Anxiety at the Ordinary Form

[Paxvobis]

Hi,

So here’s my story: I returned to the Catholic Church last year and several months ago discovered the Latin Mass (FSSP). I’m a big fan of tradition, and so the EF really struck a chord with me. I love how everybody there seems so reverent and prayerful. I love how the rituals are so meaningful, ancient, and mysterious. I defiantly prefer it to the OF, which is what I’ve attended for most of my life, and I don’t believe that the OF has inherent Modernist tendencies, or is the result of Freemason conspiracies, etc.

Now here’s my problem. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I have to go to an OF Mass most of the time. But since I’ve been going to the TLM, I’ve had a nagging feeling of anxiety inside me whenever I see anybody do something that is associated with the new liturgy (holding hands during the Our Father, armies of Eucharistic ministers, applause during Mass, and especially priests ad libbing parts of the Mass, and the choir changing, adding, or deleting words from the Gloria, the Sanctus, the Angus Dei, etc.)

I used to not have this feeling anxiety when I was at the OF, but now it’s upsetting me so much that I don’t want to go to Mass anymore unless it’s the EF . (although I will of course, because not doing so would be a mortal sin). The Eucharist is one of the things that attracted me to returning to the Church too.

So, since this is the Traditional Catholic forum, I ask this: How do you, when at an OF Mass, try disregard the actions of the people around you and focus on the Eucharist? How can you make spiritually fulfilling for the next week an OF Mass when you have to attend?

Before you comment, please understand:

1. Please don’t argue with me about whether the new Mass is better or not, the Spirit of Vatican II, or liturgical abuse. I just want to know how to have a fruitful Mass despite these things.
2. I recognize that the OF is a valid rite promulgated by the Catholic Church, and are both equally effectual Masses. I just want to learn how to enjoy it again despite liberties taken by certain clerics and laymen, which I know are not provided for in the rubrics.

Thanks for reading.

 

[laszlo]

There is a possibility that not you, but the Mass changed. At least in our are, in the last 5 or so years many new things were introduced to the Ordinary Form. In most of the time I feel the same ‘anxiety’ in the average suburban churches.

I shopped around the neighbor churches and found one which celebrates the New Form with full reverence, and I feel home there. May be in your area is there such church where God is worshiped not the human success and performance. If there is not usually the Sunday early masses used to be reverent, those who like what is popular like their bed too. If you find neither that, talk to your pastor. May be he just needs some push back to the normal.

 

[LLMom]

I had this problem after we made the switch to the EF. I would get mad at Mass for what people were doing (or not doing). I prayed a lot about it, and now I am much better. God showed me that I need to focus on Him and quit worrying what everyone else was doing and whether things were being done right according to my desires. It was very humbling because I had become quite prideful and judgmental. (not saying you have this problem) Closing my eyes (or focusing on the crucifix) and meditating on the passion or silently praying certain prayers in the EF have helped me.

 

[TrueLight]

Hi,

So here’s my story: I returned to the Catholic Church last year and several months ago discovered the Latin Mass (FSSP). I’m a big fan of tradition, and so the EF really struck a chord with me. I love how everybody there seems so reverent and prayerful. I love how the rituals are so meaningful, ancient, and mysterious. I defiantly prefer it to the OF, which is what I’ve attended for most of my life, and I don’t believe that the OF has inherent Modernist tendencies, or is the result of Freemason conspiracies, etc.

Now here’s my problem. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I have to go to an OF Mass most of the time. But since I’ve been going to the TLM, I’ve had a nagging feeling of anxiety inside me whenever I see anybody do something that is associated with the new liturgy (holding hands during the Our Father, armies of Eucharistic ministers, applause during Mass, and especially priests ad libbing parts of the Mass, and the choir changing, adding, or deleting words from the Gloria, the Sanctus, the Angus Dei, etc.)

Hanging out too much on the Traditional Forum will do that to you.

So, since this is the Traditional Catholic forum, I ask this: How do you, when at an OF Mass, try disregard the actions of the people around you and focus on the Eucharist? How can you make spiritually fulfilling for the next week an OF Mass when you have to attend?

See if you can find a “reverent” OF. I realize different folks will have different opinions of what is reverent.

Whatever mass you attend, try to focus on Jesus during the mass. If possible do your own spiritual devotions before the mass so that you will be able to ignore any rampant abuses you see, because you are there for one reason – the Eucharist.

 

[Stylites]

I had this problem after we made the switch to the EF. I would get mad at Mass for what people were doing (or not doing). I prayed a lot about it, and now I am much better. God showed me that I need to focus on Him and quit worrying what everyone else was doing and whether things were being done right according to my desires. It was very humbling because I had become quite prideful and judgmental. (not saying you have this problem) Closing my eyes (or focusing on the crucifix) and meditating on the passion or silently praying certain prayers in the EF have helped me.

