Philadelphia Chapter

Priest: Rev. Fr. Gerald Carey.

Mass Intention: Anthony, Angie, Mary Ann Laurito (RIP) req. by John A. Laurito.

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Upcoming Mass:

Solemn High Mass for Epiphany, January 6, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.

Events: If anyone has pertinent information that would be appropriate for our bulletin, please e-mail it to Fr. McKale @ tlmcommunityofphila@gmail.com.

Priest: Rev. Fr. Harold B. McKale.

Mass Intention: Concetta Ponticiello (RIP) req. by George & Marialena Gunning.

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Upcoming Masses:

A) Solemn High Mass for Epiphany, January 6, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Gerald Carey, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton, PA, will be the Deacon.
Fr. Chris Moriconi, Parochial Vicar of St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville will be the Subdeacon.

B) Solemn High Mass for Candlemas, February 2, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.
Fr. Jason Kulcynski, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Parish, Oreland, PA, Traditional Latin Mass Liaison for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Webmaster & Social Media Coordinator, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon.
Fr. Phil Forlano, Pastoral Care of Hispanic Community at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown will assist as Subdeacon.

C) A Solemn High Mass is being planned by Fr. Bellopede for after the Octave of Easter at St. Mary Parish, Schwenksville, PA. Confirmation & details to follow at a later date.

D) A Solemn High Mass is being planned By Fr. Carbonaro for the Feast of the Annunciation on April 4, 2016 at Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford, PA at 7PM preceded by the recitation of the Rosary at 6:40PM. Confirmation & details to follow at a later date. As March 25 is Good Friday the feast is transferred to the first available date after the Octave of Easter.

E) A Solemn High Mass for Ascension Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.

F) A Solemn High Mass for Corpus Christi, Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.
Msgr. Charles Sangermano, Pastor of Holy Savior Parish, Norristown, PA will offer the Mass.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon.
Subdeacon T.B.A.

Events: If anyone has pertinent information that would be appropriate for our bulletin, please e-mail it to Fr. McKale @ tlmcommunityofphila@gmail.com.

Mass Intentions: If anyone still has unfulfilled Mass intentions, Fr. McKale can pass them on to a priest that will satisfy the intention by offering a TLM or Divine Liturgy (Byzantine). Please specify if you have a preference. The donation is $10. If you would like a Mass card, please include an extra $5 for the card.

Priest: Rev. Fr. Harold B. McKale.

Mass Intention: Pro Populo & Christmas Memorials.

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To everyone I extend best wishes for a Merry Christmas & a Happy & Blessed New Year. Fr. McKale

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HOLYDAY OF OBLIGATION: Octave of the Nativity, Friday, January 1, 2016. Mass will be at Noon at St. Edmond.

Solemn High Mass for Epiphany, January 6, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Gerald Carey, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton, PA, will be the Deacon.
Fr. Chris Moriconi, Parochial Vicar of St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville, will be the Subdeacon.

Solemn High Mass for Candlemas, February 2, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.
Fr. Jason Kulcynski, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Parish, Oreland, PA, Traditional Latin Mass Liaison for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Webmaster & Social Media Coordinator, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon.
Fr. Phil Forlano, Pastoral Care of Hispanic Community at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown will assist as Subdeacon.

In the final days of Advent preparations for the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, special antiphons are provided to be sung before and after the Magnificat at Vespers each evening. These antiphons, known as the Great “O” antiphons (for the beginning word of each) begin on December 16 (in English usage from ancient times) or December 17 (in Roman usage) and continue through December 23. The first seven are petitions to the Savior, using some of his scriptural titles – Old Testament prophetic images and New Testament description – and the eighth (in English usage) is addressed to the blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.

The authorship and origin of the antiphons is unknown, but they were introduced into the Roman liturgy by the eight century. Some historians believe that they were familiar to Boethius (who died in 525), as evidenced by a passage in his De Consolatione Philosophiae.

