Tag Archives: Issues

The Mothers of Lu

Posted on April 18, 2019 by

On this Holy Thursday we consider the two sacraments our Lord instituted this day: the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Eucharist. They are intimately connected – no priests, no Eucharist; no love and reverence for the Eucharist, no priests. In … Continue reading →

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How Much Water in the Wine?

Posted on April 8, 2019 by

During the preparation of the chalice (see HERE for another interesting post on this topic), the deacon or priest who is doing the preparation is supposed to add some water to the wine. This is done …as the Council of Trent … Continue reading →

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Does Friday Penance Bind Gravely?

Posted on April 5, 2019 by

Today, when this is being posted, is a Friday of Lent — a day of abstinence from meat for all Catholics who have completed 14 years of age. But is it really a sin if one chooses to eat meat anyhow … Continue reading →

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The Realism of Moral Manuals

Posted on April 4, 2019 by

84. Night prayer is the last prayer of the day, said before retiring, even if that is after midnight. That norm, from the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours, implies that the prayer of Vespers (Evening Prayer) shall … Continue reading →

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The Priests’ Sabbath Rest

Posted on April 3, 2019 by

The concept of a “day off” for a priest is not foreseen in the Code of Canon Law. From there, one can find many reasons against it: “one doesn’t get a day off from being a father”, “you’re just buying … Continue reading →

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The Physical Presence?

Posted on March 24, 2019 by

Is Jesus physically present in the Holy Eucharist? This not the teaching of the Church. I would challenge anyone to find such a concept in the Church’s magisterium. Let us consider some of the implications: If Christ were physically present in the … Continue reading →

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More on Communion Rails

Posted on March 16, 2019 by

I had resolved to avoid getting into a rut of posting on the same topics continually (as was happening at one point recently), but someone forwarded this article to me today. It is well worth sharing, even if I recently … Continue reading →

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Lenten Abstinence for Vegetarians and Vegans

Posted on March 5, 2019 by

The law on abstinence, which applies to Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of Lent, requires us to abstain from eating any meat on those days. Under current law, broths made from meat may be taken, as long as there … Continue reading →

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Reflecting on Altar Rails

Posted on February 27, 2019 by

For me, one of the simplest arguments for having an altar rail along the sanctuary of the Church is an aesthetic one: it just looks better. It brings greater order to the division between sanctuary and nave; it sets off … Continue reading →

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The Parish Ritual – UPDATED 2/27/19

Posted on February 27, 2019 by

UPDATE 2/27/19: Since posting the following review on 2/24, someone really close to the project/publisher called me to discuss some of the concerns I raised. He gave some helpful background on all the (heavy) work that went into compiling this … Continue reading →

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St. Peter Damian, Pray For Us

Posted on February 21, 2019 by

At Mass this morning I noted how it was fortuitous that the so-called Summit on Abuse at the Vatican was beginning today, on the feast of St. Peter Damian, a great reformer-saint (and Benedictine) of the 11th century, who contended … Continue reading →

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Punctuality and the Virtue of Religion

Posted on February 20, 2019 by

Religion involves our offering to God the worship that is due to him. Because he is our creator, our greatest good, and the end to which we are directed, we owe him (in justice) our worship. Religion is therefore a … Continue reading →

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