First TLM Tips/Advice

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Hi everyone,
I have been really wanting to attend my first TLM for awhile now, but I realize there is still so much that I do not know about it. I have done my own research but I feel like I am still missing a lot. My question to all of you would be if you could offer some advice/tips for an individual who would be attending their first TLM. Maybe some things that you wish you would’ve known? I would really appreciate anything you all have to offer (even if it might seem obvious, I would still appreciate the information that you have to offer). I will keep you all in my prayers! Thank you all very much and may God bless you!
 
Don’t be too caught up in trying to follow along. Immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of it.

If you are wanting to follow along watch a few masses online first to get familiar with the structure.
 
Just enjoy it. Focus on the Eucharist and pray. Just be in the moment and witness what is going on.
 
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Kyle2253 said:
My question to all of you would be if you could offer some advice/tips for an individual who would be attending their first TLM.
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The first few times I attended the TLM, I too had studied and read up on what to expect, but it didn’t really compare to what I had envisioned in my mind. I thought I would be able to catch on and have some great spiritual experience.

In actuality, I was sort of disappointed because I realized quickly how little I knew about the TLM. It was unfamiliar and this unfamiliarity took time to overcome. I wanted to follow along and understand it the way I understood the NO.

You might feel awkward and out of place, when everyone else looks so comfortable and at home with the TLM. I would suggest not trying to be so concerned with where the priest is at during the Mass, but instead just relax and pray.

A prayer book might help you focus on the parts you do recognize. In time, your prayer life during Mass will soar and it becomes less about what the priest is doing and more about doing what we’ve always been taught to do… Pray the Mass.
 
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I think this is a good answer, actually. Like when I first attended an Orthodox Divine Liturgy, we simply soaked it in the first few times. The first time I ever attended a TLM (we woke up so late one Sunday there was no way we’d make it to liturgy and I told my husband we should check out a TLM for the experience) we did try to follow along for a while before giving up and just experiencing it.
 
Should I bring/purchase a missal to bring with? If so what should I look for when getting one? Also, how long does a TLM typically last? I’ve seen many different answers.
 
I’d get a basic missal that just includes the ordinary of the Mass. The FSSP bookstore sells them for about $5, but you’ll also usually find them in a basket to borrow at Church.

Watch a couple videos about TLM. If you’re able to, acquire the missal beforehand and browse through it before Mass.

Like the Ordinary Form, the Extraordinary form has certain parts of the Mass that don’t change (“the ordinary,”) and then certain parts that change daily, like the readings, introit, etc.

A Sung High Mass will last about 1.5 to 1.75 hours. A Low Mass may be 45 minutes to an hour long.

Here’s a handy guide from Baronius Press on when to typically sit, stand, and kneel:

 
Ok, this might be a stupid question, but are the homilies at a TLM also in Latin?
 
I recently purchased the daily Roman missal 3rd edition and read somewhere that the TLM is not included in this edition. Does anyone know if this is true?
 
By the Midwest Theological Forum? No, it’s not. It’s an OF Missal.
 
Yes that’s the one. I guess I should’ve done a little better research before I purchased it lol. Well hopefully I can return it
 
Pay attention to what is happening on the altar. And do what the faithful do in regards to posture (standing, kneeling and seated)
 
I’ve heard a lot of people recommending not using a missal the first time. I can imagine it probably helps to learn by observation too and be present
 
I wouldn’t recommend either. It takes away one’s attention because they still take some time to understand which part they are.

In time, we learn and memorize the Ordinary at home and going to Mass and become able to read the Proper along with the priest. The best way to do it in short time is to study the Ordinary at home.
 
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Can you give a quick explanation of what the “Ordinary” and “Proper” are? I’ve been confused about this.
 
Sure.

Ordinary - It’s the “fixed part” of the Mass, that is, the prayers that are always said/sung by the presbyter (priest or Bishop).

Proper - It is the “variable part” of the Mass, that is, the Psalm, Prayers, Lectio, Gospel of the day theme.

In short, the structure of the Mass is:
  • Prayers at the Foor of the Altar (Ordinary)
  • Introit (Proper)
  • Kyrie (Ordinary)
  • Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Ordinary; not always said/sung)
  • Collect Prayer (Proper; there can be more than one during the same Mass)
  • Lectio (Proper)
  • Prayers before the Gospel (Ordinary)
  • Gospel (Proper)
  • Creed (Ordinary; not always said/sung)
  • Offertory (Ordinary)
  • Secreta Prayer (Proper; there can be more than one durnig the same Mass)
  • Preface (Proper)
  • Sanctus (Ordinary)
  • From Memento to final Doxology (Ordinary; this is the center of the Mass because Consecration happens here)
  • Pater (Ordinary; it is the “Our Father” prayer)
  • Communion of the presbyter prayers, from preparation to thanksgiving (Ordinary)
  • Communion Antiphon (Proper)
  • Post Communion Prayer (Proper; there can be more than one during the same Mass)
  • Dismissal, blessing and Last Gospel (Ordinary).
Before the Mass begins, mainly on Sundays, there is also the aspersion, which antyphon varies according the liturgical calendar.

There can be a sermon between the Gospel and the Creed.

Communion of the faithful usually happens between Communion of the Presbyter and the Communion Antyphon.

After the Low Mass (Last Gospel), it is also prayed compositions by Popes Leo XIII and Saint Pius X. This isn’t part of Mass though.
 
I’m planning on getting a Red Missal (I’ve heard this is great for newcomers), but after that what missal would you recommend?
 
I would say for a new attendee: 1) Don’t worry about what you do physically…kneel, stand, etc. 2) Need to combine what you read in the Missal to what you see on the alter and connect the two together. As soon as the 2nd time you attend it will make more sense.
 
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