Getting Ready for the Traditional Latin Mass

Overview of Classes

1.  Stepping into Paradise

At the beginning of each Mass, we depart from earthly things and are swept into the supernatural.  In this first class, we shall explore the very first words and actions of the Traditional Latin Mass.  We shall take note of the unique element of sorrow for sin before the Divine Majesty.

2.  Inspiration from the Inspired Word

The Epistle and Gospel follow along with the Sermon and the Creed.  In the Traditional Latin Mass, these elements possess a power and meaning which will be fully examined in this class.

3.  Readying the Ordinary to Become the Extraordinary

In this class, we shall look at the Offertory with a particular emphasis on the splendid prayers recited by the Priest in silence.  Each one points to the fact that such ordinary things as bread and wine shall soon be transformed into God’s Body and Blood.

4.  When Angels Dash In

At the words “Holy, Holy, Holy” (in the Traditional Latin Mass, “Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus”) the Priest and Faithful utter the words that the Angels do before the Throne of God as we are told in the Book of the Apocalypse (Rev. 4:5).  Thus begins the Roman Canon whose prayers are closely studied in this class.

5.  Standing on the Hill of Calvary

The climax of the Roman Canon, and of the Holy Mass, both Traditional Latin and Novus Ordo, is the Consecration.  In this class, we analyze the precise words used by the Priest representing Christ hanging on the Cross as our very own eyes behold it all!

6.  In Awe of the Eucharist

After the Consecration, Our Blessed Savior lays upon the Altar.  This presence of the Sacrificial Lamb shapes all the prayers of the Roman Canon which follow and intensifies the multiple rubrical adorations of the Priest.  All these aspects are examined in this sixth class.

7.  Rapt in Wonder

As the Roman Canon comes to a close, both Priest and Faithful are still transfixed by what can only be called – wonder.  The prayers of the Priest are explored in this class with their resolution in thrice hailing the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God), begging that He show mercy upon us who are so undeserving of such love.

8.  Feasting on the Lamb of God

In the Traditional Latin Mass, exquisite details of love and adoration surround the reception of Our Lord in Holy Communion by Priest and Faithful.  In this class, we shall study this whole ensemble of reverential and awed gesture as unworthy men approach the Incarnate Son of God.

9.  Heaven’s Afterglow

After Holy Communion, Our Lord has departed our Altar, except for a few stray particles of that Most Precious Body and Blood.  It is the solemn duty of the Priest to show attention to even those slightest drops or crumbs – for though they be minuscule, they are Christ.  In this class, we examine the ritual actions of the Priest as he discharges this privileged obligation.

10.  The End is the Beginning

The conclusion of the Traditional Latin Mass reveals a cluster of prayers and rubrical actions that stir both him and the Faithful.  Both recognize that with the grace of the Mass, Christ’s expectations of us are only beginning.  In this class, we shall closely analyze these prayers and actions.

11.  The Sacred Vestments, Sacred Vessels and Sanctuary Appointments

In this class, we will examine the meaning of each vestment the Priest wears for Mass – the colors of the vestments, the sacred vessels, their meanings, etc.  We will also look at sacred Church architecture as well and the origin of our Church buildings.

12.  Your Missal:  “Don’t leave home without it!”

All that has been discussed in this course may initially seem bewilderingly rich.  And it is.  For this reason, the Church produced what is called the Missal which effectively navigates the ordinary Catholic through the profound complexities of the Traditional Latin Mass.  This will be a “how-to” class on using the Missal facilitating deeper participation.

Topics also to include:

Prayers at the Foot of the Altar/Introit/Gloria/Collect

Lessons/Gradual/Sermon/Creed

Offertory

Roman Canon   I – Sanctus to Hanc Igitur

Roman Canon  II – Consecration

Roman Canon III – Anamnesis to Per Ipsum

Pater Noster/Agnus Dei

Priest’s Communion/Communion of the Faithful

Ablutions

Postcommunion/Blessing/Last Gospel

Priestly Vestments, Vessels and Linens

Sanctuary and the Altar

Church Architecture of 1,500 years as inspired and determined by the Traditional Mass

How to use the Missal