Great news was sent to me from Nashville! This is on the website of the Diocese of Nashville. My emphases and comments:
April 18, 2008
Priests receive training in celebrating Tridentine rite
Andy Telli, Tennessee Register
Father William Fitzgerald’s interest in the so-called Tridentine rite of the Mass began when he was a boy in Australia serving as an altar boy and singing in the choir.
“My preference is for the revised rite, but I see great beauty in the traditional rite,” said Father Fitzgerald, a Norbertine priest who was invited to come to Nashville recently by Bishop David Choby to instruct four priests – two from the Diocese of Nashville and two from the Diocese of Knoxville – on how to celebrate the rite that was used for more than 400 years before the new order of the Mass was implemented by Pope Paul VI in 1970, following the instructions of the Second Vatican Council.
In 1987, Pope John Paul II gave local bishops the authority to permit the celebration of the Mass according to the 1962 Roman Missal, or Tridentine rite, under certain circumstances. Last July, Pope Benedict XVI liberalized the rules governing the use of the rite, now called the extraordinary rite, to allow parish priests to celebrate the 1962 Mass when a group of the faithful requests it.
“I don’t believe there has to be warfare over these things and there doesn’t have to be division,” said Father Fitzgerald, who is the former director of the office of worship for the Diocese of Covington, Ky., and the former director of liturgy at the Pontifical College Josephinum seminary in Columbus, Ohio.
In making the traditional rite more available, Pope Benedict’s vision, [Excellent language! "Vision" is good.] Father Fitzgerald said, is “that the modern liturgy and classical rite will inform each other.”
As he explained how the traditional rite is celebrated to the four priests – Father Stephen Gideon and Father John Sims Baker of the Nashville Diocese and Father Brent Shelton and Father Patrick Resen of the Knoxville Diocese – Father Fitzgerald also tried to explain why things are done the way they are, he said.
Much of the church’s history of liturgy can be seen in the Tridentine rite, Father Fitzgerald said, because even as new elements of liturgy were added over the years, the older elements remained.
“It was kind of the living historical record of worship of the Catholic people from patristic times, really,” said Father Fitzgerald, who served as the chaplain of the Dominican Campus in Nashville from 1997-98.
Part of the reforms of the liturgy, Father Fitzgerald said, “was a certain simplification.”
The rubrics of the Tridentine rite – or the rules of ceremony and form – are more exact and complicated than the revised rite.
One of the most obvious changes was to have the priest face the people rather than the tabernacle. Many people perceived the stance in the traditional rite as the priest turning his back on the people, Father Fitzgerald said, but the original symbolism was that the priest and people were facing the same way as they looked toward God.
“In the revised rite, it’s become a dialogue over the altar,” Father Fitzgerald said.
“It was very educational,” said Father Gideon, pastor of St. Christopher Church in Dickson, said of the training session with Father Fitzgerald. “It was really like a history lesson of liturgy, very interesting and also a bit overwhelming. It will take me a while to perfect celebrating the liturgy. …
“I realized how much I have to learn before I can celebrate it well,” Father Gideon added. “If I do it, I want to do it well.” [And, Father Gideon, you will learn a lot about yourself, too, and deeper things about Holy Mass beyond history!]
Both Father Gideon and Father Baker grew up in the Episcopal Church and had no or little experience with the extraordinary form of the Mass. “I had never attended Mass in the extraordinary form before, or even seen it,” Father Baker said.
At the conclusion of Father Fitzgerald’s training session at Assumption Church in Nashville, he celebrated a low Mass according to the Tridentine rite.
“I was pretty excited by the end of the day, more excited than I was going into it actually,” Father Baker said. “One of the things that surprised me, was at least for low Mass, I don’t think it’s going to be that hard to do.”
Father Baker has studied Latin extensively so the language won’t be a problem, he said, and the rubrics, though more complicated than the ordinary form of the Mass, weren’t as complicated as he feared they might be before the training.
“A great deal of the Mass was quiet,” Father Baker noted. “I was wondering what that would be like. I was kind of intrigued by it.” [Yes…. yes…]
Studying the extraordinary form of the Mass “has brought out some things I really like about the ordinary form too that I just took for granted,” Father Baker said, particularly the participatory aspect of the revised rite.
