St. Mary Church in Greenwich CT will offer a  Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form  on Wednesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM to celebrate the Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul. A light reception will follow.

This window of Sts. Peter and Paul is in Blessed Sacrament Church in Manhattan.

by Father Richard Cipolla

When I recently read about Cardinal Sarah’s expressed hope that the Traditional Offertory Prayers would be included in the next edition of the Roman Missal, I was very happy, because this is exactly what is needed, if what Pope Benedict XVI asked for with respect to the two Forms of the Roman rite, namely that there would be a mutual enrichment of each Form, becomes something real. Because of the prejudicial opposition of the current liturgical establishment, this has not happened. They would argue that it is forbidden to mix rites. One cannot use prayers from the Melkite rite in the Roman rite. And they are correct. But there is nothing that says that one cannot use prayers from the Extraordinary Form in the Ordinary Form. There is no such prohibition to be found anywhere, because our situation is sui generis.

In this light, I am proposing a list of ways that the Ordinary Form of the Mass can be enriched by elements of the Extraordinary Form. While this is addressed mainly to the many young priests who are open to importance of the Extraordinary Form and want to learn it, these suggestions pertain to all priests who love the Mass and want to celebrate the Novus Ordo in continuity with what has come before. The basic premise underlying these suggestions is that what was sacred then is sacred now.

1. Say the vesting prayers before Mass. They are a wonderful way to remind the priest what he is about to do: to offer the re-presentation of the Sacrifice of Calvary and his own unworthiness to do so.

2. Always wear the amice. The amice is optional is the Novus Ordo but is required if whatever the priest is wearing at the neck is exposed. Of course, this is not enforced. The amice is the “helmet of salvation” and should always be worn at Mass.

3. Wear the maniple at every Mass. The maniple was never abolished as a vestment. It is just not mentioned. To wear this ancient vestment that is a symbol, among other things, of the servanthood of the priesthood is a wonderful reminder to both priests and laity of what the priesthood is all about.

4. If possible celebrate Mass oriented. This is the Traditional way to celebrate Mass. The people and priest face God TOGETHER in prayer. This is indeed difficult, given the current non-thinking acceptance of Mass celebrated versus populum. Read Father Uwe Lang’s definitive book     . There are severe obstacles to celebrating Mass with the traditional orientation, and in most circumstances it will be impossible due to the opposition (grounded in ignorance) of one’s superiors. If you are a pastor, before you make this move, you must educate your people in the historical and doctrinal issues that lie at the heart of celebrating Mass ad orientem.

From the bulletin of Our Saviour’s parish, New York

http://www.oursaviournyc.org/bulletins/20151108.pdf

CHAPEL TO BE PAINTED

In celebration of the centenary of the founding of the Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, the chapel interiors will be given a fresh coat of paint. We rely on your cooperation during the process. Certain appointments on the walls will disappear for a time. At this point, the plan is that the Stations of the Cross will be replaced with the present Stations from Our Saviour, which are of a much better quality. The priceless Brumidi Stations from St. Stephen’s will be hung at Our Saviour. Please don’t jump to any conclusions during the process. This work is in accordance with the process outlined in the “Parish Transition Manual” for all newly merged parishes.

(The “priceless” Brumidi stations – when the whole painted interior and architecture of St. Stephens is in jeopardy.)

Also it seems that Our Saviour’s  needs some money for Fr. Robbins’ music program – funded by Kickstarter!:

CHOIR RECORDING

We are very excited about our choir’s forthcoming Advent and Christmas recording, Hark! A Thrilling Voice is Sounding. This past week, Paul Murray and our recording producers completed the editing process. This coming week, the CD will be replicated for publication. The CDs will be delivered to us during the week of Thanksgiving. We will let you know when it will be for sale both online and at the Parish Office. A project of this nature is an enormous undertaking. To help defray the financial expenses of this project, we have started a Kickstarter campaign. Parishioners and friends who would like to support this project may visit: <http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/582511642/advent-christmas-choral-music-recording>. You may also make a contribution by check to the Church of Our Saviour, earmarked “Choir Recording”.

The St. Cecilia Society of St. Mary Church, Norwalk, Ct, will present its annual benefit concert in honor of St. Cecilia on Sunday, November 15 at 4 pm at St. Mary Church, Norwalk. The concert features the St. Mary’s Schola Cantorum under the direction of David J. Hughes.

The title of the concert is “Gaudeamus! Music for All Saints and for all of us.” General admission is $25, for students and seniors it is $15. All proceeds go to support the St. Mary’s Schola, which performs at the 9:30 solemn traditional Mass every Sunday. A festive wine and cheese reception will follow the concert.

The theme for the concert is Gaudeamus!, after the introit for All Saints’ Day. The Schola will sing several polyphonic works based on this plainchant (including Morales’ Jubilate Deo and selections from Josquin’s Missa Gaudeamus and Victoria’s Mass of the same name). The concert will also feature solos and duets sung by the members of the Schola (from Verdi to Monteverdi!), accompanied by Charles Weaver on lute and David Hughes on organ.

Yesterday evening Vespers and Benediction for the Feast of All Saints Day were offered at St. Mary Church Norwalk. Father George Rutler preached a sermon. Vespers are now scheduled for every first Sunday of the month at St. Mary’s.

St. Mary Church, Greenwich, CT, November 3, Sung Requiem Mass, 7:30 pm

A beginning level biblical Greek class will now be offered at St. Mary’s Church, Norwalk. The first class will be this Friday, November 6 at 6:30 pm in the St. Therese Room of the school building. Read the New Testament Gospels, Acts of the Apostles and Epistles in the original language. The instruction is being offered at no cost. For further information, please contact Charles Edstrom at 203-838-9114.

Today at Regina Pacis Academy, Norwalk, CT