I received an e-mail request from The Crescat to publicize what sounds like a wonderful event.
Let’s take a look:
On Friday October 5th, at the approval of Bishop Jugis, the Tridentine Latin Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Samuel Weber, OSB at the Davis Chapel of Wake Forest University. Fr. Weber asks participants to be at the Chapel at 6:45 PM.
Nota Bene:
1. NUMBERS ARE IMPORTANT! Get the word out!
2. If you have the "old" Missal with the Mass of Blessed John XXIII, bring it.
3. Davis Chapel has no kneelers, nor does the altar rail. If you have disabilities or kneeling issues you might wish to bring something to kneel on. There will be a single prie-dieu to use to receive communion.
4. Davis Chapel is on the Wake Forest University Campus in Winston-Salem. Email SID CUDNIFF if you need directions to the campus. Davis Chapel is located in the building that houses the big Wait Chapel, the building with the tall steeple. DO NOT GO INTO THE LARGE ROOM OF WAIT CHAPEL PROPER! The Davis Chapel is in this building, but Davis Chapel’s entrance is NOT on the campus quadrangle but instead it is right on the road that circles around the campus, through the entrance on the left of the building. If you think you’ll have problems finding Davis Chapel , allow yourself time and plan on arriving early. Wake’s web: http://www.wfu.edu/. Information desk 336-758-5255.
5. Directly across the street is both street parking and a large student parking lot. On Friday evenings the students are usually gone, so there should be plenty of room to park.
6. Fr. Weber would like everyone to meet at 6:45 in Davis Chapel for a meeting before Mass.
Included in this email correspondence was Mr. Cudniff’s phone number. I will leave it up to his discretion to make this available. Please use the email provided to reach him, if he feels so inclined he may give you his contact number.
He has asked me to include Fr. Zuhlsdorf’s 5 Rules of Engagement, with the addtional comments added:
i. Do NOT be belligerent or unkind
ii. You can do more harm than good if you are nasty.
iii. Be courteous and level headed.
iv. Do NOT get in anyone’s face.
v. Do not harden hearts by aggression.
vi. If you think you cannot contain yourself, don’t go.
Okay… what a lot of rules. Still, there is a lot of wisdom to them. It is important that lots of people come and that everything is joyful and filled with a prayerful spirit of gratitude.
I think this deserves great support. If you are within reasonable striking distance of Wake Forest University, even if you have to organize some car pooling, I warmly suggest you attend.
Heck… if they need a celebrant, I’ll go.
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Father thank you,
I shall be there.
If anyone from the Hillsbourough area of NC needs a ride please say so.
I might be able to help.
God bless Father Weber and God bless the Church.
Perhaps I should have rescripted Fr. Z’s words:
Instead of vi. If you think you cannot contain yourself, don’t go,
this:
if you think that you cannot contain your anger in a meeting discussing the MEF (Mass in the Extraordinary Form), or discussing this in general, don’t go to such meetings and avoid such conversations.
Obviously, if you can’t contain yourself because of utter and unspeakable joy at the Indult and the MEF, why, just throw your hat in the air and let out a mighty roar of ecstacy! (but not at Mass, please)
I’ve been wanting to let you know how our first Traditional Latin Mass went since I posted my question about music for a low Mass.
First off, the celebrant was NOT the Pastor. He doesn’t feel ready for it. He helped give communion, and sat in the sanctuary. After the Mass, he expressed concern about his ability to ever remember the phrase for giving communion, which he had pinned to his sleeve.
Second, the celebrant asked for NO singing until after the Mass. Instead, he requested soft organ music for the procession, offertory and communion, and singing after Mass. We sang a Polish Marian hymn, and “Ye holy angels bright.”
Third, our Pastor gave a very nice explanation prior to Mass, as to why we were doing this, and some instructions regarding participation and receiving communion, etc, which I thought was very useful and thoughtful.
There was a LARGE crowd, more than we get for our 8AM Sunday morning Mass. Many in the church were not regular parishoners, but visitors and friends of parishoners. They were of all ages. Still, the number of parishoners was substantial.
