Can I go to a mass in EF

[andyklein]

I am only in RCIA and a catechumen, but I would really like to attend a mass in extraordinary form. I am obviously a little naïve on this subject. I was wondering if it is ok for me to be there since I have not been initiated into the Church yet.

 

[lizaanne]

Of course you can!!!

You cannot receive Holy Communion yet - but by all means, do go!! It’s a beautiful Mass, and I’m sure it will only help you in your spiritual growth and path to holiness.

God bless!!

~Liza

 

[Cider]

Of course you can. An EF mass was actually the first mass I ever went to.

 

[KLJM12]

I am only in RCIA and a catechumen, but I would really like to attend a mass in extraordinary form. I am obviously a little naïve on this subject. I was wondering if it is ok for me to be there since I have not been initiated into the Church yet.

Absolutely you can go, and they would love to have you there! However, do not go up during Holy Communion (as is done in the OF) in order to receive a blessing. This is not practiced.

Also, make sure that someoneis in front of you when you find a seat because the order of the Mass is pretty different compared to the OF when it comes to your gestres and postures.

 

[A_G]

Yes, of course you can! The Extraordinary Form (or the Tridentine Mass, or the Traditional Mass, or simply the Latin Mass) is a beautiful Mass and it fulfills your Sunday Mass obligations just like the Ordinary Form.

You can attend the Catholic Mass. When you become Catholic, then you can receive Communion.

 

[SonCatcher]

Absolutely you can go, and they would love to have you there! However, do not go up during Holy Communion (as is done in the OF) in order to receive a blessing. This is not practiced.

(in other words: stay in your seat until the end)

Also, make sure that someoneis in front of you when you find a seat because the order of the Mass is pretty different compared to the OF when it comes to your gestres and postures.

Actually, it would be good to have a few rows of someones in front of you so there is a better chance someone in front of you knows what to do. I’ve tried sitting near (but not at) the front at my local EF community (they lack a parish) and found that the first people who really knew what to do were still behind me. I tried using the missal as a guide but the notations don’t always match what most of the congregation is doing.

 

[andyklein]

Ok. So what is the proper etiquette? Should I dress formally? What about my posture? I normally would wear something like I have on right now and not fold my hands when I stand or just do a quick kneel when I come into an OF mass. I assume that these are not appropriate behaviors at a Latin mass?

I don’t mean to sound too ignorant. I just don’t want to seem disrespectful. Thank you.

 

[Mike30]

Ok. So what is the proper etiquette? Should I dress formally? What about my posture? I normally would wear something like I have on right now and not fold my hands when I stand or just do a quick kneel when I come into an OF mass. I assume that these are not appropriate behaviors at a Latin mass?

I don’t mean to sound too ignorant. I just don’t want to seem disrespectful. Thank you.

Well we don’t know what you are wearing right now or what you consider formal dress. We have no idea what you mean by not folding your hands or just doing a quick kneel when you come into an OF Massl. Until we know what you are talking about, we really can’t answer your questions.

Sorry.

 

[SonCatcher]

Ok. So what is the proper etiquette? Should I dress formally? What about my posture? I normally would wear something like I have on right now and not fold my hands when I stand or just do a quick kneel when I come into an OF mass. I assume that these are not appropriate behaviors at a Latin mass?

I don’t mean to sound too ignorant. I just don’t want to seem disrespectful. Thank you.

Dress respectfully. Stand, sit, kneel when everyone else does (re-reading my earlier post, it appears I advised to stay seated when I intended that you merely should not move from your place except to let others by - choosing a place by an aisle will facilitate this). Genuflect to the tabernacle if visible. Generally, the same rules as with the OF.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Ok. So what is the proper etiquette? Should I dress formally? What about my posture? I normally would wear something like I have on right now and not fold my hands when I stand or just do a quick kneel when I come into an OF mass. I assume that these are not appropriate behaviors at a Latin mass?

I don’t mean to sound too ignorant. I just don’t want to seem disrespectful. Thank you.

Regular business casual clothes (not jeans) are fine. You will still genuflect (quick kneel) when you come into the church to sit down. You may find that using a missal is helpful, so you will be holding the book the whole time.

If you sit toward the back of the church as other recommend, you will be able to see how most of the others hold their hands, when they kneel, stand, ect. And, most people won’t be able to see you.

The EF is not a special “advanced” Mass, don’t be nervous. It is the same rite as the OF and the people at Mass are very similar to the people you’ve already met at your regular parish - hopefully friendly and welcoming.

 

[PJM]

=andyklein;10097201]I am only in RCIA and a catechumen, but I would really like to attend a mass in extraordinary form. I am obviously a little naïve on this subject. I was wondering if it is ok for me to be there since I have not been initiated into the Church yet.

SURE Andy!

I would suggest you sit midway or further back the first time as to not be embarrased by lack of understanding. It’s an AWESOME experiece.

The primary diffference being that the ENTIRE service is God Centered Worship and the laity definetitely have a minor; yet extremly import role of Offering themselves totally up to God with the Priest.

Please share your experience when you do it. Also there should be either a booklet of Missal in the back of church that gives BOTH the latin and the English verbage.

Say a prayer for us whren your there.

God Bless,
pat /PJM

 

[malphono]

Ok. So what is the proper etiquette? Should I dress formally? What about my posture? I normally would wear something like I have on right now and not fold my hands when I stand or just do a quick kneel when I come into an OF mass. I assume that these are not appropriate behaviors at a Latin mass?

I don’t mean to sound too ignorant. I just don’t want to seem disrespectful. Thank you.

There are plenty of people who attend the Usus Antiquior in jeans, but whatever you decide to wear, as long as your clothes are clean and neat, (and not fashionably tattered or designed to expose what shouldn’t be exposed publicly), it’ll be fine.

 

[Saints_Alive]

Ok. So what is the proper etiquette? Should I dress formally? What about my posture? I normally would wear something like I have on right now and not fold my hands when I stand or just do a quick kneel when I come into an OF mass. I assume that these are not appropriate behaviors at a Latin mass?

I don’t mean to sound too ignorant. I just don’t want to seem disrespectful. Thank you.

Dress shirt and dress pants are fine. Tie and jacket if you want. Genuflect as you would at any Mass. And if they have a choir, prepare to be stunned

 

[japhy]

Sure you can!

You may also want to find an Eastern Rite (Catholic) church in your area, just to get a feel for the variety of liturgical traditions in our immense Catholic Church!