It's going to be hard to go back

[ibkc]

… to our regular parish after today.

My husband and I attended the TLM at an FSSP parish, for the first time since last summer. The differences between the FSSP parish and the regular OF parish we usually attend couldn’t be starker, and our OF parish is actually very conservative in many ways.

We went down to the FSSP parish because they offer confession before mass on Sunday, and we’ve been having problems getting to the one hour per week that our normal parish offers. So there I am in confession, and the trad priest actually took an interest in my sins and gave me some very stern words of admonishment, some advice, and then he even gave me some real penance to do. At my usual parish, one priest just tells me to say five Hail Marys or something and the other never gives any penance at all, and neither of them ever attempt to counsel or comment at all.

And the homily - wow, Fr. gave an excellent discourse on the topic of the sin of theft, starting from the things that we usually think of as “theft” but then working his way up to government, topping off by condemning socialism as theft by government. You’d NEVER hear anything like that in my usual parish.

And people were praying the rosary together before mass, and many people stayed after mass to keep praying.

And people were actually quiet and respectful within the walls of the church, dressed modestly, knew the correct gestures, etc.

I’m torn because I do like my home parish. I’ve signed my son up for pre-school there for next year. Their masses aren’t filled with litugical abuses (over-reliance on EMHCs is probably the very worst thing that happens there) and my RCIA experience was good. But sometimes everything there just seems so perfunctory and that was really driven home today.

 

[bkovacs]

Then stick with the FSSP parish.

 

[Liberty_Belle]

Stick with the FSSP parish!

**And the homily - wow, Fr. gave an excellent discourse on the topic of the sin of theft, starting from the things that we usually think of as “theft” but then working his way up to government, topping off by condemning socialism as theft by government. You’d NEVER hear anything like that in my usual parish. **

I would have loved to have heard that - sounds like an awesome homily! Stay there. The fact you felt so comfortable there and so spiritually fulfilled means maybe you’ve found your home.

I went to my first TLM last week at an FSSP parish and I am so glad that I did! It was reverent and beautiful. The people were polite, friendly and very respectful of the liturgy. Over half of the women were veiled and there was a Gregorian chant choir as well. For a mid-week mass, the church was very full - and apparently that was smaller than usual! They had communion rails, and everyone received on the tongue while kneeling. I have never seen anything like it!

In fact, Fr. gave a homily that was excellent there as well - he firstly started out by saying that the passage he was reading was twisted by those who adhere to the heresy of liberation theology as well as Marxists, and that they were wrong. He also spoke about the nature of sin, and that it was not just significant to confess the sin but also to examine your conscience about why you committed the sin - for example, for reasons of envy.

At one part in the ceremony I was overwhelmed at the Lord’s presence and became a little bit teary (silently, thankfully!). It was incredible. I would love to do my RCIA there but I am not sure if they offer it. I definitely want to get married there after I am confirmed!

When

 

[Orate]

solger, please be considerate of the environment in which you’re participating and remove your pornography link in your signature. This is meant to be a place set apart from the sins of the world in which mutual support and faithful community are fostered. Pornography is deeply sinful and morally corrupt and shouldn’t be advertised.

Thank You.