Monday, August 13, 2007

Ask your pastor

As we get closer to September 14, we have yet to hear anything more from the Cathedral regarding the Traditional Mass. [Actually, I was informed this weekend, that a recent article in the Union Leader said that our bishop is giving all parishes his encouragement. Viva His Excellency! If anyone has access to the article, please email me.] I guess that this shouldn't be that big of an issue since the Holy Father really puts it on the laity to do the hard work. Public celebrations will occur only if there are continuous groups of parishioners who request the Mass.

For this reason, I think that it is imperative that we charitably ask our pastors for the Traditional Mass. This would mean that registered parishioners need to individually ask our priests. If your parish has any co-pastors, be sure to talk to them also. I also encourage you to seek out others in your own parish who would like the Traditional Mass. The more parishes, the better. If there are enough people in your parish, there should be no reason to drive 2 hours from Hanover to Nashua.

Una Voce has posted some good advice on how to request the Mass. I would like to change it a bit.

The big picture.
1. Register if you want the Traditional Mass (REMEMBER - If you regularly attend another parish, say an indult Traditional Mass in MA, you can still register at a local parish).
2. Engage in a friendly conversation with your priest. Be brief and clear. "Hi Father, my family and I would really like to attend the Traditional Mass here. Father Doe says that he has been practicing and would like to offer it here. What else can we do to help you carry out the Holy Father's intention?"