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Lil_M
Guest
I am a little worried about about sticking out and not knowing what’s going on- plus I’ve never had communion kneeling. But I’m hopefully going to my first TLM this Sunday! Let ya know how it goes 
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W
Windmill
Guest
Loy,I’ve heard the one in Houston is very nice. I’ve been to the one in Austin, and those folks are very friendly. A group of them usually go to dinner together afterwards. There’s also one in San Antonio, but that’s a little further away than Houston or Austin. Don’t be shy!
It’s a good two hours away, and I have a wife and two little boys (4&1). Plus, the TLM in Houston is at 8:30 am.
FSSP, GET ON UP HERE IN COLLEGE STATION!!!
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SouthernSister
Guest
B
Binary
Guest
Yeah, I’d have to say I would be at least nervous to go to a TLM. I have no objections to it, of course. But I don’t know the structure of it, and I may do something at the wrong time or omit doing something that I should, and people may mistake my ignorance for disrepect. For example, prior to reading this thread I had never heard the word “mantilla.”
J
jmcrae
Guest
The first thing to realize is that the TLM is not a “participation” Mass - all you have to remember to do is stay down on your knees and keep quiet.
They sit for the Epistle and stand for the Gospel, but apart from that, it’s all kneeling. You also don’t need to know anything, since the altar servers and the priest say all the words - the congregation is not expected to “follow along.”When it comes time for Holy Communion, just watch the others and do whatever they do. It may seem a bit disorganized to you at first, but people just go up when they’re ready to go during the period of the Distribution - you don’t have to wait for the person next to you or in front of you to go.
If a lot of people are receiving, they will line up along the outer walls of the Church, but it’s not like the newer Mass with ushers telling you when it’s time to go up, or waiting for the row in front of you to go; quite often it’s only a few people receiving, so you just go up when you feel ready to go.
B
Binary
Guest
Well that description makes it much less intimidating. 
I’m curious about what you said about fewer people receiving communion. Do you know why this is? This may sound prejudiced of me (albiet in a favorable way), but I would think that people who seek out TLM services would be more likely to go to confession more often. And if one has recently confessed, why abstain from communion?
I’m curious about what you said about fewer people receiving communion. Do you know why this is? This may sound prejudiced of me (albiet in a favorable way), but I would think that people who seek out TLM services would be more likely to go to confession more often. And if one has recently confessed, why abstain from communion?
T
tradcathconvert
Guest
angelqueen.org/mass/index.shtml
For those who want to know the order of service(ordinary) of the TLM and other information before attending one, the above link has lots of useful information. Hope it helps.
For those who want to know the order of service(ordinary) of the TLM and other information before attending one, the above link has lots of useful information. Hope it helps.
J
jmcrae
Guest
No - I have never asked. I’ve been curious of course, but I strongly suspect that it’s none of my business.Well that description makes it much less intimidating.
I’m curious about what you said about fewer people receiving communion. Do you know why this is?
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Windmill
Guest
Some may be mentally preparing for communion. I know that, at times, I am distracted when receiving. But, of course, I usually have a four-year-old boy in tow
S
SnorterLuster
Guest
We have very high participaiton in Holy Communion at my TLM chapel. One thing to remember, many of us still fast for three hours, and others even from midnight. A late Mass will have a lot fewer going to Communion than the 9 AM Mass I attend. Just recently we had a ice storm on Saturday night. Several of the altar boys were unable toget to mass so we had a low mass at 9 AM. Since it was a low Mass, my three hour fast was not over by the time for Communion in the low Mass. Consequently, I could not partake that week.Well that description makes it much less intimidating.
I’m curious about what you said about fewer people receiving communion. Do you know why this is? This may sound prejudiced of me (albiet in a favorable way), but I would think that people who seek out TLM services would be more likely to go to confession more often. And if one has recently confessed, why abstain from communion?
A
aj10
Guest
I was afraid but desperately looking for a reverent Mass!!
I went to the local NO parish and as my son got older the sight of altar girls in low cut tops or belly piercings, young men in ripped pants and ragged t-shirts giving me communion was too much! The last straw was the pastor processing out to say Holy Mass wearing a red Santa hat at Cristmas. I wanted reverence and I was not finding it at all. Wonderful friendly, sweet folks but no reverence.
