Community Raving about Mass on December 28th!

After the Holy Mass on December 28th at St. Agnes Cathedral offered according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, there was certainly a buzz. Two firsts took place, one of our own received her First Holy Communion, Our Lord coming to her physically for the first time, during the course of a Mass offered according to the Extraordinary Form, something that an entire generation of people missed out on. May the Klump family and especially their daughter be blessed in this special time for them.


Also, one of the seminarians from the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Giarardeau attended the Mass "in choro", attending with cassock and surplice and biretta, sitting prominently in the sanctuary. Many of the faithful remarked on how wonderful it was to watch a young semiarian reverence the name of Jesus, taking off his brietta at the utterance of the Holy Name. Joe Kelly is certainly a model for other young seminarians to follow, faithful to the Holy Father's call for reform, reform at the most integral part of priestly life, the offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Motu Fever! Motu Proprio Worldwide!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYUNQoYFrbI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rkz01LsCOJM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4ehYX53mN4&feature=related

The Extraordinary Form Mass is truly for all!

First Communion Update!

Wonderful news from the Extraordinary Form Mass in Springfield as one of our own prepares to receive her First Holy Communion this evening. Please keep the Klump Family in your thoughts and prayers during this special time for them.

Plenary Indulgence/Mass Schedule Update!

Important!

Those wishing to attend Holy Mass according to the Extraordinary Form on the 1st of January (a Holyday of Obligation), will be pleased to note that the Mass time has been moved for this day only to 1 PM, PLEASE TAKE NOTE. Again, for the sake of the faithful, a reminder that at this Mass the choir will sing the Veni Creator. The faithful who unite themselves to the offering of this hymn, interiorly or by joinging in the singing of it, gain, under the usual conditions, a plenary indulgence, provided they are aware and intend to receive it.

**A side note: The choir will use the footnoted text in force before the changes to the Hymn made in recent years. It can be found on the same page as the hymn, and it affects a number of verses. **

Today's Lesson in Catechism

Sunday December 28 - Lesson 1 - God

His Nature
His Attributes
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Ghost

While the Classes are geared towards those preparing to the receive the Sacraments, all are invited of any age.

Classes begin at 5:30 on the second floor of the old convent

Solemnity of the Epiphany of Our Lord

The celebration of the Feast is of course going to be observed on the day prescribed, January 6th, with the possibility of the observance of the External Solemnity on a Sunday. More details on the date, and what this would mean to be posted following a decision.

Schedules for Volunteers

It seems advantageous that in addition to the altar boy schedule which can be found a few posts down, the rotation for the other positions essential to a smooth running of the offering of the Extraordinary Form will be posted soon on this site as well.

Ask a Trad - "Third" Confiteor Controversy

This Photo taken from the Solemn High Mass offered by the FSSP in Washington.




It has come to my attention on more than one occasion that some have questions surrounding the use of the "third" Confiteor (Confiteor before Holy Communion) at the Extraordinary Form Mass in Springfield.



In the reforms published by Blessed Pope John XXIII, this rite was noticeably absent. Nearly fifty years after the publication of that editio typica of the Roman Missal, the "third" Confiteor continues to be said at Masses supposedly said according to the 1962 Missal. Can these Masses be considered to be Holy Masses according to the Mass in force in 1962? Absolutely. Let me explain.



There are a number of reasons why the use of the "third" Confiteor is justified in the Extraordinary Form Mass:



1 It is an immemorial custom, and as such, the faithful more often than not expect it.

2. It is used by Cardinals and others officially representing the Ecclesia Dei Commission

3. The understanding of the Communion Rite in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite



***

One of the examples easiest to call to the mind of those who attend the Extraordinary Form of a custom trumping the law of the legislator is the case of the Masses in use from at least the year 1370. St. Pius V when he mandated the Roman Missal for the entire Church allowed those regions that had a Missal that could prove its existence to be at least 200 years old to retain the use of that Missal over the law that he intended to bind the entire Church. Custom is recognized as something very sacred because our customs and traditions become instruments in our faith, they help us nuture our faith and help us pass it down through the generations. This explains the leniency of the ecclesiastical legislators when it comes to custom.

The use of the "third" Confiteor is a custom that is centuries upon centuries old (an immemorial custom). According to the New Advent Website on Canon Law regarding customs they provide the following:


A custom is an unwritten law introduced by the continuous acts of the faithful with the consent of the legitimate legislator. Custom may be considered as a fact and as a law. As a fact, it is simply the frequent and free repetition of acts concerning the same thing; as a law, it is the result and consequence of that fact. Hence its name, which is derived from consuesco or consuefacio and denotes the frequency of the action. (Cap. Consuetudo v, Dist. i.)



Division


(a) Considered according to extent, a custom is universal, if received by the whole Church; or general (though under another aspect, particular), if observed in an entire country or province; or special, if it obtains among smaller but perfect societies; or most special (specialissima) if among private individuals and imperfect societies. It is obvious that the last-named cannot elevate a custom into a legitimate law.
(b) Considered according to duration, custom is prescriptive or non-prescriptive. The former is subdivided, according to the amount of time requisite for a custom of fact to become a custom of law, into ordinary (i.e. ten or forty years) and immemorial.
(c) Considered according to method of introduction, a custom is judicial or extrajudicial. The first is that derived from forensic usage or precedent. This is of great importance in ecclesiastical circles, as the same prelates are generally both legislators and judges, i.e. the pope and bishops. Extrajudicial custom is introduced by the people, but its sanction becomes the more easy the larger the number of learned or prominent men who embrace it.
(d) Considered in its relation to law, a custom is according to law (juxta legem) when it interprets or confirms an existing statute; or beside the law (prœter legem) when no written legislation on the subject exists; or contrary to law (contra legem) when it derogates from or abrogates a statute already in force.



