Some Questions about Mass, please help!

Since I have been going to the Traditional Latin Mass, I find it harder to attend a N.O. Mass It's just not the same, made worse by the fact that in my Parish Church there is very little reverence shown before Mass and the chatter is of a level that makes it sound like Costa Coffee on a Saturday afternoon!

The problem is, there is only a Latin Mass that I can get to once a month. So what do I do to fulfil my obligation on the other 3 Sundays? The lady who takes me to Latin Mass only goes to that Mass, and feels God understands her predicament. But I cannot imagine only receiving Christ in the Eucharist once a month! I do sometimes go to another N.O. Mass during the week at a Church not in my town, and that is better, as there is an attitude of quiet reverence and prayerfulness ~ but it's still not the same.

I also have a problem being a EMHC. I'm not sure I should be, because that doesn't feel right either. But should I be making decisions on what feels right? Rather, I would like to know what is right. I don't understand why, if extraordinary ministers are extraordinary, why are they used all the time? Should a layperson offer Christ's holy blood to others? More often than not, at an N.O. Mass I receive the host only (and on the tongue). My priest has already asked me not to genuflect in front of him before receiving so I do it in the aisle before proceeding to the front of the line.

I am on the list to be an EMHC tonight, but don't know whether to phone someone and ask them to replace me. I feel torn. If anyone can answer these 2 questions for me, or at least point me in the right direction, I would be most grateful.

Mrs.P x


This post has been edited by MrsPogle on Oct 31 2009, 01:47 PM

Well, I think this is one issue where it is upto one's conscience.

I don't attend the Novus Ordo, so if I can't get to a Traditional Mass, I stay home and read the missal. The spirit of the law is to hallow the Sabbath. Normally going to Mass is how one does that. But if, for whatever reason, one cannot get to Mass, there are other ways of hallowing the Sabbath. An extra rosary, read the missal, etc.

But, that's all well and good when you're only faced with missing Mass occasionally. It's different when faced with missing Mass three weeks out of four. Though, I'd still be inclined to stay home. In fact, a couple of years ago, I couldn't get to a traditional Mass for a few months, and I stayed home.

The point is, I was not missing Mass out of laziness, being hung over, or some other non-reason. My reason was conscientious. So, I'm with your friend, that God understands. But He would also understand if you had qualms about missing Mass altogether.

I don't know if this helps. If you want my opinion, I don't think laypeople should distribute Holy Communion. No surprises there!

I also found this on the site you linked to: http://www.catholictradition.org/Priests/privilege11.htm which has helped clarify...

Thanks, Clare!

I made the phonecall

Well, I think this is one issue where it is upto one's conscience.

I don't attend the Novus Ordo, so if I can't get to a Traditional Mass, I stay home and read the missal. The spirit of the law is to hallow the Sabbath. Normally going to Mass is how one does that. But if, for whatever reason, one cannot get to Mass, there are other ways of hallowing the Sabbath. An extra rosary, read the missal, etc.

But, that's all well and good when you're only faced with missing Mass occasionally. It's different when faced with missing Mass three weeks out of four. Though, I'd still be inclined to stay home. In fact, a couple of years ago, I couldn't get to a traditional Mass for a few months, and I stayed home.

The point is, I was not missing Mass out of laziness, being hung over, or some other non-reason. My reason was conscientious. So, I'm with your friend, that God understands. But He would also understand if you had qualms about missing Mass altogether.

I don't know if this helps. If you want my opinion, I don't think laypeople should distribute Holy Communion. No surprises there!

Basically I will just back up what Clare said. I'm with your friend and Clare; I would stay home when I can't get to the Latin Mass, and pray the Missal. There are also some Mass videos you can buy, which you could play while praying the Missal, if you found that helpful.

If you really can't stand to miss Mass on those other weekends, you might look to see if there is an Eastern Rite offered near you. I'm not too familiar with the Eastern Rites, although I went to a Ukrainian Rite during my transition, and it was infinitely more reverent & Traditional than the Novus Ordo. And for a while the sermons were decent too!

Likewise on giving out Communion. I agree with Clare, and the Michael Davies pamphlet is a good one to help with understanding that issue.

You are correct to want to go with what is right, and not just feelings. Although I must say it sounds like what you are describing as "feelings" are some Catholic instincts & graces kicking in! But of course ask questions & do the research, so you know for sure. That's what I did.

God bless you!

Thanks for your helpful reply, Berengaria
Could anyone direct me as to where I could obtain a dvd of the Latin Mass?

This DVD, available from Southwell Books, might be of interest:

I wish I could find a good place for you. I know there was one of Fr. Doran offering Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary years ago. Also there used to be one of Archbishop Lefebvre offering Mass at Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet. I wouldn't be surprised you could find one at:

Contact Information for the Immaculata Bookstore:

Via Mail:
Immaculata Bookstore
200 E. Mission Street
St. Marys, KS 66536

Via Phone:
(785) 437-2409
1-800-724-6862 (toll free)

Via Email:
info@immaculata.com

Via Fax:
(785) 437-3752

I recall seeing this video. I haven't seen the DVD. I know Eamonn Gaines features in the old video
Young Gaines, the Latin Mass Ireland secretary has come along way since.
http://irishpilgrim.blogspot.com/
They had happy news recently and whilst Eamonn thinks I'm "too pixish" or "extreme", I do fondly remember him introducing me to Philosophy in 1999.
I wish himself and Leah every success.

Carmel Books stocks several excellent DVD's of Holy Mass, Vespers and Benediction, Mrs. P.

You could phone them on 01392 824255 to see what they currently have in stock and find out prices &c.

If you explain that you are looking for a Mass DVD so that you can follow it in your missal at home and unite yourself spiritually to the Holy Sacrifice, they will advise you which one they consider best for the purpose.

Thank you, Pilgrimage of Grace

Mrs.Pogle,
This was posted elsewhere but important in regard your question.

62 reasons why no Catholic can in good conscience attend the New Mass.

http://catholic.shrineofsaintjude.net/homec020.html

You can listen to many good, traditional sermons here:
http://www.audiosancto.org/

DeMaistre, that is very enlightening!
It's hard though I did go to Mass this morning (N.O) because I have never missed a day of obligation in the 3 years I have been a Catholic except through illness or not being in the vicinity of a Catholic Church (ie whilst on holiday). I offered the Mass up in reparation for the insults shown to Christ by a lack of reverence and prayerfulness. I also resigned from being an EMHC and felt a great weight fall from my shoulders.

I have to go to the Novus Ordo whenever my parents make me, but other than that, I tend to stay far away from liberal Catholic churches.

Well, if anyone in the future confronts you about being to proud to be an EMHC than you can reply that it is not pride but humility that prompted you to quit, since only the priest's consecrated hands can touch the Sacred Host (laypersons are not even supposed to touch the sacred vessels).