A really stupid question about the TLM

[StTommyMore]

At my college we have a Missa Cantata the last Sunday of the month. The rest of the month we have a “low Mass” on Saturdays at noon. What is the difference between the two (Missa Cantata and “Low Mass,” and can I assume that the Low Mass is a vigil mass and therby fulfills my Sunday obligation? I am not saying that I am going exclusively TLM (that would be a huge step for me, as several of you probably know), but some weeks I really want to go to a Latin Mass and it isn’t being offered.

 

[MarkThompson]

At my college we have a Missa Cantata the last Sunday of the month. The rest of the month we have a “low Mass” on Saturdays at noon. What is the difference between the two (Missa Cantata and “Low Mass,” and can I assume that the Low Mass is a vigil mass and therby fulfills my Sunday obligation? I am not saying that I am going exclusively TLM (that would be a huge step for me, as several of you probably know), but some weeks I really want to go to a Latin Mass and it isn’t being offered.

Saturday at noon cannot be a vigil Mass, and definitely does not fulfill your Sunday obligation. Not ever.

As to the different types of Mass, Wikipedia actually does a pretty decent job of explaining this (see here and the linked individual articles).

 

[StTommyMore]

Saturday at noon cannot be a vigil Mass, and definitely does not fulfill your Sunday obligation. Not ever.

As to the different types of Mass, Wikipedia actually does a pretty decent job of explaining this (see here and the linked individual articles).

Thank you very much. I was just trying to make sure. Some “evening” Masses on Saturday seem awfully early in my neck of the woods.

 

[Sirach2]

I don’t think so, Tommy. Generally, the vigil for Sunday is at 4 PM or later. Anything earlier is considered the liturgy for Saturday. I recall some folks asking whether a nuptial mass at 3 PM satisfies for Sunday’s obligation, and they are told that it does not. Perhaps the mass at noon is just a liturgy being offered for those who have free time and would like to attend mass. “Low mass” does not denote that it is the Sunday liturgy.

 

[HCC]

1. High Mass or Cantata is Sung Mass: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missa_Cantata
2. Low Mass is said Mass, sometimes with music, more often without.: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Mass

Those are simple definitions, but those are the basic understandings.

As for a noon Mass on Saturday fufilling your Sunday Obligation. NO, that would not count as a Vigil Mass.

Experience both for better understanding.

 

[StTommyMore]

1. High Mass or Cantata is Sung Mass: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missa_Cantata
2. Low Mass is said Mass, sometimes with music, more often without.: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Mass

Those are simple definitions, but those are the basic understandings.

As for a noon Mass on Saturday fufilling your Sunday Obligation. NO, that would not count as a Vigil Mass.

Experience both for better understanding.

I am discerning for the priesthood, so going to Mass every day is a priority for me, regardless of form. If it does not fulfill my obligation, that is quite alright. Experiencing both the EF and OF, in my own opinion, will give be a deeper respect for both.

 

[DavidPalm]

I am discerning for the priesthood, so going to Mass every day is a priority for me, regardless of form. If it does not fulfill my obligation, that is quite alright. Experiencing both the EF and OF, in my own opinion, will give be a deeper respect for both.

Yours is not a stupid question. According to our first experience with Low Mass, it can be a bit of a shock. It’s very quiet and that unnerves some people who are used to a lot more sound in the NO Mass. Many people come to find the Low Mass very peaceful and contemplative, but it takes some getting used to. Just make sure your expectations are in line with reality–ours were not the first time and as I said it was kind of shocking and a bit disillusioning.

I think a sung High Mass is much more accessible to the first-time Latin Mass goer. The congregation may or may not sing the responses–so you can take your cue from them on that–but the ceremonies themselves will be more detailed and of course there is the additional setting of music, hopefully Gregorian chant but sometimes also sacred polyphony.

For both, it’s very helpful to get a copy of that thin red missal from Ecclesia Dei and just read it through. My wife and I both did that early on and it really helped to understand what the priest was doing and praying throughout the Mass. The prayers are beautiful. It’s helpful to know ahead of time too some of the cues that will help you find your place–standing for the Gospel, the Credo, the Sanctus, the Angus Dei are the major ones. As you become more and more familiar with the rite you’ll recognize additional milestones. After about ten times you’ll be pretty comfortable, I’d say.

God bless,

 

[StTommyMore]

Yours is not a stupid question. According to our first experience with Low Mass, it can be a bit of a shock. It’s very quiet and that unnerves some people who are used to a lot more sound in the NO Mass. Many people come to find the Low Mass very peaceful and contemplative, but it takes some getting used to. Just make sure your expectations are in line with reality–ours were not the first time and as I said it was kind of shocking and a bit disillusioning.

I think a sung High Mass is much more accessible to the first-time Latin Mass goer. The congregation may or may not sing the responses–so you can take your cue from them on that–but the ceremonies themselves will be more detailed and of course there is the additional setting of music, hopefully Gregorian chant but sometimes also sacred polyphony.

For both, it’s very helpful to get a copy of that thin red missal from Ecclesia Dei and just read it through. My wife and I both did that early on and it really helped to understand what the priest was doing and praying throughout the Mass. The prayers are beautiful. It’s helpful to know ahead of time too some of the cues that will help you find your place–standing for the Gospel, the Credo, the Sanctus, the Angus Dei are the major ones. As you become more and more familiar with the rite you’ll recognize additional milestones. After about ten times you’ll be pretty comfortable, I’d say.

God bless,

I have been to a Missa Contata several times, and I have been considering getting the red book. They are sold at the FUS bookstore. The no music thing won’t be too much of a shock, because believe it or not, at the 6:30 AM OF Mass at the campus chapel, there is no music, so this to is a very quiet contemplative atmosphere. Remember Novus Ordo does not always have to be crazy cacophony.