In monasteries in the Middle Ages, the “O” antiphons were distributed among the monks as part of their duties and were sung in order of rank: The abbot sang “O Sapientia”, the Prior “O Adonai”, etc.

The first metrical version of the antiphons appeared in Cologne in 1710, and John Mason Neale’s translation in the Hymnal Noted of 1851 was the first English version. The Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a paraphrase based on this translation.

O Sapientia – O Wisdom, which camest out of the mouth of the most High, and reachest from one end to another, mightily, and sweetly ordering all things: come and teach us the way of prudence. (December 16/17)

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God [Mt. 4:4]. O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom thou hast made them all [Ps. 104:24]. Thy word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path [Ps. 119:105].

O Adonai – O Adonai, and Leader of the house of Israel, who appearedst in the Bush to Moses in a flame of fire, and gavest him the law of Sinai: come and deliver us with an outstretched arm. (December 17/18)

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed…[Ex. 3:2]. Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you [Is. 35:4].

O Radix Jesse – O Root of Jesse, which standest for an ensign of the people, at whom kings shall shut their mouths, to whom the Gentiles shall seek; Come and deliver us, and tarry not. (December 18/19)

In that day the root of Jesse shall stand as an ensign to the peoples; him shall the nations seek, and his dwellings shall be glorious [Is. 11:10]. The root of Jesse shall come, he who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope” [Rm. 15:12].

O Clavis David – O Key of David, and Sceptre of the house of Israel; that openest, and no man shutteth, and shuttest, and no man openeth: Come and bring the prisoner out of the prison-house, and him that sitteth in darkness, and the shadow of death. (December 19/20)

And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David; he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open [Is. 22:22]. The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind [Lk. 4:18].

O Oriens – O Day-spring, Brightness of light everlasting and Sun of rightesousness: Come and enlighten him that sitteth in darkness, and the shadow of death. (December 20/21)

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined [Is. 9:2]. To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us [Lk. 1:78].

O Rex gentium – O King of the nations, and their Desire, the Cornerstone, who makest both one: come and save mankind, whom thou formedst of clay. (December 21/22)

Lift up your heads, O ye gates! And be lifted up, ye everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in [Ps. 24:7]. And they put over His head the accusation written against Him: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” [Mt. 27:37]. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone [Ps. 118:22]. Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation…” [Is.28:16]. …having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone [Eph. 2:20].

O Emmanuel – O Emmanuel, our King and Law-giver, the Desire of all nations, and their Salvation: Come and save us, O Lord our God. (December 22/23)

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [Is. 7:14]. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us” [Mt. 1:22, 23].

THE ROYAL NUPTIALS OF HEAVEN AND EARTH

A. The curtain rises. Preparation for the King’s coming (Advent)
I. He comes
1. Vision from afar (Advent 1 – Luke 21:25-33 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] [our Advent 2])
2. Jerusalem prepares herself (Advent 2 – Matthew 11:2-10 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] [our Advent 3])
II. Now He is near
3. The joy of anticipation (Advent 3 – John 1:19-28 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] [our Advent 4])
4. The King puts on the clothes of a servant (Ember Days)
5. Final preparation and longing call of the Bride (“O” antiphons)
6. Before the eternal gates (Vigil of Christmas – Matthew 1:18-25 [Open in Logos Bible Software (if available)] )

B. The King appears (Christmas)
I. the King comes in servant’s clothes (Christmas)
1. His retinue: martyrs (Stephen), virgins (John), children (Holy Innocents)
2. His glance toward the Cross (Sunday within the Octave)
II. In full glory the King celebrates His marriage to the Church (Epiphany)
1. He receives His wedding guests (Magi)
2. He purifies His Bride (baptism in the Jordan)
3. He gives His wedding meal (Epiphany 2)
III. The Bride prepares her chamber (Candlemas)

C. Epilogue. The King presides over His Kingdom (Sundays after Epiphany)
1. As Teacher (Epiphany 1)
2. As Priest (Epiphany 2)
3. As Savior (Epiphany 3)
4. As Conqueror (Epiphany 4)
5. As Wise Judge (Epiphany 5)
6. Growth of the Kingdom (Epiphany 6)

Priest: Rev. Fr. James Bartoloma.

