A priest reader sent the following about a TLM training seminary for priests in Chicago.
Dear Fr. Z,
Here is a synopsis of my experience for the Extraordinary Form Workshop conducted by the Canon Regulars of St. John Cantius.
We were 10 Priests, 2 Transitional Deacons and 5 seminarians. (Not including the Priests and Brothers from St. John who trained us).
We arrived on Monday for lunch and no time was wasted. Fr. Scott Haynes began the week with a welcome and introduction. We were immediately divided into groups with an instructor for the Demonstration and Explanation of the Rubrics and Ceremonies. The first session was made up of three, one hour sessions. We then broke for dinner. Following dinner, the bookstore was open each day and a time for Confessions. After a short break, we were divided up once again between those who wanted to work on Latin Pronunciation of the Mass or Tutorial in Gregorian Chant. I went with pronunciation and worked with a Brother one-on-one. This session lasted for 45 minutes. The night concluded with Missa Lecta-Low Mass.
Each day was very similar. Morning started with Mass in the EF. and ended with Mass in the EF. In the morning we had Workshop (demonstration and practice) for two hours, followed by Latin Pronunciation or Gregorian Chant. After lunch, daily Confessions and book store. Some time for personal review and practice and another workshop with out Mass teacher. In the evening we had talks on various aspects of the Extraordinary Form.
We had the opportunity to experience the EF in various forms of Low Mass and High Mass.
For any Priest, Deacon or Seminarian who wants to learn to offer Holy Mass in the EF or come to a better understanding of our heritage – this is an experience that they should not miss.
The retreat house was also very clean and the food pretty good (seeing that I’m very fussy).
I must say, I was deeply moved and feel the EF is truly, "The most beautiful thing, this side of heaven."
