ASK FATHER Question Box – Fr. Z's Blog: Recent Episodes
Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
Formerly entitled: "What Does The Prayer Really Say?" - Clear, straight commentary on Catholic issues, liturgy and life by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf o{]:¬)
I’ve been getting notes about, and seeing chatter about on the interwebs, people setting up home chapels just in case. I think it is good to have one anyway, not just in case. In any event, while it is relatively easy to … Read More →
Dear readers, I received this. Can you help? We are looking for hosts of the 2 3/8 size. We have two monstrances and lunas that take that size but no one seems to make them anymore. Previously we have gotten … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw your post about being at the Byzantine church on Sunday. You have pictures of their bread for eucharist. I know that in the Latin Church we are supposed to have unleavened hosts. If you … Read More →
I occasionally check posts from the past. I found something from a few years ago, which feels right for these hard days, especially in view of future persecution. From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father, I feel [unsafe] going to Church, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: You’re probably the only priest who can properly help me navigate this, given your knowledge of the fine arts, particularly classical music, as well as being solid on Catholic morality. You’re also the only priest whom … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Finally I got my first Latin Mass and it was wonderful. I want more more more and I can’t understand why the Pope doesn’t want us to have it. I know he doesn’t like things he … Read More →
We are now in the Easter Octave – Happy Easter! Let’s get out in front of this before the calendar clicks over to Friday. First, allow me to post a shot of last night’s (Wednesday’s) repast. The beef is so … Read More →
Today, 3 April, Easter Wednesday, at 6:47 the sun rose over the Eternal City. The sunlight day will begin to end at 19:40. I got a little screwed up with my days in posting, so this is a sort of … Read More →
This is what the FSSP released after the meeting. My emphasis. Published 1 March 2024 Official communiqué of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter – Fribourg, March 1st, 2024. Following a request from the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Pope … Read More →
Dear readers, Occasionally someone sends a donation but it is marked for Mass intentions. You should never send money for Mass intentions without first discussing it with the priest involved. Perhaps sending to an order or institute, sure, you can … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Do you have any insights on the distinction between the Latin words “ave” like “Ave Maria” and “salve” like “Salve Regina”? I’m teaching Latin Prayers to Catholic Schoolhouse students and one student asked about this. I … Read More →
In light of several missives I’ve received – probably because of news about a recent confusing document – I reiterate hereunder what the Church holds to be true about the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation. From Ott’s Fundamentals of Catholic … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: An assistant priest at my parish is telling my ccd class not to kneel during the Consecration of the Eucharist during mass. Any advice? I pondered this for bit and then asked some trusted clerics including … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have a question about “active participation”. The priest that used to service my SSPX chapel was very adamant about is using a missal to follow and pray the Mass. He added that it wouldn’t be … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw a tweet or whatever it is that they are called now starting an argument about whether or not people in the pews should bow to the priest when he enters to say the Traditional … Read More →
UPDATE: I received a note from a friend in DC. St Peter’s dome reminds me of what’s happening in DC. There is a form of black mold we are spending millions mitigating on a regular basis. I received a question … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’m going to entirely recast this question in my own words because I need to address the answer to priests, rather than to the laymen who sent the original query. It seems that a priest recently … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have been doing research however to no avail. What is the official book and english translation used for blessing after Vatican 2 prior to the release of Book of Blessing? The book of blessings remained … Read More →
I had a question from a reader/viewer who was wondering about the preparation of the chalice during a streamed Mass. When it came to the water, I didn’t pick up the water cruet to add water. QUAERITUR: It looks like … Read More →
From a reader… QUAESITUM EST: A few years ago you posted a YouTube video (audio only) of Archbishop Léonard imitating the accents of various professors speaking Latin: https://wdtprs.com/2016/03/fun-with-latin-with-archbp-leonard/. It was hysterical! I actually shared it with students in my Latin oratory … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I recently got over myself and went to confession after being away from the sacramental life of the church for a number of years. I then realized that I had not confessed the fulfillment of my … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: In your very, very fruitful apostolic endeavors, might you please have a moment to a) correctly list the Imprecatory Psalms, and b) expound on them a bit Good God…why everyone isn’t praying them daily is a … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am from a town where the SSPX has recently established a vibrant chapel and has been extremely generous in providing Traditional Latin Mass and other Sacraments in the traditional rite. The local diocesan parish has … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My parish priest has asked me to find a trustworthy cleaner who can clean an old, very beautiful and still in very good shape Cope. It was made in France for the local Polish church and … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why do we have to fast and abstain? Why the Eucharistic fast? Why Ash Wednesday? Such