says that my absence for Mass every Sunday is a selfish betrayal of family time, and that our whole … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged
15 Comments

ASK FATHER: Prayer services and lay people extending hands to “bless” an Advent wreath

From a reader… I have recently noticed something strange at my school. We had an Advent Prayer service in which the students were told to extend their hands to bless the Advent wreath. Is this alright? I heard that lay … Read More

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

VIDEO: Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) talks frankly about belief in Christ and his Catholic Faith

Presidential candidate Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) talks frankly about his Catholic Faith and his relationship to other Christians. Moderation queue is ON.  I don’t want this to turn into a merely political debate about various candidates, as in, “I don’t … Read More

Posted in New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged
14 Comments

Giving thanks, with Mass, for benefactors and donors

This morning we had a Norman Rockwell like Mass at St. Mary’s. It would have been nice to have a couple photos. We used the texts for the day, of course. On civil holidays I also like to add Archbishop … Read More

Posted in Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
7 Comments