We fled Illinois when I retired and we now reside in the Diocese of Fort-Wayne-South Bend, and its bishop, Kevin Rhoades, is very tradition friendly. I have now encountered 3 parishes that have young pastors, all in their early 30s, of all of whom celebrate the EF once a week. The OF at all of the parishes uses the Propers at one of the main Sunday Masses, and they generally all use the Roman Canon on Sunday. The junk music is gone. Before covid broke out, these 3 diocesan priests assisted each other in their respective parishes by offering a Solemn Latin High Mass for major feasts like All Souls Day, etc.
Last night I went to one of the parishes for a Memorial Mass for my late father-in-law, which coincided with the Feast of Pentecost. The altar had the benedictine arrangement, the priest and the altarboys (no girls), entered and exited the sanctuary from the sacristy, and there was no hand holding, Kiss of Peace, nor ANY Eucharistic ministers. The propers were said because for now the Diocese has decreed no singing, but this parish has an exemplary music program including a Gregorian schola which does sing the Latin propers at the principal Sunday Mass. The bells were rung at the consecration and the celebrant and the pastor distributed Holy Communion and I received on the tongue (our Diocese is non-fascist). This Mass was celebrated in a manner which demonstrates continuity with Catholic tradition. The congregation was young, with babies present. I joked with the pastor after Mass that it took the coronavirus to restore dignity to the Mass.
Bee, the pastor also told me he is a huge fan of your parish, St. John Cantius, and derives inspiration from is going on there. I told him I was fortunate to have been able to go there during our time in Chicago.
Since this parish is only about 30 minutes from our home, I do plan to return for the EF and any of their solemn Masses. I am truly blessed that I am living here and lived to see this day.
2 comments:
The Propers, the Vidi Aquam, the Veni Sancte Spiritus, and the Missa de Angelis. Give this priest a Gold Star! That parish is fortunate to have him.
Father McDonald,
We fled Illinois when I retired and we now reside in the Diocese of Fort-Wayne-South Bend, and its bishop, Kevin Rhoades, is very tradition friendly. I have now encountered 3 parishes that have young pastors, all in their early 30s, of all of whom celebrate the EF once a week. The OF at all of the parishes uses the Propers at one of the main Sunday Masses, and they generally all use the Roman Canon on Sunday. The junk music is gone. Before covid broke out, these 3 diocesan priests assisted each other in their respective parishes by offering a Solemn Latin High Mass for major feasts like All Souls Day, etc.
Last night I went to one of the parishes for a Memorial Mass for my late father-in-law, which coincided with the Feast of Pentecost. The altar had the benedictine arrangement, the priest and the altarboys (no girls), entered and exited the sanctuary from the sacristy, and there was no hand holding, Kiss of Peace, nor ANY Eucharistic ministers. The propers were said because for now the Diocese has decreed no singing, but this parish has an exemplary music program including a Gregorian schola which does sing the Latin propers at the principal Sunday Mass. The bells were rung at the consecration and the celebrant and the pastor distributed Holy Communion and I received on the tongue (our Diocese is non-fascist). This Mass was celebrated in a manner which demonstrates continuity with Catholic tradition. The congregation was young, with babies present. I joked with the pastor after Mass that it took the coronavirus to restore dignity to the Mass.
Bee, the pastor also told me he is a huge fan of your parish, St. John Cantius, and derives inspiration from is going on there. I told him I was fortunate to have been able to go there during our time in Chicago.
Since this parish is only about 30 minutes from our home, I do plan to return for the EF and any of their solemn Masses. I am truly blessed that I am living here and lived to see this day.
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