Dear Parishioners,

As many of you may know, I will be saying a Traditional Latin Mass on Sunday, September 20th at 3 pm in our church which is the first one that I will be saying on a Sunday. I know that some of you may be curious why I am doing this and some of you may not even know what it is. It is the form of the Mass that was commonly said throughout the Church since 1962. The Second Vatican Council introduced a number of reforms which were implemented in the 1970’s that make up the Mass as it is celebrated today. While both liturgies have many things in common, there are a number of key differences including: use of the Latin language, silence during much of the Mass, the common facing direction of all attending the Mass and mandatory receiving communion on the tongue while kneeling.

Ever since I was ordained a priest, I have been blessed with many opportunities to say this form of the Mass. I have seen many people renewed in their faith by attending this Mass, and great blessings come to parishes that have it. If it was just something I was attracted to, I would be just as happy saying a private Latin Mass on my day off every week. As time goes on, though, I am seeing the Holy Spirit work through the Traditional Latin Mass for the renovating of the Church. In our parish, I have gotten more people to help out with, and attend the Latin Mass than literally any other event I have tried to do. I have found people to serve, to sing and to help in other ways. Everything seems to be falling into place for this to happen and I think at this point I would be saying no to God if I delayed any longer.

So, I will have one Traditional Latin Mass next Sunday. I am doing this to see if people can attend at that time and whether or not it is too exhausting for myself or other priests to do on top of the normal Mass schedule. If everything works out, we will have another one next month. If all goes well for the months after that, I will consider having it every Sunday. My ideal time to have a Latin Mass would be in the morning. However, obviously, we have a full schedule and I would not want to upset any of our faithful parishioners who may not want to see any change in the liturgy. I respect those wishes and instead offer a sacrifice of my own time for what I think is right and good for the Church.

I pray for you all that no matter which Mass you attend, that your love for the Eucharist will ever increase.

God bless!

Fr. Carter