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REVIEW: For the Visitor at Mass (TLM) - Angelus Press
Many times on WDTPRS people have recounted their first experiences of attending a TLM, either first ever or first in a long time. Very often they relate how hard it was for them to follow what was going on. They were disoriented by the differences. They felt self-conscious because they didn’t know what to do, and it was obvious.
The Angelus Press, publishing arm for the SSPX, has put out a very nice, very helpful little booklet designed precisely For the Visitor at Mass.
The booklet is 40 some pages, on paper, printed in color, and very economical. The colors are bright and engaging, despite the less than high quality, no doubt to keep the price very low. The Angelus Press website has packs of 25 for $75.
The text was from The Queen’s Work by
Fr. Richard Ginder, in 1940, but it has been adapted. The intended reader, back in 1940, was obviously a non-Catholic, for many things of common knowledge for Catholics are explained.
There is an introductory section on what Holy Mass is and what people saw in the church. I especially enjoyed seeing explanations such as:"You may have noticed when you were coming into the church that the people, on entering, dipped their fingers into a font of water and traced the sign of the cross on themselves." Non-Catholics might be puzzled about this, but given the lousy state of catechism over the last few decades I think there may be many Catholics who neither do this nor understand what it is. Other examples: "Visible in the center of the altar is either a large veiled vessel or a curtained door…", "You wil also notice a rail which separates the sanctuary (where the altar is located) from the rest of the church)....", "Since the primary purpose of the liturgy is to give honor to God it is not necessary that the faithful understand totally the Latin…." There are other interesting examples intended for non-Catholics, but useful today for many Catholics who have never experienced what was entirely normal for so long before the reforms.
Then each section of Mass is explored and explained, with photos. The priests actions are printed in red, which is a nice tough! Easy to understand background is provided. For example, in the section for the Introit, "He goes to the right and reads the Introit, a verse from the Psalms or Old Testament, then the doxology (a shortprayer in honor of the Holy Trinity), and then the verse again. The Intriot varies with the feast of the liturgical season and is meant to exemplfy the character of the Mass for the day."
There are many photos to exemplify the actions of the Mass, taken at a church in Kansas City, MO. I hope in a new edition some of the photos might be improved. There are a few focus problems. But all in all the photos are well chosen to show what is going on at Mass.
I think a new comer to such a Holy Mass, of various ages (maybe not the very young) could use this book for the first few visits. Also, it could help an old veteran learn phrases and bits of information for their own explanations to others about the differences between the older and 
newer forms of Mass.
On the back of this booklet is a blank space for "contact Information, and also with the following text:
Unless the pastor indicates otherwise, this booklet is ideal as a keepsake of your assitance at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is advisable that anyone consistently using this visitor’s booklet purchase a 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal.
They are talking about their own beautifully bound hand missal which I reviewed here.
I very much like that note on the back. It lets people be at ease about taking it, without feeling wrong or furtive. Also, the contact information space is helpful. The first time I ever was in a Catholic Church, not knowing who to contact to ask questions, I left my name and number with someone and, thank God, got a return call. This space and text on the back is inviting.
Never underestimate the power of an invitation.
"But Father! but Father!", a few of you are probably gasping. "Are you suggesting that this is a good book when it is published by those schismatics? I thought we couldn’t have anything to do with Lefebvrites!"
First, of all, leaving aside the term "schism", if a book is good, it’s good. This is a great little tool. There is nothing polemical in it at all. Even in the introductory section, where there might have been some shots fired there are only helpful explanations.
Second, it is certainly permissible to buy books from a non-Catholic publisher, so long as they are decent. Why shouldn’t one be able to purchase them from a publisher which is Catholic, even though the unity of the group with Rome is not perfect? Also, if it is permissible when attending a Mass of the SSPX (provided that the motives are proper – and I do not recommend Communion unless your circumstances are such that it is appropriate) to make a small contribution at offertory time, why could not one buy a book? Catholics can engaged a non-Catholic construction firm to build a church, so why can’t we purchase books from a publisher of Catholic books to build the faith, even if the publisher’s associations are not in perfect unity? Also, I cannot think of any similar book printed by any group in more perfect and manifest union with Rome. Were there something similar or better, I would have to give that greater consideration. In the meantime, this is a wonderful tool.
Third, it seems to me that the attitude of "embargo" against any Angelus Press products, simply because of the association of the SSPX, is really contrary to the spirit in which our Holy Father Pope Benedict has given us Summorum Pontificum. Someday, I hope, there will be more perfect, manifest unity. In that case, we should desire that the Angelus Press be sound and strong, for it will then be truly helpful in a much wider context. I act in that hope.
