Attending A Private Mass

[photosynthesis]

Is there a protocol for attending a private Mass? I met with my spiritual director tonight--a priest that exclusively celebrates the extraordinary form of the Mass. At the end of our meeting, he mentioned that he was going to the chapel to say his Mass for the day, as he had not celebrated it yet and he had to drive out of state later that night. I asked him if I could hear his private Mass and receive Holy Communion and he said "yes." It seemed like a normal Low Mass except there were no servers and there was the added weirdness factor of being the only layperson present.

For the most part, I like my liturgies as high as they can get. My senses crave incense, Gregorian Chant, bells, holy water and lots of candles. It's a huge blessing for me to chant the ordinary of the Mass and sing hymns at High Mass every Sunday and see many young acolytes serving the Celebrant with angelic reverence. While I was happy to have the summer off from Choir, going to Low Mass every Sunday was kind of a letdown because I get 'high' off the High Mass.

But witnessing a priest say a private Mass was a very intimate encounter with the Eucharist. Maybe it's because I wasn't worrying about how our new Rector intones the Gloria so high that it's out of my vocal range, or thinking about how bad the choir sounds. Witnessing a priest say his private Mass made me deeply aware that even if I were the only person on this Earth, Our Lord would still die for my sins on the Cross.

The priests of the Institute of Christ the King are fond of saying that the Mass is like a precious diamond in a setting. Candles, incense, polyphony and organ music are all things that make the setting sparkle and bring out the beauty of the diamond. But seeing a private low Mass was like opening a simple locked box and finding a priceless treasure... perhaps too precious for me to witness.

Is this something the Church ordinarily allows? I wasn't sure what to do, kneeling there in the pews. Of course, it was not necessary for me to participate at all, but I kind of felt like I was eavesdropping on a very private conversation.

[adt6247]

Yes, this is something normal, and the church does allow it, both in the Novus Ordo and the extraordinary form. It's not too uncommon, for instance, if a priest were to go camping or traveling to a remote area, with or without others, for him to bring along a mass kit and an altar stone, and celebrate mass in his tent, hotel room, etc. (Obviously a church would be preferable, but that is not always possible, and it is not contrary to piety to celebrate mass in another setting when no church is available.) But in any case, it is not uncommon to invite people one is traveling with to participate in a private mass.

The definition of a private mass is a mass that is not on the regular parish schedule. The moto proprio, [i]Summorum Pontificum[/i], deals with this -- stating that a priest may say the extraordinary form in private without needing permission from anyone. It also states that the laity may attend if they wish.

You may have noticed that in older, bigger churches, in addition to the main high altar, there were often side altars on both the left and right side of the main alter in the sanctuary. In days when many parishes had more priests than Sunday masses, the priests would often say their own private masses while the public mass was being celebrated on the main altar. So though this was a private mass, it was being celebrated in front of the congregation, and often had one or two boys, priests, deacons, or seminarians serving as acolytes. The only change was that everything in the mass had to be said at a level that wouldn't disturb the celebrant of the main mass, or at least that's the last I recall from reading Fortescue last year.

[Maggyie]

What a beautiful reflection Father's Mass wasn't really "private" per se, to the extent that no Mass really is. I don't think he would really be allowed to tell you "no, you can't come." Anybody who wanted to come, or who wandered into the Chapel would be perfectly free to be there, etc.

My impression is that "private Mass" simply refers to a celebration that is not announced and that is not a part of the regular Mass schedule. Obviously one can not have a strict diet of "private" Masses, simply because such opportunities do not often come about. They are not uncommon, though, and again, you're certainly allowed to go. I've heard, for instance, that when priests go on vacation they usually celebrate Mass "just for themselves" (obviously not the best way to phrase it) without any lay people present.

EDIT: D'oh, what adt said, just before my post showed up!

Edited October 2, 2007 by Maggie

[photosynthesis]

[quote name='adt6247' post='1396418' date='Oct 2 2007, 02:01 AM']Yes, this is something normal, and the church does allow it, both in the Novus Ordo and the extraordinary form. It's not too uncommon, for instance, if a priest were to go camping or traveling to a remote area, with or without others, for him to bring along a mass kit and an altar stone, and celebrate mass in his tent, hotel room, etc. (Obviously a church would be preferable, but that is not always possible, and it is not contrary to piety to celebrate mass in another setting when no church is available.) But in any case, it is not uncommon to invite people one is traveling with to participate in a private mass.