Bishop Choby asked both Father Gideon and Father Baker to learn to celebrate the Tridentine rite so he could meet the pastoral recommendation of Pope Benedict to make the rite available for people who desire it, Father Gideon said.
When they start celebrating the Tridentine rite will be up to the bishop, Father Gideon said.
“This is an extraordinary form of the Mass but is an important part of our tradition and should be available,” said Father Baker, the Catholic chaplain at Vanderbilt University. “I don’t think it’ll ever be the only thing, and I don’t think it should be.”
At St. Andrew Church in Sparta, Father Fred Schmit, S.D.S., celebrated on Sunday, April 13, the first of what is planned to be a regular celebration of the Tridentine rite at 11 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month.
“We had a pretty good crowd. I’d say close to a hundred people,” said Father Schmit, St. Andrew’s pastor.
Some of the people attending the Mass were from Kentucky, the Chattanooga area, and Smyrna, he said. “They’re coming from a great distance. We had very few from our own parish,” Father Schmit said. “It’s up to the people. If they want to come, they can come.”
Photos by Rick Musacchio
Father John Sims Bakers watches Father William Fitzgerald demonstrate the rubrics of celebrating a Tridentine Rite Mass at Assumption Church in Nashville. Father Fitzgerald conducted a training session for Father John Sims Baker and Father Stephen Gideon of the Diocese of Nashville and Father Brent Shelton and Father Patrick Resen, both of Knoxville.Father William Fitzgerald leads a Tridentine Rite training session for Father John Sims Baker and Father Stephen Gideon of Nashville and Father Brent Shelton, and Father Patrick Resen, both of Knoxville, at Assumption.
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Fr. Baker in the first picture is the Catholic chaplain at Vanderbilt University!
“My preference is for the revised rite, but I see great beauty in the traditional rite,”
Finally proof that you don’t have to be a MadTrad to love the traditional rite!
It’s good to see Fr Fitzgerald is doing well. I knew him a bit when I was in Rome–he was huge and hard to miss in the white Norby habit.
Then a few years ago I saw him for a week when he was one of the Visitators to the FSSP seminary. Some time after that he suffered burns in a very serious auto accident.
I was very shocked (and elated) to see Fr. Baker’s face right there on your post. As the article stated, he is the chaplain at Vanderbilt – I wonder if they’re thinking of doing the TLM here on campus? I’m not sure if it could even be done in the campus chapel where they have Mass…http://www.vanderbilt.edu/reservations/benton.html
Bishop Choby’s awesome, by the way.
Fr. Fitzgerald is the Best! i’ve been privledged to assist at a few of his EF Masses. I’ve heard he’s been called back to Australia. boo hoo, a great loss for the Diocese of Covington, KY.
“My preference is for the revised rite, but I see great beauty in the traditional rite,” said Father Fitzgerald
Oh, I’ll have to ask him about that one because I seriously disagree, heh.
I’m glad Fr. Fitzgerald (trained in co. Cavan) is doing better. He was involved in a car
wreck and suffered terrible burns
“At the conclusion of Father Fitzgerald’s training session at Assumption Church in Nashville, he celebrated a low Mass according to the Tridentine rite. I was pretty excited by the end of the day, more excited than I was going into it actually,” Father Baker said. “One of the things that surprised me, was at least for low Mass, I don’t think it’s going to be that hard to do.”
I respect that Father Baker studied and offer the “Tridentine rite.”
But regarding Low Mass, let’s keep in mind that Josef Cardinal Ratazinger (our Pope) stated that “certainly one cannot consider that as the ideal of liturgical celebration. Perhaps these reductionist forms of celebration are the real reason that the disappearance of the old liturgical books was of no importance in many countries and caused no sorrow. One was never in contact with the liturgy itself.”
I appreciate very much and am thankful for the first steps that Father Baker (and additional priests have taken regarding the TLM.
But to restore the “Tridentine rite” to its full glory, we must move past Low Mass.
Father Baker said the following regarding the Traditional Latin Mass: “I don’t think it’ll ever be the only thing, and I don’t think it should be.”
Well…I believe that it should be the “only thing”…but neither Father Baker nor anybody else should worry that the TLM will push aside the Novus Ordo.
