I went to my first TLM ... did not go well

[peregrinator_it]

How does one participate if he can’t hear what’s being said? Is he supposed to pray his own prayers? Just quietly observe?

My understanding, which may well be faulty, is that one is to follow along (with your eyes- by reading and watching) with the priest (just as you do when the priest says the prayers that are “his part” during in the OF) and unite your own prayers with his.

Some will tell you it is acceptable to pray your own private prayers. I would not be comfortable with this, but don’t have relevant Church teaching at my fingertips, at the moment, to back up my discomfort.

 

[jmcrae]

How does one participate if he can’t hear what’s being said? Is he supposed to pray his own prayers? Just quietly observe?

I am a farily new Catholic from an Evangelical background… the NO mass is all I know… I’m just trying to wrap my brain around a mass where I can’t hear / have no idea what’s going on. I imgaine it would be similar to a Spanish mass I attended (I don’t speak Spanish - I was pretty much lost) Aren’t I supposed to participate in the mass? Or is that not the case with the TLM?

With the TLM, one learns/memorizes the prayers outside of the Mass, in school or in a class of some kind, or else by studying on your own, so that when you come to the actual Mass, you aren’t flipping around in your book trying to figure out “where we are,” but rather, your heart has been prepared, and you are ready to pray the prayers in your heart along with the priest. You just kind of let the whole experience flow over you. If you don’t remember the prayers, you just do the best you can.

If you know the OF, it’s really not all that different - you will know when it’s the Holy Holy, or the Our Father, for example, and the Rite of Communion is pretty obvious.

 

[mattwcu]

This is off-topic- and perhaps I should have more self-restraint and save for a new thread- but “the idea that [those praying] have to hear and pray word for word everything that is going on” is not a modern one when it comes to Catholic liturgy (public worship.) Even in the TLM the servers make the responses on behalf of the congregation, because vocal responses are important.

Also the other “half” of the Catholic liturgy, the Divine Office, has been prayed word for word by those whose office is it is do so (ironically mainly contemplative religious) for centuries- as many centuries (and more) as the TLM has been in existence.

So, the idea of vocal/audible particpation in liturgy is not a modern fabrication.

I wasn’t speaking necessarily just about liturgy, but society in general. Our society has lost any sense of mystery with things like the internet, television, and radio. We almost depend on all the noise and activity and so when we come across an experience which is silent it makes us uncomfortable.

Also, lets use “modern” with the understanding that we’re not talking about just the last 40 years. Server responses have been happening for longer than that, of which I was of course quite aware.

 

[ericka1701]

I went to my first TLM recently (2nd Sunday of Advent), and I had a fairly good idea of what the prayers were beforehand because I have taken 8 years of voice and Latin is what I sing in the most, but during Mass, I was almost completely lost. I gave up on trying to follow along really quickly and focused only on sitting, standing, kneeling, and making the sign of the cross at the appropriate times. I REALLY loved the TLM, despite the fact that I was confused and disoriented the whole time, and I know that with more learning I will come to appreciate and enjoy it that much more.

Like others have suggested, try to learn more about it. catholiclatinmass.org is a good start to get more information. Try to attend with someone who has gone before. Trying something new can be really difficult, but I’ve found that the most difficult things usually tend towards being the most worthwhile. If you don’t like it, don’t be too hard on yourself. You can say something that alot of people cannot; you’ve tried the TLM!

God Bless!
Ericka

 

[withwind]

I had similar experience when I attended TLM for the first time. Perhaps I was expecting to hear words from the priest but in reality I didn’t hear anything - that is probably why I felt lost during the mass. I haven’t been back to any TLM since then.

 

[brotherhrolf]

From what I have read, it seems that some of you are attending a Low Mass. Low Mass was the 6am and 8am Masses on Sunday morning in my parish in, let’s say, 1961.