So… I decided to go to a Latin Mass. At first I was shocked; it was like a time machine experience. Women and girls in mantillas! Incense! Homilies about sexual purity! People genuflecting to the tabernacle, saying the rosary, praying, Gregorian chant. Second, I was sure I would make some horrible mistake and the priest would turn around up at the altar and say, “Who did that?” I went back again and again. Now I love it. It is beautiful, reverant. But the people are not nice and cuddley like they were at the NO Mass.
I went to the local NO parish and as my son got older the sight of altar girls in low cut tops or belly piercings, young men in ripped pants and ragged t-shirts giving me communion was too much! The last straw was the pastor processing out to say Holy Mass wearing a red Santa hat at Cristmas. I wanted reverence and I was not finding it at all. Wonderful friendly, sweet folks but no reverence.
So… I decided to go to a Latin Mass. At first I was shocked; it was like a time machine experience. Women and girls in mantillas! Incense! Homilies about sexual purity! People genuflecting to the tabernacle, saying the rosary, praying, Gregorian chant. Second, I was sure I would make some horrible mistake and the priest would turn around up at the altar and say, “Who did that?” I went back again and again. Now I love it. It is beautiful, reverant. But the people are not nice and cuddley like they were at the NO Mass.
D
dts
Guest
I am a new convert from a Presbyterian background – this will be my third Easter upcoming. I attended RCIA at a NO parish and entered the Church through that parish (a relatively good parish overall). Since entering the church, I have attended the indult TLM (FSSP) almost exclusively. Occasionally, I will attend a NO mass.
In my view, the exterior depth and reverence of the TLM GREATLY surpasses the NO. The TLM focuses almost exclusively on the vertical relationship to God and the need for the sacrificial LAMB. Externally, this is simply lacking in substantial measure in the NO even when there are no abuses.
The TLM is intimidating to a great many people and we need to seek ways to attempt to minimize or overcome that barrier. Part of that will go away as the TLM becomes more widely available and folks gradually begin to rediscover its richness. We also need literature and guides to help folks understand the TLM and give them insights into following along. Initially, it is especially difficult following a sung mass. But, after a couple of months it becomes second nature.
Many “traditionalists” are on the defensive and very skeptical of anything Post-Vatican II. Of course, there is a great deal of justification for their reaction. But, they must keep in mind that the ultimate aim is always TRUTH through charity. Truth and charity transcend time.
Only an absurd level of wickedness could so actively seek to suppress the TLM. It is one thing for a bishop to simply say he does not prefer the TLM. However, it is entirely another matter for him to actively suppress it and all things associated with it.
Unfortunately, the TLM is often identified with divisiveness. In part, its enemies seek to promote that perception. But, of course, there is the matter of schism which fosters this perception. “Traditionalists” need to be conscious of these things and attempt to focus all the more on serving the overall needs of the church through charity. If this is done, the good and true will prevail.
The older generation of apostate church leaders (obviously not all leaders, but far too many) who have failed to faithfully transmit the faith, the liturgy, and brought waves of scandals will soon pass away.
It will be up to a new generation to restore that which others have attempted to steal.
So let us go forth in charity recollecting the Great Commission that has been given to use. As the faith is recovered, the quality of the liturgy be recovered.
In my view, the exterior depth and reverence of the TLM GREATLY surpasses the NO. The TLM focuses almost exclusively on the vertical relationship to God and the need for the sacrificial LAMB. Externally, this is simply lacking in substantial measure in the NO even when there are no abuses.
The TLM is intimidating to a great many people and we need to seek ways to attempt to minimize or overcome that barrier. Part of that will go away as the TLM becomes more widely available and folks gradually begin to rediscover its richness. We also need literature and guides to help folks understand the TLM and give them insights into following along. Initially, it is especially difficult following a sung mass. But, after a couple of months it becomes second nature.
Many “traditionalists” are on the defensive and very skeptical of anything Post-Vatican II. Of course, there is a great deal of justification for their reaction. But, they must keep in mind that the ultimate aim is always TRUTH through charity. Truth and charity transcend time.
Only an absurd level of wickedness could so actively seek to suppress the TLM. It is one thing for a bishop to simply say he does not prefer the TLM. However, it is entirely another matter for him to actively suppress it and all things associated with it.