Pope Benedict XVI declared that “it is clearly seen that the new Missal will certainly remain the ordinary Form of the Roman Rite, not only on account of the juridical norms, but also because of the actual situation of the communities of the faithful.”
The Holy Father’s United States Papal Masses demonstrated that the Novus Ordo is THE Mass…and that the Pope and certainly “American Church” are willing to offer the Novus Ordo according to various…ummm…styles.
Regarding the Holy Father’s United States Papal Masses, Monsignor Guido Marini, the Pope’s Master of Ceremonies, stated the following:
“I really like this variety of styles that has been prepared for the celebrations.”
Until a Pope decides to return to the TLM, the Novus Ordo will remain the Mass of 99 percent of Latin Catholics.
The TLM doesn’t have any choice but to remain off to the side.
But even though the TLM will, for all practical purposes, retain its ghetto-confined status, Latin Catholics who prefer Tradition over novelty will likely have access to the Traditional Latin Mass.
The one exception to its ghetto confinement…as Novus Ordo Mass attendance continues to fade, and as the TLM will generate priestly vocations…our Churchmen…even a Pope…may someday be forced to acknowledge that they must return to the TLM to restore the Latin Church.
Pax.
You’ll notice that these priests are being trained for the Dioceses of Knoxville and Nashville and NOT Memphis. This is because the Bishop of Memphis is clearly not a fan of the Extraordinary Form, although it is available in 2 parishes on Sundays. He has resisted the invitation of the FSSP, and he has publicly stated that his plan is to “contain” the TLM. Ironcially, Memphis hardly has a handful of parishes that provides a decent Novus Ordo Mass.
This is an incredible answer to a very specific prayer -one that I had little hope (for lack of a better word) would be answered, much less this soon! I just got back from Nashville this very evening and am (was) rather disheartened because of the display of Catholicism, or lack of it thereof, that I witnessed at Mass there….at a Latin Novus Ordo, no less. It should’ve been the next best thing to the TLM, right? wrong…not this one! I visited Nashville this weekend to discern the possibility of moving there. While I absolutely LOVED it and the job market for my field looks very promising, I had all but determined I could never move there for lack of a thriving Catholic culture. But, wow…what an answer! Thank you God! Thank you Pope Benedict! Thank you Bishop Choby! Thank you Priests for being open to it! Wow!
Jennifer
Jennifer,
You should consider attending Mass at Assumption Church on your next Nashville visit. It is about 2 miles north of St Mary’s, where I’m assuming you attended the Latin Novus Ordo. Nashville is a wonderful place to live and it’s Catholic identity continues to improve under Bishop Choby. The bishop is a great man and an extraordinary pastor, who was actually a priest of the diocese before being elevated to the episcopacy. There is every reason to be optimistic about the future of the Church in Nashville.
I like the low Mass. The peace, quiet and silence of the low Mass is something to be savored. The soul can feel very close to God during this Mass.
Thank you Anon. Nashville Seminarian…I wish I had known that before I went. I was so disappointed because I had such high hopes going there. This information you provided about the future of Nashville makes it even better. I’m sure it’s not “inside” information, but for one outside of the diocese it’s hard to get a feel for what’s orthodox and what’s not. Thanks and may God continue to bless you on your path to the priesthood.
Jennifer
I’m glad to see that Fr. Fitzgerald is active again after his accident. I remember him in my prayers.
Jennifer,
I am very sorry to hear that your Novus Ordo experience in Nashville was a bad one. I truly expected better. While I am not from Nashville, I was confident that St. Mary’s would be the place for you to go. I guess I was wrong. Bishop Choby is a good bishop, and, based on this post, I am sure things will indeed improve. So, don’t give up on Nashville yet!
I’m thrilled to see that the Diocese of Nashville has joined the ranks of
those serious about implementing SP vice thwarting it.
If we could only get the same level of commitment here in the Diocese of
Arlington, Va.
On 20 April at St Patricks in Chancellorsville, a priest from the FSSP
celebrated the Extraordinary Form of the mass for us. It was very short
notice for most people in our area and in fact, many of the parishoners of
that parish were not even made aware of it.
All in all we had 85 people attend this mass.
