Low and high mass

[malphono]

I think what people usually mean is that the precise categories are not defined.

For example in a Sung Mass (cantata), the priest HAD to sing whatever had to be sung. In a Low Mass he could not sing, period. You could not have a Solemn High Mass without 3 sacred ministers. And so forth. .

Whereas, in the OF/NO/Mass of Paul VI/etc., there is great freedom to sing one part of the Mass and not another, to use incense or not, how many ministers will be present- generally a much free-er hand when it comes to the matters of ceremonial.

That’s precisely the way I see it: in the EF it’s clearly defined, whereas in the OF it’s not defined at all. Plus the OF routinely has concelebration which, of course, is alien to the EF except in the rare cases (Chrism Mass, Ordination Mass) where specified.

FWIW, I’ve heard tell of some “reform of the reform” OF Solemn Masses that are done according to the defined principles in the EF (not concelebrated), but I’ve not heard anything of the OF equivalent of missa cantata or missa lecta.

 

[red_eye_chimera]

Really the mass is basically celebrated in order to hear God’s word and to celebrate the Eucharist. According St. Augustine " He who sings, prays twice." Both sung low and sung high are still effective in fullfilling worship.