The 10am Mass (at least in my parish) was the “main” Sunday Mass. We called it High Mass but that is a misnomer. It was the “dialogue Mass” or “Missa Cantata” and so there were entrance hymns sung by the congregation, the congregation chanted the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Pater Noster, and Agnus Dei. The congregation chanted the responses to the Preface.

There were Offertory hymns, Communion hymns, and Recessional hymns that the congregation sang both in English and in Latin. Not too dissimilar from today.

We did not have a schola in my suburban parish although we did have a choir. I cannot ever recall seeing a formal Solemn High Mass with Priest, Deacon, and Sub-deacon - even when the Archbishop came for Confirmation. Formal Solemn High Masses were conducted at the cathedral and not out in the 'burbs.

I was an altar boy from 1959 through 1968. I only stopped serving because I was taller than Father. I served many a 6am Mass in the rectory when it was just Father and me when the Archbishop formed a new parish in 1964 and the church had not yet been built. The reality is that most parishoners attending a Low Mass sat up near the altar where you could hear the priest. The other thing that is forgotten is that we had MIssals. One was given one’s “little” Missal when one made one’s First Communion. One was given one’s “big” Missal when one was confirmed. I still have both of mine as does DW. You “prayed” your Missal.

Have any of you thought to ask your parents or grandparents if they still have their Missals? DW still has her 1965 Missal and we can both tell you that neither of us ever participated in that Mass. It was so much easier to follow along in the missalette because once they got the change rolling in America, it was inexorable.

 

[Lainey63]

When I attended my first TLM I pretty much expected alot like you and was disappointed like you. I was also born after Vatican II…so like you it was completely foreign to me…but I did recognize that because you are not “feeling” something doesn’t really mean much. Praying has always been in an interior battle for me anyway…(until this last year). Anyway, I did keep going back and tried desperately to figure out where the priest was in the missal and if I couldn’t figure it out in a reasonable amount of time I just read actually prayed the English translation and eventually we would end up on the same page…so I learned little by little…and I knew that I was praying the Mass. And at times I started to feel a tremendous peace overcome me-sometimes I feel like I am floating! Now some 10 years later I can follow along…but I also go to NO masses as well…

 

[Monica37]

Just want to echo others. It takes some time, don’t try to “be good at it” right away. Don’t know if that’s an issue for you, but when I try something, I like to be good at it. I know, dumb idea when it comes to Mass. The TLM has definitely humbled me in many ways! Anyway, I learned it while attending to a very active 3 year old. So if I can do it (no, still not good at it, but always getting better), you can too. Give it another couple of times.

 

[LeroyCRHP]

I had the same problem. I went about 1 month ago and it was so foreign and I was completely lost. I’ll stick to the NO mass as I’m not ready for this yet.

 

[JaMc]

. . . people were reverent but kind of cold . . .

That’s what I noticed at the EF Mass I attended some time ago, as well. My grandmother, who grew up with the TLM, said she was also kind of struck by that.

I would guess that the reason is, today, the EF is attended primarily by those who are more traditionally leaning, and take the Mass very seriously (as they should), whereas many (most?) parishoners attending the OF simply do so to fulfill their Sunday obligation.

Likely, back when there was only one form of the Mass (in the Roman rite, outside of some Eastern European nation where, it is often mentioned, the Mass was said in a local language), the atmosphere prior to, and following, the Mass would be similar as today, absent the informality/familiarity which has permeated every aspect of our society.

 

[Dauphin]

It takes time to get used to it. Bring along a missal and pray the prayers silently. Try to memorize them ahead of time if you can.

Offer the sacrifice with the priest, giving yourself entirely to God. That is true participation in the Mass.

 

[FK04US]

Thank you ALL for your kind words and advice. It´s nice to know that what I experienced was similar to what other people felt. I guess I have to do my homewrok first and give it another try. I´ll think about it.

Merry Christmas everybody!

