Dear Parishioners,

This past week, Pope Francis has promulgated a new Motu Proprio called Traditionis Custodes restricting the use of the Traditional Latin Mass. A Motu Proprio is a document where the Pope directly legislates by his own authority a change in liturgical or Canon Law. So, this is a command that is very serious and needs to be obeyed. As a priest and son of the Church, that is exactly what I intend to do. So, immediately after I read Traditionis Custodes, I contacted the Bishop and asked for faculties to continue saying the Traditional Latin Mass. He then called a meeting with myself and several other pastors in the Diocese who have an attachment to this form of the Mass and we reflected on how to best implement this Motu Proprio. At this meeting, it was decided that the Bishop would allow all the pastors who are serving parishes that have the Traditional Latin Mass on Sunday the faculties to continue and allow for the current schedule of Latin Masses to continue as it is. I am very thankful for this decision.

Why is Pope Francis restricting the Traditional Latin Mass? He gives two main reasons. First, he finds that anything that is part of the authentic tradition of the Church can be found in the Novus Ordo Mass that is normally said at all the Churches of the world, most notably the Roman Canon itself. Secondly, he finds that there is a close connection between those who enjoy the Traditional Latin Mass and schismatic tendencies. According to him, people who attend the TLM tend to think of themselves as being in the true church and question the validity (and legitimacy) of the reforms of the Second Vatican Council.

It is not my place to disagree with the Pope. However, I feel a need to speak from my own experience of the TLM. Ever since I converted to Catholicism, I have never considered myself anything except a Catholic. I may greatly enjoy the older liturgy. However, I have never undermined the teachings of the Second Vatican Council or ever thought that Pope St. Paul VI did not have the authority to promulgate a new missal based on those teachings. I am hoping that the Holy Father sees this and reverses his decision here. But for now, I am very thankful that he is allowing us who have enjoyed the TLM to continue for at least a while. Should that permission be taken away, I will abide by that as well. I am just thankful that I am given the privilege to say this Mass for it has greatly enriched my priesthood.

In the meantime, I invite anyone who would like to see what this is all about to attend the TLMs that we have in the parish: 9 am on first Saturdays (August 6th) and 3 pm on 3rd Sundays. (August 15th).

God bless!

Fr. Carter