Gravitating towards the SSPX

[Joe_5859]

I appreciate the fact that you are looking for a good liturgy. Attending the liturgy celebrated well and with dynamic preaching is truly a blessing. It is especially a breath of fresh air when we are used to attending a parish where these things are lacking.

That said, I would definitely not recommend attending SSPX unless and until their status with Rome gets straightened out. Their founder illicitly ordained bishops in disobedience to an explicit instruction from Pope John Paul II. That is no small matter. Though the excommunications have been lifted (as an act of mercy on the part of Pope Benedict XVI with the hope of future reconciliation), their status is still in question.

So for all their virtues, I don’t see how that spirit of disobedience which led to those illicit ordinations could not help but seep in to all other aspects of the organization—likely in ways that are indiscernible to many who attend. It’s not something I would take a chance with.

 

[Aquinas11]

Does anyone else think it is ironic that SSPX priests are being praised for their othodoxy and being strong in doctrine when they are still in an irregular status within the Church?

It doesn’t make sense, either you are with Rome, or you are not.

It does make sense when Catholics observe bowing to Idols and placing Idols in Vatican Churches. .

From that standpoint, its understandable how some Catholics are looking for strong Orthodoxy where Holy Father has given permission to give certain sacraments and where they can fulfill their Sunday obligation, particularly if no other such offering is in their area. I do think people should attend FSSP over SSPX since FSSP is in full communion with Rome, but sometimes FSSP. . . .

 

[godisgood77]

The SSPX is a good option.

Maybe a SSPX parish is a good option when a better option doesn’t exist… in other words if a Catholic parish in communion with the Pope and Rome is nearby, that is the better option for a Catholic.

 

[ConcernedConvert]

Unless you enjoy the beauty of the Latin Mass and what it has to offer and cannot find that elsewhere.

 

[ConcernedConvert]

Here is my dilemma with this statement. This is a personal example that I have experienced over the past three years where I live. Within 30 miles of where I live are two Novus Ordo parishes, and one SSPX Parish. Nearly every time I go to either of the Novus Ordo parishes I notice, (several) illicit or problematic actions during the mass. Sometimes, I hear homilys that quite clearly contradict the teachings of the magisterium of the church. So which is truly the better option for my family and I? I want to raise my children to be strong in the faith and teachings of the Catholic Church, and quite frankly neither of the Novus Ordo parishes offer that. Not to mention that the Latin Mass is just beautiful!

 

[MagdalenaRita]

Does anyone else think it is ironic that SSPX priests are being praised for their othodoxy and being strong in doctrine when they are still in an irregular status within the Church?

No not ironic at all. People are searching for orthodoxy. People are searching for worship and reverence toward God that has been discarded over the last several decades.

It doesn’t make sense, either you are with Rome, or you are not

You’ll have to take that up with Pope Francis. He is the one that gave approval for some things in the SSPX and continues paving the way for them.

 

[CilladeRoma]

I’m sorry, but how can you be orthodox when you and some of your followers have no problem saying that the OF is deficient and continue to not come back into full Communion.
Pope Francis has been very patient, I just hope his patience leads to a reunification.

 

[Augustinus1]

This is how I feel exactly! The SSPX teach more authentically Catholic positions than most NO I’ve been to… In addition, it’s like you said : “Nearly every time I go to either of the Novus Ordo parishes I notice, (several) illicit or problematic actions during the mass”.
That’s not something I want to support at all… My reasons for going to the SSPX would be out of love for the traditional Liturgy and authentic Catholic teaching (they do teach from the Baltimore Catechism contrary to popular belief) that I simply can’t find at any of the Parishes around me (including the TLM diocesan community)

 

[commenter]

Within 30 miles of where I live are two Novus Ordo parishes, and one SSPX Parish.

A parish is not just a congregation, but a unit of a diocese. The laity, pastor, and staff are in unity with the bishop ordinary, and with other parishes.

Non parish communities, such as prayer groups, SSPX chapels, and other kinds of unattached groups, may for a time be more appealing and, for awhile, seem more orthodox, than a bad parish. But in the long run the bad parishes get cleaned up, the liberal diocese gets back on track, imprudent actions at the Vatican fade away.

This “course correction” is not likely at non parish, free standing operations.

 

[Dovekin]

Nearly every time I go to either of the Novus Ordo parishes I notice, (several) illicit or problematic actions during the mass.

Educate yourself to the rubrics of the EF. Then everytime you go to a SSPX church, you will notice illicit or problematic actions there. Do they face east, or does the configuration of the church force them to face a “liturgical east”? Do they show due veneration to the altar as the focus of the celebration? Do they encourage active participation? Are the masses early in the day to accomodate fasting?

 

[Aquinas11]

I’m sorry, but how can you be orthodox when you and some of your followers have no problem saying that the OF is deficient and continue to not come back into full Communion.
Pope Francis has been very patient, I just hope his patience leads to a reunification.

I don’t know anyone who goes to TLM who says OF is deficient. Everyone I know who attends EF says OF is equally valid as EF. The metaphor I’ve read is that both EF and OF are like a perfect diamond, both equally valid. However, the setting of a diamond can affect how much that diamond sparkles. I believe EF setting provides more sparkle to the valid Mass than the OF, but others can disagree.

