New to Latin Mass
Welcome to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, a Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Denver, dedicated to serving the community with the Traditional Latin Mass. If you are new to this liturgy, here are a few things you may notice:
The Mass
Language
The priest prays the Mass in Latin, the official language of the Roman Catholic Church. 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. The priest will always preach the homily in English.
Priest faces the altar
The priest faces the tabernacle and the altar as he offers the Mass. In this manner, the priest and congregation face the altar 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 are distributed for those who wish to follow along with the text of most of the Mass. Many of the faithful eventually purchase their own complete missals that contain all the texts for the Mass, including the Epistles and Gospels for the entire year.
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.
Responses
The most important form of participation while at Mass is interior prayer. For this reason, the altar servers make the responses to the priest, rather than the congregation. During a High Mass, some of the responses may be sung by the congregation.
After Mass
Those who wish to socialize should do so outside or in the Parish Hall to respect those still in prayer after Mass.
Introibo ad altáre Dei. Ad Deum qui laetificat juventútem meam.
I will go unto the altar of God. To God, who giveth joy to my youth.
Communion
At the traditional Latin Mass, one receives Holy Communion while kneeling (if capable) at the altar rail. 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.
Attire
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.
If you are a member of the Roman Catholic Church, this liturgy belongs to you! Watch, listen, and give yourself time to experience the Mass of the ages.