 

[palmas85]

Hi all. This post does not intend to make any judgment on the Holy Mass. I was born in the late 70s and had never gone to a TLM until last Sunday. I was very excited about it after having had a great confession the prior day, and was looking forward to learn about the Mass that our saints enjoy in the last centuries. Kind of a treat for Christmas!

So I woke up very early for Mass, and went ready for such a great experience. However, I must say that I felt totally out of place during the EF Mass, almost like an alien and I don’t know why. I tried to follow the guide with translations, but usually got lost. I could not hear a word of what the Priest was saying, there were no songs, people were reverent but kind of cold, I don’t know … it was weird territory. So weird that I was not able to stay until the end, I felt like I had to leave and actually I left while people where waiting for Communion. I went to my usual OF Mass the same day and took Communion, and felt so relieved, but at the same time very sad that I could not appreciate the beauty of the EF Mass.

I am so glad that I was born during the OF times and I am able to understand, follow, and participate in our Holy Mass. Of course, I get a bit angry with the noise, the announcements, and sometimes lack of reverence to Our Lord, but still it’s such a wonderful Rite, the one that brought God to my life, and I feel very proud of it. I don’t know if I will ever go to another EF Mass, but now I am sure that the Holy Spirit did brought the NO Mass to people like myself, devout Catholics of the 20-21st century that want to pray to God in our own language.

Merry Christmas to all of you.

You made the same mistake that many make when going to the Traditional Mass for the first time when their only experience is with the Ordinary Form. You expected things to something other than what they are. You probably expected to be blown away by the power and imagry of the Traditional Mass. No harm in that at all. You just didn’t go for the right reason.

The Traditional Mass requires you to make the effort to pray pretty much on your own if you are going to participate. There are cues as to what is happening at the Altar and you will learn them, but it takes a while to do so. When you do you will find that these cues are spaced at certain intervals that help you along and keep you more or less at the same point as the Priest and the servers.

As far as praying in another language, why would you do that? Every missal I have have ever used had the prayers in both Latin and English. Those that were comfortable with the Latin, as I was being an old old Altar Boy, could go with the Latin. Those who were not used English of whatever the vernacular was. Only the Priests,Servers and a few others used the Latin exclusively.

Another thing is that in the Traditional Mass you don’t have to be in lock step with the Priest or anyone else for that matter. If you haven’t reached the same point as everyone else or are ahead of them whats the big deal? This concept that the congregation has to do everything at exactly the same time and exactly the same way is troubling to me in many areas because it seems to remove the personal aspect from worship and replaces it with a false communal setting. Hey we’re all doing exactly the same thing at the same time. We’re one big happy family:thumbsup: The reality is not that simple.

As far as leaving prior to receiving Holy Communion, if you did not feel properly disposed to receive Holy Communion due to your interior feelings I commend you for not receiving. One should not receive if he is not properly disposed or if in great doubt as to his or her worthiness. I don’t really understand your leaving but it could be understandable. But, you state that you went to your normal Mass and TOOK Communion.

We do not take Communion. We receive Communion. I know a small matter but one that is important in the understanding of the theology of the Mass itself.

I say if you want to experience what the Traditional Mass really is, go and pray. Thats it. Don’t worrry about the incense or the history, the Latin, the vestments or the chants or any of that. Just pray the Mass. Very simple, not hard to do and you don’t have to be in lock step with everyone else to do it. You just have to focus thats all.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas my friend.

 

[James0235]

OTOH, if you continue to try the TLM and still feel a disconnect, and if you were drawn to the TLM because of the ancient language and sense of reverence, you may want to search out a Latin OF. This I recommend .

In all fairness you should probably disclose that there is probably a better chance of the OP finding a unicorn grazing in their backyard tomorrow morning or stumbling upon a leprechaun’s pot of gold than their is of finding the OF offered in Latin.

We are coming off of a couple of decades of many (most?) priest’s being taught in the seminary that Latin was bad and the Church says that it can’t be used in Mass. Those priests who want to use Latin in the Mass seem more likely since Summorum Pontificum to use the EF instead of the OF.

