What Does The Prayer Really Say?
W D T P R S

I got this from a reader who is NOT a seminarian at the North American College in Rome. 

This is actually pretty useful.  Deacons out there might want to pay attention.

My emphases and comments.

First Mass Preparation Program

The celebration of a priest’s first Mass is an important occasion in the life of a priest.  While his first Mass will be celebrated after he leaves formation at the Pontifical North American College, the seminarian will be preparing for this celebration while still in formation.  It is important that the celebration be prepared well and that the seminarian receive the necessary guidance and counsel from the administration and faculty of the seminary during this preparation.  In order to help the seminarian prepare for this important liturgy, this year we are asking each deacon to:

1. Discuss with his formation advisor specific plans for his first Mass.  Among the issues that should be discussed are listed in the attached chart.
   

1. While a wide latitude is given to the seminarian as to the style and details of the first Mass and reception, it is important that the style and details be prudent and within the liturgical guidelines of the universal and local church.  It is also important that the bishop of the diocese be apprised of the plans and offered an opportunity to give any guidance to the seminarian that he wishes to give as he prepares for his first solemn Eucharist.
   

1. As deemed appropriate, the Rector will forward to the vocation director of the diocese the plan for the first Mass.   [Lot’s of control here, no?]

First Mass Form

 

ITEM	DATE	WHO’S RESPONSIBLE	OBSERVATIONS
Reservations
Hotel for out of town guests
Rehearsal dinner place
After ordination reception place
Orders
Invitations
Prayer Cards
Thank You Cards
First Mass
First Mass rehearsal [Yah… that Solemn 1962 Mass takes some work.]
Servers
Deacons
Preacher
Estimated Number of Concelebrants  [What if you don’t want any?]
Music   Hymns  [What about the Graduale Romanum?]
Mass parts
Prayers
Use of other languages –Latin, ["other?" Do Latin priests have to get approval for Latin?]                          Spanish, other
Decorations/flowers
Chalice
Vestments (what are you planning to use?) [Must they be approved?]
Photographer/videographer
Reception
First blessings
Food
Photographer/videographer
Expenses Covered
Write and send Thank Yous

April 16, 2008

All in all some of these points are good.  It is good to have a check list and get these things worked out in advance.

Still, there is a lot of "control" here.