Holy Rosary Catholic Church

When the apostles first carried Christ’s Good News to the world, they traveled throughout the Roman Empire, which governed most of the lands around the Mediterranean Sea and in western Europe.  Since the Romans spoke Latin, this language was one used by many people at that time, much as today many people in the world know English because it is economically and socially advantageous to do so. As the Roman Empire disintegrated in the 4th and 5th centuries, the emerging Church, led by the Bishop of Rome, stepped in to provide a stabilizing cultural force, and through the centuries has retained the use of Latin in official communications as a means to unity.

The Latin language is the national property of no one people, yet, through learning, can be common to all.  This feature makes it especially appropriate for a universal Church. The use of Latin by the Church started as a happenstance of history and geography, but has enabled the Church to maintain unity amidst the disciples she has made of all nations.

Over twenty approved rites of Catholic liturgy are in use worldwide. Many of these have never used Latin but have always been in the native language of the local people. The retention of Latin for the liturgy was a particular feature of west European liturgical development, and extended likewise to areas of the world evangelized by west European missionaries.

Most of the faithful who attend the Latin Mass do not know Latin. So why do some still prefer the Latin Mass? They choose the Latin Mass not because of an attachment to the language, but because they believe it enhances their spiritual lives:

They find the Latin Mass beautiful. The magnificence and solemnity of the Latin Mass are the Church’s way of giving back to God grateful worship for all that He has given us. Those devoted to it believe beautiful liturgy reverently offered illuminates the mystery of God’s very Presence among us. The rich sensory experience of a Traditional Latin Mass reminds them that the Mass is a foretaste of the heavenly liturgy we will celebrate in the New Jerusalem at the end of time.

They are uplifted by a quiet reverence that is displayed before, during and after Mass. They pray quietly before Mass begins (or remain quiet so as not to disturb others at prayer), and offer prayers of thanksgiving once Mass is over. They find the dignity and formality of the Latin Mass conducive to an encounter with the Divine.

They appreciate that Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is central in the sanctuary. They show Him reverence in traditional ways of posture and quiet demeanor.

The Gregorian Chant sung in the Latin Mass enriches them. The Church has used this manner of singing her public prayers for many centuries. They find chant to be “poetry which sings on earth the mysteries of heaven and prepares us for the canticles of eternity.”

You can feel confused at a Latin Mass if you do not know what to expect and why some things are done as they are. Here are some guidelines to help you better appreciate this treasure of your Catholic heritage.

• In the Holy Rosary pews you will find red missalettes containing the Ordinary of the Mass (the part that stays the same each Mass). In the vestibule you will also find a sheet with the Propers (the part with the prayers and readings for a particular day of the liturgical year).
• Knowing when to stand, sit, or kneel can be hard for a newcomer. Just follow what others around you are doing.
• Some parts of the Mass are for the priest only and some for the people and the priest together. At a Mass where the choir sings, the choir sings all the parts of the people. You may sing all of these, but if you are not comfortable doing so, you may follow along by reading silently the English translation in the missalette.
• Sometimes the choir sings its part while the priest says his part quietly at the altar. Because it takes longer for the choir to sing their prayers than it does for the priest to say his, the two will overlap and they will not be doing the same thing at the same time. You may either follow the choir, or read what the priest is saying.
• The priest offers Mass facing the altar because he and the people together are offering worship and sacrifice to God. He is not turning his back on the people to exclude us. Rather, we are all facing God.
• During the prayers surrounding the Consecration and the Consecration itself, there is silence as the priest quietly prays the words that change the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. You may read what he says in the missalette. Appreciate this silence as a time of hushed awe in which we give thanks for the mystery of Christ’s saving sacrifice and for His coming to each of us in the Eucharist.
• Holy Communion is received on the tongue while kneeling at the altar rail. Do not say “Amen” when you receive.
• Those new to the Latin Mass often find they have to attend several times to feel confident in their understanding of all that is taking place. Be patient if you feel unsure on your first few visits. In time you will become familiar with the order of the Mass.