I found it interesting that many women who do NOT normally wear veils, did wear veils (or hats) for this Mass. However, next day at the Novus Ordo Mass, no veils again. An enterprising woman was selling veils and chapel caps in the vestibule before Mass.
The celebrant, who has been the only priest for years saying the Traditional Latin Mass for the diocese, has celebrated the Low Mass form only three times, the third being this Mass. He usually celebrates a sung Mass.
Father hopes that the next Traditional Latin Mass will be a sung Mass, which will be on the feast of Saint Anthony Mary Claret (Oct 23). Three of us are preparing the Latin chant propers for the day, and hopefully my choir will sing the Byrd Kyrie and a motet for communion.
All in all, it went very well. I’ll be interested to see if the attendance remains the same, or increases or decreases.
Thank you so much, Fr. Z!
I think it is worth noting Fr. Weber’s CV here. He is on the faculty of the Wake Forest Divinity School:
Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Early Christianity
B.A., Saint Meinrad College
M.Div., Saint Meinrad School of Theology
M.A., University of Colorado
S.T.L., Pontifical Athenaeum “St. Anselm,” Rome
Samuel F. Weber, a Roman Catholic priest and Benedictine monk, is associate professor of early Christianity and spiritual formation and the first Roman Catholic priest on the full-time faculty in the University’s history.
Before starting at Wake Forest in 1999, Weber taught early and medieval church history, liturgy, and spirituality at the St. Meinrad School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana, since 1976. He also has been on the faculty of St. Meinrad College. In addition, Weber studied at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago from 1964 to 1966 and has served as an organist at St. Meinrad Archabbey from 1963-1996. He has been an associate editor of the American Benedictine Review, as well as a frequent guest lecturer at several Protestant theological schools, and has contributed to several books, including The Upper Room Worship Book.
He is spearheading an “English chant project,” as described in Adoremus here.
It should be a wonderful Mass!
On Friday October 5th, at the approval of Bishop Jugis, the Tridentine Latin Mass will be celebrated by…
OK I’ll bite…why is it being called the Tridentine Latin Rite and why is the Bishop’s permission needed?
Approval doesn’t necessarily mean permission; it could, in fact, express support.
Father Samuel Weber! Excellent! A great priest and a great friend! We miss him in Greenville, SC. Wake Forest University Catholics do not realize how blessed they truly are!!!
Additional comments i.-.vi. DO NOT …
I’d be interested in whether anyone knows of a TLM community where such rules might serve a useful purpose. I’ve been an active Catholic parish member for longer than I’d prefer to admit, in numerous parishes in several states and dioceses, and my present TLM community is the most joyous and positive, just plain friendly group of Catholics I’ve ever run across. So if we saw rules like this printed in our community newsletter, people would wonder what it was about.
I know of a blog where a few of these sour folks — seems like always the same ones — post their repetitious diatribes, but rarely run across such poor souls in real life. Where does one go to see them their natural habitat?
Thank you, Bishop Jurgis!
Alleluia, finally!
I’m so glad that H.E.Jugis has finally listened to his diocese!
There seems to be a disconnect here…. there is no “allow” on the part of Bishop Jurgis. Hasn’t he read the Motu Proprio?
And let’s not nuance this to the extreme, OK? The last thing we need are Trautmanesque word games. I know the difference between “I allow” and “I support”.
I remember Fr. Samuel from days gone by at Saint Meinrad. He was an excellent teacher of Latin and spiritual director. I’m simply aglow at the fact he has not only found his element beyond the confines of “the Hill” but is thriving. Feliciter!!
Catholic Caveman: A pastor needs no permission from the bishop. Fr. Weber isn’t a pastor, or working at a parish, but a professor at Wake U. He needs, and wishes, Bishop Jugis’ approval. Bishop Jugis on our side anyway, so cool it, please.
The people who could would kill this are its biggest fans, if they don’t keep their gripes to themselves. A wise lady told me: “Don’t make it happen. Let it happen. Almighty God will make it happen.”