There is a great deal of interest in this form of the mass in our area of the
Arlington Diocese but we seem unable to convince the Chancery and the Bishop
of that fact.
If the one priest we have who is capable and not juridically impeded is
transferred in June we’ll know for certain what our lot in life will be.
Oh – there’s another, non-sinister, reason for the lack of Memphis. Nashville and Knoxville were a single diocese until quite recently, and there are still a lot of relations. For example, they share a single annual priest-retreat (which Fr. Baker refers to as the 3 Days of Darkness). Memphis has been rather separate from the other parts of Tennessee for good reason.
I’m a native Tennessean but Catholic convert, so I find all this most interesting to learn about.
Oh – Fr. Gideon mentions that he and Fr. Baker both come out of the Episcopal church – but Fr. Baker grew up in the highest Episcopal parish in Nashville but became a Catholic in law school. Fr. Gideon was an Episcopal priest for awhile (I forget how long) before he converted. They’re both splendid pastors, and with folks like that saying the TLM Nashville will be off to a good start.
“There is a great deal of interest in this form of the mass in our area of the Arlington Diocese but we seem unable to convince the Chancery and the Bishop of that fact.”
There are any number of situations that occur from one setting to another in the Arlington Diocese, and I make no claim to being intimately familiar with all of them. But I know enough about them to know this: the statement being made here is absolutely false.
That this is so, has been demonstrated in priests meetings over the last year, as well as in the support given to at least some parishes which currently offer the Traditional Mass. Even now, as new pastoral assignments are considered for announcement early in the summer, the ability to celebrate the TLM, or at least the willingness to learn, is a factor in who gets sent where. In so doing, the Bishop of Arlington is putting his own preferences aside, in a sincere attempt to fulfill the Holy Father’s wishes. Any priest of the diocese who wants to learn the TLM is able to do so. Some have already been sent to the FSSP seminary in Denton, Nebraska. Why would the bishop go to this expense and then obstruct the final result?
I have already gone on record as asking for those interested in a TLM at the Cathedral. I can count the responses on one hand. Is anyone writing the cathedral rector, because I happen to know he is waiting for parishioners to write to him to request this. I’m on record as willing to train their servers if there is enough interest.
There are situations where the TLM has not taken hold, and the reasons vary. Sometimes a pastor simply doesn’t know how to celebrate it, nor is there anyone in the rectory who does. Priests are very busy, even where there isn’t a discernible shortage of them. Sometimes it is simply not possible to schedule an additional Mass due to time constraints. Sometimes a regularly scheduled Mass cannot be converted to a TLM because of a lack of interest from those faithful already attending. They also have rights in the Church. Shall they be told to step aside so that Father can cater to a group composed largely of non-parishioners? One factor that is very much overlooked, is the constant griping from members of the faithful, over rubrical and other details. Such complaints are usually very misinformed (as has been proven time and again), or are the result of the normal learning curve. I know of at least one case where such discontent was a deciding factor. My own opinion (which I cannot prove, but have information to suspect), is that it is becoming the biggest deciding factor.
Even in my own situation, I cannot train servers fast enough. The pastor, the priests, the parish, all are supportive. But if we are to offer a weekly Low Mass (and we do), where shall I get more servers?
People in outlying areas of a major metropolitan area will generally find themselves less able to avail themselves of certain services than those living closer to town — be it twice-weekly trash pickup, or the Traditional Mass. Whatever the case, and even with the will to succeed, this takes more than just prayer and fasting. This takes time and hard work. It also takes an enthusiastic consideration of Father Z’s “Rules of Engagement.” Anyone who says or thinks otherwise is in no position to complain.
Not that it will stop them.
Memphis was part of the Nashville Diocese until 1971. Before then, the priests of Tennessee were a very tight-knit group. A great deal of camaraderie among the priests of Memphis and Nashville was lost when Bishop Carroll T. Dozier was appointed bishop, from which Memphis has not ever quite recovered. Remember that it was Bishop Dozier who, in 1976, held two mega-Masses where General Absolution was given, prompting a uncharacteristically strong and swift reaction from the Vatican. Things began to improve a bit when Dozier retired and Bishop (now Cardinal) J. Francis Stafford succeeded him. Then three years later he was moved to Denver. His successor, Bishop (now Archbishop) Daniel M. Buechlein, pretty much stayed on the Stafford course towards improving the image of the diocese. After his move to Indianpolis, well…Memphis seems to have reverted to the mindset of the late Bishop Dozier, who publically referred to those expressing a desire for the TLM or even a Novus Ordo Mass in Latin as being “on a nostalgia trip.” This is not the only example of how Memphis has reverted to the Dozier days, but it pretty much sums up its current direction.