Mass Intention: Dorothy Gunning (RIP) req. by George &
Marialena Gunning.

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Christmas Flowers: Christmas Flower envelopes are available. Please consider contributing to the Christmas decorations and flowers for Christmas at St. Edmond Church. Sponsors will be printed in the bulletin after Christmas Day during the Christmas Season.

Mass Sponsorship: Anyone who wishes to sponsor a Mass at St. Edmond Church should contact Fr. McKale directly. To sponsor one of our regular Sunday Masses, Missa Cantata with organ & quartet, the donation is $1,000 – Solemn High $1,500. It would need to be far in advance so that arrangements may be made. All monies would need to be given in one envelope with the total amount.

Some observations: I heard that there were only 20 people at Mass last week. This concerns me greatly; please read last week’s bulletin as a number of concerns of mine were mentioned, one of which is attendance. Please read it if you haven’t already; it is available on www.latinmassphila.org & www.latinliturgy.org.

If you are not able to speak with me, please e-mail me at tlmcommunityofphila@gmail.org or inform Dr. John Lilley and he will be sure that I receive the message. Thank you, Fr. McKale.

Upcoming Masses:

A) Christmas Day Mass, Friday, December 25: Mass will be at St. Edmond Church at Noon.

B) Solemn High Mass for Epiphany, January 6, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Gerald Carey, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton, PA, will be the Deacon.
Fr. Chris Moriconi, Parochial Vicar of St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville will be the Subdeacon.

C) Solemn High Mass for Candlemas, February 2, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA. Fr. Jason Kulcynski, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Parish, Oreland, PA, Traditional Latin Mass Liaison for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Webmaster & Social Media Coordinator, will offer the Mass. Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon. Fr. Phil Forlano, Pastoral Care of Hispanic Community at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown will assist as Subdeacon.

D) A Solemn High Mass is being planned by Fr. Bellopede for after the Octave of Easter at St. Mary Parish, Schwenksville, PA. Confirmation & details to follow at a later date.

E) A Solemn High Mass is being planned By Fr. Carbonaro for the Feast of the Annunciation on April 4, 2016 at Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford, PA at 7PM preceded by the recitation of the Rosary at 6:40PM. Confirmation & details to follow at a later date. As March 25 is Good Friday the feast is transferred to the first available date after the Octave of Easter.

F) A Solemn High Mass for Ascension Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.

G) A Solemn High Mass for Corpus Christi, Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA. Msgr. Charles Sangermano, Pastor of Holy Savior Parish, Norristown, PA will offer the Mass.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon.
Subdeacon T.B.A.

Planned Giving: Please consider remembering us in your will. Our official name is “Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia.”

International Institute for Culture: Check out upcoming events at http://www.iiculture.org/aboutus.asp

Events: If anyone has pertinent information that would be appropriate for our bulletin, please e-mail it to Fr. McKale @ tlmcommunityofphila@gmail.com.

Mass Intentions: If anyone still has unfulfilled Mass intentions, Fr. McKale can pass them on to a priest that will satisfy the intention by offering a TLM or Divine Liturgy (Byzantine). Please specify if you have a preference. The donation is $10. If you would like a Mass card, please include an extra $5 for the card.

Written by Father Ladis J. Cizik

Thought of the Day: All practicing Roman Catholic soldiers in WWII were “traditional Catholics” who attended the Latin Mass exclusively. So what happened?

One of the distressing complaints so often heard from those who attend the Novus Ordo Liturgy is: “I didn’t get anything out of that Mass.” Such persons should be reminded that Catholics traditionally did not come to Mass to be entertained; rather then, as now, the main focus for attending Mass is to worship Almighty God.