I would have to second Henry Edwards comment. Why is there such a need to lay out a specific set of rules such as are being laid out by Sid Cundiff in order to go to the Mass? It sounds as if he is expecting trouble! We have the Latin Mass down here in Florida and we have never been given a list of rules such as these in order to attend. I think most Catholics know how to behave properly in a Catholic environment. It sounds like a list of rules you would give highschoolers before a debate, not Catholic adults going to a beautiful Mass! Perhaps there is alot of friction in the Charlotte diocese that Sid is aware of. Even still, the Mass is the Mass and anyone cann attend it, even those who don’t know how to behave!
God bless Fr. Weber. He sounds wonderful…Hoewver, here is my issue. I’m not comfortable with the Latin Mass being celebrated as merely one more “option” in the ecumenical soup we find ourselves swimming in these days. Wake Forest is known for its inclusive, multirelgious worship services, just look at their web site.
To me by celebrating the Latin Mass at Wake Forest you are bringing it down to that level…that it is just one more religion, one “ritual”…etc. etc. I’m sure this unintentional on Sid’s part but nevertheless what else is one to gather from this when passing by for a campus stroll Friday evening. Unless there is a disclaimer to the contrary, “We, the Catholic Church (and the Latin Mass in particular) are not just another option, we are the ONLY option.” then I fail to see how anyone could interpret this in any other way, i.e. that this is simply another group of religious folk doing their “thing.”
God bless Fr. Weber and Sid for your efforts.
Connie,
The Holy Ghost will take care of this matter.
As long as the Mass is being validly offered,and we put our trust in God.
Everything will be fine.
Connie you only live three miles from Wake Forest University, please come.
God bless you.
Dan
motherof5: You haven’t been talking to some of the folk whom I’ve been talking to. Not that I’m expecting trouble. Just a reminder, one that we all need, myself included.
The rules — all the rules, including the additional ones in Roman numerals — are none other than Father Z’s rules, taken verbatim from him from this website; they are not being “laid out” by me. Fault me and you fault him for “laying out rules” for “high schoolers”. And find me a Catholic church where “those who don’t know how to behave” don’t soon have an usher at their elbow, or a cop, for in NC it’s a crime to disrupt a church service. Cool it.
One of those rules is #3, Connie; take it to heart: Show genuine Christian joy. If you want to attract people to what gives you so much consolation and happiness, be inviting and be joyful. Avoid the sourness some of the more traditional stamp have sadly worn for so long. And we take, and take gladly, what we get.
I’m a strong supporter of the extraordinary form, as well as one who lives in the Charlotte diocese. I would like to say that Bishop Jugis is an fantastic bishop and people should hold their tongue before criticizing his response (or lack there of) to the motu proprio.
Bishop Jugis is incredibly faithful, pius, and with the mind of the Church. He takes his time and is methodical with many issues, not just the motu proprio. Everyone who knows him knows that about him. He issued great liturgical norms several years ago (in it he mandated tabernacles to be in the center and that patens should be retained). Also, go to the Charlotte Diocese’s website and check out pics from our latest Eucharist Congress. You’ll see that Charlotte is in very good hands.
My personal hunch as to why he has said nothing publically about the motu proprio is that he has no reason to do so. The motu proprio is perfectly clear and speaks for itself. Until there’s evidence to think otherwise, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
A lot great work is going on in Charlotte, but quietly. I think this is reflective of our bishop. We have an ally in him.
here’s a link to the charlotte Eucharistic Congress pics
http://www.charlottediocese.org/2007highlights.html
You are 100% correct, Carolina Triad. And thanks for remembering that these are write back’s to Fr. Z’s blog, not another’s. Let this be an occasion for great joy. All’y’all join in the merry making!
My husband and I will be going from Charlotte. Does anyone know where to get appropriate Missals?
Pat
“And we take, and take gladly, what we get.”
Really Sid? Will you take altar girls at the TLM? If that is all you can get?
“We take what we get?” Are you kidding me? We don’t settle Sid. We’re Roman Catholics. It’s damn time we started acting like it. We don’t settle..not for scraps.
I’m out…(before I blow a gasket)
Sid,
Sorry I was confused about Wake Forest University. The Wake Forest that I’m familiar with is the town of Wake Forest to the west of Raleigh. My mistake.