a simply put question. Not a simple answer. It’s tied, I think, to another question from email. Also from a … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hello Father , I am in need of confession and I feel to embarrassed to speak to my church face to face. I am asking for a chance to rid myself of these thorns that won’t … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have recently learned I believe several years ago then when going to confession one must confess mortal sins by kind and “x” times #. Well, I don’t think I’ve ever done that until I found … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am asking advice that you’d think you’d never be asked to do – how to defend the Novus Ordo. No, I don’t mean to defend it as being superior to the TLM – trust me, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My job with a state agency includes reviewing proposed regulations of other state agencies. For many years, when we did this task we would change old references to the generic “he” or “him“ to “he or … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have read your blog on and off for years but recently began reading regularly. I always find your writing edifying and informative. I will try to keep my question/concern short and to the point. I … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I know a young couple. The man from indigenous descent who is converting to the faith and who will be baptized and confirmed this April. She has asked about an amulet her husband never takes off … Read More →
I’m getting a lot of questions about something that Francis said to seminarians from Barcelona. Story at the Catholic Herald HERE. As the tale goes, Francis delivered profanity-studded “off the cuff” remarks to seminarians, including “not to be clerical, to forgive everything”, adding … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My cousin’s parish priest said that there is no purgatory. What say you? I say that, if he really thinks there is no Purgatory, then the priest is a heretic. I say that if he has … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is making a sponsorship to an SSPX church a sin, if one doesn’t support being in Schism. I have a deep love for Our Lady of Guadalupe for example and would like to support the side … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: On a recent podcast a priest said that asking a specific person in Purgatory to pray for you/us is necromancy. Thoughts? My first reaction is that Father seems not to understand the difference between conjuring spirits … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: The feast of the Epiphany is a Friday this year. Our FSSP calendar has it marked as a day of abstinence, according to 1962 law, but my TLM planner from The Liturgical Year calendar family does … Read More →
This question comes from a comment under another post, but it stands on its own. From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, quick question? I too believe that Benedict is a saint in heaven. Of course, when someone dies (including a pope), … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: After a number of years away from the faith of my childhood, I made the decision to return to the Catholic church. After attending a few masses, my heart longed to receive the Eucharist, so I … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I went to confession and the words said by the priest for absolution were “I absolve you from these sins” etc. Would this absolution be valid? Thank you for going to confession. KEEP GOING. This is … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our parish priest speaks in a very distinct way. He chants the Novus Ordo from “For on the night he was betrayed he himself took bread, and giving you thanks he said the blessing, broke the … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Fr, I went to confession at a Catholic church in France that gets pilgrims from around the world. Because of the many languages of the penitents there was a checklist in the confessional with a wide variety of sins translated … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At Mass yesterday the priest said that St. John the Baptist never sinned his whole life due to the absolution he received from the Lord during the Visitation (‘ . . . and he leapt in … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Would my Baltimore Catechism No 4 and the Sacred Liturgy be best as a layman as my manual for daily life? I ask because I’m wondering if I should carry both my Catechism and my 1962 … Read More →
Yesterday I posted a response to a question about the validity of Mass if a priest says “for all” instead of “for many” in the English version of the Novus Ordo. HERE That raised a question in the combox so … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My schedule required me to attend a lunchtime Novus Ordo near my office today. The priest (I believe intentionally) modified the Eucharistic Prayer, employing the old “for all” translation of pro multis. As far as I … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My 1956 Saint Andrew Daily Missal, pages 1111 et seq., allows for partial indulgences, measured in days and years, upon various prayers; yet, current my Baronius Press missal does not. Two Questions: 1. Have partial indulgences … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father Z, can you advise me on how to react to a Polish friend who had a vivid experience that she was promised by the Archangel Jeremiel that he would protect her? The reason that … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: On Friday, I will br undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery after a farm related injury. Part of the procedure involves rebuilding my ACL by screwing a cadaver tendon in the place of my torn ACL. I am … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My parish has recently been gifted a beautiful new set of Sacred Vessels for use at Holy Mass. We have asked the bishop to bless them when he’s next due to come here for Confirmations but … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father Z, I have a question about how to deal with a priest who has a difficult personality. He can be very rough and impolite in his language, even during Mass. He is known for … Read More →
