Tag Archives: Sacraments

Formula of Absolution

Posted on July 30, 2017 by

A friend was commenting to me at dinner recently about an experience he had with a priest who did not use the proper formula of absolution when he went to confession. The formula that he used, in fact, was invalid. … Continue reading →

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Eucharistic Prayers in Spanish

Posted on July 26, 2017 by

Several years ago I made recordings of the first three Eucharistic prayers in Spanish, for a brother priest (fellow native English speaker) who wanted to practice. For some English speakers who are learning Spanish, I think, it can be easier … Continue reading →

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Prayers for Confessors to Say

Posted on June 26, 2017 by

One spring during my period of studies in Rome, I spent Holy Week at a parish in Edinburgh, Scotland and assisted with the sacred functions there. It was there that I saw, for the first time, a beautiful prayer for … Continue reading →

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Communion in the Hand – A Greater Responsibility

Posted on April 17, 2017 by

This past Saturday I was instructing our new converts on how to receive Holy Communion. And as I was speaking about the practice of communion in the hand — which the Church permits — the words “a greater responsibility” came … Continue reading →

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Altar of Repose

Posted on April 14, 2017 by

This year I had a traditional altar of repose set up in my parish, the Cathedral of St. Paul. A local carpenter constructed the backdrop and shelf assembly that was erected in front of our statue of the Blessed Mother, … Continue reading →

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First Blessings and Masses of New Priests

Posted on March 16, 2017 by

There is an urban legend out there to the effect that there is a plenary indulgence available to anyone who receives a “first blessing” from a new priest within a year of his ordination. This is false. No such indulgence is … Continue reading →

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Some Old Mass Spirituality

Posted on March 14, 2017 by

The other day I was chatting with a priest who also celebrates both the older and newer forms of the Roman Rite. Most priests with experience in both will readily admit that their learning of the older form greatly enriched … Continue reading →

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Eucharistic Congresses

Posted on March 8, 2017 by

For those who have ever been to a Eucharistic Congress: What are some of the things that you thought were successful and made it a beautiful and holy event? What are some of the things that you thought were unsuccessful … Continue reading →

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Baptism by Beer?

Posted on February 24, 2017 by

In preparing a handout for RCIA, I am brushing up on the matter and form of each sacrament.  With baptism in particular, many questions can arise about the matter of the sacrament. Can we baptize with beer – in a … Continue reading →

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Weddings and the Sunday Obligation

Posted on December 15, 2016 by

It’s very common nowadays for couples to hold their wedding on a Saturday afternoon – in my current parish, 1:30pm is the standard time. A question that I often pose to couples when I am doing marriage preparation is: How … Continue reading →

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Now Available – Bilingual Catechism

Posted on November 26, 2016 by

I am pleased to announce the release of a resource I developed several years ago, now to a wider market. It is a basic bilingual catechism (Spanish/English). This resource meets a pastoral need that I have encountered over and over again: … Continue reading →

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Pastoral Care of Gravely Ill Children

Posted on November 19, 2016 by

One of the sadder tasks that priests have is that of assisting families with a child who is gravely ill. It happens every so often that I will be called to a hospital or home by such a family. Often … Continue reading →

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