I think that parishes where the TLM is celebrated could use this useful and inviting little booklet. Perhaps pastors of parishes might contact Angelus Press to see if they can get samples. I think they will be favorably impressed.
Given the dire state of catechesis in the majority of Catholic Schools, I don’t believe that anything is too obvious to state about our Faith.
The number of times I have said something to one of the Confirmation children in the hearing of other adults, only to hear the ADULT exclaim “Wow, I never knew that…” beggars belief.
Sounds like an excellent resource
Comment by Mac McLernon — 29 April 2008 @ 11:18 amIf we can buy books from protestant publishing houses I don’t see why we should boycott SSPX. Ecumenism stops at the doorstep of traditionalists…
Comment by Charles — 29 April 2008 @ 12:05 pmMy sister is joining the Faith and I bought one for her since she is completely “blank slate” when it comes to the Mass. She has only ever been to one Novus Ordo funeral Mass for our grandmother and is now entering the Church at my FSSP parish.
She really likes the booklet because the pictures are easy to follow and it explains things “just enough” to get her through. After a little while I’ll upgrade her to a Sunday Missal.
Comment by Matt — 29 April 2008 @ 12:07 pmAngelus Press prints a wonderful little booklet entitled “Prayers for Priests”. I am sure Father Z does not object to the purchase and use of this booklet either.
Comment by Greg Hessel in Arlington Diocese — 29 April 2008 @ 12:09 pm“...purchasing from non-Catholic publishers…”?
Were that prohibition to be enforced, there would be near-ZERO music available to Catholic parishes…
Comment by dad29 — 29 April 2008 @ 12:20 pmBravo, Father.
Comment by Woody Jones — 29 April 2008 @ 12:21 pmGreg: I am sure Father Z does not object to the purchase and use of this booklet either.
I think Fr. Z can speak for himself. However, I have not seen this book and therefore will not offer any comment on it.
Comment by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf — 29 April 2008 @ 12:21 pmthey also publish a great “comic book” titled “Know Your Mass” it is a great resource for understanding what the Mass is in general and specifically the EF.
Comment by cordelia — 29 April 2008 @ 12:34 pmFather,
While I do not attend the SSPX chapels or Masses, I have been purchasing books from them ever since I found the TLM seven years ago next month. (In fact, I met my husband when the TLM was moved to its curent parish in July 2001, even though the bishop did not allow us the use of the TLM for our nuptial mass) My former pastor in New Jersey, Father Hesko of St. Catherine’s in Middletown, had recommended “My Catholic Life” as a suitable purchase from them for a Catholic home, and my husband and I have purchased our Catholic Christmas gift from them ever since. This past Christmas I purchased the New Testament in Latin for my husband, for his Catholic gift this Christmas. (We currently reside near Albany, NY and attend the TLM at St. Peter’s in Troy, NY)
Comment by Agnes B. Bullock — 29 April 2008 @ 12:46 pmThe Daily Roman Missal you have pictured here is a most excellent missal and not very different from the ones used in our times – except that pages are all printed rather and hand painted…you can’t have everything!
Comment by Marye the Quene — 29 April 2008 @ 12:47 pmHonestly, I’m glad for a little clear advice as to what to do with Angelus Press. The stubborn allegiant in me wants to stay away from them, but this advice is good and helpful: if a book is good, it’s good. There are a few titles of theirs that I’d like to have, but have been reluctant and have tried to find a comparable book from Baronius—which is not always possible. Thank you for the help, Father.
Comment by WhollyRoamin'Catholic — 29 April 2008 @ 12:55 pmNot that the following applies to Father Z…
I don’t understand the reluctance among certain Catholics regarding the purchasing of materials from the SSPX.
Eastern Orthodox materials are used frequently by Eastern Catholics.
Pope John Paul II, for example, funded Eastern Orthodox church construction.
Popes and Eastern Catholics have not hesitated to hand money and even churches to the Eastern Orthodox.
Therefore, I cannot understand why a Catholic would refuse to do business with Angelus Press.
Comment by Tom — 29 April 2008 @ 1:03 pmFather Z is right. This is an excellent booklet—not only for visitors. It would be a GREAT first communion gift as well. It is the best tool like it I have seen or read.
Comment by Brian Mershon — 29 April 2008 @ 1:40 pm“First, of all, leaving aside the term “schism”, if a book is good, it’s good.”
I worked in a Catholic book store and we ordered some things from Angelus Press. We made sure that there was no error in what we purchased.
What was that St. Augustine said? “Take the good and leave the bad.” This is exactly what my Spiritual Director told me one day when we were discussing the SSPX.