The God-centered Traditional Latin Mass offers a remedy to those wayward souls in the form of the “Commemoration of the Living.” For those who attend the Mass of the Ages, the Commemoration of the Living, at the beginning of the Canon of the Mass, makes it abundantly clear what we hope “to get” out of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Commemoration of the Living is considered to be a continuation of where the “Te igitur” left off; which offers up Sacrifices to Almighty God in the first place for the Holy Catholic Church, and then also for the Pope, our Bishop and “for all orthodox believers and all who profess the Catholic and Apostolic Faith” (“…et omnibus orthodoxis, atque catholicae et apostolicae fidei cultoribus”).

Graces are thus heaped upon the Church Militant, in so far as they hold and profess the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Faith. To the degree that one deviates or dissents from the One True Faith founded by Christ, that is the extent to which one “will not get anything” out of the Mass. To the extent that the Mass is recognized as a Holy Sacrifice offered to Almighty God, as opposed to a mere man/community-centered memorial meal, that is the magnitude to which graces will be received for the Church, the Pope, our Bishop, and ourselves.

“Memento, Domine, famulorum famularumque tuarum N…et N…” (Be mindful O Lord of Thy servants and handmaids N… and N…) The Commemoration of the Living begins with the word Memento (Remember/Be mindful). The letters N. and N. are the place where the sacrificing Priest secretly and specifically calls to mind living persons for whom he will silently pray, with folded hands, to receive special graces. These special intentions of the Priest are made in addition to, and without prejudice to, the principal intention of the Mass. When a Priest says that he will remember you in his Mass, the Memento for the Living is that special place where the merits of the Cross will abound for you. In his classic work, The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Rev. Dr. Nicholas Gihr writes:

Since the prayer of the Church, especially in connection with the sacrifice, is exceedingly powerful and efficacious, the zealous Priest will not omit to render it profitable especially to all those to whom he is most closely bound, and to whom he is under obligations of justice, charity or gratitude.

“…et omnium circumstantium, quorum tibi fides cognita est, et nota devotio…” (…and of all here present, whose faith and devotion are known to Thee…) At this point, a special invocation is made for all those who are present at the Mass. For this reason, it is desirable to attend Mass every day, not just on Sundays and Holy Days. For those unable to physically attend the Holy Sacrifice, such as the sick and shut-ins, they can spiritually unite themselves to the Mass and receive these special graces. To the level that the attendee’s faith and devotion are intense, sincere, pure and undefiled, that will be the measure by which they will receive Divine graces and blessings from the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

“…pro quibus tibi offerimus: vel qui tibi offerunt hoc sacrificium laudis, pro se, suisque omnibus…” (…for whom we offer, or who offer up to Thee this Sacrifice of praise for themselves and all those dear to them…) This prayer indicates that attendance at Mass benefits not only the congregation, but those for whom they pray. From the pew, the attendee at Mass may procure tremendous graces and blessings from the Holy Sacrifice for family, friends and other persons, in addition to themselves. So to the point that the faithful offer up to God, in union with the Priest, the Holy Sacrifice for themselves and others, such will be the end to which the Holy Mass will be efficacious for them.

“…pro redemptione animarum suarum…” (…for the redemption of their souls…) The needs of the soul take precedence over bodily needs. We are reminded here that the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is a help for us to avoid the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell. The Redeeming Blood of Christ is poured out upon those prayed for in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. For the apostate who believes that everyone goes to Heaven and that no one goes to hell, they will not “get anything” out of these words from the Holy Sacrifice. To the proportion that one believes in the four last things (death, judgment, Heaven, and hell), that is the scope to which one will “get anything” of the supernatural consolation that this prayer offers.

