Category Archives: ASK FATHER Question Box

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

Posted in "But Father! But Father!", "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Lighter fare, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , ,
12 Comments

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

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

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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged , , , ,
10 Comments

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

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

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

Posted in "But Father! But Father!", "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , ,
15 Comments

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

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

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

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION | Tagged , , , ,
11 Comments

ASK FATHER: A priest asks about “behind the lines” warfare against the Enemy.

From a priest in a European country writes… QUAERITUR: First thanks for your blog. It`s one of the things that kept me sane during my seminary years. [Thanks for that!] I`m a newly ordained priest from ___. A few moments … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Be The Maquis, Mail from priests, Si vis pacem para bellum! |
12 Comments

ASK FATHER: Is Francis an Antipope because Cardinals conspired and the conclave was invalid?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: In your podcast the other about [Fr. Thomas G.] Weinandy’s idea of an “internal papal schism” you said that nobody is saying that Bergoglio is an Antipope. But there are people saying that and Bergoglio is … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Canon Law | Tagged , , , , , ,
27 Comments

ASK FATHER: When could priests wear casual attire?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: In the United States, I imagine you would agree, it is not uncommon to see priests in very casual attire. Under what circumstances (if any) would the traditional modus operandi allow for dressing down (i.e. not … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood | Tagged , ,
18 Comments