Now lets say we assume that the "third" Confieor was used prior to the reforms and yet had no way to prove it, and no way to prove that it is still used today by those who celebrate the Extraordinary Form Mass, in this circumstance we would have to discontinue its use. Back to New Advent on how customs can be revoked (my comments in black):



Customs may be revoked by a competent ecclesiastical legislator, in the same way and for the same reasons as other ordinances are abrogated.



Goodbye "third" Confiteor!



A later general law contrary to a general custom will nullify the latter, but a particular custom will not be abrogated by a general law, unless a clause to that effect be inserted. Even such a nullifying clause will not be sufficient for the abrogation of immemorial customs. The latter must be mentioned explicitly, for they are held not to be included in any general legal phrase, however sweeping its terms may be.



Hello "third" Confiteor! This practice was never explicitly abandoned, it was only noticeably absent from the liturgical books. (More on the path this can lead to later)



Customs may likewise be abrogated by contrary customs, or they may lose their legal force by the mere fact that they fall into desuetude. Finally, an authentic declaration that a custom is absolutely contrary to good morals (rumpens nervum disciplinœ) and detrimental to the interests of the hierarchy or of the faithful deprives it of its supposed legal value.



Most of the world retains the "third" Confiteor and hence a contrary universal custom has not found the force of law at this time.

***
In Masses offered by those from the Ecclesia Dei Commission, the use of the third confiteor is retained, and as such, its enduring use by the Church is recognized by a competent legislator in the matter. Pictures attesting to this fact will be posted soon. The pictures will be extremely important as use by a Bishop constitutes the proof of the confiteors retention even though it was omitted not just from the Roman Missal but from the Pontificale Romanum of bishops.

***

The Communion Rite in the Extraordinary Form is NOT considered to be an essential part of the Mass. By 1962, the commission that eventually drafted the Ordo Missae of Paul VI in 1969 already began to make changes in preparation for the gradual introduction of an entirely new Missal (what we know today as the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite). One of these changes was the view that the Communion Rite was an integral part of the Mass. This is in total contrast to the entire history behind the reception of Holy Communion of the faithful in the Roman Rite before the reforms. Holy Communion was commonly received outside of Holy Mass to denote clearly that it was not essential for the completion of the Sacrifice, but only the consumption of the Sacred Species by the priest. For various good reasons the change was made to have the Communion Rite inserted into the Mass long before the Second Vatican Council. This rite was seperate from the Mass, it was literally picked out of the liturgical books and inserted into the Mass. It began with a Confiteor, and then had the Misereatur, Indugentiam, and the Ecce Agnus Dei, just as we see during Mass, this is how the practice began. Holy Communion has from time immemorial, far surpassing the force of local custom, or any kind of particular law, been distributed to the faithful in this manner, whether in the context of the Mass or outside.

Indeed in Stockton, Missouri when the Holy Mass according to the Extraordinary Form was offered there, Father graciously offered members of the choir and those who had gone to Confession following the Mass, a chance to receive Holy Communion outside of the Mass using this Rite, as if one was observing a ceremony that they commonly know to take place DURING Mass.

***

Earlier in the post I alluded to a mentality that came after the reforms that everything previous had to be done away with if it was not mentioned explicitly in the rubrics. Hence the biretta fell into disuse, the priest ceased joining his fingers after the Consecration of the Sacred Species and countless other observances, simply because the books did not provide for their use.

Luckily we see many of these things being reintroduced, even into the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, precisely because priests are educating themselves to realize that an omission is not the same as an all out notice of a now forbidden practice. The third Confetior has even a doctrinal symbolism attached to it that further helps the Mass be our guide in faith, our Catechism.

***

Right before we are met with our Creator in the Sacred Species at the "Ecce Agnus Dei", we have a period of recognition of our venial faults and a cleasing, just as what happens in Purgatory before the Beatific Vision. This is a beautiful doctrinal reality expressed so clearly in the context of the Holy Mass. The third confiteor then, provides not only a custom, or a cleansing from venial sins before Holy Communion, but even allows for a manifestation of a doctrinal truth. The Holy Mass as left to us from our fathers before us is truly a treasure and to let the "third" Confiteor fall into disuse would be in my humble opinion a poor way of doing our duty to transit and deposit the faith and the Mass and our Catholic practices to the next generation.

God Bless!

Plenary Indulgence!

A PLENARY INDULGENCE for those faithful who assist at Mass on January 1st (a Holy Day of Obligation) and who hear the Veni Creator sung, provided that they intend to get the Indulgence and fulfill the usual requirements.

