Someone sent this to me by e-mail, which I have edited and added my emphases.
Today, I went to mass at my neighborhood parish in the ordinary form. It was conducted in the typical form: uninspiring hymns, applause, prayer for a newly installed extraordinary minister–the priest asked everyone to put their hands outstretched forward during the prayer, there were about 8 extraordinary ministers, etc. etc.
After mass, I boldly (but pleasantly) asked father (who is the pastor) when we will have a mass here according to the 1962 missal. He basically said never, and was highly negative. He said that some time ago the parish had a mass in latin, and said that parishoners were angry about it.
I was so taken aback by his demeanor–he said that I was only the second person who has asked him about this.
Anyway, I’m just feeling really down about this. I am feeling hopeless, actually. How should I approach him–or should I just let it go (letting something like this go is not me….). What do you advise?
My first thought is that these parishoners probably don’t even know about the motu proprio. I would bet it has never been discussed here. And along those lines, shouldn’t they know? Should I let them know, like by passing out flyers or something? Or have I gone over the edge? Anyway, I would appreciate your advise and I will remember you in my prayers.
First, of all, people do have the right to a) to express their rightful aspirations to their pastors and b) to organize themselves according to their rightful aspirations.
If you were able to consolidate a group of people interested in having the older form of Mass, you would, as a group, have the right to express your desires to the pastor.
According to the provisions of Summorum Pontificum the pastor may not ignore you. It may be that he is incapable for one reason or another to respond to your desires himself, but he cannot ignore you. If he can’t or won’t celebrate Mass for you with the older books, then you get the bishop involved.
If you do something, make sure that it is very peaceful and respectful of everyone concerned.
Above all, be patient.
At this point, I would open this up for comments by people who have been working to get the older Mass in their parishes. Perhaps they can share their experiences, especially the positive experiences of getting the MP implemented in their parishes. Perhaps there are techiniques or pointers they can share.
I do not want this thread to become a whine session. So don’t go there.
Let’s keep this practical and helpful.