From a priestly reader… QUAERITUR: I cannot find when to use the Biretta at the Homily, should it be worn, if so, then does one wear at for the Epistle & Gospel readings in the vernacular/English? Thank you for your … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have never seen a decree or document stating that the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary have been indulgenced. I suspect you also have never seen a decree that the Glorious Mysteries have been indulgenced. The … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: One would think having the bishop allow a diocesan priest to do the Tridentine Mass would fill the faithful with joy. However this priest (who strongly objects to the NO) also is angry with his TLM … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: What is a reasonable ordinary donation to a priest in connection with a request to say a mass. Or a reasonable range? I understand that it is not strictly necessary to send a certain amount, and … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At my parish, we have a new pastoral administrator…. Don’t know the whole story, but suffice it to say that Fr. W does not really seem to want to be in parish ministry. Our parish has … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Both of my parents were fortunate to receive the last rites and the apostolic blessing. I was filled with peace at their deaths because I had hope they may have been saved. That peace has been … Read More →
The Roman sun rose today at 7:06 and will set at 18:53. The Ave Maria is slated for 19:00, which is a 15 minute shift from yesterday. Gosh, things change so fast. Breakfast today was more along the lines of … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is there any situation in which a Catholic layman could officiate a wedding? A friend has been asked to officiate at a non-Catholic wedding ceremony between 2 non-Catholic persons and is unsure whether the Church would … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Do you know of anyone who prints missals in large print? My wife has what is called low vision. Perhaps one of your regular readers knows this. Looking around a little I found these. St Joseph … Read More →
This is an oldie post, slightly edited. I am prompted to repost it because I recently had the pleasure of meeting a friend for lunch who had been in the Masons for sometime before his conversion. From a reader… QUAERITUR: … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Question on marriage: Canon Law says a Catholic marrying an Orthodox Christian by an Orthdox priest has a valid marriage (as long as the usual free to marry, openness to kids etc. are part of the … Read More →
Say someone is convinced that the Vetus Ordo is a better channel for living our Catholic identity in this vale of tears. While not doubting that the Novus Ordo is a valid rite and not wholly ineffective, just not as … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why do most clergy have almost no interest in the Liturgy of the Hours? [Maybe they are saying the Roman Breviary!] I know many lay people who have discovered and love the divine office and expend … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why does is “ on the third day He rose AGAIN “. Why the word again? Every Sunday I wonder……. Okay… that’s a little scrambled, but I get the sense of the question. I have received … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have often felt used and abused spiritually, psychologically and emotionally by bitchy, nosy, petty, likely psychopathic/narcissist church people. What was once a naive and blind trust and obedience was crushed by the sadistic cackling of … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At the visitation at a funeral home for an elderly male relative of mine, instead of a family rosary being said, the local parish sent a nondescript religious Sister, who said she’d conduct a prayer service. … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: What hobbies are permitted on Sundays? I like to knit and crochet clothing and blankets for pleasure, but have heard that this is considered servile labor. Yes, perhaps historically this was work, but nowadays this is … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hello if I go to Saturday night anticipation mass and receive Holy Communion, and then go the following morning to Sunday mass, may I receive Holy Communion again? I have been told you cannot because it’s … Read More →
From a priest… QUAERITUR: Is it okay to learn how to say the Traditional Latin Mass? Where are we at with the whole overblown, skewed notion of obedience and authority today that it would enter into a priest’s mind that … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’d love to hear your thoughts on where things go from here with the traditional liturgy, given the developments in DC and Chicago, as the faithful have put real blood, sweat, and tears into the building … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Some years ago I studied for graduate theology with several distinguished theologians, one of whom was chancellor for Card. Burke in Lacrosse. In those Canon Law classes, he made the point over and again that the … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I went to confession the other day to get back into the state of grace with the plan to get my spiritual life back in order after slacking and falling into habitual mortal sin during the … Read More →
I begin with his peroration… Perhaps the bishops are not thinking about the liturgy at all, but about the people – whose devotion they envy, and whose moral conservatism they detest. Is that it? Are they more to be punished … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: With the recent dustups involving education curriculum in the United States I feel this is an important question to ask. Some on social media have suggested that, with what’s going on public schools these days, it … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I pose my question about the Novus Ordo Missae in homage to the now famous question, “What is a woman?” It seems to me that the Consilium took a rib from the 1962 Missal and instead … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Given that Traditionis has prevented the faithful in some areas from continuing to experience the old ritual forms for the Sacraments, the question arose; what is the approved Latin for the Ordinary Form prayer of absolution … Read More →