Extraordinary Form First Timer

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I have the opportunity to attend the EF mass for the next couple weeks. I’ve never been before, so I’m looking for some basic do’s and donts and some advice on how to not make a fool of myself since I have no clue what’s going on. I know it’s in Latin and Ad orientem. Thanks in advance.
 
Hello… You can purchase a book that gives the translation of the mass so that you have the Latin and the English version side by side so that you know what’s happening and thus follow the mass. Also such booklets give clear instructions about what to do when during the mass.

All said and done don’t lose out on the meditative and spiritual part of the mass as that what matters most 🙂
 
A book as in a missal? Or another book? I’ve only been confirmed since August. So while I know what’s going on now in the novus ordo, the feeling of not completely knowing is still fresh. So I figured now was a good time to go to the EF. Haha.
 
One thing to remember is that since it is your first time you will be pretty confused. The Mass is the same in form but it is in a different language with some extra actions on the part of the priest. Most will find it confusing. It’s not the fault of the Mass but in the fact that it is new to us. I remember attending Latin Mass for the first time. Completely confusing. But it can be very spiritual if you get the hang of it. Some things to point out:

If it a High Mass there are a lot of ( to the newcomer) random spots when the congregation sits, stands and kneels. More so than at the Novus Ordo. Easy fix for that is don’t sit up front. 😉

Also, even though deprofundis is right about getting a missal that translates the Mass, the first time you go you will most likely get lost in it. Wait, what page are we on? Is that the Latin word that the priest just said? My advice is to look at the missal (they will usually have ones in the pews) but not get too wrapped up in it at first. Just let the Mass sink in.

As for basic do’s and don’ts, there isn’t much. Just stand, sit and kneel with everyone else. Communion is taken on the tongue kneeling if you didn’t know that. The Amen is not said after you receive. But besides that, you should be good.
 
No not a missal… There are books that have the entire Tridentine mass… it’s sort of a guide… you may find something online as well in text format.
 
You may what to just watch some videos about the mass before.
 
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They tend to be a lot less talky at EF than OF masses, so you’ll mostly be ok if you sit/stand/kneel when everyone else does and don’t really say anything. And the congregation generally doesn’t sing. I think others have covered the rest pretty well.

Edit: From what I’ve seen, they tend to be a bit more formal than a lot of OF parishes? Assuming you’re a guy, I’d wear slacks and a button-down.
 
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I didn’t know in the EF they didn’t say AMEN after they receive. Is there a specific reason for this or is it just Tradition.
 
In the Ordinary Form, the Priest says ‘the body of Christ’ to which the receiver affirms his believe in the real presence by saying ‘Amen’

In the Extraordinary Form, The Priest instead says a short prayer (that the body of Our Lord Jesus Christ may lead that persons soul to eternal life) which already ends in ‘Amen’

I guess in theory it would make sense enough if the communicant said ‘Amen’ at the same time as the Priest but that isn’t specified in the rubrics and never became the done thing.
 
Just show up and pray; no one will take notice of what you do or don’t do. I dare say one going in blind would have an easier time making “a fool of” themselves in the Ordinary Form. Most everything the Ordinary Form gets is from the Extraordinary Form so you shouldn’t be that lost. I hope for you it’s a High Mass, though then again certain people prefer a Low Mass with little or no music. I would not look for a Missal the first time you attend unless it’s a Low Mass.
 
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Instead one might ask why it’s present in the OF since it isn’t in the EF.
 
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DignumEtJustum said:
Just show up and pray; no one will take notice of what you do or don’t do.
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I agree with this but if it so happens that someone does notice, big deal.

A person can stand/sit/kneel as the majority of the congregation does (there may not be uniformity on these postures) and sing the songs if that is what the congregation does and that is what the person is comfortable with/capable of doing. The spoken responses are not what I’d concern myself with during a first Mass or even the first 10 Masses or so.

What has been said about the reception of Holy Communion is most important, practically.

Dan
 
Thank you all for the responses. I had no idea about not responding with “amen” when receiving. I can go to either the high or low. I think I’ll go to the high mass. I also found, what looks like a good book. “Treasure and tradition. The guide to Latin mass”
 
Treasure and Tradition is a wonderful resource! The inside front and back covers have a basic outline that identifies key events for you to look for throughout the Mass.

If you can and would like to, return here to let us know your experience and ask questions.
 
After everyone’s responses I’m looking forward to going even more. Thank you. I’ll most definitely post afterward with questions or thoughts. In my mind the EF makes more sense as a sacrifice than the OF. The sacrifice part is easier to wrap my mind around. Maybe that’s just me or maybe that’ll change. Haha.
 
Don’t sit in the front. Sit in the back that way you can see what the old hands are doing.

Unless you know the Latin, don’t try to follow along in the Missal, they go too fast.

If you have friends that know the Latin Mass, go with them and they can keep you abreast. Turn you to the proper page, tell you when to kneel, etc.

Enjoy!
 
Better in my opinion to put the cash toward something with Propers or just print from the Liber Usualis for free.
 
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