Comment by Sissy — 29 April 2008 @ 1:43 pmI don’t have a reputation as an apologist for the SSPX, but they have a great publishing house, and I don’t hesitate to do business with them. Their 1962 edition Roman Missal is a high-quality investment, and they have some of the best training materials for altar service around. I also buy from Saint Vladimir’s Press, which is Eastern Orthodox, and they have excellent collections of patristic writings, that are reasonably priced.
Comment by David L Alexander — 29 April 2008 @ 1:59 pmRegarding the Daily Missal produced by Angelus Press (and this goes for the Baronius Press Missal) I wish they would have the English and Latin in the same font. I don’t like how they squash the Latin in smaller font. The best layout is the Father Lasance Missal.
Comment by Greg Hessel in Arlington Diocese — 29 April 2008 @ 2:05 pmSometimes I take a carful of friends to the TLM and often some are first-timers. I was just thinking last week that I should type up a sheet with a list of points that I explain every time I do this (“Holy Communion is received kneeling on the tongue, there are a lot of genuflections—just watch everyone”) etc. This sounds like it could be very useful in the same way (i.e., better). I think if I run across them in the bookstore I’ll probably buy a few. Thanks for the post.
Comment by Mary — 29 April 2008 @ 2:05 pmI was quite glad I had all 5 million of my grandmother’s old missals after I started going to TLMs. I’m not entirely sure why she had so many, but it’s good for me cause I already lost two of them.
Comment by Jayna — 29 April 2008 @ 2:17 pmJayna—just think, there’s someone out there that picked those two up already. Maybe it’s their second or third copy too!
I used to work with a guy that did this with pliers. He could never find his own, but often ended up with everyone else’s by mistake. Every so often, we’d have to go to his van to get our tools back—the plier bandit has struck again! :)
Comment by WhollyRoamin'Catholic — 29 April 2008 @ 2:49 pmI bought my 5 year-old son a book printed by AP called, “Jesus, Make Me Worthy” He carries it with him to Mass and loves to say family prayers out of it. He calls it his Missal. We can honestly say that it has instilled a great deal of piety in the child. It also is not polemical, and my family is not affiliated with SSPX.
Comment by RichR — 29 April 2008 @ 3:57 pmAP has reprinted Bp. Morrow’s “My Catholic Faith,” which I heartily recommend for all ages. A beautiful book, and very helpful for converts like myself as well as my children.
Comment by o.h. — 29 April 2008 @ 4:30 pmDoes anyone know of the St Andrews Daily Missal and where it can be purchased?
Comment by Humilitas — 29 April 2008 @ 5:25 pmI have heard that it is quite good and the English translation is very orthodox.
How does it compare to the St. Joseph Daily Missal which I have owned since the 1950’s but is nearly worn out.
Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Pax vobiscum!
Correction: First line should read “St. Andrew Daily Missal”
Comment by Humilitas — 29 April 2008 @ 5:32 pmHumilitas,
Fraternity Publications (FSSP) has both the St Andrew and Baronius Hand Missals available via its website.
http://store.fraternitypublications.com/hand-missals.html
Personally, I prefer the Baronius, but that’s just my opinion!
Comment by David2 — 29 April 2008 @ 5:43 pmHumilitas, I forgot to add that the St Andrew Daily Missal is a reprint of the 1945 edition, not a 1962 Missal – so the changes promulgated between 1945 and 1962 (including the Pius XII revised Holy Week, St Joseph in the Canon etc) will obviously not be in it.
Comment by David2 — 29 April 2008 @ 5:47 pmThank you David2 for the information.
Comment by Humilitas — 29 April 2008 @ 6:00 pmI will check out the FSSP website.
o.h., Thanks for the mention of “My Catholic Faith.” I just ordered it today for my nephew, who’ll be making his first communion this Sunday. I suppose the only drawback is that the book doesn’t mention the Ordinary Form (an obvious omission given that it was published in 1954!), but I think his parents will be able to explain the differences. I wasn’t at all bothered by the idea of ordering from AP. I’m thankful that they’re reprinting great books!
Comment by SFCM Organist — 29 April 2008 @ 6:15 pm“[I]t is certainly permissible to buy books from a non-Catholic publisher, so long as they are decent. Why shouldn’t one be able to purchase them from a publisher which is Catholic, even though the unity of the group with Rome is not perfect?”
While true, it does not mean that the decision to patronize the publisher is wise in this instance. Sorry, Father, but I don’t think that I’ll buy it – or your argument here!
