First Latin Mass Preparations

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

Hello,

I have a couple friends who attend local Latin Masses and I’m thinking about going to one to see what all the chatter is about. I’d like not to look out of place so will be doing some prep work. Besides watching a few Masses on-line and reading the translations, does anyone have any other tips, pointers, or advice?

Thank you in advance,

 

[ConstantineTG]

What I do when I go to another form of Liturgy I am not familiar with, I stay near the back, if not the very back. This way I can follow what others are doing, when to sit, stand, or when applicable, kneel (I did this when I went to Latin Mass as well as several Eastern Liturgies).

Most would have missals there at the parish. But if you wish, you can look this up and print it:

mysite.verizon.net/missale/order.html

But appreciate the experience first and not worry about following along with a Missal. If you get burried in the Missal, you miss the Mass and may not appreciate it as much.

 

[benedictgal]

Hello,

I have a couple friends who attend local Latin Masses and I’m thinking about going to one to see what all the chatter is about. I’d like not to look out of place so will be doing some prep work. Besides watching a few Masses on-line and reading the translations, does anyone have any other tips, pointers, or advice?

Thank you in advance,

My experience with the Mass in the Extraordinary Form happened almost at the very last minute. You can read about it here:

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

I was not quite prepared as I would have liked to have been, but, I would not trade this experience for anything.

I hope this helps.

 

[Contra_Mundum_1]

I second the above advice. Just observe, relax and pray the mass. It is a very meditative experience.

If the readings are in Latin get the missal (your friends probably use them if they are regular goers) or the handout with the readings if available.

I’m sure you know by now that Communion is on the tongue, kneeling (if you can’t kneel for health reasons, then standing is ok).

Also, the congregation does not respond as much as in the new mass. Altarservers do that, so don’t automatically respond where you normally would. But even if you do make a few mistakes, I doubt anyone will mind. So don’t worry, just be present and pray. I’m sure you will enjoy it.

 

[Cyclophile]

I concur with the previous postings here, just relax and be in the moment, concentrate on the sacrifice. I still have not gotten the hang of following along in my 1962 missal but that does not matter to me. It is all about being there in God’s house and being in communion with Him.

 

[Peggy_in_Burien]

I am old enough to have learned the TLM in my school days, so it was a homecoming for me.

Our pastor knows that for most of the people attending, it is the first experience with the EF Mass. He asks the newcomers not to be upset if it is difficult to follow along. We even have “misselettes” with pictures and instructions, too. He says it may take 10 to 20 Masses for a person to get the hang of where we are and what we are doing. I don’t think it will take that long, but be sure not to “give up” too quickly, if it is hard to follow along.

Sometimes at my Mass, I will see a newcomer next to me or right in front of me, having trouble keeping his/her place. I sometimes (depending upon how frustrated the person seems), show the person, in my book, what page I am on. I hope you have such helpful people sitting near you.

Bring a veil, too, if you are a lady. Many of the women in my parish don’t wear a veil, and Father doesn’t take offense at that, but it is the tradional thing. I’d say it is about 60% to 40% in favor of the veil with the ladies in my parish. It doesn’t have to be a fancy thing, and veils can be hard to find in a pinch. I wore a nice, dressy scarf tied about my head until I was able to find a veil. Hats are welcome, too, but I wouldn’t suggest a baseball cap!

The main thing is, like you said, relax, think of God, and you will be fine. I hope you enjoy the experience.

God bless you.

 

[benedictgal]

I am old enough to have learned the TLM in my school days, so it was a homecoming for me.

Our pastor knows that for most of the people attending, it is the first experience with the EF Mass. He asks the newcomers not to be upset if it is difficult to follow along. We even have “misselettes” with pictures and instructions, too. He says it may take 10 to 20 Masses for a person to get the hang of where we are and what we are doing. I don’t think it will take that long, but be sure not to “give up” too quickly, if it is hard to follow along.

Sometimes at my Mass, I will see a newcomer next to me or right in front of me, having trouble keeping his/her place. I sometimes (depending upon how frustrated the person seems), show the person, in my book, what page I am on. I hope you have such helpful people sitting near you.

Bring a veil, too, if you are a lady. Many of the women in my parish don’t wear a veil, and Father doesn’t take offense at that, but it is the tradional thing. I’d say it is about 60% to 40% in favor of the veil with the ladies in my parish. It doesn’t have to be a fancy thing, and veils can be hard to find in a pinch. I wore a nice, dressy scarf tied about my head until I was able to find a veil. Hats are welcome, too, but I wouldn’t suggest a baseball cap!

The main thing is, like you said, relax, think of God, and you will be fine. I hope you enjoy the experience.

God bless you.

Since my experience was spur of the moment, Father did not pitch a fit because my head was uncovered. In fact, it did not seem to matter to him. He was more concerned that I was able to pray the Mass.

 

[OurLadyPerpHelp]

Thank you everyone for the support. I only found out recently that Latin Masses were available in my area. There are many things advertised in our bulletin, but these Masses never have been to my knowledge.

Here’s what I’m using to prepare:

sanctamissa.org/en/

www.livemass.net

 

[TBolt1000T]

Thank you everyone for the support. I only found out recently that Latin Masses were available in my area. There are many things advertised in our bulletin, but these Masses never have been to my knowledge.

Here’s what I’m using to prepare:

sanctamissa.org/en/

www.livemass.net

Yeah SanctaMissa is a great tool for learning the EF, and the people who run the site appear to be in good standing with Rome. They also have audio and video sources, which can be a great help for beginners.

When I first started seriously attending the EF this past Fall, I was worried about the fact that I’m blind, and I didn’t know where to stand, neal, etc. I just sat through several EF Masses, but noone said a negative word to me. I sat in the middle of the church, right below the choir loft, and I could hear both the choir and the priest. Now, I sing in the choir, so I’m up in the choir loft for the EF, but I have learned a whole lot from sitting in the pues. I can now follow the TLM, even if it’s a low Mass, partly because I’ve been picking up more Latin here lately. Other priests besides our pastor usually say the EF at our parish, but our pastor says a low EF Mass once a month, and I learned a whole lot jjust from attending one of his Masses, because he’s loud and clear, even without a mic.

And here’s a heads up. If you’re ever fortunate enough to experience a solemn high EF Mass, you may get hooked, which isn’t a bad thing…

 

[ProVobis]

Yeah SanctaMissa is a great tool for learning the EF, and the people who run the site appear to be in good standing with Rome. They also have audio and video sources, which can be a great help for beginners.

When I first started seriously attending the EF this past Fall, I was worried about the fact that I’m blind, and I didn’t know where to stand, neal, etc. I just sat through several EF Masses, but noone said a negative word to me. I sat in the middle of the church, right below the choir loft, and I could hear both the choir and the priest. Now, I sing in the choir, so I’m up in the choir loft for the EF, but I have learned a whole lot from sitting in the pues. I can now follow the TLM, even if it’s a low Mass, partly because I’ve been picking up more Latin here lately. Other priests besides our pastor usually say the EF at our parish, but our pastor says a low EF Mass once a month, and I learned a whole lot jjust from attending one of his Masses, because he’s loud and clear, even without a mic.

And here’s a heads up. If you’re ever fortunate enough to experience a solemn high EF Mass, you may get hooked, which isn’t a bad thing…

Great testimonial.