So I attended my first TLM

[authenticity]

The main impression I got from this mass was that “It’s not about me,” which I think is the whole point. I’m there to worship and glorify God.

While I realize my personal feelings are not the gauge for what’s holy, I personally felt the Holy Spirit in this Mass. There was something about it that I can’t quite explain.

The priest was going extremely fast. To give an example, at the end of the service, we prayed three Hail Mary’s together along with some other prayers and I could barely keep up. I was wondering if this is normal and why?

The priest even said the homily fast. My wife said, “There could have been a crowd in the pews or no one there at all and it wouldn’t have made a difference.”

Also, at the end, the priest walked out through a side door and we were all left kneeling there. Eventually, some people started to get up and leave. That’s the only way I knew the service was over. I never saw the priest again. So I guess there’s no walking up through the pews to the altar or walking back?

And what about communication between the laity and the priest? I mean, even after the Mass has ended. This priest is the only one doing TLM in probably a couple hundred mile radius. How about some assimilation back into Tradition?

 

[giuseppeTO]

The main impression I got from this mass was that “It’s not about me,” which I think is the whole point. I’m there to worship and glorify God.

While I realize my personal feelings are not the gauge for what’s holy, I personally felt the Holy Spirit in this Mass. There was something about it that I can’t quite explain.

Bingo! This is biggest change in the New Mass in that it was designed to be about your integration into the service as opposed to the Holy Sacrifice of Calvary offered in an unbloody manner.

The priest was going extremely fast. To give an example, at the end of the service, we prayed three Hail Mary’s together along with some other prayers and I could barely keep up. I was wondering if this is normal and why?

Also, at the end, the priest walked out through a side door and we were all left kneeling there. Eventually, some people started to get up and leave. That’s the only way I knew the service was over.

I never saw the priest again. So I guess there’s no walking up through the pews to the altar or walking back?

This partially due to your unfamiliarity with the Mass and trying to keep up with it in the Missal. Everyone struggles with it initially, but as I remember, I was following the Mass competently by the time I was in Second Grade so it really is a matter of familiarity.

However, some priests say Mass quickly - especially if they have to say another Mass in another city, which is frequently the case for many Traditional priests.

At the end of the Mass (which is really how you should refer to it - “service” usually is used to describe a Protestant Communion Service and not fitting for the Holy Sacrifice), the priest said the Leonide Prayers, requested by Pope Leo XIII for the end of every low Mass to battle the devil. The rubrics require the priest to leave the altar without procession for a Low Mass. People usually stay for an extra 5 or 10 minutes to offer the thanksgiving prayers after Mass.

The priest even said the homily fast. My wife said, “There could have been a crowd in the pews or no one there at all and it wouldn’t have made a difference.”

It is not unusual at an SSPX Mass for there to be a 1 hour homily so I am more familiar with the opposite situation.

And what about communication between the laity and the priest? I mean, even after the Mass has ended. This priest is the only one doing TLM in probably a couple hundred mile radius. How about some assimilation back into Tradition?

This is certainly the personal choice of the priest. Most priests I know remove their vestments and come out to greet and speak with the parishioners. I am absolutely with you on communication and assimilation, but priests are also human and unfortunately, some are very private. In my experience, this very much the exception rather than the rule.

 

[brotherhrolf]

Nothing unusual about it. After Low Mass, priest and servers went immediately to the sacristy. After High Mass we processed out the church and then back around church to the sacristy. The priest took off his vestments, carefully placed them in the large drawers or in the closets of the sacristy; chatted a bit with the altar boys and then proceeded to the parish hall in cassock and biretta for coffee and donuts with the parish.

Count me right there with being able to follow the Mass by second grade and capable of being an altar boy by the end of third. It is indeed familiarity. And after years of reciting and/or chanting Ave Maria, Regina Coeli - well it’s equally available to me as the Hail Mary or the Hail Holy Queen in English.

But, you are absolutely correct. It’s not about us. It is about Him. It is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

 

[corsair]

I’ve been to many, many TLM’s over the years as well as SSPX Masses and I have NEVER heard a Homily that was even close to one hour.

