Category Archives: Parish Life

Which Mass Fulfills My Sunday Obligation? Part I

Q:  I am a member of the Maronite [Catholic] Church.  I was recently invited to a Latin-rite Mass on a Sunday for the celebration of a number of women religious 50+ years of consecrated life.  The Mass took place at … Continue reading

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Why Would a Catholic Cleric Desecrate an Altar?

Q: Probably you already know all about the priest in New Orleans who desecrated the altar of his parish together with a couple of prostitutes….  The bishop announced that he had the altar burned and would consecrate a new one.  … Continue reading

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Refusing First Holy Communion to Children Who Are Ill-Prepared

Q:  I am a volunteer in our parish’s catechism program, and I help run the First Holy Communion preparation…. As has unfortunately become very common, we get a LOT of uncatechized children and an ever-increasing number of uncatechized parents in … Continue reading

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When Can a Pastor be Removed From Office?

Q:  In this article you mentioned in passing that a bishop can’t remove the pastor of a parish just because the pastor does something the bishop doesn’t like.  Can you elaborate? I ask because in Wales a pastor was castigated … Continue reading

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Can We be Required to Wear Masks at Mass?

Q1:  My question is simple.  There is no requirement by my diocese that we must wear masks at Mass.  Can a parish priest require it? –Bill Q2:  We just received an email from our parish communications director stating that we … Continue reading

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