“…pro spe salutis et incolumitatis suae…” (…and the hope of their safety and salvation…) The bodily needs of those prayed for are not neglected, but are connected with the ultimate goal of eternal salvation. Here, Gihr notes:

The word ‘salvation’ (salus) here comprises all spiritual supernatural gifts: grace in time and eternity; the word safety (incolumitas) designates not merely health of body, but generally success and happiness in temporal things, in the goods (immaterial and material) belonging to the natural order. They too may be obtained by sacrifice and prayer, in so far as they serve for the attainment of eternal happiness.

“…tibique reddunt vota sua aeterno Deo, vivo et vero.” (…who now pay their vows to Thee, the everlasting, living and true God.) We renew here the vows of our Baptism; where we reject satan, and all his works, and all his allurements. Gihr adds:

These holy vows we pay at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, inasmuch as we offer not only the Eucharistic Victim, but in union with it we offer ourselves also, our body and our soul, our prayers and our homage, our labors and trials, our sufferings and our joys, as gifts due to the Lord.

In light of these vows, it is important to note that the official prayers of the Mass cannot include prayers for those outside the Holy Catholic Church. In ancient times, the names to be specifically said for the Commemoration of the Living were inscribed on a two-leaved tablet called a diptych. However, if a person lost the Faith or fell into heresy, his name was removed from the diptych. Although the diptych of the living is no longer used, Dom Prosper Gueranger explains in his book, The Holy Mass, that the principle remains the same:

The Priest cannot here pray either for Jews or for infidels, no more than he can for heretics, who by the very fact of heresy alone, are excommunicates, and consequently out of the pale of the Holy Catholic Church. Neither can he pray for such as, without being heretics, are excommunicated for other causes; it would be a profanation to utter the names of any such in the midst of the Holy Sacrifice. They may be prayed for in private, but not in official prayers. They are excluded from the Sacrifice, as they are out of the Church; consequently, it is impossible to mention them during the Sacred Celebration.

The Memento for the Living of the Traditional Latin Mass does provide a good rebuke for the impious person who dares to say: “I did not get anything out of that Mass.” However, the ultimate answer that should drop the scales from their eyes is to refer to the reception of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, at Holy Communion. You cannot “get”/receive anything greater than that. If that was all that one “got out of Mass,” that would be beyond all earthly gifts.

However, if the complaining person who received Holy Communion was not in a state of grace or did not possess the Catholic Faith in the Eucharist, then they would indeed have been left with that empty feeling – a feeling that comes from committing sacrilege. Saint Paul writes: “Therefore whosoever shall eat this Bread, or drink the Chalice of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the Body and of the Blood of the Lord” (1 Cor 11:27). Then, at judgment day, what the impious will ultimately “get” for unworthily receiving the Body and Blood of our Lord will be worse that “anything” in this life. What we “get” out of Mass depends in large part upon what we put into it.

Father Cizik’s “Latin Mass 101” column is a regular feature in the print edition of The Remnant.

Posted on 14 December 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Brick by Brick in Athens, Ohio, is what I glean from a story sent by a reader.

From The Athens News, [by Dennis E. Powell]. Let’s have a look with some of my patented emphases and comments:

An ancient and beautiful liturgy returns to an Athens church

Fifty years ago last week, something called the Second Vatican Council came to an end. [“something called”… heh] It had lasted more than three years and had considered the Roman Catholic Church in the modern world.

It was widely covered, as religions comprising more than a billion people tended to be.

The council, frequently referred to as “Vatican II,” had issued many documents in the form of constitutions, declarations and decrees. These were widely misinterpreted, primarily by those who had not read them. [Not to mention by those who wrote them.]

The most celebrated change brought about by Vatican II was that the Mass could now be said in the vernacular – the languages of various countries; previously, it was said in Latin everywhere. This was taken to mean that it must be said in the vernacular, which was never the case. [Exactly. So far so good!]

