Category Archives: Mass

A Novel Argument in favor of Communion for the Divorced

Posted on 4 September 2019 by Ron Conte

I’ve not seen this point in any of the discussions about Amoris Laetitia, specifically the section that allows, in some limited cases, reception of holy Communion by the divorced and remarried. It is a solid theological argument, based not only … Continue reading →

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Schismatics are not permitted to receive holy Communion

Posted on 29 April 2017 by Ron Conte

Catholics may faithfully disagree with the Roman Pontiff to a fairly wide extent: * When may a Catholic disagree with Pope Francis? * To what extent may we resist or disagree with the Pope? * Ten Ways to Respond When … Continue reading →

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Cardinal Burke’s hypocrisy on intrinsic evil and Communion

Posted on 28 March 2017 by Ron Conte

In a talk on 24 March 2017, at a parish in Springfield, Virginia, Cardinal Burke insisted the Pope Francis must answer the five dubia of the four Cardinals, or else the Cardinals “simply will have to correct the situation,” by … Continue reading →

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The Failure of Canon 915

Posted on 21 January 2017 by Ron Conte

Before I discuss Canon 915, I want to dispel you of the notion that any discipline is so long-standing and so thoroughly established in Church practice that it is irreformable. The Old Testament disciplines were established by Divine Revelation, and … Continue reading →

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Ad Orientem as a Chip on the Shoulder

Posted on 14 July 2016 by Ron Conte

Cardinal Sarah suggested that, beginning this Advent, all priests say Mass ad orientem (“to the East”), which often is not literally to the East, but symbolically, such that the priest faces with his back to the people: “It is very … Continue reading →

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Should Persons Unrepentant from Grave Sin go to Mass?

Posted on 15 January 2016 by Ron Conte

My opinion is that they should not. The Pharisaical Catholic would answer that such a person is obligated to attend Mass, though they cannot receive Communion. Yes, but that type of answer treats the obligation as entirely exterior. You sit … Continue reading →

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Reception of Communion and Parish Economics

Posted on 22 December 2015 by Ron Conte

The cry has gone out, across the face of the whole earth: No Communion for the divorced and remarried!! What if the couple is in good conscience? They are nevertheless guilty of the objective mortal sin of adultery. Prohibit them … Continue reading →

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The Last Supper was the First Mass and Eucharist

Posted on 9 December 2015 by Ron Conte

Over at Vox Nova, Fr. Nathan O’Halloran, S.J., rejects the teaching of the Magisterium that the Last Supper was the first Mass and first Eucharist: Why the Last Supper was not the First Mass. He claims: “It would only lead … Continue reading →

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Toward Flexibility in Liturgical Form

Posted on 18 November 2015 by Ron Conte

Liturgical form refers to the words, actions, and vestments and other articles used in our expression of worship together, especially in the holy Mass, but also in other liturgical celebrations, such as funerals, baptisms, weddings, etc. Liturgical form falls into … Continue reading →

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Reply to Fr. Brian Harrison on Communion

Posted on 12 October 2015 by Ron Conte

The Church is headed for a great schism. The controversy that divides Catholics might not be Communion for the divorced and remarried. It might be the ordination of women deacons, or a new definition of doctrine on salvation for non-Christians, … Continue reading →

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Holy Mass is no place to fight about liturgical form

Posted on 12 March 2015 by Ron Conte

Katrina Fernandez wrote a blog post at Patheos.com about her experience at Mass visiting a liberal parish: Denied Communion on the Tongue at My Grandmother’s Funeral… She writes a number of criticisms of the liturgical form used in this particular … Continue reading →

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Most Catholics should not receive Holy Communion

Posted on 27 May 2014 by Ron Conte

In accordance with conscience, formed in the light of the teachings of Jesus and His Church, which persons should NOT be receiving holy Communion? This post is not on the topic of who may or may not receive Communion according … Continue reading →

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