In response to the requests of a number of parishioners, I have decided to begin having one weekday Mass each month in Latin. This will be in the bulletins at both parishes this weekend.
For those who may be alarmed, or may spread alarm, relax: it's one Mass a month, on a weekday, on Wednesday, when there are two Masses that day, so there is a choice.
We will do it once a month, first Wednesday, 8 am, at St. Mary. This will be the current, ordinary usage of the Roman Rite, not the older, extraordinary usage. We’ll start September 5, and booklets will be available. (Although I just noticed, after all 50 were run, that "semper" was misspelled as "simper." It's that *%#@ Microsoft Word Nanny program that re-spells things because it's knows better than you.)
With the exception of the readings, prayers of the day, and the homily, Mass will be in Latin, and we will have suitable music throughout.
This is an experiment, a response to those who said they wanted it. I will try it for a year, and we will see how well it is supported.
Now, I have this word for those who are holding out for Mass in the extraordinary usage (the old-style Latin Mass). I don't quarrel with you about your devotion to the classic Mass, I admire it. But consider this a step toward what you want. If a Latin Mass on a weekday is well received, it can only make for a more positive environment for a Mass in the old form. As it is, I'm not in a position to offer the classic Mass, and I don't know how soon I will be; and I have yet to receive a request for the extraordinary form, other than for a funeral--and that was "someday."
Meanwhile, I reiterate what I said a couple of weeks ago, in a homily at all Masses: if there are requests for the extraordinary form of the Roman Rite, I will, as the pope says, "willingly accede." In the meantime, will you be supportive of this?
The other thing is, there will be a few who will object, and do so very forcefully to anyone who will listen. They will be heard from, count on it.
But: will those who want it, also be heard from--i.e., will they show up? Time will tell.
24 comments:
Such exciting news!
Annie
>It's that *%#@ Microsoft Word >Nanny program that re-spells >things because it's knows better >than you.
Father -
I work as a computer technician and end up doing a fair amount of user support. Based on my own experience, I've long suspected that some of Microsoft's
"features" were frustrating enough to "make a preacher cuss". Well now I have proof. ;-)
God bless you in your efforts to serve God's people.
Ed
You only ran 50 copies? Hmmmm... I think you might need more. I hope you need more!
Ann S.
You are a lot more considerate than where we are. When I asked, the priest, if we could have a "Latin Mass" he basically laughed at me. I don't think there are more than 2 or 3 families that would attend. But on another note, I do know of a family that, because of liturgical abuses, started to attend an SSPX Chapel and now they are sedevacantist. I do believe the priests need to be more open, like you are trying. Sometimes I wonder if in their view, ONE person leaving and only 3 or so interested in the Latin Mass would justify a Mass. In my opinion, Yes, at least once a month.
Thanks for being open to your parishoners...now if I could find out where Piqua is.....
Father,
Thank you for making this available locally!
I hope my two young ones and i can be counted among the regular attendees.
-Erica S
(native of Piqua, current resident of FtLoramie)
Congratulations, Father. This is good news.
I do have a couple of questions.
First of all, how will you measure success? At our typical weekday morning Mass we have about 30 people. So if only 3 people show up for the Latin will you presume 10% of the parish is interested?
Secondly you mention that music will be a part of the Mass. Will this be recorded or have you performed some sort of miracle and organized a choir for morning Mass?
God bless you in your endeavor.
Father, I think you can turn off the AutoCorrect feature, which is the most offensive part of the Word Nanny program. At that point Word will just underline in red when the nanny thinks you're wrong about spelling (and green for grammar)...
Unbelievable news! How is your Latin coming along? Here's hoping that the Archdiocese will initiate Ecclesiastical Latin for the priests (and laity) who were never steeped in it as part of their seminary education. I am bummed, Piqua is too far away; will try to make one, however. Hope you get an excellent response from your parishioners.
Keep up the great work!!!
DF
PDT:
I am not sure how I will measure success, honestly, but something like this: if, after this is in place for awhile, there are fewer people attending Mass on Wednsday (at both parishes) than before, that suggests it's been a net negative. If the number stays the same, then I would look to see how attendance is at the Mass in Latin; if attendance is lopsided toward the English Mass, then that suggests people are avoiding the Latin Mass.
On the other hand, if there is even a small uptick, that is a sign it's drawing new folks.
In addition, I will look for new faces, particularly for those here who said they wanted it.
As to music; our music director plays the organ for Wednesday morning Mass, and he sometimes has a cantor, so I envisioned that providing leadership for the Introit and Communion chants, although the assembly won't have them right away; they will have the texts for the ordinary prayers (Sanctus, Pater Noster, etc.), so the cantor and/or music director, plus me, can assist others in learning to chant.
Of course, if God blesses this endeavor, then we may indeed sprout a choir of chanting Mass-goers! Let's see what happens!
There is an interesting article on the following website about the Tridentine Mass http://www.catholicdos.org/index.php?cat=1260808072108930
There is an interesting article offering two perspectives on the Tridentine Mass at the Priestly News Website.
We're so spoilt having all this available every week already. But God bless you...
Meinsouth: Not sure where you live, but if you are in the South, get on I-75 (big road, you can't miss it) and head north until you hit cornfields. :) Piqua is right in the middle of those. And I say this as someone who lives 1/2 hour north of Piqua--there's a cornfield across the street from my house.
Or, you could try maps.google.com
Fr. Fox: I think it's great that you're beginning to offer the Mass in Latin. I might consider attending--if I wasn't going away to college next week. Oh, well. Such is life.
Father-
You can edit the list of words the WordNanny changes. You can also turn off the automatic fix feature altogether. How exactly you do these things depends on which version of Word you have. Good luck.
God bless you!
Karen Leonard
Father -
I think it's great you're putting out this extra effort; I wish you all success.
Father,
It is fantastic "watching" you introduce liturgical changes over the past couple of years. I applaud you for your courage in moving ahead in what I can only imagine is very vocal opposition. I'll pray for the success of your Latin Mass and of course, keep you in my prayers as well.
God bless you, Father, for trying this and for your willingness to learn. I will pray for the success of your efforts.
Jenny
Father,
What great news. If it weren't for the fact I've BEEN to Piqua (and the fact Dave Owen lives there, do you know Dave?)...
I think I'd move there!
God bless you for what you're doing, Father, and my apologies for not dropping by the blog in a while.
I think it would be wonderful if the children at Piqua Catholic would learn some Latin and have a chance to participate in the Latin Mass. What do you think, Fr. Fox?
I wish I could have been there (this is Weds., the day of the first Latin Mass) this morning. I am in your parish and normally could have been there but had a dr. apt. with a specialist at 9 a.m. that could not be changed. When you tally the attendees,be sure and allow for those who would like to have come but were prevented by circumstances from being there in person.
Anonymous:
Actually, the first Mass in Latin will be in two weeks, the first Wednesday of September, and thereafter, the first of each month.
Thanks for the heads-up, Father. Don't know how I got so confused on the schedule. Must be the heat!
http://www.catholic.org/prwire/headline.php?ID=4076
Learning to Serve at the Altar: The Traditional Latin Mass
9/8/2007 - 14:46 PST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
Catholic PRWire
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