Two masses!?

[MichaelFilo]

I will willingly admit I am neither very intelligent nor well versed in anything beyond the morass of middle class life. However, I have a bit of an inquiry. Back some years ago when I finally grew into some understanding of my Catholic faith I actively sought reasons for why my Church was better than every other one. I had read a convincing argument that the beauty of the Catholic Church is its unity and a visible sign of that is the Mass.I understood there would be differences between the varying rites because of history but the true unity was in the Eucharist, but what baffles me about the West is this acceptance that there can be two masses. I must either conclude that there are really two rites in the Roman Rite (which would lead to a slew of questions) or that the Roman Rite no longer offers a sign of unity in its Mass. I mean, simply attending the NO from parish to parish gives one an understanding of just how different the Mass is by parish. When one adds the fact that the TLM is also a part of the Roman Rite it becomes a bit much.

I guess what I am seeking to understand is can we say, under the present condition, that the unity of Catholics is evident in the consistency of the Mass? If we say it is in the Eucharist alone then one could argue that all Lutheran churches offer communion at all services and at least have the same visible unity as Catholics. Of course, as Catholics we know the invisible reality but that hardly is a convincing argument for Catholic unity to someone who does not believe in the Real Presence.

 

[skatepixie]

“When one adds the fact that the TLM is also a part of the Roman Rite it becomes a bit much.”

…or is it the fact that the Novus Ordo is also a part of the Roman rite? Remember, the Tridentine Mass was there first…

 

[hasikelee]

But what do you mean by unity? Uniform or Universal?

The Catholic church is a universal church, a body of Christ made of many different people. We are unified in our beliefs, but we are still different people. All races, all ethnicities, all personalities, are welcome to Christ.

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

I will willingly admit I am neither very intelligent nor well versed in anything beyond the morass of middle class life. However, I have a bit of an inquiry. Back some years ago when I finally grew into some understanding of my Catholic faith I actively sought reasons for why my Church was better than every other one. I had read a convincing argument that the beauty of the Catholic Church is its unity and a visible sign of that is the Mass.I understood there would be differences between the varying rites because of history but the true unity was in the Eucharist, but what baffles me about the West is this acceptance that there can be two masses. I must either conclude that there are really two rites in the Roman Rite (which would lead to a slew of questions) or that the Roman Rite no longer offers a sign of unity in its Mass. I mean, simply attending the NO from parish to parish gives one an understanding of just how different the Mass is by parish. When one adds the fact that the TLM is also a part of the Roman Rite it becomes a bit much.

I guess what I am seeking to understand is can we say, under the present condition, that the unity of Catholics is evident in the consistency of the Mass? If we say it is in the Eucharist alone then one could argue that all Lutheran churches offer communion at all services and at least have the same visible unity as Catholics. Of course, as Catholics we know the invisible reality but that hardly is a convincing argument for Catholic unity to someone who does not believe in the Real Presence.

The Mass is the Mass is the Mass In the NO there can be small differenced from parish to parish as local customs come into play.

As for having the TML and the NO That does not take away the unity, This is my opinion only that it show we as Catholics have the ability to unite the past and the present.

Bless his Holiness Pope Benedict for giving the Tridentine Mass back to us for full use by those that request it.

 

[Richie_Nelson]

The Mass is the Mass is the Mass In the NO there can be small differenced from parish to parish as local customs come into play.

As for having the TML and the NO That does not take away the unity, This is my opinion only that it show we as Catholics have the ability to unite the past and the present.

Bless his Holiness Pope Benedict for giving the Tridentine Mass back to us for full use by those that request it.

While I am no fan of latin, I don’t see how having mass in latin is any different than having it in english or spanish or german or…I think you get my point. I do remember when I was younger the church we went to had a lot of masses all in english.

But on Sundays the 11:15 mass was called “high mass” with a lot of extra stuff, even though it was in english.

thanks, Richie

 

[oneGODoneCHURCH]

While I am no fan of latin, I don’t see how having mass in latin is any different than having it in english or spanish or german or…I think you get my point. I do remember when I was younger the church we went to had a lot of masses all in english.

But on Sundays the 11:15 mass was called “high mass” with a lot of extra stuff, even though it was in english.

thanks, Richie

I think we are saying the same thing. Though I do love the Latin It really makes no difference as the Mass Is the Mass so whether or not You go to NO or TLM or to one of the Divine Liturgies Of and Easter rite Church We are united In belief and faith.