Writing to the Bishop about the EF Mass

[GaudentAngeli]

I’m a young adult who converted to Catholicism a couple years ago. I did not convert for marriage or for children, I did so simply because I believe Catholicism is the truth. I live in Canada, and I gather that there are an awful lot of Canadian Catholics – laity and priests and some bishops – who are not particularly fond of the Extraordinary Form nor “trads”. I have no idea what my own bishop thinks about it but he hasn’t shut us down so I suppose that’s a good sign.

About six months ago my spiritual director suggested I try the EF Mass. I did and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had tremendous growth in my faith, but what’s most important for me because I’m a convert, I’ve developed a strong sense of Catholic identity.

So, I’ve had it on my heart to write a letter of gratitude to the Bishop. Essentially, what I want to express is:

• how the EF has helped me as a convert
• thanksgiving for having the EF regularly available in the diocese
• thanksgiving for his service as our bishop

Is my idea to write to the bishop utter insanity? I’m afraid of ruffling feathers.

 

[malphono]

IMO, what you suggest writing seems respectful and so should not ruffle any feathers. Depending on the disposition of the particular bishop, it might even be helpful.

 

[twf]

This sounds like a good idea to me . May I ask which diocese you are in? You can’t paint the Canadian Church with one brush…it really varies diocese by diocese. The Archbishop of Vancouver, for example, is very friendly to the traditional mass, and even the OF mass at his cathedral has a lot of traditional elements (such as kneeling at the altar rail to receive…).

 

[GaudentAngeli]

This sounds like a good idea to me . May I ask which diocese you are in? You can’t paint the Canadian Church with one brush…it really varies diocese by diocese. The Archbishop of Vancouver, for example, is very friendly to the traditional mass, and even the OF mass at his cathedral has a lot of traditional elements (such as kneeling at the altar rail to receive…).

I agree, opinion does vary diocese to diocese. I wasn’t trying to be critical of any particular area or person, just saying that in Canada there seem to be many individuals around the country who are more hostile towards traditional Catholicism. The next time I’m in Van I’ll definitely be going to Mass at the Cathedral. But I don’t go that far west very often as its a bit of a distance… I live in Ontario.

 

[robwar]

I’m a young adult who converted to Catholicism a couple years ago. I did not convert for marriage or for children, I did so simply because I believe Catholicism is the truth. I live in Canada, and I gather that there are an awful lot of Canadian Catholics – laity and priests and some bishops – who are not particularly fond of the Extraordinary Form nor “trads”. I have no idea what my own bishop thinks about it but he hasn’t shut us down so I suppose that’s a good sign.

About six months ago my spiritual director suggested I try the EF Mass. I did and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had tremendous growth in my faith, but what’s most important for me because I’m a convert, I’ve developed a strong sense of Catholic identity.

So, I’ve had it on my heart to write a letter of gratitude to the Bishop. Essentially, what I want to express is:

• how the EF has helped me as a convert
• thanksgiving for having the EF regularly available in the diocese
• thanksgiving for his service as our bishop

Is my idea to write to the bishop utter insanity? I’m afraid of ruffling feathers.

That would be very nice! It sounds like you have the right attitude and just wanted to express your feeling and thankfulness for the EF Mass. Bishops are people too and too often I think all they here are the complaints and whinning. A letter of gratitude would be appreciated.

 

[twf]

I agree, opinion does vary diocese to diocese. I wasn’t trying to be critical of any particular area or person, just saying that in Canada there seem to be many individuals around the country who are more hostile towards traditional Catholicism. The next time I’m in Van I’ll definitely be going to Mass at the Cathedral. But I don’t go that far west very often as its a bit of a distance… I live in Ontario.

FYI - Holy Family parish on Victoria Drive is run by the FSSP and offers the EF mass seven days a week.

 

[TimothyH]

The OP offers something refreshing.

I had expected another thread about confronting the Bishop to demand the EF but have never heard anyone propose a letter of gratitude. I think it is a wonderful idea and would probably do more good than 100 demand letters.



