General Questions on the Extraordinary Form

•  What does “Extraordinary Form” mean?
•  Why did the Holy Father desire the return of the Traditional Latin Mass?
•  Why is the ancient form called the Extraordinary Form and not the newer form of the Mass?
•  Why don't we call the two different forms rites?
•  What are all of the different levels of celebration for the Extraordinary Form?
The Solemn High Mass

•  Why are there three sacred ministers at the Solemn High Mass?
•  What do the different sacred ministers do?
•  Why is a priest serving as a deacon?
•  Why are the sacred ministers sitting down so often?
The Solemn High Pontifical Mass

•  What is a Pontifical Mass?
•  Why is the bishop processing into the church twice?
•  What is the significance of the bishop's vestments?
•  Why is the Blessed Sacrament on a side altar?
•  Where are the altar cards?
•  Why is the bishop saying some prayers from the throne?
•  Who are all the sacred ministers at the Pontifical Mass?
•  At the beginning of the Pontifical Mass, why were the ministers swaying back and forth?
Priest Facing the Altar (Ad Orientem)

•  Why does the priest have his back to the people during the Traditional Latin Mass?
•  Why is facing in the same direction called ad orientem?
•  Why would a priest want to celebrate Mass ad orientem?
•  Wasn't Mass facing the people called for at Vatican II?
•  Isn't facing the people preferred by the Church?
•  Wasn't Mass always celebrated facing the people in Rome?
•  Why do we have Mass facing the people?
Sacred Silence and Active Participation

•  Why is there so little talking out loud at the Traditional Latin Mass?
•  According to the Second Vatican Council, shouldn't we be actively participating?
•  What is active participation?
•  How do we actively participate in the Mass?
The Asperges Me (Sprinkling Rite)

•  Why does the priest sprinkle water on the congregation before the High Mass?
•  Where is the Sprinkling Rite in my missal?
•  Why does the priest change his clothing after the Sprinkling Rite?
Incense

•  What is that thing with smoke coming out of it on a chain?
•  What is the history of using incense in worship?
•  Why do we use incense in our liturgy?
•  What does incense symbolize?
Holy Communion

•  What is Holy Communion?
•  Why do we receive while kneeling?
•  Why do we receive on the tongue?
•  Why do we receive at an altar rail?
•  How should one receive Holy Communion?
•  Does one have to receive Holy Communion every Mass?
Confession

•  What is confession?
•  How is confession different in the Extraordinary Form?
•  What is the act of contrition?
•  What are the words that the priest says?
Veils

•  Why do many women wear veils in the Traditional Latin Mass?
•  Why don't men wear veils?
•  Are women required to wear veils?
•  How else are veils used in Holy Mass?

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The Diocese of Trenton Celebration of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass)