Attended my first Traditional Latin Mass today

[TheExorcist]

Hi all,

Non-Catholic here. I attended my first Traditional Latin Mass today. Anybody attend a parish like that that can answer a few questions for me about it.

Thanks!

Charles

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

That’s great. What do you think? And what are the questions?

 

[TheExorcist]

That’s great. What do you think? And what are the questions?

It was nice. Quite different from the Ordinary Form. The celebrating priest at this parish spoke rather fast. Is that normal?

It seemed like those taking communion took only the Body of Christ. Is the precious blood not taken at the EF?

Is the Daily Mass on EWTN a form of the EF or a different form of the OF, since some of it is in Latin?

The altar servers lifted the back of the priest’s chasuble up during the raising of the Body and Blood. Why is that?

Thanks in advance for your info!

Charles

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

It was nice. Quite different from the Ordinary Form. The celebrating priest at this parish spoke rather fast. Is that normal?

It seemed like those taking communion took only the Body of Christ. Is the precious blood not taken at the EF?

Is the Daily Mass on EWTN a form of the EF or a different form of the OF, since some of it is in Latin?

The altar servers lifted the back of the priest’s chasuble up during the raising of the Body and Blood. Why is that?

Thanks in advance for your info!

Charles

Maybe the priest just speaks quickly. Our regular priest speaks at a nice pace and I fin’t it easy to follow him. the one who was saying mass today spoke really quicky and I found it a bit difficult.

We don’t take the precious blood at EF. Just the priest.

The mass on EWTN is OF but they celebrate it properly and use Latin where they should.

Not sure about the chasuble. I’ve heard that it is an old custom where the altar server helped the priest because the chasuble was heavy. I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[tradcathconvert]

The chasuble being heavy is one reason. Here is a site with other reasons.

arsorandi.blogspot.com/2010/10/symbolic-purpose-of-lifting-rim-of.html

A friend once sent me this explination. Unfortunately, I do not think she told me the website from which she copied it. If anyone would like to know, I can ask her for the url.

“One reason for lifting the chasuble is that it is akin to the ringing of the bells at the concecration in that the acolytes are lifting up the chasuble in order to emphasize what is actually taking place at the consecration.
Specifically, the lifting of the chasuble makes it apparent to us that the graces which flow from the Eucharist flow from Christ through the body of his priest to the faithful sitting and assisting in the pews.
The faithful are reminded of this fact every time the priest elevates the consecrated host and the acolytes lift the chasuble. We see Christ at the pinnacle and the priest as his appointed intermediary and through that priest we receive the graces of Christ’s most Holy Sacrifice.”

So to the best of my knowledge, it has practical as well as symbolic reasons behind it.

 

[TheExorcist]

Thanks for all your answers I appreciate them!

I was actually able to see the OF and EF almost back to back today. As you can see from my profile Im LDS. My wife is out of town this weekend and we didn’t have regular church so I was able to attend wherever I chose to. I hit a Rite I Episcopal service at 8 and then an OF mass at our big parish on this side of town and the EF almost directly after at our small FSSP chapel. It was enlightening. I’ve never heard such a quiet chapel than the FSSP parish, both before Mass and during. Before the OF today the choir was practicing and had a member helping critique from below while the other members of the congregation chatted freely. I have mixed feelings about both as the chatty parish feels more inviting where the FSSP parish feels more worshipful.

 

[Stavros]

Thanks for all your answers I appreciate them!

I was actually able to see the OF and EF almost back to back today. As you can see from my profile Im LDS. My wife is out of town this weekend and we didn’t have regular church so I was able to attend wherever I chose to. I hit a Rite I Episcopal service at 8 and then an OF mass at our big parish on this side of town and the EF almost directly after at our small FSSP chapel. It was enlightening. I’ve never heard such a quiet chapel than the FSSP parish, both before Mass and during. Before the OF today the choir was practicing and had a member helping critique from below while the other members of the congregation chatted freely. I have mixed feelings about both as the chatty parish feels more inviting where the FSSP parish feels more worshipful.

What was your feelings about the OF homily verses the EF homily? While I think a respectful OF mass can be wonderful and sanctifying, I find that the EF homilies tend to be much “meatier” than the OF masses I would normally attend in my parish boundaries.

Also, being an ex-LDS myself, I found myself absolutely amazed at the quietness of the FSSP EF mass, even when there were tons of families present. Being accustomed to screaming toddlers during church, it was quite the switch to have parents who walked their toddlers out at the first peep, and children who actually behaved appropriately.