 

[Randolph]

I appreciate the fact that you are looking for a good liturgy. Attending the liturgy celebrated well and with dynamic preaching is truly a blessing. It is especially a breath of fresh air when we are used to attending a parish where these things are lacking.

That said, I would definitely not recommend attending SSPX unless and until their status with Rome gets straightened out. Their founder illicitly ordained bishops in disobedience to an explicit instruction from Pope John Paul II. That is no small matter. Though the excommunications have been lifted (as an act of mercy on the part of Pope Benedict XVI with the hope of future reconciliation), their status is still in question.

So for all their virtues, I don’t see how that spirit of disobedience which led to those illicit ordinations could not help but seep in to all other aspects of the organization—likely in ways that are indiscernible to many who attend. It’s not something I would take a chance with.

Well put, Joe. I completely agree with you. Until the situation between Rome and SSPX is regularized and settled. It is best to not attend a SSPX chapel/church. Obedience and being in communion with the Holy Catholic Church are fundamental to the Catholic Faith. I myself love the EF form and it is a Mass that I regularly attend. At times, I also attend the OF, and I support all Masses that the Church approves. I have never gone to a SSPX chapel, nor do I support/or have I any association with them.

Hearing from my good friends who support SSPX, i do sympathize and ache with them, and feel their concerns—especially given, in the past years, the efforts to temper with Church doctrines, the disregard/disrespect toward First Commandment and the Gospels, and the repeated put downs of Tradition in favor of the so-called “new ways”.

But, Catholics can not disobey the Holy Father in matters of faith and morals—especially in regards to illegal episcopal ordination. This was the way Christ Himself set up the Church, and the Church has diligently and faithfully followed it for 2,000 years. Over the life of the Church, there have been countless disagreements and many heresies. But, the Church with help of the Holy Spirits has always managed through them. It is no different now, nor in the future. What the Church has always needed are faithfulness, prayers and conversion…

I am aware what I have just written probably irks and offends some SSPX defenders/supporters. It is what it is.

 

[catholic03]

Here’s what I think. The Ordinary Form is called the Ordinary Form because it is the standard form of the celebration of the Mass. The Extraordinary Form is called so because it is Extraordinary. If you have the wonderful opportunity to attend the EF, then do so in communion with Rome.

If you are lucky enough to have regular EF with FSSP or other groups in full communion, then great! Otherwise, please stick with a fully approved Mass that is called ORDINARY for a reason rather than an EF that is not regular because the SSPX is not in full communion. It’s always better to attend Mass in communion with Rome even if you prefer the other liturgy.

 

[ProVobis]

Catholics can not disobey the Holy Father in matters of faith and morals—especially in regards to illegal episcopal ordination.

For the record the Vatican did approve the ordination of one bishop. It is my understanding that the protocol was signed by AL but he reneged later.

 

[Randolph]

For the record the Vatican did approve the ordination of one bishop. It is my understanding that the protocol was signed by AL but he reneged later.

Be it as it may, my hope and prayers are that one day all SSPX bishops and priests are approved by the Church, and all SSPX members are in full communion with the Holy Church. There are many, many fine and talented people in the SSPX who love the Church. These people would also contribute greatly to the Holy Church.

That day would be a day of great joy and celebration.

 

[ProVobis]

Seems like it’s one step at a time. The lifting of the excommunications, then priests allowed to hear confessions, then the marriage thing. Let’s hope there will be more positive steps.

 

[Tolle_Lege]

Attend the SSPX; going to an Ordinary Form Mass that incorporates novelties and is a source of frustration will not do you any good.

Lots of posts on here speak about having “communion with Rome.” The definition of that phrase is up for debate these days. There are many folks in the Church these days who are supposedly “in communion with Rome” who don’t seem to believe anything about the Catholic faith.

 

[MockSock]

Go to FSSP or other trad group. Stay away from the SSPX they are bad news.

 

[MasterXploder7]

I have a bit of a bias against the “traditionalist movement” that seeks to push things like the Latin Mass and SSPX (and before you assume I misspoke, they have been pushing it and have genuinely hoped that it takes over the church and hold Novus Ordo in deep disregard). My primary distaste for things like the SSPX and the LM (Latin Mass) is that its an old tradition that was not the primary tradition, things like the Vulgate were written because it was the “common language” at the time and gave the church a universal way of reading the scriptures - but it wasn’t the original way. This call to “traditionalism” doesn’t feel traditional to me, it feels like a white-washed sham of a reason to retreat to the medieval era again. I don’t even mean that in a very literal way but I’ve noted the recent uptick of returning to a Nostalgia of traditionalism - have these people read John Chrysostom? Do you want to know what he’s recorded as saying? He once said “if you buy lavish furniture, you are going to hell,” now correct me if I am wrong but Chrysostom is highly regarded in both RC and EO traditions but if we were to go back to the traditional roots of the church (and not some nostalgia ridden idea of tradition) then by God a lot people would feel so hopeless that they would likely question their faith and ability to perform for God. Then again, this is focused on the Mass. Attend the Mass that helps you to adore Jesus most.

 

[OrbisNonSufficit]

Catholic Church differentiates between Schism and Heresy- one can be perfectly orthodox while being in schism- which SSPX are not. They are, in their eyes, doing what is called a “Filial Correction” where they stand with the Pope but oppose some issues. I disagree with how they oppose those issues and in general with disobedience towards Rome, but fact is their irregular status does nothing about their orthodoxy, one way or another.