A pastor needs no permission from the bishop. Fr. Weber isn’t a pastor, or attached to a parish, but a professor at Wake U. Bishop Jugis therefore must give his approval.
Can you cite anywhere in the Motu Proprio where a priest, pastor or otherwise, needs Episcopal “approval”? I’m just curious.
BTW, I’m not trying to “kill” anything. This episode just sounds an awful lot like some of the examples that Fr Z has posted where certain bishops have stated (in direct contradiction to the MP) that they have to give their “approval” first.
I’ve looked at the Diocese of Charlotte website, and haven’t seen anything about the TLM being offered at WFU, or anywhere else for that matter. Do you have a link?
I’m sure both Fr. Weber and the bishop have read the motu proprio and are aware that technically no approval is needed. However, this will be the first public extraordinary form mass offered in the diocese (that I know of). I think Fr. Weber was just trying to be curdious in letting the bishop know and the bishop’s ‘approval’ was merely that he doesn’t object. But perhaps this should be clarified by Fr. Weber himself.
Does anyone know where to get appropriate Missals?
Pat, it might be hard to find one in the next 24hrs. I’ll have mine, and you can see the publisher and proceed to order it. And those who have one Fr. Weber has asked to bring it. We might have some appropriate “missalettes” as well. Whatever and however, we will more than make do.
Connie,you’re making more of my comments that I said. We have to start somewhere. Somewhere might not be the best place to be, but it may be the only place to start; and it very likely will not be the even better place where we will be going, if it please Almighty God. Be happy, rejoice! And come join us, please, and work with us. We need you, for numbers, if not for even better reasons. And you might be very pleasantly surprised at what the future brings, because, here in the Charlotte Diocese as everywhere “The tiiiiiiiiiiiimes, they are a’chain-an-en-jean!”
However humble that it may be, still the Mass tomorrow in Davis Chapel, as our Baptist friends (and kind hosts) say, “will be a blessing to ya.” And I think that we’re making history, because this may well be the first Mass in the Extraordinary Form (MEF) in this diocese since the Indult. Maybe the first since “many and many a year ago, in a diocese by the sea.” Maybe the first offered in a Baptist college chapel! Y’all come and make history!
I consider Fr. Samuel Webber a good freind and have attended several of his chant workshops at Stella Maris and Prince of Peace (my home parish in Taylors SC). Fr. Sam has been such a stellar supporter of the Latin Mass and home school community in the Carolinas. I am sure the mass will be wonderful, but since my wife is expecting to give birth any day we can not (regretfully) attend.
Jim Dorchak
05 x a.D. 2007 FR 09:59
Fr Weber has written the following below and has asked me to pass it on. See all’y’all tonight:
Sid Cundiff
“My situation here at WFU is a bit out of the ordinary. So people may not understand how things work.
“By way of information . . . I have been offering Holy Mass each Friday for our WFU Catholic community for the past 8 years, for any who wish to come. We have a wonderful Franciscan chaplain here — much loved. Friday is his day off. I have been offering the Novus Ordo Mass in Latin on Fridays as my schedule allows. In the first place, I celebrate Mass on Fridays for the WFU community. This is the case with tomorrow’s First Friday Mass.
“The only change this First Friday is that we will use the Extraordinary Form, with the knowledge and permission of the Bishop, and the time will be 7:00 p.m. in the evening, not 12 noon, as in the past, to allow any guests who may wish to come to attend with greater convenience. WFU is known for its hospitality. There have often been guests at our Friday Masses. Guests can count on a warm welcome at WFU.
“It is true that the chapel is used by many groups. Catholics use it almost every day for Mass, and have, as far as I know, since the opening of the campus. This is the case on all university campuses that are not Catholic, as far as I know. There are not specific chapels for Catholics or Baptists or Lutherans. It is a wonderful thing that our Catholics have Mass available on such a regular basis, and in a convenient way. Times for confession are also available almost every day through the office of the Catholic chaplain. I have also received requests for Confession, and have been very happy to assist whenever possible. The campus ministry provided by the Franciscan Friars here at WFU is well organized and provides many fine opportunities for the entire WFU family, including Holy Mass on Sundays and most weekdays, retreats, community service, a weekly communal meal, confessions, and much more. I have been deeply impressed by the strong Catholic presence here at WFU. The President of the University has been supportive of our Catholic ministry, and has been particularly attentive to my presence and work here.