The definition of a private mass is a mass that is not on the regular parish schedule. The moto proprio, [i]Summorum Pontificum[/i], deals with this -- stating that a priest may say the extraordinary form in private without needing permission from anyone. It also states that the laity may attend if they wish.

You may have noticed that in older, bigger churches, in addition to the main high altar, there were often side altars on both the left and right side of the main alter in the sanctuary. In days when many parishes had more priests than Sunday masses, the priests would often say their own private masses while the public mass was being celebrated on the main altar. So though this was a private mass, it was being celebrated in front of the congregation, and often had one or two boys, priests, deacons, or seminarians serving as acolytes. The only change was that everything in the mass had to be said at a level that wouldn't disturb the celebrant of the main mass, or at least that's the last I recall from reading Fortescue last year.[/quote]
shouldn't you be sleeping now?

Yeah, I know why we have side altars and about the Motu Proprio. Obviously it's OK for priests to say private Masses. It just felt weird being the only person witnessing a private Mass. I don't think it would have been as weird if I were a man, because there's nothing wrong with that. I think it has something to do with being a woman.

[bonoducchi]

[quote name='photosynthesis' post='1396427' date='Oct 2 2007, 01:13 AM'] shouldn't you be sleeping now?

Yeah, I know why we have side altars and about the Motu Proprio. Obviously it's OK for priests to say private Masses. It just felt weird being the only person witnessing a private Mass. I don't think it would have been as weird if I were a man, because there's nothing wrong with that. I think it has something to do with being a woman.[/quote]

The Sacraments are for women too....

[quote]For the most part, I like my liturgies as high as they can get. My senses crave incense, Gregorian Chant, bells, holy water and lots of candles. It's a huge blessing for me to chant the ordinary of the Mass and sing hymns at High Mass every Sunday and see many young acolytes serving the Celebrant with angelic reverence. While I was happy to have the summer off from Choir, going to Low Mass every Sunday was kind of a letdown because I get 'high' off the High Mass.[/quote]

Remember, in either form,its not the externals that should attract us - it is the celebration of the Sacrament. At the Last Supper, there were no bells, incense or choirs, but it was still probably the most august celebration of Eucharist ever known on this earth. It is the Mystery we celebrate that should give us our "high", only enhanced by externals. But we should never be let down that our Mass is not "high" enough. Christ is there, present to us and with us - whether it is in a campground, cathedral or concentration camp - and desires that we become what we worthily receive. Nothing could ever be greater or more thrilling than that central mystery of our lives.

Edited October 2, 2007 by VaticanIILiturgist

[chelsea]

I've been to masses with my priest where its just me, him, one of my friends, and maybe a deacon. If he doesnt have the daily mass duty, he'll say mass after our weekday holy hour at 10pm. At 11 he'll do a votive mass of the Angels. Sometimes I miss daily mass and go then. Its very intimate and very centered around the Eucharist. No candles, no fluff, just the Lord.

[CatherineM]

We had a priest come to our house to say a mass once when I was a kid. I had trouble looking at the kitchen table the same way again. All it took was a bribe of my mom's fried chicken. I once made a backpacking mass kit as a present for a priest who like to go on hunting trips. A mass in your home really makes you feel what it must have been like in the early church or during periods of persecution. It really helps you remember that it is first and foremost a meal, a dinner with friends.

[adt6247]

[quote name='chelsea' post='1396535' date='Oct 2 2007, 12:27 PM']I've been to masses with my priest where its just me, him, one of my friends, and maybe a deacon. If he doesnt have the daily mass duty, he'll say mass after our weekday holy hour at 10pm. At 11 he'll do a votive mass of the Angels. Sometimes I miss daily mass and go then. Its very intimate and very centered around the Eucharist. No candles, no fluff, just the Lord.[/quote]
That's illicit -- there's supposed to be two lit candles at any mass, either ordinary or extraordinary form. The minimum one needs for the mass to be licit:

- covering for the altar or surface used for the altar
- chalice
- paten
- corporal
- purificator
- crucifix
- 2 candles
- missal / lectionary

Plus the standard vestments for the priest.

[adt6247]

[quote name='CatherineM' post='1396546' date='Oct 2 2007, 01:29 PM']It really helps you remember that it is first and foremost a meal, a dinner with friends.[/quote]
Actually, that is incorrect. It is first and foremost a celebration of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The meal aspect is secondary at best; it is the lesser reality. During the last supper, the appearance of the meal, the passover dinner, were used symbolically to give context to the actual pascal sacrifice they were taking place in, and to tie future Catholic practice into Jewish tradition.