-Tim-

 

[agnes_therese]

I’m a young adult who converted to Catholicism a couple years ago. I did not convert for marriage or for children, I did so simply because I believe Catholicism is the truth. I live in Canada, and I gather that there are an awful lot of Canadian Catholics – laity and priests and some bishops – who are not particularly fond of the Extraordinary Form nor “trads”. I have no idea what my own bishop thinks about it but he hasn’t shut us down so I suppose that’s a good sign.

About six months ago my spiritual director suggested I try the EF Mass. I did and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had tremendous growth in my faith, but what’s most important for me because I’m a convert, I’ve developed a strong sense of Catholic identity.

So, I’ve had it on my heart to write a letter of gratitude to the Bishop. Essentially, what I want to express is:

• how the EF has helped me as a convert
• thanksgiving for having the EF regularly available in the diocese
• thanksgiving for his service as our bishop

Is my idea to write to the bishop utter insanity? I’m afraid of ruffling feathers.

I think that would be lovely. Our bishops get a lot of complaints, addressed both to them and about them. I wonder how many expressions of thanks they receive?

 

[Deo_Gratias42]

I’m a young adult who converted to Catholicism a couple years ago. I did not convert for marriage or for children, I did so simply because I believe Catholicism is the truth. I live in Canada, and I gather that there are an awful lot of Canadian Catholics – laity and priests and some bishops – who are not particularly fond of the Extraordinary Form nor “trads”. I have no idea what my own bishop thinks about it but he hasn’t shut us down so I suppose that’s a good sign.

About six months ago my spiritual director suggested I try the EF Mass. I did and I haven’t looked back. I’ve had tremendous growth in my faith, but what’s most important for me because I’m a convert, I’ve developed a strong sense of Catholic identity.

So, I’ve had it on my heart to write a letter of gratitude to the Bishop. Essentially, what I want to express is:

• how the EF has helped me as a convert
• thanksgiving for having the EF regularly available in the diocese
• thanksgiving for his service as our bishop

Is my idea to write to the bishop utter insanity? I’m afraid of ruffling feathers.

I’m not sure where you live in Ontario, but the FSSP used to be there in Toronto. There was some drama and they left.

If you’re going to write a letter to the bishop, tone and purpose are very important. Before you write ask yourself why you want to write this letter and what do you hope to accomplish. It is best to write from a humble joyful heart rather than a cold, bitter, “us vs them” heart, and please please please don’t use the words “trad” or “traditionalist”. Differentiating yourself from other Catholics will not look good. Keep in mind that it is very easy for such a letter to. E misinterpreted and read in the wrong way.

 

[otjm]

I’m not sure where you live in Ontario, but the FSSP used to be there in Toronto. There was some drama and they left.

If you’re going to write a letter to the bishop, tone and purpose are very important. Before you write ask yourself why you want to write this letter and what do you hope to accomplish. It is best to write from a humble joyful heart rather than a cold, bitter, “us vs them” heart, and please please please don’t use the words “trad” or “traditionalist”. Differentiating yourself from other Catholics will not look good. Keep in mind that it is very easy for such a letter to. E misinterpreted and read in the wrong way.

Amen!

Another way of saying it is that there are far more flies drawn to honey than to vinegar.

 

[twf]

I’m not sure where you live in Ontario, but the FSSP used to be there in Toronto. There was some drama and they left.

If you’re going to write a letter to the bishop, tone and purpose are very important. Before you write ask yourself why you want to write this letter and what do you hope to accomplish. It is best to write from a humble joyful heart rather than a cold, bitter, “us vs them” heart, and please please please don’t use the words “trad” or “traditionalist”. Differentiating yourself from other Catholics will not look good. Keep in mind that it is very easy for such a letter to. E misinterpreted and read in the wrong way.

That doesn’t mean the EF mass is gone. The Oratory Fathers at Holy Family celebrate the EF mass daily in Toronto (as well as the OF mass). They also offer daily confession, run a couple schools, a philosophy (undergrad) seminary, and lots of other wonderful things.