Question about Mass

[balesom]

Okay, so I've been attending since January, and I pretty much understand everything thus far, or at least I think I do. Some friends of mine have asked me to go with them to a Tridentine Mass this Sunday, of which I understand absolutely nothing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, help!

 

[Gwendolyn]

Hi Balesom Welcome to OBOB!

The Tridentine Mass might be a bit of a culture shock. It is entirely in in Latin, and Mass is usually "high Mass" - it is sung/chanted, with lots of incense, haha.

The best thing I hope you can do is find a missal at the church. Usually Latin Masses will offer a little explanation booklet with the Latin order of Mass printed on one page, with the English translation of the opposite.

If you cannot find one of those, here is an online one!

The Ordinary of the Mass: The Ordinary of the Mass

If you are nervous, just read through that link whenever you have time - check out the English prayers in order to get a handle on what might be happening when.

One of the things that you may notice most is the fact that after Mass ends (when the priest says Ite, missa est), the "Last Gospel" will be read (John 1). So, the congregation stays to hear the "Last Gospel" and say some prayers, and then everyone can really go, LOL.

I hope that helps a bit.

 

[balesom]

Okay, thanks for all the help. I was able to talk to my priest tonight, and found out that he used to celebrate Mass where I'll be attending on Sunday as well, and also gave me some advice. There will be missals with order and translations available. That was a load off my mind already. I was also told to watch the order closely. So... here goes nothing!

 

[scraparcs]

Enjoy!

 

[D'Ann]

I've only been to one Tridentine Mass and it was very lovely. The only advice that I can give is watch to see what the other parishners around you are doing and you will do fine.

It's a very beautiful and traditional Mass.

 

[davidennett]

Pretty much do what everyone else is. If you have time, read the translations from Latin into English - in a sense it's a shame how much we have lost in the Novus Ordo. Our liturgy originates from the Tridentine Rite and every Catholic should have an opportunity to experience it.

Oh and by the way, when you receive communion don't say Amen, the priest says it for you. Just open your mouth and stick your tongue out.

 

[balesom]

Pretty much do what everyone else is. If you have time, read the translations from Latin into English - in a sense it's a shame how much we have lost in the Novus Ordo. Our liturgy originates from the Tridentine Rite and every Catholic should have an opportunity to experience it.

Oh and by the way, when you receive communion don't say Amen, the priest says it for you. Just open your mouth and stick your tongue out.

Following everyone else is what I usually do anyways. Or at least I did, until I realized there were an increasing amount of people following me. At least I'll get to experience it soon, and possibly more often, as the local priest is wanting to bring back a Tridentine Mass here, which will be the closest one for 40 miles.

As for communion, that's a whole other can of worms, and a lot more questions I'll be bringing up, but it won't be a problem as I won't be receiving on Sunday. :/

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

I attended one in Windsor a few weeks back.

Everyone was given a Missal with both Latin and English and a bulletin with the Propers for the day in English (readings, Gradual, Collect etc). I would suggest that you get there a bit early and read it through a couple of times before the Mass begins. There is a lot happening so a bit of familiarization will help you keep up!.

As I posted in another thread; being Lutheran, and having grown up with our old Lutheran Mass (The Common Service), there was little that I was not familiar with apart from the language. It again reinforced just how much we truly share and have in common.

The music, and the symbolism of the rubrics were truly beautiful.

Enjoy it, and may it be a blessing to you!

Mark.