Whatever the case, you were definately at a low Mass. It’ll take some adjusting after years of NO Masses. Perhaps a little study of the TLM prior to attending would put you more at ease. Because it really is the “most beautiful thing this side of heaven”

And you need to prepare yourself to worship God.

 

[bpbasilphx]

Because it really is the “most beautiful thing this side of heaven”

---

Whoever said that had obviously NOT assisted at the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, or the Presanctified Liturgy.

 

[RosaryCrusader]

Also, at the end, the priest walked out through a side door and we were all left kneeling there. Eventually, some people started to get up and leave. That’s the only way I knew the service was over.

Kind of strange coming from the NO to the traditional Mass and seeing people actually make a thanksgiving after communion isn’t it?

 

[Fuerza]

Because it really is the “most beautiful thing this side of heaven”

---

Whoever said that had obviously NOT assisted at the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, or the Presanctified Liturgy.

With all due respect your grace, Latin Catholics are permitted to take pride in their liturgical heritage. That means that many, if not most, will actually prefer the Latin Mass to an Eastern DL.

 

[authenticity]

Kind of strange coming from the NO to the traditional Mass and seeing people actually make a thanksgiving after communion isn’t it?

Mmmm… that and a lot of other things. It was very sacred. I felt like I was a part of something sacred and that the people there recognized that.

A while back, I had watched the video on the Internet of the Easter Celebration from 1941 in Chicago. I told a friend on here that after seeing it, I felt like something had been taken from me that I didn’t know I had.

 

[authenticity]

Bingo! This is biggest change in the New Mass in that it was designed to be about your integration into the service as opposed to the Holy Sacrifice of Calvary offered in an unbloody manner.

That pretty much says it.

This partially due to your unfamiliarity with the Mass and trying to keep up with it in the Missal. Everyone struggles with it initially, but as I remember, I was following the Mass competently by the time I was in Second Grade so it really is a matter of familiarity.

Well, they didn’t have the Latin-English Missals in the pews, so I wasn’t able to follow along (I found out afterward that they were in the back near the entrance). I am a cradle Catholic, but I was born in '76. So I was lost, but not entirely lost.

However, some priests say Mass quickly - especially if they have to say another Mass in another city, which is frequently the case for many Traditional priests.

The thought occurred to me that the priest may have something else going on. I was just wondering if it was part of the rubrics.

At the end of the Mass (which is really how you should refer to it - “service” usually is used to describe a Protestant Communion Service and not fitting for the Holy Sacrifice), the priest said the Leonide Prayers, requested by Pope Leo XIII for the end of every low Mass to battle the devil. The rubrics require the priest to leave the altar without procession for a Low Mass. People usually stay for an extra 5 or 10 minutes to offer the thanksgiving prayers after Mass.

Thanks. I was studying more about the Latin Rite this evening and it made more sense. My apologies for the use of the word ‘service’. No disrespect intended and I certainly don’t see any comparison between the TLM and Protestant anything.

It is not unusual at an SSPX Mass for there to be a 1 hour homily so I am more familiar with the opposite situation.

I don’t know what the history is on the church I visited… like I don’t know if they have any affiliation with SSPX. Since a local parish priest referred me to them, I am guessing no.

I have to say, though, the homily was thoroughly Catholic. In fact, it fit quite well with my overall impression of the Mass itself. The priest spoke about us existing for the glory of God, that we should emulate the saints and that we should engage in honest work. There was nothing lovey-dovey about it at all.

This is certainly the personal choice of the priest. Most priests I know remove their vestments and come out to greet and speak with the parishioners. I am absolutely with you on communication and assimilation, but priests are also human and unfortunately, some are very private. In my experience, this very much the exception rather than the rule.

That may be so and I may be making a quick judgment. I didn’t stick around for a long time or anything. There was also a side exit and (possibly) the priest was over in that area.

 

[Loganilo]

Yeah, it looked like a little silliness thrown in there, I just put it out because there’s some good ideas on fasting, too.Istanbul

 

[OhMalley]

The main impression I got from this mass was that “It’s not about me,” which I think is the whole point. I’m there to worship and glorify God.

