Expert: Fr. Michael - 1/21/2007

Question
I have two questions. You mentioned that RCIA has never been approved by the church so I would like to know what are the proper steps to becoming Catholic according to the traditional church? Also, in response to a previous question of mine you stated that there are no graces to be obtained by attending the N.O. mass so should I just skip mass altogether if I don't have access to the traditional mass? Thanks.

Answer
1) See a traditional Catholic priest.  He will work out with you a program of 3-6 months study and devotional practice.  If you don't have a contact, see THE Official Traditional Catholic  Directory, http:/www.traditio.com/nat.htm.

2)         >>> FIRST AND FOREMOST, THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE TRUE MASS IS NEVER A JUSTIFICATION TO ATTEND THE INVALID, NEW ORDER SERVICE, ANY MORE THAN YOU WOULD ATTEND A PROTESTANT SERVICE.

       >>> Second, get a copy of the current annual Official Traditional Catholic Directory and search for Traditional Latin Masses in your area.  Very often people are unaware that there is one in their backyard!

       >>> Third, try to worship at the true Mass, even if it is only once or twice a year.  The graces you are receiving there are incalculable, augmented by your devotion in making a special effort to be present.

       >>> Fourth, it might well be correct to say that in the history of the Church, most Catholics never had the blessing of worshipping at a Mass every Sunday.  So, if you are in a position of not having a Traditional Latin
Mass at which to worship every Sunday, first of all tend to your own soul by the time-tested practices for Catholics in that situation.  For further information, see ABSENT.TXT: Method of Hearing Mass Spiritually for the Absent (www.traditio.com/absent.txt).