Congregations went hog-wild. [Again, the writer is getting it right. Refreshing, from a secular paper.] Soon there were folk-rock Masses, hootenanny Masses, puppet Masses, and so on. Encouraged to participate more actively in the Mass, congregations were soon flailing their arms around, adopting postures reserved for priests, and undertaking other alterations to the principal service of the Church. Those who looked askance were told to get with “the spirit of Vatican II.”

Translations into the vernacular were, often as not, very loose. They were not so much translations as interpretations, which sometimes included what various groups wished the liturgy would include. [About which I wrote for years and about which I continue to remind the readership on a regular basis. What damage those texts did to our Catholic identity over the decades of their use!]

(The liturgical changes during the swinging ’60s and nearby years were by no means limited to Roman Catholicism. In one famous example, the beautiful language of the Anglican/Episcopal “Book of Common Prayer” of 1928 was cast aside for . . . something else.) [Indeed. Which is part of the landscape behind Anglicanorum coetibus.]

The liberties taken with the purported findings of Vatican II were such that in 2007 Pope Benedict issued an apostolic letter, [Motu Proprio] Summorum Pontificum, in which he decried the pain caused by “arbitrary deformations of the liturgy.” The Latin Mass was still permissible, he said, and always had been.

There’s much more to it, but this brief history is necessary to introduce a wonderful and remarkable thing: This month, for the first time in nearly half a century, the traditional Latin Mass [Thank you for not just writing “Latin Mass”.] is regularly being said in Athens. It is celebrated each Saturday at 8 a.m. at St. Paul Church.

The revival of the old liturgy is the work of Fr. Jonas Shell, [May his tribe increase and thrive. This young priest was ordained, I believe, in 2013. Here is another example of what I have been talking about for so long: young men and priests are going to revitalize Holy Church through, also, their use of the traditional forms of our sacred liturgical worship. When they learn the older forms, they are transformed by them, which produces in turn a knock on effect with their congregations.] who arrived in Athens as parochial vicar in July. Young and enthusiastic, he began the Latin Masses Dec. 5, in response to the request of several parishioners, some of whom had sought it for years. (It wasn’t that there was opposition to the Latin Mass here so much as a shortage of priests with the time to add it to their schedules; contrary to popular supposition, priests and other clergy do not have six days off each week.) [The writer has a touch of snark. I like it.]

Let me describe the Latin Mass to you, because it is unlike anything that you, Catholic or not, are likely to have encountered.

…The priest and two servers enter, and in Latin, give the traditional words and responses. The congregation is free to say them along – “Dominus vobiscum” “Et cum spiritu tuo” – or not, as they wish. The servers, whose role is more elaborate than it is in other forms of the Mass, stand in for the congregation in the liturgical celebration. [I think he is implying that the congregation remains silent, which is not the case in every TLM community.] There are a homily, in English, and communion.

As has been true in other places where traditional Mass has been reintroduced, the congregation (at the two celebrations of it so far) has included some who are old enough to remember when it was the only form of the Mass offered, but also a number of young people filled with love for the Church and eager to know its depth. [Usually a large number, who are starting big families.] A family of mother and father plus two young sons and a daughter from Stockport, Ohio, have come to the traditional Mass both weeks, mother and daughter each wearing a mantilla, as was once expected. [And is now optional… though I think it is a great idea.]

The difference in the liturgy and the atmosphere could not be more pronounced.

Modern Mass is conducted as if silence is the enemy, [Do I hear.. or not hear… an “Amen!”?] that there should never be a time when there isn’t something noisy going on. Active participation is so encouraged that it sometimes seems as if there isn’t an opportunity to contemplate the mysteries of faith. [That’s based on a false notion of “active participation”. Still and silent interiorly receptivity is every bit as “active” as carrying bowls around and singing every verse of every pop-combo ditty.] Even during communion itself, the most fundamental of the seven sacraments, congregants are expected to sing rather than think about how profound it all is. [And that is a key point. You can sing and sing and sing, and then discover that, while you are getting the words and notes right, you were actually thinking about the rest of the day and what you had to do.]