Altar Boy Schedule - January 2009

Altar Boy Schedule

Octave of the Nativity (Holy Day) - Jared Gibbs (Book) - Dominic Jackson (Bell)

Holy Name of Jesus - Joshua Kramer (Book) - Michael Kramer (Bell)
Holy Family - Neil Klump (Thurifer) - Jared Gibbs (Crucifer) - Joshua Kramer (Book) - Austin Hoang (Bell) - Dominic Jackson (Boat) ***ANY ADDITIONAL SERVERS WILL BE ASSIGNED AS TORCH BEARERS***
3rd Sunday - Dominic Jackson (Book) - Michael Kramer (Bell)
4th Sunday - Neil Klump (Book) - Austin Hoang (Bell)

*Alternates for a High Mass will be assigned in the sacristy prior to Mass based on those who arrive*
*Alternates for Low Mass as follows*

Joshua Kramer will be covered by Austin Hoang (1st) Jared Gibbs (2nd)
Michael Kramer will be covered by Neil Klump (1st) Dominic Jackson (2nd)
Dominic Jackson will be covered by Neil Klump (1st) Austin Hoang (2nd)
Austin Hoang will be covered by Joshua Kramer (1st) Jared Gibbs (2nd)
Neil Klump will be covered by Dominic Jackson (1st) Jared Gibbs (2nd)
Jared Gibbs will be covered by Austin Hoang (1st) Joshua Kramer (2nd)
**In February, at LEAST 2 servers will be added to the schedule**
***Any scheduling conflicts? Please call Mike at 417.773.2606***

****Altar Boys are expected to arrive 10-15 minutes before the Mass and vest in their cassock and surplice promptly****

MERRY CHRISTMAS

And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7
Douay-Rheims Bible

Ask a Trad II

A question comes from someone who prefers to remain anonymous: Can a priest who is offering the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Novus Ordo), use the so called "prayers at the foot of the altar" or recite the so called "Last Gospel"? The answer to both questions is yes. Let me explain.

A priest COULD lead the congregation in the prayers at the foot of the altar before the Entrance procession or could say them privately himself during the entrance procession as Father Fessio recently admitted he's been doing with the Ordinary Form since learning to offer the Extraordinary Form. A more risky position, one that I will need to do some further research on, is that a priest hypothetically could process out and begin the prayers at the foot of the altar from the words Introibo ad altare Dei etc instead of the Sign of the Cross, and then at their completion, ascend the altar, and begin the Mass as per usual, that is of course unless there is something in the general instruction that prohibts the priest stopping in the entrance procession. But the other two options certainly hold. Regarding the Last Gospel. The Mass is ended literally when the deacon or celebrant says "the Mass is ended", and so anything COULD be done here. However, just like with the prayers at the foot of the altar, my assumption is that it is the intention of the General Instruction for the Roman Missal to instruct the priest to process without delay to the altar at the start of Mass and recess without delay at the end of Mass. THAT being said, It is entirely within the priests rights to do what was originally done with the Last Gospel and recite it from the sacristy, perhaps even over a microphone for the congregation to hear, God willing this would occur after the congregation recited the St. Michael prayer, something that the Holy Father John Paul II, took initial steps to restore to the end of Mass. Intresting times are ahead, we may see changes just like these, particularly the prayers at the foot of the altar, and the St. Michael prayer restored to the Ordinary Form.

Mass Settings for High Mass, Christmas Carols

A list of Christmas Carols to be sung will be posted soon, all of the congregation is invited to participate on this joyful occasion.

After the Feast of the Nativity of Our Blessed Lord Jesus Christ. We will begin to incorporate Mass XI into our Mass settings used at St. Agnes Cathedral. Please print copies of the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei, as they are not found in the red Ecclesia Dei booklets. Appropriate links will be posted soon. Check back often as we are not wanting anyone left out!

Christmas Schedule

Christmas Mass according to the 1962 Missal (Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite) will be offered at St. Agnes Cathedral at 7 PM on December 25th. Carols begin at 6:30. Veni, Veni Emmanuel!

Follow Up Reminder

It is also important to remember that anyone, at any parish, anywhere is entitled to a Traditional Latin Mass for their marriage or their funeral. If someone is in need of either of these two things please encourage them to contact Father Orthel. Tell your friends! Perhaps they don't know that they are entitled to be married and even buried the same way their family has been for centuries.

Important Reminder

Visiting our website from Willow Springs? Carthage? Perhaps any other location within driving distance of Springfield and seeking the Traditional Sacraments for you and/or your children? Classes are starting soon for those preparing outside of a homeschooled environment. Hence if you are intrested in any of the Sacraments please contact both Father Orthel and myself to let us know. Our email addresses are listed on the site. We need to hear from you soon in order for you to be able to receive the Sacraments this year!

Springfield Latin Mass Gift Goodies!

I urge everyone to take a moment to visit www.zazzle.com/m_kramer_2004* (with the star included). The page is being updated soon with more products to help support the Traditional Latin Mass in Springfield and to show your support for the Traditional Latin Mass. Not in Springfield, or even Missouri? NO PROBLEM! There will be something on there for everyone! Tell your friends!

Ask a Trad!

I am starting this section in response to some questions floating around both here in Springfield and in other areas around the State and the Country.

The question is asked: What of the Ordinary of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Creed,etc), must all the parts come from the same Mass setting whether in the Liber, Kyriale, or the work of some composer?

The answer is a resounding NO! You may use the Kyrie from Mass VIII, Gloria from Mass IX, Credo V, Sanctus from Byrd's Mass of Three Voices, and the Agnus Dei from Palestrina's Missa Papa Marcelli. The Gregorian Mass settings in the Liber Usualis are suggestions, they are not binding.

In Springfield, we have High Mass once a month and the choir knows Mass VIII. It will debut Mass XVII shortly for Gaudete Sunday, and then begin incorporating Mass XI into its cycle. It is wise to have at least a few of the Gregorian settings of the Mass known by the Choir. In my opinion, Masses VIII, IX, XI, and XVII are most appropriate if the choir is not professional, or does not meet regularly. It goes without mentioning of course, that the Funeral Mass should be learned.

While this concludes the first "Ask a Trad!" post, I am hoping that in the future we will receive email questions regarding rubrics for beyond the Communion Rail or guidelines for the choir. Any emails sent in this regard will be posted unless the questioner states that he prefer otherwise. God Bless!

