When Holy Water and Holy Oils Run Short

August 16, 2026

Question: My question regards blessings such as that of fire, candles, water and oils. In some ceremonies, such as the Chrism Mass, the Easter vigil and the feast of the Presentation (February 2), these objects are blessed at Mass. Do these objects receive the blessing in such a way that they can transmit the blessing by being placed into contact with other similar objects? In other words, so that it does not run out, is it correct to add ordinary water to blessed holy water? So that it does not run out, is it correct to add unblessed oil to the holy oils and the sacred chrism blessed by the bishop in the Chrism Mass? And so that the light from the fire blessed during the Easter vigil be perpetuated, may it be passed along to another candle? — J.P.G., Zipaquirá, Colombia

Blessings of Married Couples

August 9, 2026

Question: These are follow-up questions to your October 24, 2017, and February 5, 2013, articles on Zenit about the renewal of the couple's marital commitment (not vows) on milestone anniversaries. My questions relate to the revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony as implemented for use in U.S. dioceses in 2016. My first question: May I use Appendix III ("The Order of Blessing a Married Couple Within Mass on the Anniversary of Marriage") within Masses other than the "Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, no. 11. On the Anniversaries of Marriage,” as mentioned in the rubrics in no. 237? For example, can I use it within Mass on a Sunday in Ordinary Time or some other feast day if I keep the proper text for the Sunday/feast day Mass and the Sunday/feast day readings? My second question: May I use that same text from Appendix III outside of Mass but modify it to reflect the "Order of Blessing of a Married Couple Outside Mass” in the Book of Blessings? In other words, use the text of Appendix III, while trying to maintain the structure and chief elements of the rite in the Book of Blessings? — D.G., Irondale, Alabama

Use of Stole Outside Mass

July 19, 2026

Question: Kindly explain to us the proper use of the stole. I know that it is used under the chasuble during Eucharistic celebrations. Besides this use, what other usage can it be made outside of the Mass? Is it not an abuse to use it for a political rally against the government? Does it make sense to use the alb and the violet stole during an evangelization campaign or during the groundbreaking before the building of a church? Are there specific occasions where the stole can be used outside of the Mass? — F.X.N.K., Ndola Archdiocese, Zambia

Gestures and the Tabernacle

July 12, 2026

Question 1: When it is communion time, my pastor proceeds to the side tabernacle to retrieve the consecrated hosts with great dignity. All acolytes are instructed to turn, face the tabernacle, bow at the opening of the tabernacle, and the priest carries the ciborium at the highest elevation, both hands above his head. I fear he will trip, and I wonder about the protocol? — P.F., Toronto, Canada

Question 2: I see in some parishes that, when communion is completed and the hosts left over are transferred to the tabernacle, a certain number of the faithful stand up. If they have received communion, does it make sense to stand up when they have Christ within them? Is this gesture proper? — G.O., Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

“My Sacrifice and Yours”

July 5, 2026

Question: Before the Prayer over the Gifts, the priest celebrant extends his hands, saying, “Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” Is the word "sacrifice" preferred to the Body and Blood of the Lord into which bread and wine will be transformed, or it simply means the gifts (bread and wine) on the altar at the moment? — A.P.H., Washington, D.C.

Bell Ringing at the Consecration

June 28, 2026

Question: Recently my parish went from ringing bells at the elevation of the elements from one single ring to three distinct rings. When I inquired about the changes, I was told that “Father wants it that way and the rubrics give him that option if he so chooses.” I understand that the presiding priest at a Mass has a lot of latitude and has the final call as to how things will be done, but can he change this rubric simply because he wants to? Am I reading GIRM 150 incorrectly in that we ring a single bell once? — R.N., San Bernardino, California

Rite of Communion Outside of Mass

June 21, 2026

Question: I am a permanent deacon. Every Sunday I celebrate the Rite of Holy Communion outside of Mass in rural communities. Is the "Lamb of God" sung during these celebrations? Does one purify the hands, as does the priest when Mass is celebrated? I was taught that I should not do so. However, recently some women religious who came to help in the parish do both things and the community is somewhat confused. — J.G., Saltillo, Mexico

The Doxology, Penitential Rite and More

June 14, 2026

Question: Can a concelebrating priest hold the chalice at the doxology in the absence of a deacon?

— A.P., Patna, Bihar, India

Votive Mass Readings

June 6, 2026

Question: I plan to celebrate the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit in the coming feria days. May I use the daily readings, or should I use the readings assigned for the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit? Also, if I use the readings for the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit (which is Pentecost Sunday), do I have the freedom to choose any, or should I use Year A if we are in Year A? — L.P.C., San Francisco, California

Use of the Papal Ferula

May 24, 2026

Question: At a recent ordination our archbishop, instead of using the ordinary crosier, used the papal ferula. We are used to seeing the bishop’s staff, which is curved or bent at the top in the style of a shepherd's crook. This time, however, he used the pope's staff, which is a rod with a knob on top, surmounted by a crucifix. One priest told me that the pope can give a permission to a bishop to use the papal ferula. Is this true? What are the circumstances in which the pope can grant such a permission? If the bishop has bought this papal ferula himself in Rome, is that really possible? — F.K., Ndola, Zambia