An important part of assisting in the congregation at the Latin Mass is spiritual and internal, and does not consist of 'doing stuff' like in the modern Mass. This is most obvious in a Low Mass, when there isn't even any singing.
External participation here only amounts to the posture of prayer (kneeling, standing, etc.) and actually receiving communion, if able. Therefore a booklet containing all the prayers and translations is invaluable for understanding, praying and fully participating in the Mass.
I would also recommend complete newcomers to the Traditional Latin Mass to simply soak it up, and not worry too much about following in a Missal. Since most people are familiar with the modern English Mass it is possible to transfer the same structure and have an idea of what is going on, but since the modern Mass is often said in such bizarre and untraditional ways, this is not always the case.
Over and above anything else, the Low Mass is visual, silent and contemplative. Therefore I have sought to help people participate by producing a booklet for use at the Birmingham Oratory's 9.30am Mass. I hope that it will be approved of and accepted. I have made it available at my LMS blog - if you have time please do have a look.
External participation here only amounts to the posture of prayer (kneeling, standing, etc.) and actually receiving communion, if able. Therefore a booklet containing all the prayers and translations is invaluable for understanding, praying and fully participating in the Mass.
I would also recommend complete newcomers to the Traditional Latin Mass to simply soak it up, and not worry too much about following in a Missal. Since most people are familiar with the modern English Mass it is possible to transfer the same structure and have an idea of what is going on, but since the modern Mass is often said in such bizarre and untraditional ways, this is not always the case.
Over and above anything else, the Low Mass is visual, silent and contemplative. Therefore I have sought to help people participate by producing a booklet for use at the Birmingham Oratory's 9.30am Mass. I hope that it will be approved of and accepted. I have made it available at my LMS blog - if you have time please do have a look.
What "stuff" do we therefore do at the "modern Mass"??
ReplyDeleteDoing stuff? Well, lets see... offertory procession, reading, lots of responses, giving out communion, making acclamations after the consecration, shaking eachother's hands, listening to the priest who is often facing the congregation... all this is absent from the old Rite, and makes it (especially in a Low Mass) much more a time for silent prayer and interior participation.
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