Reform of the Reform in Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese!

Ft. Leonard Wood, a home to our brave soldiers, is preparing to invite in some of the Holy Fathers "Marshall Plan". Together with some traditional minded liturgists and musicians from Springfield, the Catholic Chapel there will be adding chanted Masses and other practices that have become rare in the Ordinary Form, into its parish life. Anticipated are things such as the Vidi Aquam or Asperges being sung before the Mass, a sung Prayers of the Faithful, traditional Gregorian hymns and propers, and so on (in the Ordinary Form, the possibilities are ENDLESS!). Please keep this community in your prayers, as many graces can be gained for them through this.

It is ESSENTIAL to keep in mind that this "Reform of the Reform" is equally as important as the return of the Traditional Rites of the Church. Sacrality must be restored where it was lost, and brought back in forms which were set aside. One Parish at a time.

Attn All!: Catechism Classes Starting!!!

Catechism Classes Begin December 21st!

Mark Your Calendars!

Where? St. Agnes Cathedral

When? 5:30 PM, Prior to Holy Mass with class dismissing in time for the Holy Rosary

Who? While classes are geared to help prepare for the Sacraments, all are invited!

High Latin Mass DVD

If your parish is wanting to start the Traditional Latin High Mass this is the DVD for you!

• Full-length instructional video of the Latin High Mass with Incense
• See the priest’s rubrics of the Missa Cantata (High Mass) demonstrated
• Observe the rubrics of liturgical music for the Extraordinary Form
• Video of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• Stunning choral music by the St. Cecilia Choir of St. John Cantius Church, Chicago.
• Evocative rendering of the Gregorian Chant propers and ordinary by the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius
• Organ music by Br. Jonathan Ryan, S.J.C., featuring the church’s 101 year-old Kilgen organ.
• BONUSvideo of sacristy preparation and vesting.

READ MORE HERE

Upcoming Workshops - Extraordinary Form

Upcoming dates for Extraordinary Form Seminars:

Low Mass		January 26 - 30 (Monday - Friday)	$300.00
Low Mass		April 27 - May 1 (Monday - Friday)	$300.00
Sung Mass *NEW*		June 8 - June 12 (Monday - Friday)	$250.00

The Program:

Each workshop comprises a five-day residential course at Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary including both classroom sessions and practical hands-on instruction. All instruction, training materials, meals, and room & board at the seminary are provided.

Low Mass Workshop:

• A comprehensive introduction to the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and its liturgical principles
• An overview of the 1962 Roman Missal and liturgical calendar
• A complete explanation and demonstration, with practical hands-on instruction, in the ceremony of Low Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal
• Tips and strategies for gaining proficiency in Latin
• An introduction to Sung Mass and Gregorian Chant

Sung Mass Workshop:

• Comprehensive hands-on instruction and training in the ceremonies of Sung and Solemn Mass
• Comprehensive overview and practice in the chants of the Sung Mass
• Complete training in all the altar server positions for Sung Mass

LEARN MORE HERE

Our History & Tradition

Pledging solidarity with Pope Benedict XVI and Bishop James Vann Johnston, this Latin Mass Community of Springfield Missouri weblog was created in January of 2008, as an online communication network for traditional Catholics of the Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau, particularly those in Springfield and the surrounding areas.

The Latin Mass Community of Springfield Missouri is a traditional Catholic network within the Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau and under the pastoral care of our local bishop. Our community consists of people of all ages, but we are particularly seeing growth among the youth and young families. All are welcome to join us for worship. While we hold no animosity toward the Ordinary Form of the liturgy, we are particularly appreciative of the solemnity and beauty offered by the Traditional Latin Mass. We are also mindful of those customs which were common to the Church prior to the 1970s. These include the use of Latin prayers, modest dress, chapel veils, Gregorian chant, frequent confessions along with a general appreciation for all things traditional. We are not a sect apart from the mainstream Church, but rather a community within the Diocese, seeking to enrich Catholic culture in Southwest Missouri, and become a blessing to all the parishes around us.

The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), also known as the "Tridentine Mass," "Gregorian Mass," and "Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite," is the classical Latin Mass that was celebrated throughout nearly all of the western world prior to the introduction of the Novus Ordo Missae of Pope Paul VI in 1969. For some time after this, the TLM was relegated to obscurity until 1984 when Pope John Paul II issued a Letter entitled "Quattor abhinc annos" which provided a means for the TLM to make a restricted, but highly anticipated return. Due to increasing frequency of requests the Holy Father issued a Motu Proprio (decree of his own accord) in 1988 entitled "Ecclesia Dei" which created the 'Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter' and encouraged the bishops to allow generous use of the Traditional Latin Mass upon request within their local diocese.

On July 7th, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI issued another Motu Proprio on the TLM, entitled "Summorum Pontificum." Not even a generation after Ecclesia Dei was written, Summorum Pontificum clarified to all the faithful that the TLM had never been revoked and hence was indeed always permitted. Thus, to allow for the document to have its intended effect, a substantial increase in the number of TLM's, the former requirement to seek permission from the local ordinary was abolished. The Holy Father then addressed the Bishops, encouraging them to see to it that those requesting the TLM were provided for if a local priest could not be found, and in cases where it would be appropriate, to establish parishes exclusively dedicated to the TLM.

On February 10th, 2008, Bishop John J. Leibrecht established upon consultation with Father Fergus Monaghan, a monthly Traditional Latin Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Springfield Missouri, to be offered by Monsignor Raymond Orf. The event was widely covered by the Springfield news media, as it was the first Traditional Latin Mass to be celebrated in the city in over thirty years.