“My priestly duties pertain only to WFU, under the direction of the Chaplain appointed by the Bishop of Charlotte. Should I receive an invitation from any Bishop or pastor to perform any sacred function, I am free to accept that invitation as my academic responsibilities permit.
“I have no right whatsoever to function in any parish or situation unless I am invited to do so, and then only under the direction of competent authority.
“The Diocese of Charlotte has gone out of its way to welcome me and support my work at Wake Forest. I am grateful for the continuing interest shown in my work by the Bishop, the Vicar General, pastors, and so many in the diocese.
“My appointment as a founding member of the Wake Forest University Divinity School was made with full knowledge and permission of competent Ecclesiastical authority. In fact, my appointment was even announced on Vatican Radio! My first year here at WFU we were privileged to have Francis Cardinal Arinze give the commencement address for the entire University. At the time of that visit, His Eminence told me “the Holy Father knows of your good work and sends you his blessing.”
“My ecumenical presence at WFU is carried out according to the teachings of the Church as expressed in the official documents and statements of the Magisterium. The President of the University and the Dean of the Divinity School have given me complete support in this regard. I am grateful to continue in this work as long as I am appointed to do so by my monastic superior. “
Wish my daughter (Class of ’00) was still there. I might have made a weekend visit.
Might I take this opportunity to also get a bit of publicity for our first Tridentine Mass?
When: Saturday, October 6
Where: St. Rose of Lima Church, 486 W. Merchant, Kankakee, IL
Time: 7 P.m.
Celebrant: Fr. Andreas Hellmann, Instititute of Christ the King
Please also, if you can,come to the Rosary procession which will precede the Mass. We will have police escort, and carry the statue of Our Lady through town for one-mile, making our way to St. Rose for the Mass.
Father Hellmann will hear confessions before the procession starts, during the procession and after Mass if need be.
JML: make a weekend visit anyway. Send me your email and I’ll keep you posted about future Masses. For my email click my name in Fr. Z’s posting above.
Might I take this opportunity to also get a bit of publicity for our first Tridentine Mass?
When: Saturday, October 6
Where: St. Rose of Lima Church, 486 W. Merchant, Kankakee, IL
Time: 7 P.m.
Celebrant: Fr. Andreas Hellmann, Instititute of Christ the King
Please also, if you can,come to the Rosary procession which will precede the Mass. We will have police escort, and carry the statue of Our Lady through town for one-mile, making our way to St. Rose for the Mass.
Father Hellmann will hear confessions before the procession starts, during the procession and after Mass if need be.
Procession starts at 6 P.M. from St. Martin Church, 953 S. Ninth Ave, Kankakee, Il.
Contact info: Doctorvici@hotmail.com
I think the point that Fr.Weber is making is not so much that he needs permission of the Bishop to use the EF, but that he requires approval of the Bishop to say Mass there in any form. This seems the best explanation as Bishop Jugis doesn’t seem to be an obstructionist from the comments given from those in his Diocese.
Sid,
Thank you for posting that particular secion of S.P. If you like, I invite you to read Art. 2.
In Masses celebrated without the people, each Catholic priest of the Latin rite, whether secular or regular, may use the Roman Missal published by Bl. Pope John XXIII in 1962, or the Roman Missal promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970, and may do so on any day with the exception of the Easter Triduum. For such celebrations, with either one Missal or the other, the priest has no need for permission from the Apostolic See or from his Ordinary.
The words “each Catholic priest of the Latin rite” are self-evident. With that said, we all know what the intent of S.P. is. But if your bishop so desires to be hyper-technical and still (falsely) exert control over what has already been freed, then so be it.
BTW, I also find it odd that not one Catholic church in the entire diocese was available for this Mass. Use whatever verbal gymnastics you may, but I find that to simply be sad to the point of pathetic.
CATHOLIC CAVEMAN: Please read what you put in italics from art 2: “IN MASSES CELEBRATED WITHOUT THE PEOPLE”! We’ve got people. We’d like you to be one of them.