One other thing I would caution - after I got baptized, I got so caught up in the “choice” of which mass to attend that it took me a year to commit to a parish. I’d never had a choice before, of wards or times, and the thought that I could go to any church I wanted, at any mass I wanted, was just mind-blowing. The parish where I got baptized had an RCIA class where not one other person stayed with the parish, and having choice for the first time in my religious life was too big of a temptation not to indulge. But I found myself getting caught up in the “pimples” of each parish - my home parish didn’t have any social activities for English-speakers, another parish didn’t ring the bells during the consecration, another did not stick to the prescribed Psalms for the day, and the EF community was very stand-offish.

It’s easy to get turned off by the “pimples” or quirks of a particular parish and even easier to get sucked into the confusion of choice. It took me over a year to finally decide to just go to the parish where I was baptized, and it took another four to get the courage to switch parishes to the EF FSSP parish. I went to the FSSP parish all throughout Lent this year and didn’t make one friend until Holy Thursday. But once I made a few friends, it seems like I am meeting new people every single week. It was worth making the commitment and waiting to meet people, though , as the liturgy is amazing, the parishioners are devout, and the priests are top-notch.

 

[TrueLight]

One other thing I would caution - after I got baptized, I got so caught up in the “choice” of which mass to attend that it took me a year to commit to a parish. I’d never had a choice before, of wards or times, and the thought that I could go to any church I wanted, at any mass I wanted, was just mind-blowing. The parish where I got baptized had an RCIA class where not one other person stayed with the parish, and having choice for the first time in my religious life was too big of a temptation not to indulge. But I found myself getting caught up in the “pimples” of each parish - my home parish didn’t have any social activities for English-speakers, another parish didn’t ring the bells during the consecration, another did not stick to the prescribed Psalms for the day, and the EF community was very stand-offish.

It’s easy to get turned off by the “pimples” or quirks of a particular parish and even easier to get sucked into the confusion of choice. It took me over a year to finally decide to just go to the parish where I was baptized, and it took another four to get the courage to switch parishes to the EF FSSP parish. I went to the FSSP parish all throughout Lent this year and didn’t make one friend until Holy Thursday. But once I made a few friends, it seems like I am meeting new people every single week. It was worth making the commitment and waiting to meet people, though , as the liturgy is amazing, the parishioners are devout, and the priests are top-notch.

I completely agree with you about choice. I feel the same way. I’ve visited lots of different parishes and today I visited an FSSP parish. There was a lovely high mass and after mass the folks were so friendly! The priest introduced himself to me and we talked about my wanting to convert.

Even though this parish is really far, it may be a winner, especially since I can begin instruction with the priest almost immediately and not have to wait for Sept RCIA.

 

[TheMc]

Besides the old practical reason of a heavy chusable, I’ve heard it is also symbolic of the woman reaching out and touching the cloak of Jesus.

This makes sense, because the priest wears vestments to “hide” himself, and to show he is now an alter christus, and he is not himself (if that makes sense).

 

[tradcathconvert]

Besides the old practical reason of a heavy chusable, I’ve heard it is also symbolic of the woman reaching out and touching the cloak of Jesus.

This makes sense, because the priest wears vestments to “hide” himself, and to show he is now an alter christus, and he is not himself (if that makes sense).

That does make sense. When my friend and I were discussing why it happens, we did decide that there was probably more then one symbolic reason to explain it.

 

[TheExorcist]

What was your feelings about the OF homily verses the EF homily? While I think a respectful OF mass can be wonderful and sanctifying, I find that the EF homilies tend to be much “meatier” than the OF masses I would normally attend in my parish boundaries.

Also, being an ex-LDS myself, I found myself absolutely amazed at the quietness of the FSSP EF mass, even when there were tons of families present. Being accustomed to screaming toddlers during church, it was quite the switch to have parents who walked their toddlers out at the first peep, and children who actually behaved appropriately.

One other thing I would caution - after I got baptized, I got so caught up in the “choice” of which mass to attend that it took me a year to commit to a parish. I’d never had a choice before, of wards or times, and the thought that I could go to any church I wanted, at any mass I wanted, was just mind-blowing. The parish where I got baptized had an RCIA class where not one other person stayed with the parish, and having choice for the first time in my religious life was too big of a temptation not to indulge. But I found myself getting caught up in the “pimples” of each parish - my home parish didn’t have any social activities for English-speakers, another parish didn’t ring the bells during the consecration, another did not stick to the prescribed Psalms for the day, and the EF community was very stand-offish.