Father Joseph Orthel also began providing a weekly Traditional Latin Mass at Saint Peter the Apostle Church in Stockton Missouri, in his capacity as pastor, as provided for in Summorum Pontificum. Father James Vann Johnston, of Knoxville Tennessee, was consecrated as the new bishop on March 31st, 2008 taking possession of the See of Springfield - Cape Girardeau after Bishop Leibrecht's retirement. Shortly thereafter, Father Orthel was transferred to Saint Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, wherein Sunday and weekday celebrations of the TLM began at the Cathedral on July 1st, 2008. Gradually celebrations of the Traditional Latin Mass began cropping up in surrounding areas of Southwest Missouri. With that Pope Benedict XVI's liturgical renewal was underway in our Diocese.

Three SW Missouri Men Seek Priesthood

See video here

Below is the text...

(Springfield, MO) -- Practicing religion on a regular basis is something more and more young adults are taking into consideration.

But there's also a small group of people taking it a step further and choosing to commit for life.

The priesthood is a vocation inside the catholic church that takes a lot of intense preparation and soul searching. It's a call to service many young men are deciding to answer.

Prayer is what helps keep a group of Springfield brothers together.

The Kelly's all have a common goal ,and that is to become Catholic priests.

"It started when I was very young. I think I was in kindergarten when I first felt to be called a priest. My dad and I were going to mass one day, and I saw a priest walk by and I looked up at my dad and I said 'Dad I want to be a father' meaning I want to be priest. And ever since then the calling has always been in my heart," said Joe Kelly.

Joe is 20-years-old and is the youngest of the three and the first in his family to answer the call from Christ.

"I want to help souls that may be lost or who may be struggling. Even those who are at task with their lives or those that know what they are doing. I want to keep encouraging them and just keep helping them," he said...

read full story here

100th Anniversary Celebration of St. Francis de Sales Oratory in Saint Louis

The occasion was none other than the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the dedication of this church, and the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales was packed to standing-room only last Sunday, the 23rd of November. An estimated 1,200 souls came to assist at the Pontifical Solemn High Mass celebrated by the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Bishop Robert Hermann.

This magnificent church, now an Oratory administered by the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest was completed and dedicated for sacred use on November 26, 1908. One hundred years later, in his sermon Bishop Hermann pointed out the Oratory as a treasure for the whole Archdiocese, with the verticality of its architecture and its liturgy, and with the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales.

“We are not drawn to God by iron chains, but by sweet attractions and holy inspirations,” wrote St. Francis de Sales (d.1622), affectionately known as the “Gentleman Saint,” a Doctor of the Church, and the patron saint of this church. The splendid liturgy on Sunday was a perfect illustration of “sweet attractions and holy inspirations” meant by St. Francis de Sales, and the “verticality” spoken of by the Bishop. The same liturgy did for us last Sunday as it did for the congregation of one hundred years ago: it lifted our gaze and expanded our hearts upward, toward things eternal and toward God....

read full story here

Gregorian Chant Revival!!!

All Invited!!!

November 9th following Msgr. Orf's High Mass

Learn Kyrie, Sanctus, Agnus Dei for Advent

Learn Hymns that will be used during Advent

Get more familiar with Gregorian Chant

Join this effort to revive Gregorian Chant!

posted by Michael Kramer

HELP WANTED

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The Latin Mass Community at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield is in need of help. Please consider donating some time. We need more volunteers if we want to continue having a Tridentine mass in the Springfield area... VIEW APPLICATION HERE
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August 15 - Feast of The Assumption

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Holy Day of Obligation: An extraordinary-form Latin mass will be celebrated at 7:00 pm on Friday, August 15, at St. Agnes Cathedral. This will be Father Orthel's first sung mass.
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Diocesan Priest Attends Sacred Music Workshop

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Fr. Joseph Orthel attended the ‘Midwest Gregorian Chant Workshop’ sponsored by the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas at the Benedictine College in Atchison, Ks. The objective of three day workshop was to learn to sing sacred music of the Catholic Church at Mass. Andrew Mills, from New York City, a member of ‘Church Music Association of America’; and choir director at St. Agnes across from Grand Central Station in New York City, was the chantmaster and clinician for the Gregorian chant portion of the workshop. The workshop was advertised for people beginning an interest in Gregorian chant, but the experience level of the participants included choir directors with PhD degrees in music. As the group progressed in learning, a chanted Novus Ordo High Mass was offered daily. At the conclusion of the workshop on Saturday, Fr. Orthel was called into service as a priest to say the anticipatory Mass for the group. Fr. Orthel admitted his limited experience in the musical field but provided the group with a very spiritually moving, entirely chanted Mass to bring the workshop to a close. Lucas Tappan, from the St. Lawrence Catholic Center in Lawrence, Ks taught polyphony to the group. Polyphony is another form of sacred music in the Church.
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High Latin Mass At St. Agnes Cathedral In Springfield

Some photos of the high Latin mass (extraordinary form) at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield on 7/13/2008...

LATIN MASS - BUMPER STICKER

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You can now order a customized bumper sticker to help promote the Traditional Latin Mass in Southern Missouri...

The sticker features a popular promotional question from the "Got Milk?" campaign, and rephrases it to "Got Latin?" in the official colors of the Vatican flag. The rest of the sticker directs people to this website where they can get more details about times, locations, news and updates. You can order your own here: https://www.bumperart.com/Custom.aspx?ProductId=101797

To place you're order, you'll need to create a free account with "bumperart.com" first. Simply click the link to get started.