The Latin Mass is quiet, often silent or close to it. The Church teaches (and I think it stands to reason) that prayer must include listening, to hear what God tells us. This is easier to do, especially for easily distracted persons such as myself, when there’s not sensory overload. When there is music with the traditional Mass (as Fr. Jonas hopes to institute from time to time, employing seminarians), it is typically in the form of chants that encourage this phenomenon rather than replace it.

Modern Mass has in some ways unintentionally come to resemble, say, a PTA meeting. The instant it is over, people are talking and laughing, greeting people across the room, immediately transported from whatever was going on minutes before to the modern secular world. Those who wish to stay and pray must have powers of concentration that far exceed my own. (I am as guilty of these things as anyone else, alas.) The Latin Mass ends in silence, and congregants remain silent; most remain to continue their prayer.

It is entirely beautiful and at least to me inspiring. And now it is to be had here in Athens again, after an absence longer than most people here have been alive. [What a shame.]

Some no doubt see it as a liturgical relic, but it is far more than that. It transforms the church into a room full of holiness upon which those there may draw, taking from it as much as they wish or need.

Fr. Z kudos to the folks in Athens, OH and to Fr. Shell.

Priest: Rev. Fr. Jason Kulcynski.

Mass Intention: Mr. & Mrs. F. Brill (RIP) req. by John A. Laurito.

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Christmas Flowers: Christmas Flower envelopes are available. Please consider contributing to the Christmas decorations and flowers for Christmas at St. Edmond Church.

Immaculate Conception Mass: Anyone who took video or pictures of last week’s beautiful Mass for the Immaculate Conception is invited to share them on our website. You can e-mail them to latinmassphila@gmail.com or tlmcommunityofphila@gmail.com Thank you.

Immaculate Conception Mass Finances:
Income $ 850.00
Expenses $1400.00
Balance Deficit of $ 550

Mass Sponsorship: Anyone who wishes to sponsor a Mass at St. Edmond Church should contact Fr. McKale directly. To sponsor one of our regular Sunday Masses, Missa Cantata with organ & quartet, the donation is $1,000 – Solemn High $1,500. It would need to be far in advance so that arrangements may be made. All monies would need to be given in one envelope with the total amount.

Some observations: The last time we had 100 people for a Sunday Mass was April 14, 2014. The highest in 2015 was 82 people for April 5, 2015. Since September 13 of this year (2015) attendance has been in the 30s or 40s. Looking strictly at individual contributions, about 15% of people come here faithfully every week, the remainder come bi-weekly, monthly or less frequently than that. I am aware that many people desire an early Mass and while one or two of us priests could accommodate that often, we cannot every week because of our other pastoral responsibilities. An earlier Mass would also eliminate priests upon whom I rely to ensure that the TLM is offered for you at St. Edmond every Sunday; trust me, this is no easy task as they are also stretched thinly among many parish duties and other apostolates.
What is distinctive here is our music program (besides the sung TLM, of course); however, this Autumn it was necessary to reduce our organist to once a month plus holydays for financial reasons.
While I am not certain how to interpret the financial & attendance data of the last few months, whether it is a lack of commitment or interest, or whether there are simply too many TLM’s in the Archdiocese, it must be taken into consideration when planning which date to end the choral music for this year as well as planning for Autumn 2016 to Spring 2017 as that is our major expense and the only expense that is not a fixed cost.

To preserve what we have, we need to increase attendance and income. While we have a significant internet presence, you really are the best advertisement for the beauty of the TLM – not only by your weekly commitment and generosity, but also by inviting and welcoming people to join us at Holy Mass as well as by living out our holy Catholic faith by being merciful, faithful and cheerful about the Faith.

So I encourage you to strive to be promoters of the Latin Mass by inviting and making people aware of our presence here at St. Edmond’s and at the Cathedral. Perhaps, we can invite extended family to join us at Mass this Christmas or for Little Christmas (Epiphany).

