Less of a Catholic?

[heathernoel]

Because I don’t know Latin? Our church does not conduct Mass in Latin (save for the traditional Easter hymns). QUite frankly, from a practical standpoint, I am ok with that. I speak Spanish, so could probably muddle through a TLM. I can’t read it, though.

Why is this upsetting me so much tonight?

I am a candidate in RCIA, and this just popped up tonight. I will talk to Deacon this week, but I would like your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[4HisChurch]

Oh my goodness, of course your not less of a Catholic because you don’t know Latin! There are *priests *who don’t know Latin (sadly enough).

I am a lifelong Catholic who didn’t know any Latin until I learned (some) in my secular college choir.

Don’t worry. You can learn liturgical Latin little by little, if you want.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Because I don’t know Latin? Our church does not conduct Mass in Latin (save for the traditional Easter hymns). QUite frankly, from a practical standpoint, I am ok with that. I speak Spanish, so could probably muddle through a TLM. I can’t read it, though.

Why is this upsetting me so much tonight?

I am a candidate in RCIA, and this just popped up tonight. I will talk to Deacon this week, but I would like your (name removed by moderator)ut.

With a knowledge of Spanish you will be more familiar with Latin than most Catholics. For a Latin mass one usually has a missal that gives the Latin on one page and English on the facing page.

 

[heathernoel]

So churches conducting Mass in English are still considered as RCC?

 

[puzzleannie]

Mass in the vernacular has been permitted, and indeed has become the norm, for 40 years.

 

[heathernoel]

Sorry. I am new to this. I am sorry to have offended you. I just wanted to know.

 

[hasikelee]

I learned Latin in highschool and found it to be immensely helpful for Spanish.

I bet you will find it helps the opposite way.

You are definitely not less of a Catholic person, but perhaps whoever was talking to you meant you have less heritage or less understanding.

Latin when learned with a cultural focus can be very informative about the history of Catholicism and encompasses a lot of our past.

In a sense, you are “missing” the knowledge of that particular thread of history.

Remember, though, that we can’t all know everything. For example, Americans usually know American history, but ask them to talk about Nigeria and you’ll get a blank stare.

 

[Matas]

Sorry. I am new to this. I am sorry to have offended you. I just wanted to know.

Speaking for myself, you didn’t offend me. I saw nothing offensive in your post. You’ll run into many opinions about what constitutes “more or less of a Catholic.” If you want to know for sure, ask a priest and keep a copy of the Cathechism handy.

 

[the_phoenix]

Dear heathernoel,

When I attended summer school in Spain, I attended the Mass in Spanish, and absolutely LOVED it.

You are not less of a Catholic or more of a Catholic depending on which language or how many languages you speak.

I happen to also love the Latin Mass. This is a personal preference based on the spirituality I am drawn to, so I make the drive downtown to attend as often as I can.

My home parish is a very reverent English-speaking parish.

I also love when the Pope offers a special Mass on tv like at World Youth Day, to hear all the different languages spoken … the ones I can understand as well as the ones I can’t.

Welcome to the Catholic Church!

~~ the phoenix

 

[silentdeb]

hello, Mass in the vernacular has been permitted, and indeed has become the norm, for 40 years. wake up, Rip Van Winkle.

That wasn’t very kind … she said she’s in RCIA and her profile describes her as a ‘new Catholic’. Converting is a challenging business for anyone, and with all the discussion of the Latin Mass around here lately, no wonder she’s concerned.

 

[Hellisreal]

Is the OP in a parish that has undergone a change?

Dear Heathernoel,

You may not be aware of the Extraordinary Rite and the Ordinary Rite of the Mass,

But, I am interested to know who would have ever said such a thing to you, or made you feel this way?

You are not less of anything, catholic or otherwise. You are a child of God!

There has been a lot of confusion about this and I am hoping that your confusion is based on an emotional reaction to something you read possibly out of context, as I can imagine, its a very emotional experience being in RCIA.

You are really seeking and asking. I know your question is one you may not even feel comfortable asking at your RCIA class…

Seen it, sponsered someone and woah, cant get a word in edgewise sometimes!

Be at peace, and calm in your heart.

No one can make you less a catholic, but yourself.