Unfortunately, the TLM is often identified with divisiveness. In part, its enemies seek to promote that perception. But, of course, there is the matter of schism which fosters this perception. “Traditionalists” need to be conscious of these things and attempt to focus all the more on serving the overall needs of the church through charity. If this is done, the good and true will prevail.
The older generation of apostate church leaders (obviously not all leaders, but far too many) who have failed to faithfully transmit the faith, the liturgy, and brought waves of scandals will soon pass away.
It will be up to a new generation to restore that which others have attempted to steal.
So let us go forth in charity recollecting the Great Commission that has been given to use. As the faith is recovered, the quality of the liturgy be recovered.
J
Jerry-Jet
Guest
Not knowing Latin and going to TLM makes about as much sense as people speaking in unintelligible tongues in St. Paul’s day in church–unless someone could interpret what was being said–what’s the point?
I think TLM is great for people that know Latin and maybe everyone should learn Latin.
There’s just one thing I don’t understand–if TLM is as fantastic as some supporters make it out to be why wouldn’t it be as equally fantastic if done in English?
Is it done in English anywhere? I’d love to understand what was being said and sung in TLM.
Now to be sure maybe English can’t convey exactly what Latin can but answer me this–if you really wanted to expreience mass the way the 12 apostles did and if you really wanted to hear Jesus’ words the way Jesus spoke them wouldn’t Aramaic be even better than Latin?
What Rites of the Catholic Church do mass in Aramaic?
How about not only TLM in English but how about TLM in Aramaic?
My point in all of this is simply this: it isn’t the language itself that makes the mass special and it isn’t IMPOSSIBLE for other languages to convey the mass EVEN BETTER than Latin–though I can sympathize with people who see what a mess the Novus Ordo is and how those translations into English have not been the best.
Now the other things about TLM–other than the language itself–yes those are things that EVERYONE should have the opportunity to be exposed to in the Mass.
My question is why does it have to be a question of only experiencing that in a language such as Latin that one may not understand
OR
having to be satisfied with the Novus Ordo that one may understand?
I think the Novus Ordo could be improved in many ways and SOME Latin in it would be perfectly fine.
I also believe that TLM could be done in English and that would be great, too!
Are such notions as these just abolutely forbidden and shouldn’t even be considered?
Will TLM always be a question of EITHER know Latin OR not truely experience TLM?
I think TLM is great for people that know Latin and maybe everyone should learn Latin.
There’s just one thing I don’t understand–if TLM is as fantastic as some supporters make it out to be why wouldn’t it be as equally fantastic if done in English?
Is it done in English anywhere? I’d love to understand what was being said and sung in TLM.
Now to be sure maybe English can’t convey exactly what Latin can but answer me this–if you really wanted to expreience mass the way the 12 apostles did and if you really wanted to hear Jesus’ words the way Jesus spoke them wouldn’t Aramaic be even better than Latin?
What Rites of the Catholic Church do mass in Aramaic?
How about not only TLM in English but how about TLM in Aramaic?
My point in all of this is simply this: it isn’t the language itself that makes the mass special and it isn’t IMPOSSIBLE for other languages to convey the mass EVEN BETTER than Latin–though I can sympathize with people who see what a mess the Novus Ordo is and how those translations into English have not been the best.
Now the other things about TLM–other than the language itself–yes those are things that EVERYONE should have the opportunity to be exposed to in the Mass.
My question is why does it have to be a question of only experiencing that in a language such as Latin that one may not understand
OR
having to be satisfied with the Novus Ordo that one may understand?
I think the Novus Ordo could be improved in many ways and SOME Latin in it would be perfectly fine.
I also believe that TLM could be done in English and that would be great, too!
Are such notions as these just abolutely forbidden and shouldn’t even be considered?
Will TLM always be a question of EITHER know Latin OR not truely experience TLM?
S
SnorterLuster
Guest
Wrong question. I was raised with the TLM, attend it now, and know very little Latin. Yet I fully participate in the Mass. With the aid of a missal or the supplied missalette in the pew, I can read in English (or Spanish, French, or whatever your language) exactly the prayers the priest and servers are saying. Did you ever go to a movie with subtitles, or turned on the closed captioning on your TV? Have any problem following the movie? Since the TLM is closely follwed with few options, it is much easier the follow than a NO mass with all its permutations and options. Heck, there probably aren’t two NO Masses the same in your own parish.