Comment by John Enright — 29 April 2008 @ 6:21 pmAfter many years of studying this subject, I have absolutely no problem attending a FSSP or SSPX Mass. In fact, last week, my son made his First Communion at a Low Mass celebrated by a wonderful FSSP priest on Saturday. The next day (Sunday), we attended a High Mass at a SSPX chapel. My son received Holy Communion there too.
Rome has spoken on this issue, and that’s the end of it.
Comment by Pete — 29 April 2008 @ 6:23 pmPete said: After many years of studying this subject, I have absolutely no problem attending a FSSP or SSPX Mass.
Why would anyone have a problem attending an FSSP Mass? FSSP Masses are authorised and celebrated by priests in full communion with the Church, unlike SSPX Masses.
Rome has spoken on this issue, and that’s the end of it.
Yes, and what Rome has spoken is, “We strongly recommend that you don’t go to SSPX Masses.”
But that has nothing to do with whether or not one may, or should, buy books published by the SSPX. I don’t see anything objectionable about buying something they’ve published, so long as it is good and useful and in accordance with the teachings of the Church.
Comment by Jordanes — 29 April 2008 @ 6:32 pmI think it’s a matter of personal conscience whether or not to buy from a publisher in rebellion against the Holy See. No one can really disagree with that. It matters not whether the publisher is a heretic, a schismatic, or merely from a group in some sort of “separation” (as the SSPX is claimed to be by Rome).
For my part, I have a pretty firm rule against financially supporting the Orthodox, the Protestants, and other rebellers against Roman authority. That most certainly includes the SSPX. The hierarchy may drive us nuts, but they are a visible sign of unity in the Holy Spirit.
Others have their own consciences, and I won’t judge them in matters of prudence.
Comment by Rellis — 29 April 2008 @ 7:10 pmI was recently received into the church at a novus ordo parish, and my non-Catholic parents (delighted that I was returning to Christianity in any form) bought me the Angelus Press missal as a gift. They are in their 70’s and they are not and have never been Catholic, so they had no idea that this wouldn’t be the current “thing” in all the Catholic Church. I love it, and I have found it full of useful information and prayers. But I didn’t know it was an SSPX publication. Not that it matters, but for some reason I find it kind of funny, that my clueless parents would have somehow tumbled on this missal and purchased it simply for its aesthetics. I would like to tell my parents about the whole traditionalist/novus ordo debate, but I am not even sure how to approach it without them getting confused. Probably best to not say anything! I am glad to have it!
Comment by Dorothy — 29 April 2008 @ 7:14 pmI was recently received into the church at a novus ordo parish, and my non-Catholic parents (delighted that I was returning to Christianity in any form) bought me the Angelus Press missal as a gift. They are in their 70’s and they are not and have never been Catholic, so they had no idea that this wouldn’t be the current “thing” in all the Catholic Church. I love it, and I have found it full of useful information and prayers. But I didn’t know it was an SSPX publication. Not that it matters, but for some reason I find it kind of funny, that my clueless parents would have somehow stumbled on this missal and purchased it simply for its aesthetics. I would like to tell my parents about the whole traditionalist/novus ordo debate, but I am not even sure how to approach it without them getting confused. Probably best to not say anything! I am glad to have it!
Comment by Dorothy — 29 April 2008 @ 7:16 pmHere is a great traditional Catholic bookstore that offers Missals and lots of traditional books. The Angelus Press Roman Catholic Missal is $47.00 (Angelus Press $63.00). Very helpful website. Ordering is straight forward and secure. Customer service is superior!
Comment by Bob — 29 April 2008 @ 7:38 pmhttp://www.latinmassliturgicals.com
it is amusing that some of those who are aghast at purchasing from Angelus are all-to-willing to throw their money at books published by secular publishing houses in New York (where the majority of publishing houses are located.)
Although not a member of SSPX, I do have their 1962 Missal, and it is a great asset at the (once) Indult Mass I attend. Since SSPX preserved the once-anathema 1962 Missalae Romanum (ie Mass since Gregory the Great,) it is only fitting that they should have the finest hand-missal.. Since we are now coming out of the “dark-ages” of the pre-SP Modernist age of the Church (hopefully,) we can now thank God that SSPX has preserved the tools to bring the Mass-of-all-ages to the average mass-goer.
Comment by Malta — 29 April 2008 @ 8:30 pmPete, the FSSP is in full communion with the Holy Father. The SSPX is not.
Comment by David2 — 29 April 2008 @ 9:59 pm“For my part, I have a pretty firm rule against financially supporting the Orthodox, the Protestants, and other rebellers against Roman authority.”
Rome has tendered financial support to the Orthodox, Protestants and additional “rebellers.”
I appreciate that you added that “others have their own consciences, and I won’t judge them in matters of prudence.”