It has been my hope for a while that after Mass socials would be more regular in order to produce more cohesiveness among all of us. At OLMC, Norristown the Latin Mass group has an after Mass social every Sunday except the first of the month. Perhaps we can start by having one once a month and build from there.

I welcome your initiative and practical suggestions in helping our apostolate become more successful.
Thank you for all you do.

Fr. McKale

November Finances:
As previously announced, the All Souls Mass broke even.

November 1 Income $ 843
November 8 Income $1091
November 15 Income $ 440
November 22 Income $ 261
November 29 Income $ 311
Total Income $2,946
Expenses:
Music $2,300
Rent $ 750
Clergy $ 650
Total Expenses $3,700
November Balance (-$754)

On a Happy Note:
Tax Exemption Filing: As you may recall, TLM Community of Philadelphia was incorporated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on July 30, 2014. Application for exemption must be filed within 27 months of the date of incorporation (i.e. October 30, 2016). Our lawyer, John McGuire, has informed me that our paperwork is ready to be filed. Within the next four weeks, a check will need to be written to the US Treasury in the amount of $850.00 as well as legal fees of additional $945.00. This is important as while we are a Catholic entity, we are legally distinct from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has provided the funds for this expenditure. Thank you as always. Fr. McKale.

Upcoming Masses:

A) Christmas Day Mass, Friday, December 25: Mass will be at St. Edmond Church at Noon.

B) Solemn High Mass for Epiphany, January 6, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA,
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Gerald Carey, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton, PA, will be the Deacon.
Fr. Chris Moriconi, Parochial Vicar of St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville will be the Subdeacon.

C) Solemn High Mass for Candlemas, February 2, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA, Fr. Jason Kulcynski, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Parish, Oreland, PA, Traditional Latin Mass Liaison for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Webmaster & Social Media Coordinator, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA, & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon.
Subdeacon T.B.A.

D) A Solemn High Mass is being planned after the Octave of Easter at St. Mary Parish, Schwenksville, PA. Confirmation & details to follow at a later date.

E) A Solemn High Mass is being planned for the Feast of the Annunciation on April 4, 2016, at Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford, PA, at 7PM preceded by the recitation of the Rosary at 6:40PM. Confirmation & details to follow at a later date. As March 25th is Good Friday, the feast is transferred to the first available date after the Octave of Easter.

F) A Solemn High Mass for Ascension Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 7PM, at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA.

G) A Solemn High Mass for Corpus Christi, Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 7PM at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul, Philadelphia, PA. Msgr. Charles Sangermano, Pastor of Holy Savior Parish, Norristown, PA, will offer the Mass.
Fr. Harold B. McKale, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Doylestown, PA & Chaplain, Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia, will be the Deacon.
Subdeacon T.B.A.

Planned Giving: Please consider remembering us in your will. Our official name is “Traditional Latin Mass Community of Philadelphia.”

International Institute for Culture: Check out upcoming events at http://www.iiculture.org/aboutus.asp.

Events: If anyone has pertinent information that would be appropriate for our bulletin, please e-mail it to Fr. McKale @ tlmcommunityofphila@gmail.com.

Mass Intentions: If anyone still has unfulfilled Mass intentions, Fr. McKale can pass them on to a priest that will satisfy the intention by offering a TLM or Divine Liturgy (Byzantine). Please specify if you have a preference. The donation is $10. If you would like a Mass card, please include an extra $5 for the card.

We are happy to announce that there will be a Solemn High Mass celebrated at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter & Paul on December 8, 2015, at 7 p.m.

Fr. Dennis Carbonaro, Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption, Strafford, PA will be celebrating the Mass. Fr Gerald Carey, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Morton, PA, will assist as Deacon, and Fr. Philip Forlano, Pastoral Care of Hispanic Community at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Hilltown, will assist as Subdeacon.

Please remember that this is a Holy Day of obligation for all Catholics.