Attended first (and second) EF Mass

[porthos11]

And as I said on the Eastern Catholic forum:

Like, WOW*!*

One of the main gripes I’ve had since moving to Canada five months ago is the utter lack of solemnity which accompanies the Ordinary Form Masses. I was willing to grin and bear it till this year’s Christmas Eve Mass, which was a “multicultural” Mass. Kids in costume bearing flags, and it was quite irritating to see the priest and deacon, both vested, ushering the kids for the processional instead of keeping their hands joined folded and eyes downcast. And during the Mass itself, we had, oh, unapproved translations at the readings, drums, standing at the Consecration, and every language on the face of the planet except Latin.

That was the last straw, and I told my wife that I want to go to St. Anthony’s on Christmas Day for the Sung Mass. I don’t care about the drive. Well, she agreed, and her comment afterwards was, “I felt like the Holy Spirit was really present.”

I’m not a “trad” as you would call it, and I deeply love the Ordinary Form of Mass and Divine Office, but I’ve always wanted to experience the Extraordinary Form of 1962 as well. But since I can’t get the Ordinary Form the way it’s meant to be celebrated here in Calgary, then at least I have to great choices: the EF at St. Anthony’s, or the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy at Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Given all that, I could easily make the EF my regular Mass.

Should I buy the Baronius Missal?

 

[eelpis]

Yes you should, or at least some other decent missal.

The EF is getting us closer to the easterners and the Orthodox IMHO.

(I love the OF too.)

 

[James0235]

You went twice! That was a mistake.

Now you will find it hard not to go. At least that is how it was with me. By the 2nd or 3rd time I was hooked and ended up going nearly every Sunday for 3 years or so.

And one thing I did notice is that regular attendance at the EF gave me a much greater appreciation of and respect for the OF as well.

James

 

[ericka1701]

I just got the Baronius 1962 Missal for Christmas, and I attended my first EF Mass yesterday since I received it. I was still “lost” about half of the time (which means that I followed it about 45% better than my first time I went). I agree with James who said it was a “mistake” in going twice, because I have absolutely fallen in love with the EF of Mass so much that I’m constantly on Youtube trying to understand it even more. And going to the EF has made it much easier for me to appreciate the OF of Mass, as well.

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[I_Believe]

That was the last straw, and I told my wife that I want to go to St. Anthony’s on Christmas Day for the Sung Mass. I don’t care about the drive. Well, she agreed, and her comment afterwards was,** “I felt like the Holy Spirit was really present.”**

Given all that, I could easily make the EF my regular Mass.

Should I buy the Baronius Missal?

Welcome to the dark side of Catholicism

Just kidding of course.

The Baronius is excellent, as is the Roman Catholic Daily Missal 1962.

Here is a missal comparison guide…
southwellbooks.com/

The Roman Catholic Daily Missal 1962 has a larger print size for the propers, and that’s why I chose that one. The Baronius has a nicer cover though.

 

[I_Believe]

I just got the Baronius 1962 Missal for Christmas, and I attended my first EF Mass yesterday since I received it. I was still “lost” about half of the time (which means that I followed it about 45% better than my first time I went). I agree with James who said it was a “mistake” in going twice, because I have absolutely fallen in love with the EF of Mass so much that I’m constantly on Youtube trying to understand it even more. And going to the EF has made it much easier for me to appreciate the OF of Mass, as well.

God Bless!
Ericka

Hi Ericka, try learing the rubrics. Watching the priest and learning the rubrics helped me keep my place in the missal.

 

[ericka1701]

Hi Ericka, try learing the rubrics. Watching the priest and learning the rubrics helped me keep my place in the missal.

Thanks for the suggestion! A few times when I got lost, I was able to find my place again (sometimes) by following the rubrics. Luckily, although it is rusty, I do know some Latin due to 8 years of voice lessons, and was able, when the ordinary was spoken aloud, to find my place. Also, next month the priest who celebrates the EF where I go is holding some classes on the 1962 Missal and the EF.

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[palmas85]

Thanks for the suggestion! A few times when I got lost, I was able to find my place again (sometimes) by following the rubrics. Luckily, although it is rusty, I do know some Latin due to 8 years of voice lessons, and was able, when the ordinary was spoken aloud, to find my place. Also, next month the priest who celebrates the EF where I go is holding some classes on the 1962 Missal and the EF.

God Bless!
Ericka

What I would reccommend is that you observe what the Priest is doing. He will make certain movements and gestures throughout the Mass and raise and lower his voice at times. All those are actually cues so that the servers and the congregation know where the Priest is in case they have gotten too far ahead or behind or just plain lost. After a short while you will be amazed at how easily you can follow along. From there it is very simple to get the prayers right. Very simple indeed. And if you get a little ahead as I often do, as do may others, it gives you time to reflect and think a bit about just what an amazing miraculous experience the Mass truly is.

 

[porthos11]

What I would reccommend is that you observe what the Priest is doing. He will make certain movements and gestures throughout the Mass and raise and lower his voice at times. All those are actually cues so that the servers and the congregation know where the Priest is in case they have gotten too far ahead or behind or just plain lost. After a short while you will be amazed at how easily you can follow along. From there it is very simple to get the prayers right. Very simple indeed. And if you get a little ahead as I often do, as do may others, it gives you time to reflect and think a bit about just what an amazing miraculous experience the Mass truly is.

I’m sure I won’t have much difficulty following along. Ultimately, it’s still Ordinary and Proper. But still, I remain awed over the intricate Gregorian chants, and especially the silent Canon.

With the Canon said inaudibly, I decided to focus on the event taking place, rather than following along; after all, I am familiar with the Canon. I just glance from time to time at the Missal to keep my place. The silence is such a filled one, and although I can also appreciate the value of the Eucharistic Prayer said out loud, perhaps it’s just me, but the silence draws me even more into the Sacrifice than an audible Canon.

Is it preferred to look at the event during the Canon, or follow along with the Missal?

 

[malphono]

…
Is it preferred to look at the event during the Canon, or follow along with the Missal?

In the Syriac tradition, most of the Anaphora is done in a loud voice, but there are significant parts that are done quietly. As is the case with the EF, there are “cues” in the rubrics which identify what’s going on during those parts. Most of the congregation stands and watches what is taking place at the Altar in quiet contemplation, but some do read along to follow. In the end, I suppose it’s a matter of individual preference.

That said, though, it seems to me that following in the missal (or pew booklet or whatever) is good to help the “beginner” learn. The rubrics and gestures have a significance, and I really think they should be appreciated for what they are. Once someone becomes familiar with the structure and knows the “cues,” there’s really no need to “watch the book” any longer. At that point, IMHO, it’s preferable to look and pray along.