Getting the word out on the MP

[joelacour]

I’d like to know how the Motu Proprio was communicated in your diocese.

When the MP came out, I thought that on 9/14 we would have an TLM’s offered in at least the Cathedral(s), and in some parishes. I thought that there would be articles in the diocesan newspaper in the 2 months leading up to the MP, to get the faithful stirred up, or at least curious, about TLM and that by offering TLM some would come and see and believe.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. There was a statement in our diocesan newspaper right after the MP came out, and that is the last communication in the diocese on the MP. I searched my parish’s bulletins and nothing. Went to other parishes in the county – nothing. Went to look @ bulletins in adjoining counties – still nothing.

So, am I crazy, or does it seem that if bishops and pastors ignore the MP, people will not ask for the MP (do they even know it exists?), and, because nobody is asking for it, parishes do not have to offer TLM?

So, how is it out in the rest of North America?

 

[kell0618]

I’d like to know how the Motu Proprio was communicated in your diocese.

When the MP came out, I thought that on 9/14 we would have an TLM’s offered in at least the Cathedral(s), and in some parishes. I thought that there would be articles in the diocesan newspaper in the 2 months leading up to the MP, to get the faithful stirred up, or at least curious, about TLM and that by offering TLM some would come and see and believe.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. There was a statement in our diocesan newspaper right after the MP came out, and that is the last communication in the diocese on the MP. I searched my parish’s bulletins and nothing. Went to other parishes in the county – nothing. Went to look @ bulletins in adjoining counties – still nothing.

So, am I crazy, or does it seem that if bishops and pastors ignore the MP, people will not ask for the MP (do they even know it exists?), and, because nobody is asking for it, parishes do not have to offer TLM?

So, how is it out in the rest of North America?

It was discussed quite a bit at our parish. Having spoken with our pastor, I will share with you some insight into his opinion. The celebration of the ‘Latin Mass’ is not something someone who has never celebrated can jump right into. It takes much practice and study to celebrate the Mass in a reverent and appropriate manner. Our church is very old, but the altar was shortened a great deal (would have to be rebuilt to accommodate the Latin Mass). The communion rails are long gone. We do not have well-trained altar servers who could serve the Mass. Altar serving is very different in the Latin Mass. We have parishes within our diocese who have always celebrated the 1962 Mass, but they are reluctant to come to our parish to celebrate the Latin Mass for us. They do not want to make it a display/show for gawkers; they would also have to provide all of the servers. Our cantor/music director/choir is not trained in the Latin Mass either. This is something that must be undertaken in a very cautious manner. Patience is a virtue and I for one am pleased that our Priest was not in a rush to try out his newly permitted Mass. If and when he does it, he wants to show the Mass the planning and respect it deserves.

 

[Magnum_V8]

I’m ecstatic that the Holy Father issued this motu proprio. But, in all honesty, I’m a afraid that some parishes that “try it out” may not be prepared to celebrate it the right way.

The mass should not be said, it should be prayed. And to pray the mass means one should have a full understanding of its language and the rubrics.

All those signs of the cross the priest makes, hands on the table, hands off, forefinger and thumb together, moving the missal around…these are just a few things, not mention having to pick up an entirely new language, or at least a good chunk of it. And then altar boys still need to be trained.

I just don’t see the motu proprio making a huge impact anytime soon.

To answer your first question, I don’t remember hearing a thing about it, not even from my parish. But the parish where I go for confession recently had a petition sheet asking if anyone was interested in the Traditional Latin Mass being celebrated there.

 

[otjm]

I’d like to know how the Motu Proprio was communicated in your diocese.

When the MP came out, I thought that on 9/14 we would have an TLM’s offered in at least the Cathedral(s), and in some parishes. I thought that there would be articles in the diocesan newspaper in the 2 months leading up to the MP, to get the faithful stirred up, or at least curious, about TLM and that by offering TLM some would come and see and believe.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. There was a statement in our diocesan newspaper right after the MP came out, and that is the last communication in the diocese on the MP. I searched my parish’s bulletins and nothing. Went to other parishes in the county – nothing. Went to look @ bulletins in adjoining counties – still nothing.

So, am I crazy, or does it seem that if bishops and pastors ignore the MP, people will not ask for the MP (do they even know it exists?), and, because nobody is asking for it, parishes do not have to offer TLM?

So, how is it out in the rest of North America?

I think that there are some issues that are addressed by the other two posters which are legitimate. It is not a circus; it is not an act; and there are about two generations who have never seen the EF. In addition, it has been what - 38 years since the OF took effect; that is more than a bit of time to forget quite a bit.
Any priest that started seminary after the OF took effect probably was not trained in the rubrics; most thought, right or wrong, that the EF had been abrogated. And for any who were in seminary just before it took effect, I suspect they had little or no training.

Then there is the issue of Latin, and I won’t even go there. I am not the least surprised that it has not popped up everywhere, or even much of anywhere. There isn’t much point in taking a poll if the results are going to be skewed by those who have never seen one and have already formed an opinion, is there? And that goes to the issue of a “stabel group of people”, which is where the public Mass hinges.

It will take time, probably more than most who want it care to think.

 

[Rolltide]

If you want to read the statements of all the American dioceses as they are released, good ol’ Father Z has them archived (with his own commentary) on his blog. Here’s the link:

wdtprs.com/blog/

 

[joelacour]

If you want to read the statements of all the American dioceses as they are released, good ol’ Father Z has them archived (with his own commentary) on his blog. Here’s the link:

wdtprs.com/blog/

Part of my daily read. But there are a lot more diocese out there than what Fr. Z has received comments from. I’m guessing it is less than 50%.

If the MP is such a big deal, should not there have been almost 100% coverage? Heck, we get that on immigration.

Is there a “party line”? And, if there is, what is it? Do we need to start a grass roots effort to increase our diocese’s “awareness”.

 

[Scotty_PGH]

I’d like to know how the Motu Proprio was communicated in your diocese.

When the MP came out, I thought that on 9/14 we would have an TLM’s offered in at least the Cathedral(s), and in some parishes. I thought that there would be articles in the diocesan newspaper in the 2 months leading up to the MP, to get the faithful stirred up, or at least curious, about TLM and that by offering TLM some would come and see and believe.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. There was a statement in our diocesan newspaper right after the MP came out, and that is the last communication in the diocese on the MP. I searched my parish’s bulletins and nothing. Went to other parishes in the county – nothing. Went to look @ bulletins in adjoining counties – still nothing.

So, am I crazy, or does it seem that if bishops and pastors ignore the MP, people will not ask for the MP (do they even know it exists?), and, because nobody is asking for it, parishes do not have to offer TLM?

So, how is it out in the rest of North America?

It may seem discouraging in your area. But there are places where it is really taking off, and in fact has hit the ground running. Here are some blogs to follow, that report on this topic.

wdtprs.com/blog/
thenewliturgicalmovement.blogspot.com/

There have been a number of wonderful celebrations already (including at Cathedrals), and it’s clear that celebration of the EF is going to take off. It will be slow at first, no doubt.