Welcome! If you are thinking about coming back to the traditional Latin Mass, or if you are assisting at it for the first time, you probably have a number of questions about why we do what we do. We have remained faithful to the traditional Mass not out of stubbornness or "disobedience." We have remained faithful because it is the Catholic thing to do.

The traditional Mass is a perfect expression of the unchanging and unchangeable Catholic teaching on the nature of the Mass and the Holy Eucharist, as well as a refuge from and an antidote to the myriad false teachings and sacrilegious practices which have found their way into our parish churches as a result of the New Mass and the changes in the Church. We have a right to assist at this Mass, guaranteed in perpetuity by Pope St. Pius V, which no one can take away from us, and a duty to assist at this Mass so we can save our souls.

In 1969, seventy percent of the Mass was rewritten by a Vatican commission whose membership included six Protestant ministers. The very nature of the Mass was changed: the altar was replaced with a table; the sacrificing priest became a "President of the Assembly"; the traditional Offertory prayers, so redolent of the Catholic theology of sacrifice, were discarded and replaced with a Jewish grace before meals; the actual words of Consecration used by Our Lord Himself at the Last Supper have been changed and perverted, thus calling into doubt the validity of the New Mass. The New Mass, so similar to Protestant worship services, mirrors a new "ecumenical" religion.

Receiving Communion:

In the context of the new religion which the New Mass expresses, everyone is expected and encouraged to receive Communion, no matter what. This perhaps may have been your experience.

Our practice here, however, is different. Catholic law and tradition emphasize the seriousness and the sanctity of the act of receiving the Eucharist. While you are most welcome to assist at Mass with us whenever you wish, we trust that you will respect our requirements for Holy Communion:

Non-Catholics are not permitted to receive Holy Communion

Should you be a Catholic who is assisting at the traditional Mass for the first time (or for the first time in a long time), we ask that you refrain from receiving Communion until you decide to assist at the traditional Mass exclusively and to refrain from assisting at the New Mass. This is a major decision to make, and a difficult one for some. But since the New Mass does represent a new religion, this decision should absolutely precede your reception of Communion here.Please take the time to make an informed decision. We have prepared a little booklet, Welcome to the Traditional Latin Mass, to assist you in understanding the differences between the traditional Mass and the New Mass. It is available free of charge to newcomers, and you may obtain a copy at the literature table or in the vestibule.

Please remember that Holy Communion must be received fasting (three hours from solid foods and alcoholic beverages; one hour from liquids other than water, which may be taken at any time), and in a state of sanctifying grace (having confessed all mortal sins to a traditional priest).

Two particular difficulties have arisen of late which affect the question of receiving Communion:
1. Unfortunately, some Baptisms performed after the Vatican II changes are of doubtful validity, either because the priest altered the essential words ("I baptize you...," etc.) or changed part of the essential ceremony (pouring water over the child's head while saying the essential words, for instance). This has been well documented in The Wanderer and confirmed by our own experience.
2. Unfortunately as well, the "marriage annulments" handed out by diocesan tribunals are usually based on spurious reasons and amount to little more than a "church divorce." (This, too, has been amply documented.) Thus, they pose a grave spiritual peril for those who have received them.

If you or your children have received Baptism in the new rite, or if you have received an annulment, please speak with Father privately before you go to Holy Communion. He will be happy to help you resolve any difficulties in these areas.

Our Dress Code:

Since the changes in the Church, few parishes these days have a dress code. Here, however, we still believe that modest and appropriate attire at Mass is a sign of respect for Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and of fraternal charity toward our neighbor. Please observe these rules regarding dress

A Respectful Silence:

In many parish churches these days, it is considered acceptable to carry on conversations in church before or after Mass, or to make occasional comments to one's neighbors during the course of the service.

Here, however, we request that you follow the custom of maintaining silence in church before, during and after Mass. It is a sign of reverence in the presence of God and demonstrates your spirit of consideration towards those who wish to pray in silence.

For Further Information:

We recommend that you visit our literature table. (We have Missals available for sale so that you can follow the Mass more easily.) You may want to fill out an address card so we can put you on our mailing list. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with the priest after Mass.

May the powerful intercession of the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary obtain for you the grace and courage to return to this Mass which is your portion, your inheritance and your right as a Catholic!