Thank you for asking the question. It made me wonder about if I am simply ignoring some real concerns some may have that are in RCIA that I may speak to in person, and hope am approchable enough they can find fellowship with me, our parish has a high number this year. I already met 3 of them and hope to meet them all one day.

You are good in His sight, created in His image, let no one make you inferior.

 

[lak611]

Because I don’t know Latin? Our church does not conduct Mass in Latin (save for the traditional Easter hymns). QUite frankly, from a practical standpoint, I am ok with that. I speak Spanish, so could probably muddle through a TLM. I can’t read it, though.

You are not less of a Catholic because you do not know Latin. My pastor and associate priest do not even know Latin. They never learned it in the seminary. I do not know Latin either. If I go to a TLM, I use a Missal and read the English that is on the opposite page as the Latin.

 

[Em_in_FL]

Is the OP in a parish that has undergone a change?

Dear Heathernoel,

You may not be aware of the Extraordinary Rite and the Ordinary Rite of the Mass,

These were the same questions I was going to ask…
Are you an RCIA candidate in a TLM parish?
The TLM is considered the “Extraordinary Rite” which means “beyond ordinary”…
The “Ordinary Rite” of the Mass is in the vernacular (English or Spanish, or whatever native language in your parish)…

Hope that helps!

 

[heathernoel]

To those who replied in kind, thank you. I sincerely did not understand the split between what is called a “Traditional” Latin Mass and the one I attend.

If I understand correctly, those that attend a TLM are attending a Mass ouitside of the RCC, correct? Yet Pope John Paul II made an allowance for some aspects of the service…or something like that

Puzzleannie, I prayed for you. I approached this board with respect and I thought I could come to an attack free zone and ask questions. Watch what you say, please. You really struck a nerve with me…I am in RCIA…meaning, I am not all knowing. I would also ask you to look inside yourself for some answers as to why you need to berate a random CURIOUS child of God to make yourself feel better.

I hope the REST of you don’t mind if I ask some questions. I find the TLM boards intimidating, and while I am not interested per se, I am a curious creature.

Thank you!
Heather

 

[heathernoel]

Hellisreal,

You floored me

Deacon replied to me the same as you did…“Wow. I never thought of telling you about that”.

It was actually the CAF forums in general…some people on here are REALLY judgemental, and I happened upon a post that jarred me (I don’t remember which one it was now). Suddenly, I was sucked in by the term “Traditional”.

Anyway, you have all been kind. Thank you!

 

[NewUlm1976_2000]

Because I don’t know Latin? Our church does not conduct Mass in Latin (save for the traditional Easter hymns). QUite frankly, from a practical standpoint, I am ok with that. I speak Spanish, so could probably muddle through a TLM. I can’t read it, though.

Why is this upsetting me so much tonight?

I am a candidate in RCIA, and this just popped up tonight. I will talk to Deacon this week, but I would like your (name removed by moderator)ut.

No, not at all. Most Catholics nowadays do not know Latin. The few who do remember it from their childhood years and years ago.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . .
If I understand correctly, those that attend a TLM are attending a Mass ouitside of the RCC, correct? Yet Pope John Paul II made an allowance for some aspects of the service…or something like that . . .

Some are outside the RCC - mostly the Society of Pius X originated by followers of Archbishop Lefevere (sp?). These should be avoided, especially by those who are just learning of the Faith. The various groups and splinters advocate teachings not held by the Church.

There are also latin masses withing the RCC. Pope John Paul II allowed the older form [1962] to be said with permission from the local bishop - by indult [permission]. Pope Benedict recently gave more general permission for use of the older form - he designated it the extrordinary form… It is also possible to celebrate the current form - the ordinary form - in latin, though this is not often done. It would be well to attend either or both if you have the opportunity just to see what it is all about.

It is not necessary to understand the words to pray the mass. I have attended a mass in Vietnamese a couple of times. I could pretty well keep track of what was going on by using the English missalette and silently join in the prayers.

 

[heathernoel]

.

There are also latin masses withing the RCC. Pope John Paul II allowed the older form [1962] to be said with permission from the local bishop - by indult [permission]. Pope Benedict recently gave more general permission for use of the older form - he designated it the extrordinary form… It is also possible to celebrate the current form - the ordinary form - in latin, though this is not often done. It would be well to attend either or both if you have the opportunity just to see what it is all about.

.

OH! Ok. I see. Thank you! That really helped!