D
dts
Guest
Given the quality of the missals now available, this argument simply doesn’t hold water even if you don’t know any Latin. In addition, these missals are often annotated to provide deeper insights into the mass itself. If you are interested, this was discussed in a recent Latin Mass Magazine article.
Folks who regularly attend a TLM will quickly pick up a significant amount of Latin and if they put a little effort into it this is especially true.
Latin is a unifying force for the church just as language is a unifying force for a nation. It connects us with the past, it focuses our attention to the fact that this mass is just not some ordinary secular pursuit, and it adds mystery. Chants in English simply can’t compete with chants in Latin.
Our kids need to be learning Latin anyway, because it does open doors to the past and the great thinkers. And it sharpens thinking skills. The current educational environment that denies the need for Latin is certainly not rooted in the Christianity which shaped Western Civilization. But, that topic is best left to another thread.
S
SeekerJen
Guest
Yes. I still haven’t been to one, despite some curiosity. The more time I spend on these boards, the more afraid I am. Besides the fact that I own no head coverings except a knit winter cap, I wear dress pants and sweaters or pant suits to Mass. I don’t own many skirts, and even fewer long ones. I’m not sure I’d be allowed in the door of most TLM parishes, especially since some posters have mentioned their rather strict dress codes, and women in long skirts was definitely a must on at least one code that I remember specifically. I’m also not fond of the idea of doing the wrong thing during the Mass and being judged for it. I’ve had the Order of Mass and the prayers of the NO down pat since I was a child. At least there I don’t have to worry about making a fool of myself. I don’t deal well with people being mean to me over things that I can’t control, so I’m afraid that my trip to a TLM would end up with me crying in my car on the way home.
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Indyann
Guest
I so agree. There is a TLM about 10 minutes from my home, but I have no desire to attend. Besides, the parish that supports TLM had a big whoop de doo on the 25th(I think) anniversary of Madjagori.(sp) So I think I will stay away.
C
Charleston
Guest
The narration of a TLM by Fulton Sheen on YouTube was posted downstream a while back, but it might be worth reposting for those that want a quick introduction. It’s in B&W, but Mgrs. Sheens’ comments are timeless.
youtube.com/watch?v=R6AOvStZS64
I can’t speak for other indult TLM parishes but I found mine at St. Josaphat’s in Detroit to be very wecloming. No one is checking for skirts or their length at the door. Head coverings are optional but available for purchase. It’s in downtown Detroit and attendees are encouraged to bring foodstuffs for the poor–which I try to make a point of bringing in thanksgiving for having an indlut TLM so close to me.
Latin classes are forming and I’m told a chant workshop is in the works. The red FSSP missalette provided with daily propers is extremely easy to follow (with well marked prompts of when to sit/stand/kneel, etc.). In fact, I’ve been leaving my St. Andrews’s missal at home–I just don’t need it.
Watch the Fulton Sheen narration once or twice and attending a TLM should be fairly painless.
Best, :tiphat:
youtube.com/watch?v=R6AOvStZS64
I can’t speak for other indult TLM parishes but I found mine at St. Josaphat’s in Detroit to be very wecloming. No one is checking for skirts or their length at the door. Head coverings are optional but available for purchase. It’s in downtown Detroit and attendees are encouraged to bring foodstuffs for the poor–which I try to make a point of bringing in thanksgiving for having an indlut TLM so close to me.
Latin classes are forming and I’m told a chant workshop is in the works. The red FSSP missalette provided with daily propers is extremely easy to follow (with well marked prompts of when to sit/stand/kneel, etc.). In fact, I’ve been leaving my St. Andrews’s missal at home–I just don’t need it.
Watch the Fulton Sheen narration once or twice and attending a TLM should be fairly painless.
Best, :tiphat:
S
SeekerJen
Guest
Thanks, Charleston, that’s good to know. St. Josaphat’s is not far from my house (maybe 20 min.), and is very close to a former workplace. I have to say, the Detroit-TLMers have been among the least intimidating of the bunch.
J
Jerry-Jet
Guest
I asked a similiar question in another thread but didn’t get an answer–in 2007 is TLM celebrated in English anywhere on planet Earth?
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