A few quick TLM questions

[smichhertz]

Hi!

I’m new to the TLM and had a few quick questions that I can’t seem to find an answer to.

When I last went I noticed that sometimes people would respond when the book indicated only the servers were supposed to respond. Other times, it seems like only some were responding while others were silent. Finally, I also noticed that people responded more quietly, almost like they were saying it to themselves, rather than at a NO mass where the responses are more out loud.

So what responses are the congregation supposed to say? Does it differ if its a high mass or a low mass? Are the responses supposed to be said more quietly to yourself than out loud? Are there certain things you are supposed to say along with the priest (such as the “Dominum non sum dignus” or the Sanctus)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[corsair]

In the EF, you’ll find many local customs. Some parishes use a Dialog Mass, which is where the congregation responds with the altar boys; some follow the 1962 Rubrics exactly, which is where there are certain spots that are reserved for congregational response. In High Masses even these responses are limited. The choir assumes most of the responses.

So it kind of depends on your parish and the type of EF Mass you are celebrating. I love them all. During High Masses I usually sing with the choir

 

[smichhertz]

Ah, that would explain why everyone sort of seemed like they were doing their own thing.

I guess once the TLM gets more established in the Church there will be more of a norm.

Thanks!

 

[laszlo]

The Tridentine Rubrics, even the Rubrics in 1960 does not gives any role to the laity.

After St Pius X emphasized the active participation with the generic approval of the Apostolic See the so called dialogue masses started in the 1920’s, where the laity answered/prayed loudly some parts of the Mass. (afaik in the US only since the 1960’s)

There was no rubrics for the dialogue masses. The common custom was that only the answers of the server were proper answers (so the priest waited until that finished), the rest (Kyrie, Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) were considered as the chant by the schola: people recited while the priest independently went along with the Mass. Since this recitation was not considered part of the Mass, quite early became done in vernacular.

These recitations became part of the Mass in 1964

 

[TrueLight]

I understand your confusion. I often wonder myself because folks are responding at all sorts of sections.

I have noticed that either the whole Credo is sung or it’s sung alternatively with the schola.

 

[corsair]

Laslo, you are basically correct, except for the low Mass. There is no schola for a straight low Mass. There is a low Mass with some hymnody but that is more of a local custom thing. Its mentioned at Sanctamissa.org.