Prayer

Welcome to St. John XXIII Latin Mass Community!

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The Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 11:30 am and Holy Days of Obligation (see bulletin for times)at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 1220 University Ave, Fort Collins, CO

If you are new to this community or liturgy, take some time to look through the information below and feel free to reach out with any questions. Also, if you would like to be paired to sit with someone for your first few Masses, please let us know at the Welcome table in the Narthex.We are very happy to have newcomers and want to make you feel as welcome as possible.

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First time attending?

Attire for Mass

We ask that everyone – men and women – come to Mass dressed modestly. We are in the presence of the King of Kings, and therefore we dress accordingly. While not required, ladies are encouraged to wear a head covering or veil while in the church. Doing so is a traditional devotion indicating humility and purity before God.

Please feel reach out if you would like clothing for Mass (skirt, veil, shirt, slacks, tie). salveregina365@pm.me

 

Missals

A red booklet missal is provided that contains the prayers of the Mass in both Latin and English to assist you as you pray the Mass. You can usually find a red booklet and a weekly leaflet(these are called Mass Propers) on a table just inside the sanctuary or on the Welcome table in the Narthex.  For your first several Masses, you may not want to follow along at all.  You may just want to listen, watch and pray.

 

Seating

Sit towards the front for a better view, but avoid the first three to four pews if you are unfamiliar with the postures. The front pew is reserved for reception of the Eucharist so this pew is left open.  Stop by the Welcome table in the Narthex as we are happy to help you sit near someone who can assist you with the postures and the missal.  We were all new once and are happy to welcome you and make you feel comfortable.

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The Mass

 

Who may attend the Latin Mass?

Anyone may attend. No special background or membership is required. Catholics of any rite can fulfill their obligation for Mass on Sundays and Holy Days by attending the Traditional Latin Mass.

 

Language

The priest prays the Mass in Latin, the official language of the Roman Catholic Church. The priest will always preach the homily in English.

 

Priest faces the altar

The priest faces God in the tabernacle and the altar of sacrificeas he offers the Mass. In this manner, the priest and congregation face God together and unite their prayers during Mass.

 

Silence

People are quiet as they come into the church to show reverence for the Blessed Sacrament and to prepare themselves for Mass. Silence allows us to reflect upon our relationship with God and allows Him to speak to us. You will also notice periods of silence throughout the Mass where the priest is silently praying.

 

Following along with the Mass

As mentioned above, red booklet missals and weekly Mass Propers are distributed for those who wish to follow along with the text of most of the Mass. Again, for your first severalLatin Masses, you may not want to follow along at all.  You may just want to listen, watch and pray. 

 

Postures

If you are unsure when to stand, sit or kneel, you may follow the instructions in the red booklet missal or just follow the cues of the others around you. Don’t worry if you make a mistake in sitting, standing, or kneeling; follow the congregation.

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Responses

The most important form of participation while at Mass is interior prayer. For this reason, the altar servers make most of the responses to the priest, rather than the congregation. During a High Mass, some of the responses may be sung by the congregation.

 

Communion

At the traditional Latin Mass, one receives Holy Communion while kneeling (if capable) in the front pew nearest the sanctuary. The Host is received on the tongue, not in the hands. Additionally, one does not respond “Amen” to the priest; he will say it for you. The Roman Catholic Church permits baptized Catholics who are in a state of grace to receive Communion. By “state of grace” is meant those who are not conscious of any grave sin which has yet to be absolved by sacramental confession.

 

Experiencing the Latin Mass

First experiences vary. You may feel moved, confused, or even disapproving. Give yourself time to adjust. The more you learn about the Latin Mass, the more you will appreciate it. Don’t let a negative first impression deter you.

 

Enjoying the Mass

Relax and lift up your heart and enjoy worshiping in the beauty of His Holy Temple. The Latin Mass can be a profound blessing.With regular attendance, your appreciation for the Mass will grow. It has captivated many Catholics throughout history.

 

Confession

Confessions may be offered before or during the Traditional Latin Mass, depending on priest availability.  Confessions are in English.

 

After Mass

Those who wish to socialize should do so outside or in the Narthex to respect those still in prayer after Mass.

 

FAQs

What is the Traditional Latin Mass?

The Traditional Latin Mass (also known as the Tridentine Mass or Extraordinary Form) is the form of the Roman Catholic Mass codified by Pope St. Pius V in 1570, following the Council of Trent. It was the standard Mass of the Roman Rite until the reforms of Pope Paul VI in 1970, which introduced the Novus Ordo (the current ordinary form of the Mass).

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Why is it called the "Latin" Mass?

It is called the “Latin” Mass because the entire liturgy is celebrated in Latin, the universal language of the Roman Church. Only the homily and certain announcements may be in English.

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Why do some women veil?

While veiling is not required in the Roman Catholic Church, many women choose to veil for many reasons.  Here are a few links with more information: 

Why We Veil

FAQs on Veiling

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What is the difference between a High Mass and Low Mass of the Latin Mass? 

In the Extraordinary Form, there are two primary types of Masses celebrated: the spoken or “Low” Mass, and the “Sung” Mass (sometimes referred to as High Mass).

Low Mass is celebrated by a priest assisted by one or more altar boys. The prayers are spoken (in Latin), and much of the Mass of the Faithful (after the offertory) is almost inaudible, in imitation of the ancient Jewish liturgies given by God to Moses, and emphasizing the fact that we are faced with a profound mystery. A visual sign of a Low Mass is two lighted candles on the altar.

During Low Mass, only the altar servers respond to the priest. The priest alone says the Pater Noster prayer (Our Father), and only he assumes the Orans prayer position (hands extended and held shoulder-width apart).

High Mass may include the Asperges before Mass, in which the priest sprinkles the congregation with Holy Water as part of the opening liturgical ceremony. Sung (High) Mass is so called because many of the prayers of the Mass are sung by the priest, choir, or schola. High Mass also usually employs the use of incense. A visual sign of a High Mass is six lighted candles on the altar.

At Sung Mass, the faithful chant the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus and Agnus Dei with the Schola (choir). The congregation also responds to the Priest in chant during multiple points during the Mass. 

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Other Resources:

Mass of the Ages: A documentary trilogy on the Traditional Latin Mass

Weekly Mass Propers:  This is a great website for printing the Mass Propers. (Print setting = Flip on short edge).

Treasure and Tradition: The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass: Great resource book