By placing your bumper sticker prominently on your vehicle, you'll be letting others in your area know there are places in our diocese where they can worship God in total reverence and solemnity, honoring the ancient traditions of the Catholic Church, and in total union with our bishop and the pope.
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Cancellations In Springfield

ATTENTION: Latin mass community in the Springfield area. The week day mass on Thursday (July 10) and Friday (July 11) will be canceled just for this week only. Father Orthel is needed elsewhere on these dates. Week day mass will resume as normal on Tuesday (July 15) through Friday (July 18) with Father Orthel presiding. A sung high mass will be celebrated at the normal time on Sunday (July 20) with Monsignor Orf presiding.

SPRINGFIELD GETS FULL TRADITIONAL RITE !!!

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Springfield Missouri will now be the home of Traditional Catholicism in the Ozarks. His Excellency, Bishop James Vann Johnston, has transferred Father Joseph Orthel from Stockton to St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield effective July 1st, 2008. Once there, Father Orthel will celebrate the Traditional Latin mass during the week and on ALL Sundays.

Details to follow....

Fr. Joseph Orthel will celebrate the extraordinary form of the Latin rite at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield beginning Tuesday July 1. The new schedule at St. Agnes will be each Sunday, Mass at 7:00 P.M. with confessions from 6:00 - 6:45, weekday Mass starting at 12:15 P.M on Tue-Fri with confessions from 11:30 - 12:00. There will not be a Latin Mass in Stockton after Sunday June 15 as Fr. Orthel will be on vacation moving to Springfield to accept his new assignment at the Cathedral. The extraordinary form of the Latin Mass scheduled on the second Sunday of each month at Holy Trinity Church will be transferred to the Cathedral with Monsignor Raymond Orf as the celebrant.

High Latin Mass in Springfield

Richard Holland of Una Voce Springfield reports...

"We had a high Mass last Sunday and we will continue to have the sung Mass (if we have enough male servers). We do need more servers to train and choir members. Some of the comments included "I experienced a little touch of heaven" and "The music brought tears to my eyes". Also, anyone wanting to donate for vestments, cassocks and all altar supplies can write a check to the "Latin Mass Community" of Springfield at Mass in June. We are selling the Latin-English missals at Mass for $4.00."

If you would like to offer your assistance for the sung High Mass, contact Richard Holland at: rwholland@juno.com

Latin Mass Tutorial DVD and CD Audio

It seems our little Latin Mass Community blog is getting some national attention. Brother Joshua Caswell of the Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius personally requested that the following material be made available to our community via this blog. He wrote: "Our religious order just released a Latin Mass Tutorial DVD and CD Audio Tutorial in Gregorian Chant and Liturgical Prayer for the Latin Mass. We want people to take advantage of this. This may be of interest to those who visit your site."..

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

New Bishop Installed Today

(KOLR 10) - Catholics in Springfield saw something they haven't seen in nearly 24 years.

A new bishop being ordained at the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese.

The Diocese welcomed the new bishop in an ordination and instillation mass Monday featuring church hierarchy from around the country.

They came to Springfield to ordain Father James Vann Johnston as the Diocese's sixth bishop.

Bishop Johnston replaces the outgoing bishop john Leibrecht, who is retiring.

Bishop Johnston most recently served in the diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee....

read full article here

Tridentine Mass In Carthage Missouri

It has been verified with Father Bill Hodgson that next Tuesday, March 25th, at 7am, there will be the first Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) at St Ann's Church in Carthage....

Get location, map, directions and contact information here.

Springfield News-Leader's Continued Coverage

Hear Monsignor Orf Celebrate The Latin Mass

Return to tradition

Hundreds gather at Holy Trinity Catholic Church to observe Springfield's first Latin Mass.

Linda Leicht
News-Leader

Monsignor Raymond Orf stood before the altar at Holy Trinity Catholic Church and uttered the words "In nomine Patris" for the first time in more than 40 years.

The 80-year-old priest celebrated the traditional Latin Mass last Sunday and has agreed to do the same monthly.

"It just hit me this morning," Orf, a priest for 53 years, told the more than 200 people gathered for the first Latin Mass in Springfield. "I am preparing for my first Mass."

For Virginia Smithberg, it was an experience that brought her back to her own first Mass.

"I grew up going to Mass every day in our school," said Smithberg, who lovingly held the Latin missal she used as a student and brought out for the service. "It was kind of like a reconnecting to my early spirituality."

Tridentine Mass

For Roman Catholics, the Latin Mass represents more than an ancient language. It is a form of worship that harks back to the Council of Trent in the 16th century, when the use of Latin was instituted. The Latin Mass is sometimes called the Tridentine Mass in recognition of the council....

read full story here

Revival of Latin Mass in Springfield

(The Springfield News Leader) - The servers flanked Orf, on their knees, sometimes placing their heads on the step before them. "Quia tu es, Deus, fortitudo mea ..." — "For thou, O God, art my strength" — they replied.

The prayers continued, a back and forth between the elderly priest and the young servers, all male.

Then, Orf ascended to the altar, lifted his arms up, his palms open, to pray for forgiveness of sins and pure minds. After kissing the altar, he turned around to face the more than 200 people who had attended the historic event.

"Dominus vobiscum," Orf intoned.

"Et cum spiritu tuo," the congregation replied.

"The Lord be with you."

"And with thy spirit."

