Traditional Latin Mass

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bradwill911

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Hello,

I have never been to a “Traditional Latin Mass”, but there is a parish here in Omaha that offers the Latin Mass only (it is in full communion with the CC). I want to go, but have no idea what to expect. Can someone help me out?

Also, what’s the difference between High Mass and Low Mass?

Here’s a link to the parish:

latinmassomaha.org/index.html
 
Well, I’ve been going to a Latin mass for seven years now, and it has been the strongest seven years of my life (spiritually).

The Latin mass is very much different than the Novus Ordo, so I can’t really give you every example. But you can expect plenty of Latin and much reverence. The priest faces toward the altar. Most Latin masses require that you recieve Communion on the tongue, some even have an altar rail, so that you have to kneel down too. I’ve always loved recieving kneeling down. All the prayers are sung in Latin. The priest’s homily is usually the only part in English, but some churches sing the gospel in Latin then read it in English. There is much more, I’m sure others can you give more details.

The difference between a Low mass and a High mass is, a High mass has a choir, and plenty of altar servers. Where a Low mass has very few altar servers (maybe one or two), the priest sings most of the prayers, and the laity respond to some of them. Again, this isn’t all of the details, I’ve just mentioned what I’ve seen, I’m sure others can you help oyu out a lot better than me.

God Bless,
LittleFlower777
 
History of the Latin Mass:

The Catholic Church used what is basically the Tridentine Mass for almost 1500 years (dating back to the time of St. Gregory in the 6th century), until the introduction of the Mass of Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The Tridentine Mass was codified by the Council of Trent in the 16th century (hence the name “Tridentine”).

In 1984 Pope John Paul II authorized the return of the Latin Mass (with the local bishop’s approval). Later, on July 2, 1988 Pope John Paul II issued Motu Proprio "Ecclesia Dei” which decreed “(that) a wide and generous application” be given to earlier directives to allow the Tridentine Mass to be celebrated.

The Latin Mass emphasizes silent prayer and quiet reflection as a prayerful and contemplative commemoration of the sacrifice of Christ on the altar. The priest represents the parishioners and faces the same direction as they do as he collectively presents prayers to God. Only when the priest turns and faces the people does he speak to the people. This is a reflection of the high priest (Christ) praying to the Father for us. It is Christ offering His sacrifice for us.

**There are some differences between the Latin (Tridentine) and English (Novus Ordo) Mass.

In the Latin Mass:**
  • The priest and altar boys pray and respond in Latin, while the congregants pray the Mass silently from the missal.
  • The Epistle (similar to the First Reading) is read from the Epistle side of the altar and the Gospel (read from the gospel side of the altar) are read in Latin. Afterwards, the Epistle and Gospel are read to the congregants in the vernacular (in our case, English), and the homily is delivered in English.
  • Communion is received on the tongue while the communicant is kneeling at the altar rail. There is no need for the communicant to say “Amen” when receiving communion, since the priest is reciting prayers on behalf of the communicant.
  • The liturgical calendar differs between the Latin and English Masses.
Latin missals include both English and Latin on facing pages. Do not worry if you are unable to locate your old Latin missal, there are loaner missals available in the back of just about all TLM parishes.

Also, check out uvoc.org/Propers.html for the proper prayers of a particular day.

(adapted from stfrancisdesalescc.org)
 
I would say that for your first time at the EF, the experience is really quite unlike the OF. Until you assist a few times, you don’t really begin to see all the similarities between the two forms. Expect to kneel more.

Given the choice, I would opt for the High Mass. Better yet, go to the High Mass, then stick around for one of the Low Masses, to see the differences. Sit in the back and do what everybody else does.
 
bradwill911 said:
I have never been to a “Traditional Latin Mass”, but there is a parish here in Omaha that offers the Latin Mass only (it is in full communion with the CC). I want to go, but have no idea what to expect. Can someone help me out?

Also, what’s the difference between High Mass and Low Mass?
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In a High Mass (also called Solemn High Mass), the priest is assisted by a deacon and sub-deacon. Any Mass where this is not the case—including the Missa Cantata (Sung Mass) where, as in a High Mass, parts are sung by the priest and/or choir and incense is typically used—is technically a Low Mass.

Some people seem to refer to a Missa Cantata as a High Mass and reserve the term Low Mass for those masses without chant or incense, but I believe this to be an incorrect usage.
 
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