Hey, Father! Why are bells rung at the consecration?
Why do some parishes ring the bells during the consecration (elevation of Body and Blood of Jesus) and others don’t? The silence is profound when absent! Also, why does the priest place…
Read MoreHey, Father! Can I name my guardian angel?
Can we name our guardian angels? John in Chatham One of the earliest prayers I learned as a child was the Guardian Angel Prayer, which I still say to begin…
Read MoreHey Father! Why do Catholics eat fish on Fridays and when did this start?
It may well be at this time of year that the most frequently asked question of Catholics concerns the eating of fish on Fridays. First, we should recall that Catholics…
Read MoreCan you please explain the significance of the vestment colors worn by clergy?
Can you please explain the significance of the vestment colors worn by clergy? Nancy in Quincy The use of color in the Sacred Liturgy is as old as Catholic worship…
Read MoreHey, Father! How many times can I receive Communion each day?
Recently I attended morning Mass and later that day a funeral Mass. I received Communion at both Masses. Then I remembered that I was told years ago that you are…
Read MoreHey, Father! Did Mary experience pain during childbirth?
Our Blessed Mother was born without original sin. Why would she have suffered pain in childbirth? Nancy in Springfield Dear Nancy, Each year on Dec. 8, the Church Universal celebrates the…
Read MoreHey, Father! Why is the saint of the day mentioned during daily Mass but hardly on Sunday?
Why, during daily Mass, are there references to the saint of the day and, if the saint is a martyr, the priest wears red to honor their death, and the…
Read MoreHey, Father! What kind of candles must be used at Mass?
Is it OK to use oil candles on the altar or must the candles be made of beeswax? I thought oil candles were only to be used in the sacristy…
Read MoreHey, Father! What do I do with old blessed palm branches?
I have a few old, dried-up palms from various Palm Sundays. Is there a proper way to dispose of them? I know not to just throw them in the trash. Churches…
Read MoreHey, Father! Women priests and priestly celibacy. Where in the bible are those?
Where in the Bible does it say that a priest cannot be married, or is this something that was decided by the Church leaders? And, where in the Bible does…
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