Fr. Zuhlsdorf, why did you emphasize “in Australia”? Is it notable? Does Australia offer the Extraordinary form more commonly than the States? I’m just curious.
Jennifer-
Let’s not forget that Nashville is home to the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia-the Nashville Dominicans. A habited order, over 225 strong, whose is median age(are you sitting down?) is 36 years old. Their newly renovated Motherhouse has a chapel too beautiful for words. You can always go to Mass there. Also, you can deepen your understanding of the Faith by taking/auditing classes at Dominican run Aquinas College, now with a Theology major. All theology and philosophy faculty have the mandatum. Check out their websites at http://www.nashvilledominican.org/Main.htm and http://www.aquinascollege.edu/ God bless you, look forward to your moving and strengthening the Catholic family here.
Mr. Alexander tells us that he is not intimately familiar with all the
situations in the Diocese of Arlington but that he also allegedly knows
enough to “know” that my statement regarding my particular situation down
here in my area of the diocese is false. As a matter of “fact” I know with
absolute certainty that Mr. Alexander knows so little of the details of what
has actually transpired down here that I feel actual embarrassment for him
for making such an outrageous statement.
I on the other hand happen to be one of the principal members involved in
trying to implement the EFL down here and I also know first hand the details
of what was said and done and continue to be done which is directly and
specifically impeding the implementation of the EFL here. I have direct,
firsthand knowledge to include notarized documentation to support my
statementss here. My statements would absolutely withstand scrutiny in a
court of law whereas Mr. Alexander’s statements specifically regarding the
situation in this area of the diocese are nothing but hearsay.
In so doing, the Bishop of Arlington is putting his own preferences aside, in a sincere attempt to fulfill the Holy Father’s wishes.
How very benevolent of the bishop to put aside his own preferences in order
to fulfill the Holy Father’s wishes. That was the reason we had the Motu
Proprio, because the bishops refused to put aside their preferences and
prejudices towards the Traditional Latin Mass and refused to allow it except
in exchange for something like female altar servers.
Any priest of the diocese who wants to learn the TLM is able to do so.
I can’t challenge this comment directly but I can state with absolute
certainty that any priest who is already capable and not juridicallly impeded is NOT allowed to celebrate the EFL.
Some have already been sent to the FSSP seminary in Denton, Nebraska.
Why would the bishop go to this expense and then obstruct the final result?
The priests who have been sent to the FSSP seminary are nowhere to be found
in the southern part of the Diocese of Arlington where there is absolutely a
demand for it and the Bishop is 100% aware of this request for the EFL.
As far as the rest of the excuses Mr. Alexander makes for why the EFL is not
celebrated in a particular parish, well as they say in the country, “That dog
don’t hunt.” Not a single one applies to the situation here.
A lack of servers is not a reason to not celebrate the EFL.
As far as what goes on in the Cathedral, it absolutely has no bearing on our
situation here and is irrelevant to this discussion. Those Catholics have
3 separate parishes where the EFL is celebrated all in close proximity to
each other and the Cathedral as well as in the Archdiocese of Wash DC so
it’s understandable why there is not much interest there.
Abe:
First of all, thank you for being concerned over my public image. You’re right, I don’t know the situation in your part of the diocese. But I’m absolutely sure of the things I do know. And most of that as described in this page applies generally, and I took pains to point that out.
Comparing the Diocese of Arlington to the Archdiocese of Washington is without merit, I’m afraid. They have been doing this for much longer, and they have at least one urban parish which would otherwise go to seed without the TLM, which we do not. I can assure you, twenty years ago, they were where we are now, and they did it without the generous terms of Summorum Pontificum. It didn’t happen overnight on that side of the Potomac either.
