What should I expect?

[AdvanceAlways]

Hello everyone. I’m not meaning this to be an SSPX debate. For my own spiritual reasons, I have decided to stop attending SSPX Masses. I’ve given a lot of thought and research into Vatican II, and although there is still much that I have qualms with, I realized that the Holy Spirit will always guide the Church even when errors have been made. I also realized that many Vatican II documents were not so opposed to past teachings as I had been led to believe. So my question is… what should I expect from an FSSP (or similar group’s) parish? I feel a little nervous after being gone from perfect communion for a while and am scared that I may be viewed as damaged goods or something… any help would be appreciated…

 

[corsair]

If you are really concerned about your attendence at SSPX parishes then you might want to try FSSP. No you are not “damaged goods”. At least no more damaged than most of us sinners. But to put your mind at ease, go to confession and discuss this with an FSSP priest.

I think you’ll find it to be not the bad experience you are expecting.
God Bless

 

[rpp]

You will find that, in general, the FSSP priests are humble, faithful and happy to see you. You are not “damaged goods” as you say. Rather, you sound like someone who seeking to conform your heart and mid to the authentic teachings of the Church. The FSSP priests will recognize this and will be happy to provide the guidance and support you ask of them. Many of the other parishioners may have had similar experiences and awakenings that you are going through now. I am sure you will be most welcome there.

 

[floresco]

So my question is… what should I expect from an FSSP (or similar group’s) parish? I feel a little nervous after being gone from perfect communion for a while and am scared that I may be viewed as damaged goods or something… any help would be appreciated…

I would be very surprised if anyone held your former involvement in SSPX against you. I have attended the TLM at several different parishes and you would be welcome at any of them. In my experience, most trads are very sympathetic to the SSPX, even when they are not associated with it themselves. I would also expect you to find other people in a similar situation to your own who will be very understanding. I doubt that there is anything that you need to be nervous about.

 

[RosaryCrusader]

What can you expect? The same thing. I attend both the FSSP and the SSPX and there is no difference except for maybe less veils and less skirts at the FSSP.

Also, since you’re a laymen (unless if you were a third order member of the SSPX) you were never a “member” or part of the SSPX at any time. You’re merely a faithful Catholic attending Mass. The Vatican said you could go and it’s not sinful etc. I know quite a few people who attend Mass at both the FSSP and SSPX (myself included) and it’s no big deal to anyone. In fact it was my FSSP Priest who first gave me ‘permission’ to attend the SSPX - I had asked his advice since it was not always possible for us to attend Mass at the FSSP location and he revealed how he used to attend SSPX prior to becoming a Priest. Our new FSSP Priest went one step further and told me privately that he thought Archbishop Lefebvre was a Saint.

Don’t worry about it - all will be fine and chances are you’ll be in good hands with the FSSP!

 

[Genesis315]

I doubt the FSSP would see you as damaged good since their order was founded after coming to the same conclusion you have.