While I realize my personal feelings are not the gauge for what’s holy, I personally felt the Holy Spirit in this Mass. There was something about it that I can’t quite explain.

The priest was going extremely fast. To give an example, at the end of the service, we prayed three Hail Mary’s together along with some other prayers and I could barely keep up. I was wondering if this is normal and why?

The priest even said the homily fast. My wife said, “There could have been a crowd in the pews or no one there at all and it wouldn’t have made a difference.”

Also, at the end, the priest walked out through a side door and we were all left kneeling there. Eventually, some people started to get up and leave. That’s the only way I knew the service was over. I never saw the priest again. So I guess there’s no walking up through the pews to the altar or walking back?

And what about communication between the laity and the priest? I mean, even after the Mass has ended. This priest is the only one doing TLM in probably a couple hundred mile radius. How about some assimilation back into Tradition?

If he’s an older priest he was probably taught to burn through the Mass…

 

[RosaryCrusader]

Authenticity,

Glad to see you are drawn to the old liturgy - most are. I’m glad your first experience was a positive one. My first experience left me completely clueless & dumbfounded with a ton of questions. Growing up NO (I was born in '75 so we’re about the same age) it was completely the opposite of what I was used to. Although I was clueless there was a mysterious desire to attend and learn more so I did whenever I could.

When you look at how beautiful and ordered the natural world is and then think about the TLM you can see it shares the same beauty and sense of order - it is all directed to God.

One thing I noticed you picked up on was that the homily was CATHOLIC The traditional Mass and orthodoxy go hand in hand. The Priests who usually say the TLM do not suffer from the same identity crisis that is often found in your average diocesan parish and as such they’re usually only interested in one thing; the salvation of your soul.

I hope you continue to attend and let us know your thoughts and findings.

God Bless!

 

[brotherhrolf]

I am a cradle Catholic, but I was born in '76. So I was lost, but not entirely lost.

This is one of the greatest things that worries me. You are a cradle Catholic. But I like that “not entirely lost”. Your parents and grandparents grew up with the TLM. My sons, who were born in the early 80’s, at least heard chant and sacred motets in Latin when they were growing up. Don’t give up. I am glad that you young folks are at least willing to experience the TLM.

 

[authenticity]

This is one of the greatest things that worries me. You are a cradle Catholic. But I like that “not entirely lost”. Your parents and grandparents grew up with the TLM. My sons, who were born in the early 80’s, at least heard chant and sacred motets in Latin when they were growing up. Don’t give up. I am glad that you young folks are at least willing to experience the TLM.

I’ve had some interesting talks with my mom lately about the Church. It’s like we reversed roles. The more I read and study, the more I want the Tradition of the Church. I see the profound meaning behind it… how it brings me in closer proximity to God.

For my mom and her generation, I think they didn’t find that meaning. They were taught Latin, knew all the rubrics of the Mass, prayed to the Saints. But at some level, it all seemed very distant to them. They were just doing what they were told. So they embraced the changes in the Church and pushed for more.

I think it’s the meaning that has to be restored. Why Latin? Why the male priesthood? Why is the alter facing away from the people? Why the rubrics? All of this has a meaning that brings forth God. If we can’t explain why, then the Tradition is just nostalgia.

Thanks for the encouragement, btw.

 

[brotherhrolf]

authenticity - Forty-five years is a long time. Your mom did find that meaning way back when. I’ve tried to make this clear…when we transitioned to the NO from the TLM, it was done in under two years time and it was done before the NO was supposed to be installed on the First Sunday of Advent 1969. It wasn’t that we had not been properly catechized. We had. Perhaps too well. We did not question Holy Mother Church. So when the orders came from the pulpit - “in two weeks we will no longer chant the Gloria in Latin; we will recite it in English” …we obeyed.

I was a teenager when this happened. By the time I was a young adult, I saw the communion rails ripped out, organs, choir lofts, novenas, Benediction and they were replaced by 1st - the guitars and the folk songs. Then came the Sign of Peace - which in 1970 consisted of turning to your neighbor and saying “Peace be with you”. Actually in those days it was optional. And then it was shake hands with your neighbor. And then it became what it is now.