You say that you are one of the “principal members involved” for the TLM in your area, but you also say, “a lack of servers is not a reason to not celebrate the EFL.” While the use of a clerk or other designated respondent is not essential in the reformed Mass with a congregation, it is for the traditional Mass. (Even when there are no men, a woman may be designated, but she must be outside the sanctuary.) You really only need one server for a Low Mass, but many priests prefer two. All of them prefer someone to help them with set-up and take-down when in a temporary situation, and a group of trained young men goes a long way toward that. But as one of the “principal members involved,” you already know that, or you should.
No, I wouldn’t say it’s benevolent of Bishop Loverde to put his preferences aside, but it is a sign of his obedience to, and cooperation with, the Holy See. It is more than can be said for other bishops whose statements you have no doubt read here at WDTPRS. You say you can cite chapter and verse and produce all manner of documentation. I believe you. I wish I had the luxury of citing the cases of which I am aware.
But there is something I can do. I can spread the wealth. A number of the young men whom I have the privilege to train, divide their time between our parish and their own. The proliferation of trained servers as a viable means of support to other parishes is a good long-term strategy. That is why I mentioned the Cathedral Parish, and that is why such mention has something to do with your own. That is why I have offered elsewhere to speak to you personally.
Whatever you decide, you are not going to get what you want right away. The current pastoral assignments did not take the motu proprio into account. A lot has changed since then, and you have to give the system a chance to catch up.
Then again, complaining might be more to your liking. It’s up to you, sir. You know where to find me.
Tom wrote: I’m glad Fr. Fitzgerald (trained in co. Cavan) is doing better. He was involved in a car wreck and suffered terrible burns.
Wait!! *THAT* Father Fitgerald?! I know him! He used to say Mass at Old Saint Mary’s in Cincinnati. He baptised my first child! I knew he’d been badly hurt, and I’m glad to hear he’s doing better.
Oh. Sorry… I was confused…he wasn’t the one who baptised my son. That was another priest. But, I do remember Fr. Fitgerald from Old Saint Mary’s!
This news from Nashville is very good. The other two dioceses in the State of Tennessee have had the old Mass every Sunday now for some months. Nashville has been a difficult case. This change is cause for celebration.
I would also like to report to bloggers that the Traditional Latin Mass has FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY been restored to the Diocese of Toledo, in Ohio. St. Joseph Church there now has it on an every-Sunday basis and at the much better time of 10.30 a.m. Deo gratias!
With all this good news, there is occasionally bad news. The traditionalsits in the Diocese of Biloxi, in Mississippi, have now had their ‘new old’ Mass cancelled. This is a tragedy. They are praying and petitioning for a regular celebration and at a more central location. I ask bloggers here to pray for their endeavour.
By the way, I saw some pictures on the Internet of the papal Mass at Yankee Stadium. I could not make out the papal coat-of-arms. It was blurry. Does anyone have a clear picture of it? When the Pope visited Brazil, some Heaven-sent saint re-cast it with the tiara restored. I have no idea if this saint’s action was sanctioned by Rome or not. I do know that the miscreant prelate responsible for the Anglican mitre in our Pope’s achievement was subsequently ‘kicked upstairs’.
P.K.T.P.
Bishop Stieb of Memphis is known for his receptiveness toward homosexuals,perhaps this is seen as in conflict with encouraging the TLM?
I am so glad to hear that Fr. Fitzgerald has been recalled back here (to Australia) where he belongs (where he got his grounding afterall) does anyone know where in Australia he is? sorry to read that he prefers the ‘revised rite’ why oh why would one ? Look at the damage it has caused.
…No Australia does not offer the Extraordinary Form more commonly.
I am encouraged to read kind words about my health and my apostolate. For the record,
I am not being re-called to Australia. I am coming to the end of 5 years of service
to the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky in mid-June. I will be assigned to a new apostolate
in the U.S.A. in August by the Abbot of Saint Michael’s Abbey, Orange County,
California.
Fr. William (Fitzgerald) O.Praem.
Chaplain and Teacher of Religion,
Covington Catholic High School,
Park Hills, Kentucky.
fwilliam@covcath.org
We love you in Cincinnati, too, Fr. William. Godspeed.