It’s easy to get turned off by the “pimples” or quirks of a particular parish and even easier to get sucked into the confusion of choice. It took me over a year to finally decide to just go to the parish where I was baptized, and it took another four to get the courage to switch parishes to the EF FSSP parish. I went to the FSSP parish all throughout Lent this year and didn’t make one friend until Holy Thursday. But once I made a few friends, it seems like I am meeting new people every single week. It was worth making the commitment and waiting to meet people, though , as the liturgy is amazing, the parishioners are devout, and the priests are top-notch.

Thanks for chiming in Stavros! I’ve been grateful for your advice in the past as well. You and I have had a brief talk about FSSP parishes. Are they subject to their diocese just like regular non-FSSP parishes?

The homily was pretty short at the EF mass. It was about half the priest introducing himself. He’s the new rector and Im thinking this may be his first month. He did the homily and read the Gospel and his assisting priest did all the liturgical “work”.

It was pretty impressive and spiritual, even though I only understood “Dominus Vobiscum” and the “Kyrie” (and Dominus Vobiscum only because I hear it everyday on the EWTN Today’s Homily podcast LoL)

In my adventures of being a Non-Catholic among Catholics in the last year and a half I’ve had quite the trip. My first visit to a Catholic bookstore (next door in Spokane) was a parish and convent associated with the Congregation of Mary the Immaculate Queen. That’s actually where I purchased my (first) rosary. I engaged the sister working the shop in brief conversation and figured out quickly that this was not your ordinary run of the mill parish. We also have a SSPX chapel in Post Falls right next door. Im kind of afraid to visit there.

The FSSP parish today had what seemed to be a quiet room. Its a small chapel and has a window into the quiet room, presumably so everybody in there can see the Mass. I think it was low mass, 2 candles and no singing or music. I was hoping to talk to one of the priests after Mass but they disappeared into the side room (sacristy?) and didn’t come out as long as I was there and I waited about 5 mins after everyone else left the sanctuary. I definitely want to go back soon for Mass and a chat.

Blessings,

Charles

 

[TheMc]

That does make sense. When my friend and I were discussing why it happens, we did decide that there was probably more then one symbolic reason to explain it.

I’m sure there is.

 

[midori]

It was nice. Quite different from the Ordinary Form. The celebrating priest at this parish spoke rather fast. Is that normal?

It seemed like those taking communion took only the Body of Christ. Is the precious blood not taken at the EF?

When I lived in the DFW area, there was a great FSSP community. They’ve even managed to make their own parish since then, which was pretty awesome.

One of the hard things to adjust to was less the speed at which the priest spoke, but more the volume at which he spoke. It was less of a problem at High Masses, where you have the Gregorian chant going on, but more of a problem at Low Masses when you’re looking for something to focus on. But I remember at an instructional gathering that the volume bit was deliberate. People were coming to him and saying, “Father, I can barely hear you!” and he said, “Oh? You can hear me?” and made a mental note to try and be softer-voiced. So I think ultimately, except for the obvious times (readings, homilies, etc), he’s leading us in prayer-- but his words aren’t necessarily for our benefit and for us to follow. Speed and volume would both be reflective of that. Yay for missals.

One of the things that did bother me was the attitude I encountered towards receiving the Blood-- talking distastefully about nowadays and backwash, germs, etc. But I do remember in the early 80’s, there were priests who still didn’t offer their parishes communion under both species, and even nowadays at weekday Mass in my little rural parish, we only receive the Body. Since Christ is infinitely present in both forms, it didn’t bother me too much— but yes, I do miss it when it’s not available.

 

[TheExorcist]

When I lived in the DFW area, there was a great FSSP community. They’ve even managed to make their own parish since then, which was pretty awesome.

One of the hard things to adjust to was less the speed at which the priest spoke, but more the volume at which he spoke. It was less of a problem at High Masses, where you have the Gregorian chant going on, but more of a problem at Low Masses when you’re looking for something to focus on. But I remember at an instructional gathering that the volume bit was deliberate. People were coming to him and saying, “Father, I can barely hear you!” and he said, “Oh? You can hear me?” and made a mental note to try and be softer-voiced. So I think ultimately, except for the obvious times (readings, homilies, etc), he’s leading us in prayer-- but his words aren’t necessarily for our benefit and for us to follow. Speed and volume would both be reflective of that. Yay for missals.