We didn’t hold hands for the Our Father back then. We sang an English translation of the Gregorian Pater Noster that we had chanted just a few years before.

I have prayed and prayed that the TLM I knew as I grew up would be restored. As Fr. Z says - one brick at a time.

 

[Mary1973]

I started attending the EF a few months ago. It is much easier to follow the sung High Mass than the Low Mass because there is more audible prayer and actually more responses by the laity. I still find myself a bit lost at the Low Mass but just ask God to add my prayers with those of the priest.

 

[giuseppeTO]

I’ve had some interesting talks with my mom lately about the Church. It’s like we reversed roles. The more I read and study, the more I want the Tradition of the Church. I see the profound meaning behind it… how it brings me in closer proximity to God.

For my mom and her generation, I think they didn’t find that meaning. They were taught Latin, knew all the rubrics of the Mass, prayed to the Saints. But at some level, it all seemed very distant to them. They were just doing what they were told. So they embraced the changes in the Church and pushed for more.

I think it’s the meaning that has to be restored. Why Latin? Why the male priesthood? Why is the alter facing away from the people? Why the rubrics? All of this has a meaning that brings forth God. If we can’t explain why, then the Tradition is just nostalgia.

Thanks for the encouragement, btw.

I have a theory that the New Springtime of Renewal that the Second Vatican Council promised may just be beginning now. However, it has come not by introduction of the Novus Ordo Missae and the refocus of religion away from God and towards man, but rather, after taking the Mass of Pius V away and introducing modernism and aggorniamento, it is bringing us all to clearer vision and understanding of what we had and how we had grown lukewarm in the faith. Now, the New Springtime may be beginning and hopefully, the reclaiming of the millions of “former Catholics” and the rescue of our children from the loss of salvation that the modernism of the world strives to accomplish.

 

[DARRYLW]

The main impression I got from this mass was that “It’s not about me,” which I think is the whole point. I’m there to worship and glorify God.

While I realize my personal feelings are not the gauge for what’s holy, I personally felt the Holy Spirit in this Mass. There was something about it that I can’t quite explain.

The priest was going extremely fast. To give an example, at the end of the service, we prayed three Hail Mary’s together along with some other prayers and I could barely keep up. I was wondering if this is normal and why?

The priest even said the homily fast. My wife said, “There could have been a crowd in the pews or no one there at all and it wouldn’t have made a difference.”

Also, at the end, the priest walked out through a side door and we were all left kneeling there. Eventually, some people started to get up and leave. That’s the only way I knew the service was over. I never saw the priest again. So I guess there’s no walking up through the pews to the altar or walking back?

And what about communication between the laity and the priest? I mean, even after the Mass has ended. This priest is the only one doing TLM in probably a couple hundred mile radius. How about some assimilation back into Tradition?

Yes, belong to a TLM and the preist says Mass in Las Vegas then travels 110 miles to Needles and says Mass their. He to says a quick Mass but it takes about 50 min. , but his homilies run about 15-20 min. we follow along with Missels that have the English and Latin translations. I just love the Latim Mass you feel so close to God.
DARRYLW:thumbsup:

 

[DARRYLW]

Try buying a St. Josephs Missel pre 1970, It has the Latin and English , its a great Missel for the Latin Mass.
Their is a priest in Las Vegas that hs said the TLM Mass for years the way it was and should be said. The Church is beautiful and so is the Mass.
I am a convert form 1975 and have not gone to N.O. since then other than to funerals.
I truely love the TLM, it really brings you closer to GOD and Christ.
DARRYLW

 

[brotherhrolf]

How much have we lost! I made my First Communion in 1958 and was given my “little” St. Joseph’s Missal. (It was “little” in that it did not have all of the scripture readings, prayers, etc that the “big” missal had). I got my “big” missal when I was confirmed in March of 1963.

Do not buy the 1965 missal. It does not even remotely begin to address what was going on in most parishes at the time.

You want a missal from 1962 for the TLM. DW and I both have our old missals. There should be oodles of old missals stuffed away in drawers. Ask your boomer family members. Such things were seldom thrown out.