Converting/The Tridentine Mass

[charitydawn725]

Hi, my name is Charity! I was introduced to the Church by my boyfriend and his family. They currently attend a small, traditional Catholic parish. I think the Parish is CMRI, but to be honest, I don’t quite understand the politics. In any case, through much investigation, I know that I would like to attend the Tridentine mass once I convert. However, I’ve run into a problem. Any parish that offers the Tridentine mass does not offer RCIA or any type of conversion help. What is the process for converting into this type of parish? Or should I attend a novus or do parish, complete RCIA and transfer to a parish that offers the Tridentine mass? If anyone has any comments or insight, I would really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Charity

 

[jmcrae]

Hi, my name is Charity! I was introduced to the Church by my boyfriend and his family. They currently attend a small, traditional Catholic parish. I think the Parish is CMRI, but to be honest, I don’t quite understand the politics. In any case, through much investigation, I know that I would like to attend the Tridentine mass once I convert. However, I’ve run into a problem. Any parish that offers the Tridentine mass does not offer RCIA or any type of conversion help. What is the process for converting into this type of parish? Or should I attend a novus or do parish, complete RCIA and transfer to a parish that offers the Tridentine mass? If anyone has any comments or insight, I would really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Charity

Hi Charity; welcome to CAF!

The Church is the Church; once you are received into the Church, you can attend any Mass you like, including the Extraordinary Form, the Ordinary Form, and any available form of the Eastern Rite.

Your options for the RCIA process would be either to do it in the nearest parish to your home that has it, or do it at the Cathedral.

 

[dans0622]

…Any parish that offers the Tridentine mass does not offer RCIA or any type of conversion help. What is the process for converting into this type of parish?..

Hello,

I wouldn’t say that any such parishes do “not offer…any type of conversion help.” If there isn’t a group-style RCIA program, the priest *should *have a individualized, one-on-one-style program. The process would be an interview with a/the priest and he would determine what you need to learn before being received into the Church. Then, he’d see to it.

Dan

 

[Brandon_Cal]

Hello,

I wouldn’t say that any such parishes do “not offer…any type of conversion help.” If there isn’t a group-style RCIA program, the priest *should *have a individualized, one-on-one-style program. The process would be an interview with a/the priest and he would determine what you need to learn before being received into the Church. Then, he’d see to it.

Dan

My first real exposure to Catholicism came through a parish under ICKSP, who likewise has no RCIA. I was told the same thing: that should I desire conversion I’d study with a priest one-on-one until he would feel that I’m properly prepared.

Isn’t CMRI a sedevacantist offshoot? If so, I think collective RCIA at a non-EF parish would suit a catechumen better than individual study with a priest who is in schism.

 

[jeannetherese]

In my FSSP parish, father provides instruction to individuals on a rolling basis. You receive personal instruction and may begin whenever you are ready; all you need to do is call the priest and tell him you wish to begin preparations for joining the church.

Why don’t you call the priest at your Tridentine Rite parish and ask about the process for joining and taking religious instruction? I bet he’ll be delighted to help you.

You will find FSSP parishes and their contact information (all FSSP parishes celebrate the Extroardinary Form of the Mass) at this website.

fssp.com/press/locations/

May God bless you and may you grow ever closer to Him.
Amen.

Welcome Home!:grouphug:

 

[jeannetherese]

I just noticed you are in Colorado and found two FSSP locations for you. I hope they prove helpful.

Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel

Fr. James W. Jackson, FSSP, Pastor
Fr. Joseph Hearty, FSSP, Parochial Vicar

Rectory and Mailing Address:
5620 S Hickory Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
tel (303) 703-8538
fax (303) 795-5411

Chapel Address:
5612 S Hickory Street
Littleton, CO 80120

Mass Times:
Sunday: 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am

Carmel of the Holy Spirit Monastery:
6318 S. Gallup St.
Littleton CO 80120

Monday: 6:30 am

Parish website: www.olmcfssp.org

Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

626 Aspen Drive
Colorado Springs, CO
tel/fax: (719) 382-0121

Fr. Stephane Dupre, FSSP, Pastor
Fr. James Gordon, FSSP, Asst. Pastor

P.O. Box 5211
Colorado Springs, CO 80931-5211
tel/fax: (719) 391-1596
www.cosfssp.org

Mass Times:

Sun: 8:00 am (Low Mass) 10:30 am (High Mass)
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, and Sat: 8:00 am
Thu: 6:00 pm
Holy Days: 8:00 am, 6:30 pm

 

[dans0622]

…

Isn’t CMRI a sedevacantist offshoot? If so, I think collective RCIA at a non-EF parish would suit a catechumen better than individual study with a priest who is in schism.

Hello,

I didn’t bother to look into what the CMRI was/is, but indeed, you are correct. So, yes, the OP should not affiliate with that “parish.”

Dan

 

[Usige]

Hello,

I wouldn’t say that any such parishes do “not offer…any type of conversion help.” If there isn’t a group-style RCIA program, the priest *should *have a individualized, one-on-one-style program. The process would be an interview with a/the priest and he would determine what you need to learn before being received into the Church. Then, he’d see to it.

