Pastor’s Column

A FEW EXHORTATIONS

In the first place I want to thank everyone for the response to last week’s decision – regarding the dialogue Mass – to bring the practice of Low Mass at our parish more into line with the general experience of traditional Catholics throughout the United States, particularly in Fraternity apostolates. It will take time for new habits to take root but I can tell that there is a genuine effort among parishioners and I am very grateful to all of you. I do encourage everyone to acquire a hand Missal if you have not already done so, and to learn how to make use of it. Such a Missal, which allows someone to follow along with the prayers of the Mass, is an invaluable aid in a real and actual participation with the sacrifice of Our Lord which is renewed at the altar with every Mass. Please do not hesitate to ask other parishioners for some help in getting acquainted with the Missal – almost all of us here were new to the Latin Mass at some point or another. Although it seems very complicated at first, with a little bit of instruction and especially with frequent use, following and praying the Mass with the help of the Missal will quickly become second nature.

I also want to encourage everyone to contribute to the reverent and recollected atmosphere proper to the Church. There has been a rise of conversations taking place among those entering or exiting the Church, which should not be happening under normal circumstances. Please make sure to observe silence in the nave itself, reserving conversations to the vestibule or courtyard areas.

Finally, there are a very few people that have the practice of whispering prayers in the pews of the Church. Many do not realize that the acoustics of the Church tend to carry such whispers to every corner of the sanctuary and nave, becoming a great distraction for others (often more of a distraction than even conversations spoken out loud!). So please refrain from this. It is fine to labialize prayers, that is, to form the words of the prayers with the mouth without any sound, but if doing so please be very conscious of keeping silence so as not to distract others.

SUNDAY COFFEE

Please join us every Sunday in classroom 1 following the 7:00, 8:30 and 10:00 am Masses for fresh coffee & the opportunity to build community with fellow parishioners.