Being a traditional Catholic in a Novus Ordo parish

[CB_Catholic]

I only wish this were the case. Unfortunately, it seems that most don’t read along in the Latin or the English, EF or OF. My parish even passes out folded hand-outs with the current propers and very few take them. It seems most are just content to fulfill their Sunday obligation, receive communion like they’re supposed to, and then enjoy the rest of the day.

Or maybe my observations are incorrect and they’ve got it all memorized.

We do not use missalettes in our parish, except for a few in the back for those who want them. It’s not that the people are just content to fulfill their Sunday obligation–they have much of the Mass memorized, and also have been taught to listen attentively. You can listen attentively to the propers, you don’t need to memorize them. Yes, our former Pastor spent time teaching the congregation the importance of listening, esp. to the readings and the Gospel. I personally find missals distracting–I prefer not using them. (I attend OF Masses in English.) In fact, many of the parishes around here do not use missalettes and the parishoners have most of the Mass memorized.

It is not wise to make generalized assumptions about others. You don’t really know the level of their involvement, and they could very well be making wrong assumptions about you. For instance, if you came to my parish with your Missal, some people might assume you are just learning the Mass.

 

[ProVobis]

For instance, if you came to my parish with your Missal, some people might assume you are just learning the Mass.

But I am.

 

[ProVobis]

For instance, if you came to my parish with your Missal, some people might assume you are just learning the Mass.

But I am learning and proud of it. Is there a point where you’re done learning all the Scripture/Mass readings in all languages?

Besides you can’t get much by just listening. I think people are wrong when they assume you’ve digested everything you tell them. Even when talking over the phone, I find myself taking lots of notes. People at top official meetings are almost always given the texts to follow along with the speeches. There is a reason for this.

 

[TrueLight]

. For instance, if you came to my parish with your Missal, some people might assume you are just learning the Mass.

Holding one of those little red missalettes like I do, definitely marks me as a beginner/tourist.

But if someone takes the time to buy a full Missal, that to me makes me think they have been doing this for a while.

 

[Ruth_Catherine]

But I am learning and proud of it. Is there a point where you’re done learning all the Scripture/Mass readings in all languages?

Besides you can’t get much by just listening. I think people are wrong when they assume you’ve digested everything you tell them. Even when talking over the phone, I find myself taking lots of notes. People at top official meetings are almost always given the texts to follow along with the speeches. There is a reason for this.

I agree. I use the missalette at the OF mass. I don’t feel it is distracting to others, as a matter of fact, I have had people who are not using the missalette turn and look over on to mine.

I, also, agree you can’t have everything memorized. Maybe the main prayers but not the scriptures, the prayers the priest says which we are to be in a state of prayer with him or the antiphons if there is not any music.

There is alot to using the missalette. The mass is a prayer and when we open the book and follow along we are in prayer. Following along helps keep us focused on what is being said because it is not just going in our ears but also in our eyes. Good way to download it into our brains so we can remember it, speak it and live it.

 

[Ohiomom]

thanks for the prayers

well it won’t damage it… it just makes me sad that’s all. I do think it’s important that I still fulfill my Sunday obligation and receive the Sacraments, I’d rather receive the Eucharist in a Novus Ordo parish than nowhere at all.

I think that if a person has an opportunity to go to a Latin Mass parish, they should… but if their only option is Novus Ordo, that doesn’t dispense them from fulfilling their Sunday obligation, and it’s always better to have the Sacraments

the problem I’m facing is that the in the Novus Ordo, I’m only there for the Eucharist, - I love that part, Communion, because it is Our Lord… but everything else is sort of difficult for me. (I don’t mean the essence of the Mass, which is still there, but all the externals… music, the way things are done, the lack of reverence, often a lack of depth/tradition, etc). In the Latin Mass, I really don’t have any complaints…

God bless

This was an interesting thread and I know I am a bit late for the party, but to answer your original question I have a couple of suggestions.

First, I understand your feelings as I had a similar one. I was a member of a wonderful parish that sounds similar you your parish, except it was an OF parish. The church still had and used it’s communion rail and there was confession available 7 days a week, including before every Sunday mass. The music was solid (no guitars and no contemporary music styles). When we moved here, it was difficult because even though I tried to concentrate on Jesus present…it can be difficult for reasons discussed on numerous threads.

Anyway, you can try calling the parish you want to attend when you have a car and see if there is anyone coming from your area. Though you might not be able to do it every week that might be a way of at least introducing you to that community and in possibly arranging for continued spiritual direction. The other is if your hometown parish is like many, there are several masses and the early morning mass may be a “low” mass style with no music. I know people who prefer the EF and when they cannot attend they go to the early morning Sunday mass as there is less likely to be the noise, poor music etc of the later masses.

 

[TrueLight]

I’ve been attending the EF consistently for the past couple of weeks, but since I’m going to miss mass tomorrow, it looks like I will be attending an OF mass tonight.

Thank God it’s a reverent OF!