James

 

[James0235]

I can completely relate to what you’re saying. Let me give you some advice: don’t give up on the TLM. I had a similar experience at my first TLM and it wasn’t until my 3rd or 4th time going that it finally “clicked” with me. It’s something that’s hard to explain, but trust me on this one. Give it another chance- I promise you it’s worth the effort.

This is my experience as well. After attending a few times you never want to leave.

Also, attending the EF regularly for a few years seemed to give me a much greater respect for the OF as well (and the Mass in general for that matter).

James

 

[Norseman82]

In all fairness you should probably disclose that there is probably a better chance of the OP finding a unicorn grazing in their backyard tomorrow morning or stumbling upon a leprechaun’s pot of gold than their is of finding the OF offered in Latin.

Well, I’ll have to watch out for little green men the next time I go to St. John Cantius in Chicago, which is considered the “Mother Parish” of the Tridentine Mass resurgence in the Chicago area. It has both the EF and OF in Latin.

 

[James0235]

Well, I’ll have to watch out for little green men the next time I go to St. John Cantius in Chicago, which is considered the “Mother Parish” of the Tridentine Mass resurgence in the Chicago area. It has both the EF and OF in Latin.

A few points:

1. The exception does not prove the rule.

Not a single Latin OF in the diocese of Columbus. Only a couple in the state of Ohio. And one that comes to mind is on a Wed morning.

Rare is an understatement when talking about a Latin OF Mass.

1. It is not exactly fair to compare St. John Cantius to any parish anywhere. It is the kind of parish that other parishes should aspire to be like. But, unfortunately few could ever come close.
2. Neither leprechauns nor unicorns are green.

God bless,

James

 

[BlyssfulDreamer]

How does one participate if he can’t hear what’s being said? Is he supposed to pray his own prayers? Just quietly observe?

I am a farily new Catholic from an Evangelical background… the NO mass is all I know… I’m just trying to wrap my brain around a mass where I can’t hear / have no idea what’s going on. I imgaine it would be similar to a Spanish mass I attended (I don’t speak Spanish - I was pretty much lost) Aren’t I supposed to participate in the mass? Or is that not the case with the TLM?

It is understandable to feel as if you are somewhat lost in the TLM if you are new to it. I went to my first almost 2 years ago after not being to one since I was a teen…many years ago…LOL. I had the little red missal that I had studied for a couple of weeks befiore I actually attended. I was still lost the first time. I didn’t know if I would go back…even though it was so beautiful to me. I just felt I needed to know where I was in the Mass and what was going on. I DID go back and have ever since. I bought a new 1962 Missal on eBay and now I feel pretty confident of where I am at any particular time in the Mass. I follow along with the priest and have become accustomed to his various gestures during the Mass.

I also go frequently to my NO Mass at my parish church where I am most fortunate to have priests who are very respectful in their celebration of the Mass.

I love BOTH forms of the Mass, as they are both liturgies of the Church I love and my love for our Lord.

I hope you will attend again and just sit back and enjoy the experience and don’t feel bad if you lose track of where you are.

God Bless

 

[SeekerJen]

I would guess that the reason is, today, the EF is attended primarily by those who are more traditionally leaning, and take the Mass very seriously (as they should), whereas many (most?) parishoners attending the OF simply do so to fulfill their Sunday obligation.

I will assume the best, that you did not mean to be uncharitable toward OF parishoners. and did not mean to insinuate that the majority of us couldn’t care less about the Mass beyond showing up for an hour on Sunday to escape damnation. Unfortunately this statement could easily be taken the wrong way.

 

[T700]

I had pretty much the same reaction the first time I tried dinuguan (Filipino, pork blood stew), but now it’s among my favorites.

My point is, new, radically different things, often take some getting used to. Try it again. And once more. If, after three times, you still have visceral discomfort with it, perhaps the TLM is not ever going to be a favorite of yours.

Paul