The voices came from young and old, from women in hats or lace cloths on their heads, from many with bare heads, from those with well-worn missals, many saved from their youth, or those who got a copy of the bright red booklets at the back of the church. Some replied easily from memory. Others stumbled with the unfamiliar language...

...Mike Kramer, 20, who was one of the servers, would prefer to experience the Mass only in Latin.

"Everything in this Mass is completely timeless," he said. "It's from Christian antiquity. If you worship this way, you are worshipping the same way your great-great-grandmother did. In some ways, it's your only connection to them.

"There is a bond there with your entire family tree, that is only accessible through this."

For Sharon Hollars, who attended Sunday with her 84-year-old mother, Lucille Holars, the experience transcended language:

"It's just beautiful."

read full story here

A Historic Event - Tridentine Mass Celebrated In Southern Missouri

This last Sunday, Feb. 3rd, Father Joseph Orthel made history by lawfully celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass (Tridentine) for the first time in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in nearly a generation. It happened at St. Peter the Apostle Church in Stockton Missouri. The following are some photos of the event. More will be added to this post later....

LATIN MASS LOCATIONS & TIMES

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SPRINGFIELD

St. Agnes Cathedral
533 S Jefferson Ave. (website, directions)
phone: (417) 831-3565

Holy Mass
Sunday at 2:30 pm
Eucharistic Adoration at 12:45
Confessions from 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Holy Rosary or Benediction 2:00 pm

Tuesday through Friday at 12:15 pm
with confessions from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Spiritual Bouquet of Rosaries for the New Bishop

Laity of the Springfield/Cape diocese have asked Father Joseph Orthel to assist in gathering a Spiritual Bouquet of Rosaries to present to Bishop-elect Johnston. Father Orthel has graciously agreed to accept the rosary information and submit it to the new bishop. If you want to participate, please download this attachment, and send Father Orthel the number of rosaries you are saying for the new bishop in the month of February. You may submit by email to Father at: jorthel@yahoo.com or by regular post to Father Joseph Orthel, St. Elizabeth Parish, 609 S. Main St., El Dorado Springs, MO 64744.

New and Simple Internet Address

The Latin Mass Community of Southern Missouri has a new and simple Internet address. This should help you get the word out about us, without having to remember a complicated Internet address....

www.molatinmass.com

Please spread the word!

Springfield Mass Time Has Been Changed

ATTENTION: The Latin Mass time for February 10th, 2008 at Holy Trinity Church has been changed to 2pm. Please forward this information to everyone you know, and refer them to this blog for further updates. Thank you.

We Have A NEW Bishop

Appointed Msgr. James Vann Johnston of the clergy of Knoxville, U.S.A., chancellor and moderator of the diocesan curia, as bishop of Springfield - Cape Girardeau (area 66,586, population 1,248,000, Catholics 64,900, priests 128, permanent deacons 13, religious 222), U.S.A. The bishop-elect was born in Knoxville in 1959 and ordained a priest in 1990. He succeeds Bishop John J. Leibrecht, whose resignation from the pastoral care of the same diocese the Holy Father accepted, upon having reached the age limit.

From the 'Kansas City Catholic' blog:
a letter from a parishioner in Knoxville Tennessee.......

Fr. Johnston, a bright canon lawyer (and former electrical engineer) is absolutely orthodox and straight-down-the-line in support of Faith and Pope. This has shown up in an unusual way in his practice of correcting (in following responses) any heterodox claims made in letters to our diocesan biweekly.

This appointment is great news for everyone in Springfield-Cape Girardeau who loves properly and reverently celebrated liturgy, including those who seek the traditional Latin Mass. He has been a warm and encouraging chancery friend of the Knoxville Latin Mass community, and probably was largely responsible for our original indult.

It is a special loss for the parish where he was just appointed pastor about six months ago, and in that short time the daily Masses I attend have been completely "squared away" (Roman Canon on all feasts and solemnities, etc.), new more traditional hymnals have been ordered, altar servers now wear cassocks and surplices, hold communion patens and receive on the tongue, and discussion has been initiated about moving the tabernacle back to a central position behind the altar.

It is gratifying to see a priest like Fr. Johnston plucked out a remote location like ours and appointed to the episcopacy, but his departure will be a personal loss to everyone here who knows him well. Not least in that -- his so clearly being episcopal timber -- so many of us were hoping he would be staying here as our own new bishop....

read full letter here

more information here

Location of Springfield Latin Mass

If you, or somebody you know, would like to be an altar server, schola, trainer, musician, or help in any way, with the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in Springfield, please leave your contact information with Shane Schaetzel. I will put you in touch with the right people. We are making arrangements starting now.

The Springfield Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) will be at 2pm on Sunday, February 10th, 2008. The location is Holy Trinity Church on E. Bennett Street...

See More Detailed Map Here

Learn The Latin Mass

Sancta Missa is an website that was launched after Pope Benedict XVI's ground breaking motu proprio liberalizing use of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). The website will acquaint you with the order and details of the TLM, which includes videos and tutorials, both for priests and laity.

Click Here to View

Download Flyer -- Get The Word Out!

The link below is to a PDF flyer you can download and print on your printer. You will notice this very same flyer posted at community centers and public libraries around Springfield. Feel free to use it to get the word out. You can post it in places were it is legal (and tasteful) to hang, or you can hand it out to whomever you want. The idea is to direct those interested to this website, and then from here they can find out about mass times, locations, supplies, opportunities to help, and so forth. It saves you a lot of trouble trying to remember and explain it all. Download the Flyer Here

Help Needed In Springfield

If you, or somebody you know, would like to be an altar server, schola, trainer, musician, or help in any way, with the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in Springfield, please leave your contact information with Shane Schaetzel. I will put you in touch with the right people. We are making arrangements starting now. One would need to be available to serve at least once a month, starting February 10th, 2008 at 2:00pm at Holy Trinity Church (website, directions).