Fr. Weber works at Wake, this Mass is at short notice, and Davis Chapel was immediately available. Join us and in time you might get what you want!
There are people out there against the MEF. (NOT among them are Holy Father and Bishop Jugis.) Don’t give those who are opposed ammo to shoot you, me, or the rest of us in favor of the MEF
EVERYONE: Sad to say that my experience has been that sometimes, and in a tiny number, agents provocateur from “the other side” write back comments designed to bring out the worst in a cause’s supporters or to express support for the cause in such a way so as to bring discredit upon its supporters. If this should be the case on this site, answer and correct always with Fraternal Correction and charity. OR just ignore them. I’m not at all saying the Caveman, or anyone, is such, please. We welcome in fact constructive criticism. How else can we learn?
Please allow some reflections on those who have not followed the rules of engagement:
– I have personally experienced, as a seminarian, someone after an indult Mass (and before you even think of correcting me, this was before Summorum Pontificum, so it was an indult) looking down her nose at me because I was studying for a diocese, which meant I would be saying the Novus Ordo.
– A Priest friend and I attended a Mass together. This was his first time at the Vetus Ordo, and he was not familiar with all of the customs. When it came time for Communion, he received in the hand, which is how he was probably trained. After Mass, in the coffee hour, several were complaining about “that rotten ….” I ask you:
— Why were they watching him instead of preparing themselves for Communion?
— If they are so traditional, what does the Baltimore Catechism have to say about speaking ill of one of God’s Priest (look under the 1st Commandment)?
— Do you think he will ever go back?
– An auxiliary Bishop attended Mass, and afterwards went to the coffee hour to visit with his flock. Let’s just say, the sheep bit the shepherd. Do you think he will ever come back?
Now, on the other hand, I have had the pleasure of attending Mass many times at an indult Parish a half an hour from where I went to seminary. The people there are exemplary. They welcome seminarians. They are thrilled that young men studying for the Priesthood are interested in that Mass (and moreover are attracted to it). They support their Bishop REGARDLESS of how well he supports them (They are always near the top, per capita, in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal). Thanks to their Rector, Fr R.P., they have learned to accept with joy what they have, without attacking the hierarchy for what they still want. They demonstrate the grace that flows from the Mass in their charity.
06. x. a.D. 2007, Saint Bruno, and Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, SA 0925hrs EDT
The Mass in the Extraordinary Form (MEF) last night in Davis Chapel in Winston-Salem was beautiful, moving, compelling. It was a Low Mass; if there were any rough edges (I didn’t see any) they will in time be ironed out. It would not be hyperbolic to say that it was all that Rudolf Otto would have defined as “holy”, numinous, mysterium tremendum et fascinans. Those who went are to be thanked, so many of them knowing the people’s parts, which Fr. Weber asked us to say and coached us before hand. That 41 souls came at such short notice, some driving over 100 miles one way, is quite remarkable. Also to be thanked are our Baptist hosts, and especially thanks to Fr. Weber himself. I’ll report in detail during the course of the day.
Sid and Father Weber,
Thank you for your switchboard operating and offering of Holy Mass, respectively.
It was extremely reverent[the mass].
I was a little surprised that Father Weber offered us the option of receiving the Blessed Sacrament in the hand.
I realize that this is allowed by the Church[why, I have no idea] but it took me aback.
I would have hoped that Father would have instructed the faithful that Christ should not be taken in our profane and unconsecrated hands.
However, I was informed that not a single soul recieved Jesus in their hands. Which is a relief.
Again thank you, Father Weber, and God bless you.
All sounded wonderful last night! Thank goodness for Fr
Weber and WF for the use of its chapel (despite “Connie”
disapproval). There are about 6 priests in the diocese of
Char who want to say the LM; all 6 are humble enough to
admit they don’t know how and will not “play” LM. I suggest
calling on or writing to local Catholic churchs to request
a use of their space. Lib priests rule in the diocese,
but hopefully one will find the charity to offer the use’
of their chapel.
Let’s not pick on Connie. It might give the impression, quite false, that we MEFers are the grumpiest grumps in Grumptown. Let’s tell her how great it was and invite her to join us next time.