Dan

Exactly. At the FSSP parish I occasionally attend the pastor teaches each convert individually so that he can “meet them where they are”. Each session is geared to the individual.

To the OP, the only CMRI “parish” I know of in Colorado is on the western slope (in Olathe?) Unfortunately CMRI parishes are not in communion with Rome and do not beleive that there is currently a pope. If you were received in that community the sacraments of confession and confirmation would be invalid. I believe getting married there would also be invalid if your boyfriend was baptized in the Church as I doubt he would see a need to apply for a dispensation to be married outside of the church. Attending at a CMRI chapel does not satisfy the Sunday obligation either.

The last bit of bad news is that if you are on the western slope there are no valid Extraordinary Form communities west of the the divide. The closest one would likely be the FSSP parish in Colorado Springs, Immaculate Conception.

 

[jmr_1985]

I regularly attend the EF, but I did RCIA in a regular parish that was close to my law school. It was fine. I didn’t broadcast that I go to the EF though as the Priest that did our RCIA doesn’t exactly agree with Summorum Pontificum. I’d go once a week for RCIA on Monday and the EF or another Parish that was closer to my house on Sunday.

JMR

 

[charitydawn725]

Hello,

I wouldn’t say that any such parishes do “not offer…any type of conversion help.” If there isn’t a group-style RCIA program, the priest *should *have a individualized, one-on-one-style program. The process would be an interview with a/the priest and he would determine what you need to learn before being received into the Church. Then, he’d see to it.

Dan

Thank you everyone for your help! Dans0622, that makes a lot of sense. When I said they didn’t offer a program, I was referring to an official group centered program. Knowing that the priest can help you through the process one on one is very helpful. Thank you!

 

[charitydawn725]

I just noticed you are in Colorado and found two FSSP locations for you. I hope they prove helpful.

Archdiocese of Denver, Colorado

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Chapel

Fr. James W. Jackson, FSSP, Pastor
Fr. Joseph Hearty, FSSP, Parochial Vicar

Rectory and Mailing Address:
5620 S Hickory Circle
Littleton, CO 80120
tel (303) 703-8538
fax (303) 795-5411

Chapel Address:
5612 S Hickory Street
Littleton, CO 80120

Mass Times:
Sunday: 7:00 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 am

Carmel of the Holy Spirit Monastery:
6318 S. Gallup St.
Littleton CO 80120

Monday: 6:30 am

Parish website: www.olmcfssp.org

Diocese of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

626 Aspen Drive
Colorado Springs, CO
tel/fax: (719) 382-0121

Fr. Stephane Dupre, FSSP, Pastor
Fr. James Gordon, FSSP, Asst. Pastor

P.O. Box 5211
Colorado Springs, CO 80931-5211
tel/fax: (719) 391-1596
www.cosfssp.org

Mass Times:

Sun: 8:00 am (Low Mass) 10:30 am (High Mass)
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, and Sat: 8:00 am
Thu: 6:00 pm
Holy Days: 8:00 am, 6:30 pm

I am in Colorado Springs, so I’ll be sure to investigate that parish . If it’s not too much trouble, could you possibly explain what FSSP means? I’m not familiar with all the terms yet. The parishes and mass times are very helpful! I appreciate you taking the time to find them!

 

[charitydawn725]

Exactly. At the FSSP parish I occasionally attend the pastor teaches each convert individually so that he can “meet them where they are”. Each session is geared to the individual.

To the OP, the only CMRI “parish” I know of in Colorado is on the western slope (in Olathe?) Unfortunately CMRI parishes are not in communion with Rome and do not beleive that there is currently a pope. If you were received in that community the sacraments of confession and confirmation would be invalid. I believe getting married there would also be invalid if your boyfriend was baptized in the Church as I doubt he would see a need to apply for a dispensation to be married outside of the church. Attending at a CMRI chapel does not satisfy the Sunday obligation either.

The last bit of bad news is that if you are on the western slope there are no valid Extraordinary Form communities west of the the divide. The closest one would likely be the FSSP parish in Colorado Springs, Immaculate Conception.

Fortunately I am in Colorado Springs, so I’ll see if I can attend that parish in the next week or two! If I may ask, what makes the CMRI sacraments invalid?

 

[ProVobis]

I am in Colorado Springs, so I’ll be sure to investigate that parish . If it’s not too much trouble, could you possibly explain what FSSP means?

Acronym for* Fraternitas Sacerdotalis Sancti Petri* (Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter)

 

[jeannetherese]

I am in Colorado Springs, so I’ll be sure to investigate that parish . If it’s not too much trouble, could you possibly explain what FSSP means? I’m not familiar with all the terms yet.

Hi charity!
I’m copying some information off of their website for you-the page is:

fssp.com/press/what-is-the-fraternity-of-st-peter/

" In 1988, Pope John Paul II established the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter as a Clerical Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical right, and approved its constitutions. The Fraternity was founded in response to the Holy Father’s call to ecclesial unity and the new evangelization.
We seek to respond to the call of evangelization through an active apostolate, versus the contemplative life of a monk or nun, in the service of the Church. Our mission is threefold:

Sanctification of the Clergy, through solid seminary formation of our priests, and the aid in instruction and edification of diocesan and ordered clergy throughout the Catholic Church through friendship, instruction, advice and example.

Forming and leading stable parishes and communities that help reunite those who prefer and often have a deep affection for the more reverent and traditional liturgical forms who may have been alienated by abuse and dissent that has predominated in our times. This is brought about by offering the traditional Latin Mass and Sacraments in all of their solemnity, according to the liturgical books of 1962.  It is also accomplished by offering the faithful sound catechetical teaching within the light of Sacred Tradition.  The Traditional Sacraments have many names, so you may know them as the Traditional Latin Mass, Mass in the Extraordinary Form, the Tridentine Mass, the 1962 Missal, or the Mass of Saint Pius V.

Our Holy Fathers have called on all the Baptized faithful to participate in the New Evangelization, emphasizing the fact that all must use their unique charisms to full effect. Since The Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter has as its charism the celebration of the Sacraments according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman rite, it is through this liturgical identity that the Fraternity carries on the New Evangelization in the living tradition of the Church, which is ever ancient and ever new.

Rooted in Tradition, Fidelity and Humility

Our spiritual formation is based in the Sacred Tradition of the Church, and is founded upon four pillars:

A deep love and devotion to the Blessed Eucharist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Faithful following of Christ the High Priest, source of all grace, our example and our inspiration.

Filial love and true devotion to Mary the Mother of Priests and patroness of our seminary, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Loyalty and fidelity to, and dependence on, the Magisterium of the Church and the successor of Saint Peter, our Patron."

There’s lots more information on their website:thumbsup:
I have been assisting at an FSSP parish for several years; I’m so happy that there is one in your area.
May God bless you!
jt

 

[Fransea]

You can call the Diocese in your area to find out which parishes they have listed that are in full communion with Rome

There are various parishes that offer the Tridentine mass, some may or may not be in full communion. As I said the Diocese in the area can tell you which ones are.

The Roman Catholic Church is the place where all are welcome, with Pope Francis as Her head sitting in the seat of Peter.

God Bless you with your journey home.

 

[Usige]

Fortunately I am in Colorado Springs, so I’ll see if I can attend that parish in the next week or two! If I may ask, what makes the CMRI sacraments invalid?

Well that’s easier. I’ve only met Father Dupre once but he seemed nice enough. You could also drive up to Littleton. The renovations they completed are absolutely beautiful (pictures here).

The issue with CMRI and other groups like them is that they have separated themselves from the church by saying that the past 6 popes (since Pius XII) have not actually been popes. They reject the Second Vatican Council and everything done since Pope Saint John XXIII. Because if this they do not operate under a Bishop and do not have faculties (permission) to perform the sacraments of confession and confirmation. Since they can’t hear confessions I believe they also cannot provide anointing of the sick. Since they are outside of the Church, their clergy would not be recognized as being valid witnesses for the sacrament of matrimony. In short they can only validly baptize and confect the Eucharist (and that would be illicit). The FSSP on the other hand swear obedience to the local Bishop and are granted the right to provide the sacraments in that diocese.

Hope that helps.

 

[charitydawn725]

You all have been so helpful Wading through Church politics is difficult, but I’ve learned a lot! I’m going to try to attend an FSSP mass this weekend. Anything I should be aware of? (E.G. chapel veils in the vestibule)

 

[CB_Catholic]

You all have been so helpful Wading through Church politics is difficult, but I’ve learned a lot! I’m going to try to attend an FSSP mass this weekend. Anything I should be aware of? (E.G. chapel veils in the vestibule)

Most have the custom of the chapel veil, but in some it is optional. A more important thing to remember is that wherever you attend, always be sure it is in full communion with the Catholic Church. FSSP and ICKSP parishes are. SSPX and CMRI parishes are not. Always check with the Diocese if in doubt.

 

[jmcrae]

Fortunately I am in Colorado Springs, so I’ll see if I can attend that parish in the next week or two! If I may ask, what makes the CMRI sacraments invalid?

They are out of communion with Rome, meaning that their priests are operating “freelance,” without permission from a Bishop. Since authority to administer the Sacraments comes from the local Bishop, they don’t have that authority, and cannot lawfully give them.

My experience of the FSSP is that they don’t require chapel veils (I’ve never been thrown out for not wearing one), although the women who attend every Sunday have the custom of wearing them.

 

[jeannetherese]

You all have been so helpful Wading through Church politics is difficult, but I’ve learned a lot! I’m going to try to attend an FSSP mass this weekend. Anything I should be aware of? (E.G. chapel veils in the vestibule)

I’ve never veiled or felt any pressure to do so. Having grown up in the Ordinary Form of the Mass, I initially found it helpfu lto cue off of others on sitting/standing/kneeling while becoming familiar with the Extraordinary Form.
The prayers are so beautiful; may they draw you ever closer to Him.
jt