Chapel Veils

Catholic Women Pray at 2007 Latin Mass in St. Louis
This information is for the ladies who wish to participate in the ancient Catholic and Biblical custom of veiling (1st Corinthians 11). Canon Law no longer requires women to wear veils, but it remains the normal custom for those who attend the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). In some places, the custom is even returning to the New Vernacular Mass.
You can learn how to make your own chapel veil for about $3 (cost of material). These wonderful instructions come to us from Allena Jackson. (Click Here to See)

The following is a short list of online retailers who specialize in chapel veils and prayer shawls for women....

• Headcoverings By Devorah - Pretty and feminine! Modesty does not mean frumpy! (This site markets primarily to Jewish women but the products are identical to those worn by Catholic women.)
• Fashion Scarves & Shawls (Beautiful shawls make the ideal veil, but also serve a practical purpose as a shoulder wrap when not in prayer.)
• Spindle and Wheel
• Modesty Veils

Basic Supplies for Mass

The following is a short list of products from retailers that market to Catholics interested in the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM).


The Ultimate Missal !
The most complete Latin-English Missal ever produced! This is the first time that a Tridentine Latin/English daily missal has been newly typeset in over 40 years! The 1,980 pages of this missal include the complete texts of the liturgy in both Latin and English. This Missal also contains prayers not found in other similar missals. It's a great buy for $65. ORDER HERE





My Sunday Missal - Exact Reproduction
1962 Missal My Sunday Missal Explained by Father Stedman. (Latin Tridentine, pre-1962). The perfect pocket-size Missal for Mass!

This is a new but exact reproduction edition of this famous and most popular missal. It contains the complete Masses for Sundays, Holy Days, important feast days of St. Joseph, Christ the King, Mass for the dead, and the Nuptial Mass. Only $25. ORDER HERE





A Very Elegant Missal
A new edition to celebrate the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum issued by Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday 7th July 2007.

This 21st Century edition of the traditional Missal of the Tridentine Rite is published with a new 21st Century Imprimatur. (A unique feature for an old missal.) The binding and cover is beautiful and elegant. Price: $55 ORDER HERE





The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1962 version)
This is the first ever edition that includes the complete Gregorian Chant for the Little Office – in traditional four stave notation! The music for the Little Office has never before been gathered together in one volume. For many people the Gregorian chant of the Little Office offers an introduction to the beauty of the Church’s traditional liturgical heritage. This volume will help you sing all the Hours of the Little Office. Price: $30 ORDER HERE






Booklet Missal for praying the Tridentine Latin Mass
Let these Booklet Missals guide YOU to a fuller, more prayerful participation in the old Mass in Latin. Each booklet provides a compact source for praying the old Mass in Latin as well as other traditional prayers and meditations. Large, clear print, classic illustrations and concise explanations make this most recent edition easy to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the rituals of the Tridentine Latin Mass (1962 Missale Romanum) and other time-honored prayers of the Catholic Faith. Price: $7 each ORDER HERE

Transforming The Alter

I thought this little video would be helpful to our current situation. The following is an example of how a traditional and contemporary Catholic community can exist together, in harmony, within the same parish. (The ideal state.) The video below ("Transformation of the Alter") was filmed in France, so you'll have to excuse the French titles. Nevertheless, the video is pretty much self explanatory. Here we see the transformation of a typical contemporary alter after a typical contemporary mass. With a few custom made pieces, a little creativity, and a lot of love for historic tradition, the alter undergoes a metamorphosis which makes it suitable for the Traditional (Latin) mass that follows. Because the pieces are portable, they can be taken down just as easily. Indeed they would have to be in parishes where no historic high-alter exists. The basic materials used for the structure are of minimal cost, and could easily be acquired at Lowes or Home Depot. The rest is just window dressing to make it look pretty, and I suppose fabrics and lace could easily be acquired at Wal-Mart. Large candlestick holders could also be found for a reasonable price with a little shopping, as well as the candles themselves. (I would advise contacting a place that rents the non-drip kind for weddings, and find out how we could purchase some at a reasonable price.) Probably the most expensive item is the tabernacle itself, and it would be advisable to get one that is light weight for obvious reasons.

Latin (Tridentine) Mass In Southern Missouri

After much preparation, Bishop John J. Leibrecht, of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, has confirmed the initial celebration of the extraordinary mass in the cities of Springfield and Stockton Missouri. These celebrations come in accord with Pope Benedict XVI's motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum, liberalizing usage of the Tridentine mass as the 'extraordinary form' of the Roman Rite.

Initial celebration in Springfield will begin on a monthly basis, starting February 10th at Holy Trinity Church (website, directions). The exact time has not been set in stone, but so far it looks like 2pm. Monsignor Raymond Orf will preside. Its success will depend entirely on the Catholic people of Springfield and the surrounding region. Regular turnout and participation is the key.

Initial celebration in Stockton will begin every Sunday, starting at 12pm (noon) on February 3rd at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church (directions). Father Joe Orthel (email, profile) will preside. Like Springfield, its success will depend on the Catholic people of Stockton and the surrounding region. Regular turnout and participation is the key.

This blog was created by Mr. Shane Schaetzel - 4th degree knight (email, profile), as a communication forum for Missouri Catholics (particularly those in Southern Missouri), interested in the Tridentine mass, and the historic tradition of the Catholic Church.