Our Popes, Cardinals and bishops pray and worship with and tender financial support to “rebellers against Roman authority.”
Therefore, doing business with Angelus Press is perfectly legitimate.
Pope John Paul II, for example, gave money to Eastern Orthodox patriarch Teocist to help fund the construction of an Eastern Orthodox cathedral.
The Catholic Church would have been better served had Pope John Paul II donated the money in question to the construction of an SSPX chapel..from which the Traditional Latin Mass would have flowed.
At any rate, it’s difficult to argue against doing business with Angel Press when Rome Herself does business with “rebellers against Roman authority.”
Pax.
Comment by Tom — 29 April 2008 @ 10:26 pmdavid2,
but SSPX is “mostly” in communion with Rome, provides a valid Eucharist; and, one may provide monetary assistance as long as one understands and acknowledges that the Vicar of Christ is Pope Benedict XVI (of long life and memory, God be willing).
Comment by Malta — 29 April 2008 @ 10:37 pmRather than recommend a book, no matter how good, from a questionable source, why not write one yourself. There’s certainly a need, and a short booklet doesn’t take long to produce. You’re obviously a good writer, you translate perfectly, and you can be very good at putting matters simply. Think about it.
Comment by Jeffrey Smith — 30 April 2008 @ 4:02 amThank you, Father, for putting in a good word for the Anglus Press. They have many, many fine books in their catalogue. There is also an excellent monthly magazine called the Angelus, put out by SSPX. I highly recommend it. Also, the Missal is spectacular. I use it every Sunday.
William A. Torchia, Esq.
Comment by William A. Torchia, Esquire — 30 April 2008 @ 4:41 amPhiladelphia
It looks like a great little book, and people who complain should come up with a better one. I’d like to see something like this even at the NO Mass, however, because it’s amazing how little modern Catholics know about the Catholic faith, Catholic practices and even the stripped-down and un-mysterious Novus Ordo. I serve as a docent at an historic Cathedral, and what life-long Catholics under the age of 60 don’t know routinely makes my mouth drop open.
Comment by EDG — 30 April 2008 @ 4:46 amI honestly never knew that Angelus was SSPX. I guess I’ve been under a rock or something. Anyway, I am planning to get my (wonderful, fabulous, incredible) husband a EF missal for his birthday in June and now I know that I want to buy the Baronius version. I really do think that the sheep are about to separated from the goats, as evidenced by recent statements of the SSPX, contrasted with the Transalpine Redemptorists, etc. So, really, I want to put my support where it should be.
Comment by Kradcliffe — 30 April 2008 @ 5:27 amI have the Angelus Press 1962 missal, and it is a great book. I particularly like
the prayers for preparing for confession and for preparing for mass in it.
Another insturctional book they offer is Maria Montessori’s The Mass Explained to
Children, which is also a good resource. I occasionally attend the TLM (though
there are no parishes in my diocese regularly offering it yet, so to attend is a
50+ mile trip).
I was also conflicted about buying from Angelus, but the books have done my soul
Comment by The Abbot — 30 April 2008 @ 9:20 amgood, so I have to judge by the fruits. I do wish the SSPX would end the rebellion
and come home, though. We need them, and they need us.
I’ve attended about 10 or 12 SSPX Chapels in my travels and everyone of them has had a (mini) bookstore featuring Angelus and TAN Books publications. I’m a “bookie” so I always inspect the wares.
I challenge anyone to find a non-orthodox (schismatic) book in their inventory or listings.
Jerry
Comment by Jerry O — 30 April 2008 @ 12:38 pm“I challenge anyone to find a non-orthodox (schismatic) book in their inventory or listings.”
Jerry, you miss the point. It’s not that this particular Missal is unorthodox or that all of their books are orthodox.
If you purchase this orthodox missal, though, you contribute to their ability to continue … um … publishing orthodox books.
Comment by Michael — 30 April 2008 @ 2:05 pmWhen given the choice between a publishing house whose situation is regular with the Church and one whose situation is irregular, I will take the regular publishing house. If those whose ties with the Church are strained publish a book which is not available anywhere else, then I might purchase the book from them.
I see no need to finance the SSPX if I can avoid it.
Comment by "Fr. Fermoyle from Boston for now" — 1 May 2008 @ 2:38 pmWhy shouldn’t one be able to purchase them from a publisher which is Catholic, even though the unity of the group with Rome is not perfect?
This isn’t a problem if the booket in question has an imprimatur and nihil obstat from a bishop or bishops in communion with Rome.
Does it?
Comment by Tony — 8 May 2008 @ 12:56 pm