Expert: Sal - 6/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Sal,

I am confused and concerned about some of the posts I have been reading regarding the New Order Church, Novus Ordo.  Based on what I’ve read, almost all Catholic Churches here in the US have “fallen to heresy”.  What are your thoughts regarding this subject?

God Bless!

David

ANSWER: Dear David:

What have you been reading? The New Order of the Mass was promulgated by the Church. One cannot be in heresy when following what the Church allows. You may have been reading the writings of one who cannot accept the change from the Latin Mass. Either Mass is valid according to the Church. The writer of the material that you have been reading may believe that the Pope is a heretic as well. Don't be confused the Pope is the earthly head of the Church founded by Christ and he is not promoting heresy. My advice is to stop reading the nonsense that you have been reading and pick up the Catechism.

Best Wishes,
Sal  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Sal,

Thanks for putting my mind at ease!  I’ve gotten that information from this site.  People have been asking Father Michael, an expert on this site, questions about Novus Ordo.   

His answers state that unless we attend a traditional Latin Mass, we are attending a false worship service.  He has indicated that “the Novus Ordo service is no more a Mass than a Protestant service, after which it is fabricated”.  He has also stated that the“Novus Ordo service is clearly invalid according Catholic theology and specifically the papal decrees Quo primum and Apostolicae curae.

When I read these answers, I became concerned.  Where is he coming up with these ideas?

God Bless!

David

Answer
Dear David:

Such nonsensical ideas as Fr. Michael has are popular with a certain segment of Catholics. They are people who for one reason or another do not want to obey the Church. In order to ease their minds they decide that they are not wrong so the Church must be in heresy. It's very convenient for them to think that way. This way they do not have to give up their false belief. It's particularly sad when a priest acts so selfishly. These people usually believe that the pope is not the real pope some other Tridentine-only man is the "true" pope. Of course these people ignore the fact the Jesus promised that the gates of hell (error) would not prevail against the Catholic Church (see Matthew 16:18). If the Church is being led into heresy by the Pope then the gates of hell have indeed prevailed.

May God Ease Your Mind,
Sal