Thanks for sharing, LLMon.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I’ve been attending TLM for 2 years now and am experiencing exactly the same thing when I have to attend NO. The way I deal with it is that beforehand I pray for the ability to focus on the mass and not be distracted by things. I pray for that even during the mass if I notice that I am focusing on other people instead on the mass. Also, I kneel at most parts where I would normally kneel during the TLM, because that increases my sense of reverence. I genuflect and receive the Eucharist on the tongue. I’ve never had any problems with these things.

But I have to say that it is very difficult, and sometimes I don’t take Communion because what goes around me upsets me too much and does not make me well disposed to receive. It is not even big stuff, like holding hands, dancing or heretical sermons (worst case scenario I guess) but because I am so used to TLM, the NO just seems a bit off, regardless of how reverent it is. I can’t help that. You are definitely not the only one who feels this way, if that is any consolation.

 

[Monica4316]

I wish I had some good advice, but I have the same problem. My approach is to just close my eyes and pray and focus on the Eucharist the whole time.

God bless

 

[ajpirc]

When this happens to me, I look for a statue of our Blessed Mother to comfort me.

 

[OraLabora]

See if you can find a “reverent” OF. I realize different folks will have different opinions of what is reverent.

Here’s my definition: the celebrant follows the Missal with variations only where specifically allowed, upholds Catholic teaching in his homilies, the congregation behaves respectfully in the church (i.e. they are QUIET), and the music is on the approved list for the region, or there is no music at all (I love quiet weekday Mass without music).

That should qualify as “reverent”. Whether one prefers Gregorian chant or sacred polyphony or a schmaltzy hymn that happens to be on the approved list, are matters of taste, not reverence.

 

[Paxvobis]

Thank you for all your advise. It’s good knowing that I’m not alone.

There are two OF parishes close to my house that I have to attend most of the time. One is defiantly more reverent than the other. They sing the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Angus Dei correctly (and in Latin to boot!). They use incense occasionally, and people usually dress up a bit more there and there are far less extraordinary ministers of the eucharist.

In the future, I will try to attend this Mass whenever I’m stuck with the OF. But when I’m not, I’ll try to pray and focus on the Eucharist, and not worry about what anybody else is doing. If I find myself doing so, I’ll offer it up.

Again, thanks.

 

[roadsend]

You are not alone. It is necessary for many of us to take a six or seven hour or more round trip to find a OF Mass in compliance with the rubrics and Catholic Tradition.
I have felt uncomfortable with the vast majority of the OF Masses realistically available to me for the last four decades.
I basically suck it up and attend the illicit Masses available in my home parish, except when they become so unbearably irreverent that they are scandalous. e.g. dance music or hula dancers. I sometimes appear rude by my refusal to participate in illicit activities such as the Holding Hands Ritual during and after the Our Father.
I try to attend a licit OF or an EF Mass in the big city whenever possible.

 

[PJM]

=Paxvobis;8028740]Hi,

So here’s my story: I returned to the Catholic Church last year and several months ago discovered the Latin Mass (FSSP). I’m a big fan of tradition, and so the EF really struck a chord with me. I love how everybody there seems so reverent and prayerful. I love how the rituals are so meaningful, ancient, and mysterious. I defiantly prefer it to the OF, which is what I’ve attended for most of my life, and I don’t believe that the OF has inherent Modernist tendencies, or is the result of Freemason conspiracies, etc.

Now here’s my problem. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I have to go to an OF Mass most of the time. But since I’ve been going to the TLM, I’ve had a nagging feeling of anxiety inside me whenever I see anybody do something that is associated with the new liturgy (holding hands during the Our Father, armies of Eucharistic ministers, applause during Mass, and especially priests ad libbing parts of the Mass, and the choir changing, adding, or deleting words from the Gloria, the Sanctus, the Angus Dei, etc.)

I used to not have this feeling anxiety when I was at the OF, but now it’s upsetting me so much that I don’t want to go to Mass anymore unless it’s the EF . (although I will of course, because not doing so would be a mortal sin). The Eucharist is one of the things that attracted me to returning to the Church too.

So, since this is the Traditional Catholic forum, I ask this: How do you, when at an OF Mass, try disregard the actions of the people around you and focus on the Eucharist? How can you make spiritually fulfilling for the next week an OF Mass when you have to attend?

Before you comment, please understand:

1. Please don’t argue with me about whether the new Mass is better or not, the Spirit of Vatican II, or liturgical abuse. I just want to know how to have a fruitful Mass despite these things.
2. I recognize that the OF is a valid rite promulgated by the Catholic Church, and are both equally effectual Masses. I just want to learn how to enjoy it again despite liberties taken by certain clerics and laymen, which I know are not provided for in the rubrics.

Thanks for reading.

