Q:  is it possible for an individual to be fully initiated to the faith during their Matrimony Liturgy? Could they receive baptism/confirmation and then first Eucharist at the same liturgy at which their marriage will be consecrated? I am referring here specifically to individuals who have completed the RCIA process and the annulment process and […]

Q:  Can a parent sponsor their child who is making a profession of faith? == A:  I’d say no. The reason is that the same canonical limitations apply to sponsors for baptisms and for confirmations. In fact, canon law does not specifically address the situation of a reception sponsor, which, in my view, is a […]

Q:  I am a pastor. I read your response to a question about confirming baptized Catholics at the Easter Vigil.  You said permission from the bishop is needed. Doesn’t this dilute the reason for the Vigil: baptizing and receiving new members into the Church? == A:  Well, first of all, the reason for the Easter […]

Q:  Thank you Paul for your helpful comments, yet again.  A couple of questions please: There is a growing tendency I suspect for families to ask for more than two godparents and one sponsor to be present for baptism/confirmation.  Kindly confirm the number of godparents/sponsors permitted with references to church documents. I sense there may be a […]

Q:   When there is full immersion baptism does the presider still anoint the people at the font as they do with infants? == A:  There is no postbaptismal anointing on the crown of the head after any adult confirmation – immersion or pouring. It is omitted, and confirmation takes place.

Q: Father Paul, I’m writing to you because I was in a workshop on my way to becoming a extraordinary Eucharistic minister and the lady who was conducting the workshop had mentioned your name and some of your writings. I’m a member of a parish. I also have plans to become a permanent Deacon in […]

Q:  Could you please clarify if it is permissible to sing Alleluia during the Wedding (Mass) in Lent? The Gloria is sung, however I’m unsure of Alleluia.  Thank you, and have a blessed Lent. == A:  The alleluia is silenced throughout Lent, including weddings, confirmations, St. Joseph’s Day and the Annunciation when these fall within […]

Q:  If, at the Easter Vigil, there will be no baptism, but there will be the reception of someone into the Church, followed by confirmations, when does the new Catholic receive a candle? I’m understanding that the entire congregation has lighted candles during the Q&A profession of faith, but the person to be received recites […]

Q:  My question is regarding the Blessing of the Advent Wreath during Mass on the first Sunday of Advent. The Book of Blessings is vague regarding the question of whether or not to recite the Creed before beginning the intercessions/blessing/lighting of the advent wreath which is to follow the homily. My thought is that unless a baptism […]

Q:  Did you know that in 1999 the Congregation for Divine Worship instructed a bishop to confirm without delay a young child who was under the diocesan policy age for Confirmation but had asked for the sacrament?   ==   A:  I’d forgotten about it, but I included the letter in chapter 12 of my book Ages […]