Expert: Fr. Michael - 7/30/2007

Question
Alright, so I have a couple of questions I hope you can help me out with. The first is Mass, I'm still having a hard time following everything and knowing what prayers to memorize. I recently started going to church so I'm still trying to get into the swing of things. I also just went to church in another town and the mass was really different. Are there any websites I can read up on that can help with this?

Also, since I'm not baptized and confirmed, I can't take eucharist yet. What am I supposed to do when everyone gets up to do that?

Thanks.

Answer
When you say "Mass," I assume that you are speaking of the true Mass, that is, the Traditional Latin Mass, not the vernacular New Order service.  The Traditional Latin Mass has been described and "the most beautiful thing this side of heaven," and can be studied and appreciated for a lifetime, it is so rich in spirituality.  If you need to find such a Mass, there is a list in the Official Traditional Catholic Directory at www.traditio.com/nat.htm.

I would recommend that you start with an old standby, Fr. Joseph Stedman's "My Sunday Missal Explained."  This is a faithful reproduction of the 1941 edition of the classic "pocket missal" edited by Fr. Stedman and used by soldiers in the fields of World War II.  It has red and
black ink on each page and provides a Table of Moveable Feasts until 2018.  It contains the Latin and English for the Ordinary of the Mass, with Propers for all Sundays of the year, with an explanation for the layman.  A unique numbering system explains how to follow the Mass.  354 pages.  $15.00 from www.maeta.com.

That will give you ample material to pray and meditate upon during Communion as well.