All the ame I thank tradman for the comments.
Now a report in detail on the MEF on 05. x. a.D 2007 at Davis Chapel, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC.
I heard no reports of difficulty in getting there, everyone arriving on time, and parking seemed easy, if for no other reason than that on Friday nights college students are, so to speak, gone with the wind. Davis Chapel turn out to be a very reverential place to say Mass, with an full frontal stone altar (not just a mere “communion table”) built into the front wall and a movable lectern on the side. Call it “High Baptist”. Only kneelers were missing, and we did just fine without them. Father Weber himself (I assume it was he), provided an icon of the crucifix.
And a crowded chapel it was, with everyone from very young young’uns to Wake students to ordinary folk to graybeards such as myself. It wasn’t required, but a number of women had headgear.
15 min. before Mass, Father, wishing the people to say the responses, went over some them. Many present already knew all the people’s parts, and this fact and a careful pace helped out the rest of us. Many people brought their own missals. For the rest of us, Dan Hunter, well known on these pages, is to be thanked for providing a number of hand missals, which I assume he bought on his own dime; without them, I wonder if some of us would have sounded more like a Quaker silent meeting! Thanks Dan! I’m planning to get more of these missals. So with personal missals and Dan’s missals, everyone had print before his eyes. A few of us got lost; the oldsters and those in-the-know helped us out. We newsters, after a few Masses, will catch on!
I have already characterized the Mass itself as profoundly reverential and holy. Those absent missed something extraordinary indeed! In his sermon, Father told us about his attending Archbishop Baker’s installation in Birmingham (the one Alabama, for y’all United Kingdom and Republic or Ireland folk) and how Father had the chance to meet, together with Archbishop Baker, Mother Angelica. Father read to us one of Mother’s prayers. After Mass, Father returned to the foot of the altar and led us in a Salve Regina.
After Mass, Fr. Weber talked with us and asked for our opinions. We agreed that, with Bishop Jugis’ approval, First Fridays at 7pm seem best for this Mass for now, especially because of children and driving. I would add that it’s a night with lots of empty parking spaces. Some mentioned Sundays, and that may be possible down the road, again with the Bishop’s approval. Father said that he could only offer this Mass when he was in residence, and he’s at Wake when the students are. He also has duties elsewhere, including November’s First Friday. I think that means that, down the road, we might wish to approach a local pastor for times when Father isn’t here, and then to find a willing and able priest. But, again, let’s put off until much later. Whatever the case — let me stress again and stress it for the reason I have stated before — any future Mass in the Extraordinary Form offered by Fr Weber in Davis Chapel requires the approval of Bishop Jugis. Upon his approval, and provided that Davis Chapel is available, that First Fridays are available, and that Fr. Weber is available, I think myself that we should then keep the status quo for now. Just my opinion. When you’ve got a good thing going ….
There’s a lot of thanks to be said. Father Z himself for posting the info; he’s welcome anytime to come on down to help out or just for some Southern Hospitality. Several people told me they were able to come because the news was on WDTPRS. Also, all who came are to be thanked, some driving 200 miles round trip, doubtless arriving back home at a late hour indeed. Don A. Donadio is to be thanked for copies of Latin Mass magazine, an edition which Fr. Weber after Mass said was an especially good one ( Vol 16, No 4, Fall 2007). Don also brought some notes for proper posture. Thanks, Don! The Kafant family was there in full force, and made available one son who did a faultless job as server. Thanks! Jason Barone, a seminarian for our diocese, drove all the way from Maryland to be with us. A special thanks! Thanks to those of you who, without even the slightest suggestion of a solicitation, volunteered a fiscal contribution. Above all: a profound thanks to Fr. Weber himself.
[previous writeback deleted at my request, and this is offered in its place]
Sid,
There are several websites that can help you with the Latin
Mass responses…google server responses; also, there is a
new site that is instructions for the servers…google altar
server instructions. Everything sounded wonderful. The
good Bishop must be very glad that Fr. Weber was the first
priest to say it…and at WF! Keep up the good work, the
grace on you has not been wasted! (Sorry, I can’t agree
in good conscience not to pick on Connie).