HI!

I’m in the SAME BOAT

Just keep in mind that there is ONLY One God, One Faith and One TRUE Church of Christ on your tongue. Receive ONLY from the priest or a Deacon and do not take the Blood of Christ except from a Priest or Deacon.

NOT doing so is NOT sinful but it is less pious.

Pray that the changes our Holy Father advocates take hold.

God Bless you,

**Phil.2: 2 ** “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

**Eph. 4: 1-7 **“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body [WHICH MEANS ONE CHURCH] and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, [Meaning only One set of beliefs] one baptism,
one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Eph. 2: 18-22 “ for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

Pat

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Stop hanging around this forumn. Seriously. When I’m on here a lot, I find myself distracted at Mass…oh my goodness…someone doesn’t want to hold hands…

I think you make to much of a big deal about it…if someone doesn’t want to hold hands I figure that is their right and don’t give it a second thought…it’s up to them.

But when you hear things up above like “I attend the illicit OF Mass”…you are going to be super sensitive and not focus on what you should be focused on.

As far as ONLY receiving the Blood of Christ from a deacon or a priest…not very helpful advice to those parishes where there is only one priest and no deacon…

 

[roadsend]

…

But when you hear things up above like “I attend the illicit OF Mass”…you are going to be super sensitive and not focus on what you should be focused on.

As far as ONLY receiving the Blood of Christ from a deacon or a priest…not very helpful advice to those parishes where there is only one priest and no deacon…

Illicit is illicit. Just calling a spade a spade. It is what it is. Participating in illicit add-ons such as the Holding Hands Ritual at Mass is a violation of Church Law.

and

I have received under both species a few times from the priest in a parish with only one priest.
The priest used intinction (adoremus.org/0903Intinction.html).

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

Illicit is illicit. Just calling a spade a spade. It is what it is. Participating in illicit add-ons such as the Holding Hands Ritual at Mass is a violation of Church Law. So is leaving before the end of Mass just because you don’t like the music… So don’t hold hands…if you read above…no one cares if you don’t…

and

I have received under both species a few times from the priest in a parish with only one priest.
The priest used intinction (adoremus.org/0903Intinction.html). That is not what PJM was talking about…and hopefully you realize that is not an option for everyone???

 

[ConstantineTG]

Your anxiety comes from listening to people other than the people you should be listening to. They affect your emotions on the matter. See what the Church says on the matter and follow that. Only the Church can give you proper guidance.

 

[paul11b]

I feel exactly like you do, here are some things that I noticed. If there is a monastery anywhere around you, like a Franciscan monastery, a Benedictine abbey, or any place like that, I would go to Mass there. It is my personal experience that the OF Masses at monasteries tend to be a little more reverent that the OF Masses at regular parishes. The other thing I’ve noticed if you can’t get to a monastery is that if you go to the earliest Mass that they offer usually the 7am or 8am Mass, those tend to be more reverent that the Masses offered around midday. I hope this helps.

 

[TrueLight]

Stop hanging around this forumn. Seriously. When I’m on here a lot, I find myself distracted at Mass…oh my goodness…someone doesn’t want to hold hands…

Illicit is illicit. Just calling a spade a spade. It is what it is. Participating in illicit add-ons such as the Holding Hands Ritual at Mass is a violation of Church Law.

and

I have received under both species a few times from the priest in a parish with only one priest.
The priest used intinction (adoremus.org/0903Intinction.html).

But it’s true. You do get super-focused on rubrics if you’re not careful.

 

[TrueLight]

You are not alone. It is necessary for many of us to take a six or seven hour or more round trip to find a OF Mass in compliance with the rubrics and Catholic Tradition.
I have felt uncomfortable with the vast majority of the OF Masses realistically available to me for the last four decades.
I basically suck it up and attend the illicit Masses available in my home parish, except when they become so unbearably irreverent that they are scandalous. e.g. dance music or hula dancers. I sometimes appear rude by my refusal to participate in illicit activities such as the Holding Hands Ritual during and after the Our Father.
I try to attend a licit OF or an EF Mass in the big city whenever possible.

It has been a while since I’ve attended an OF, but I remember specifically thinking about this forum because the congregation does the Orans position for the Pater Noster. And of course this has been discussed here ad nauseum.

So I find myself very aware of my being one of a few or maybe the only one not doing the orans.

 

[elizabeth_anne_1]

Pardon my ignorance, and please understand that this is an honest question- I would appreciate it if the answers to this might be polite.

Is it really “illicit” for the congregation to hold their hands in the “orans” position during the Our Father? Do the rubrics actually say not to? It helps me to make gestures like this and like gently beating my breast during the Kyrie. I appreciate being able to use my body in ways that our discreet to enter into the prayer. I seriously doubt anyone should be watching me closely enough to be bothered by it.