One of the things that did bother me was the attitude I encountered towards receiving the Blood-- talking distastefully about nowadays and backwash, germs, etc. But I do remember in the early 80’s, there were priests who still didn’t offer their parishes communion under both species, and even nowadays at weekday Mass in my little rural parish, we only receive the Body. Since Christ is infinitely present in both forms, it didn’t bother me too much— but yes, I do miss it when it’s not available.

Yes this FSSP chapel is their own parish. They attract a good number of people for Mass. The chapel was almost full for the 11:30 that I attended today (probably 250 folks) and they do have three masses on Sunday and during the summer two weekday masses and two Saturday masses! The new rector seems really approachable so I may chat with him about it. I dont really have to pick a parish right now as Im not getting baptized (or formally chatechized) at this time.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

Even though this parish is really far, it may be a winner, especially since I can begin instruction with the priest almost immediately and not have to wait for Sept RCIA.

Wow, this sounds amazing. Yay for FSSP!

It is nice to hear people’s positive experience with the EF crowd. We have such a bad rep, although I have no clue why. For years I attended an OF at one church and never met people. Felt completely alone.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

Hi, Exorcist,

Thanks for the link to this thread. I’m issuing a BOLO (Be On the Lookout). Your little package is on its way by snail mail.

I read all the posts, and I’d like to chime in.

The Eucharist is the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. He is wholly and completely present in either or both sacred species. Christ’s Body and His Blood cannot be separated; He is alive. So whether one receives the consecrated Bread or the consecrated Wine, one receives the whole, entire, complete Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ. Since it is the substance of this Reality that we receive, it doesn’t matter which Sign conveys it - the consecrated Bread or the consecrated Wine. Some people have a wheat allergy and receive only the consecrated Wine. We say the Wine is the Blood, but this is only a figure of speech. The consecrated Wine is both the Body and the Blood. We say the consecrated Host (Bread) is Christ’s Body, but it is both the Body and the Blood. Sorry if this is repetitious, but I want to be absolutely clear. The Church acknowledges that the Sign is more complete if both sacred species are offered, but insists that one is not deprived if one receives either species. The EF never offers the consecrated Wine to the Faithful. At the OF, it is optional. It is the decision of the pastor. Both species are offered at my OF parish only on very special occasions. At another OF parish nearby, they are both offered every day at every Mass.

St. Paul explains it: 1 Corinthians 11;27 RSV - Whoever, therefore, eats the bread -OR- drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body -AND- blood of the Lord.

Peace, Jim Dandy

 

[corsair]

Glad you had a good experience, Truelight. I have never been sorry since switching over to the FSSP. Our FSSP pastor has instructed two local priests in the EF and now they are celebrating the Mass at our little parish once a month.

Also, just got a call from our local OF pastor. He told me there is a lady who would like to start a Gregorian Schola/choir for our latin Mass.

Can’t believe all this is happening. Particularily after all the years of being tormented for being a Trad Catholic.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

The EF parish here holds monthly potlucks after the 11 o’clock Mass. Thus, new folks get acquainted and the whole parish bonds. EF parishes tend to be small, so this is feasible.

OF parishes sometime have picnics, so those who attend at 7:30 Sunday meet those who attend the Saturday evening Vigil, and so on.

But lay folks need to be the facilitators of such events. The overworked priests simply do not have the time, though they are very happy when someone takes the initiative. We have 3,000 families in our parish, and only two priests. We’re lucky – some parishes have one priest and even more members. The priest’s primary duty is to offer the Sacrifice and administer the sacraments. Folks get sick and die, and priests are needed at the bedside. People make appointments to discuss personal matters with the priest. Anyway, it’s our opportunity to plan and organize these activities so people do not experience the isolation that some have mentioned on this thread. Start a regular parish baseball game. There are many ways to do this.

Jim Dandy

 

[Jim_Dandy]

The EWTN Mass is the way Vatican II prescribed it! – the vernacular mixed with Latin. The OF got way off course with “experimental Masses” and people called “Liturgists” messing it up, and throwing out the Latin entirely. Benedict XVI is trying to fix it.

Jim Dandy

 

[benedictgal]

I wrote about assisting at the EF in my blog. Perhaps this might help the OP:

benedictgal-lexorandilexcredendi.blogspot.com/2011/01/unexpected-moment-of-privileged-grace.html

I know that I’ve repeated this often, but, as Catholics, we do not “take” Communion; we receive. Adam and Eve took the forbidden fruit in their attempt to snatch at divinity. We, on the other hand, do not take and snatch, we receive. I hope this distinction helps.