My first celebration of the older Mass

After spending several weeks in a class at our seminary, and many hours of practicing by myself, I finally took the plunge today: I offered Mass in the older form.

I was assisted by our seminarian from Saint Rose, home for the summer. He candidly admitted he didn't know how to serve the extraordinary form of the Mass, so I told him to do just a few things and I'd handle the rest.

So, how did it go?

I'm embarrassed to admit that, after doing rather well in my last practice--under the watchful gaze of Father Earl Fernandes, the capable instructor for the course I mentioned--I flubbed a bit more while offering the Mass for real this time. I omitted one prayer entirely, and at one point, I had to back up in order to get the prayers right.  

The seminarian said he didn't notice anything.

One funny moment: we were supposed to finish well before 4 pm, as there was a delivery expected at that hour. Alas, we weren't quite finished--so I heard a "thump, thump, thump" on the church door. It was after communion. I whispered to the seminarian, "you better go check on him," and off he went. I didn't expect him back before Mass was complete. So when, a few minutes later, I turned around for one of the "Dominus vobiscum"s--I was startled to see him back in his position. He saw me jump a little.

I wish I could say I had some great epiphany from offering the older form of the Mass, but it may be it will be a bit before I can say offer any great insights.

But afterward, the seminarian and I came back to the Doma Santa Rosa to celebrate a milestone--and to have dinner, which we are working up. (He's doing the work at the moment; I'm the "ready reserve.")