[goldenchild17]

I won't contribute to this in any way as its off-topic, just wanted to say that I completely agree with adt and honestly find it a bit disturbing that the meal aspect has become such a focus in recent decades. Not a knock on anyone here because I think its becoming a rather common belief in many circles, but it is wrong nonetheless.

[photosynthesis]

Does a priest normally do anything different if there is a person present at his private Mass? Would he only whisper all of the parts, or wear different vestments?

[kateri05]

[quote]I won't contribute to this in any way as its off-topic, just wanted to say that I completely agree with adt and honestly find it a bit disturbing that the meal aspect has become such a focus in recent decades. Not a knock on anyone here because I think its becoming a rather common belief in many circles, but it is wrong nonetheless.[/quote]

i'm not sure what you are referring to as "wrong." it is not wrong to discuss and promote the understanding of the Eucharist as a Sacred Family Meal (its in the CCC).

however, if you were saying its wrong to say this is the preeminent characteristic, then i agree, because it is first and foremost a participation in the Sacrifice at Calvary.

i just wanted to make sure you weren't throwing out the baby with the bathwater

[quote]Does a priest normally do anything different if there is a person present at his private Mass? Would he only whisper all of the parts, or wear different vestments?[/quote]

my priesty friend says a "private" mass on his day off, well its not really private, its just at 8AM and hes a college campus minister and so no students ever come anyways, i was asking him how its different, and he still vests (don't they have to?), and the parts that aren't required to be outloud, he says in his head. the rest is just in ordinary tones, maybe a bit softer, since, you know, he can hear himself

other than that, its a normal mass. oh and no homily, obviously. and no songs. and communion, apparently, is pretty quick actually, i'm not sure about the songs. he might start and end with a nice hymn, cuz he's holy like that

[kateri05]

[quote]- missal / lectionary[/quote]

a magnificat can do in a pinch very nicely, actually!

[adt6247]

[quote name='photosynthesis' post='1396556' date='Oct 2 2007, 01:57 PM']Does a priest normally do anything different if there is a person present at his private Mass? Would he only whisper all of the parts, or wear different vestments?[/quote]
Without any people attending, in the extraordinary form (not sure what would change in the ordinary form), he would be allowed to whisper all the parts of the mass, and skip some of the prayers (the second [i]Domine non sum dignus[/i], the [i]Ecce, Agnus Dei[/i], the blessing after the second confiteor -- i.e., everything to do with the peoples' communion. Obviously, a homily would be pointless, and is optional anyway for all masses except on Sunday, I believe.

[adt6247]

[quote name='kateri05' post='1396591' date='Oct 2 2007, 03:31 PM']a magnificat can do in a pinch very nicely, actually! [/quote]
Does Magnificat have the ordinary of the mass and the collects, or just the readings? I've never subscribed to it. If it does, that would do well. Heck, printouts from an official source online would be fine.

[adt6247]

[quote name='kateri05' post='1396588' date='Oct 2 2007, 03:29 PM']i'm not sure what you are referring to as "wrong." it is not wrong to discuss and promote the understanding of the Eucharist as a Sacred Family Meal (its in the CCC). however, if you were saying its wrong to say this is the preeminent characteristic, then i agree, because it is first and foremost a participation in the Sacrifice at Calvary.
i just wanted to make sure you weren't throwing out the baby with the bathwater [/quote]

You and I are in agreement. I was responding to the statement that "it is first and foremost a meal, a dinner with friends." Though the meal aspect is clear and present in both forms of the mass (greater emphasis in the ordinary form than the extraordinary), it is a secondary aspect. I merely corrected the "first and foremost" bit. I apologize if I was unclear.

[quote name='kateri05' post='1396588' date='Oct 2 2007, 03:29 PM']he still vests (don't they have to?)[/quote]
In the extraordinary form, they do still have to vest. Not so sure about the requirements of the ordinary form. I've seen many priests use only an alb and stole, but no chasuble or cincture, in the ordinary form. I honestly don't know if this is licit or not.

[kateri05]

[quote]Obviously, a homily would be pointless, and is optional anyway for all masses except on Sunday, I believe.[/quote]

only optional for a grave reason and the Church is quick to remind how impt homilies are to the faithful. obviously, for a mass of one, its a non issue

and yup, the magnificat has the prayers of the day as well, not to mention the eucharistic prayers. although, i will say, some of the things the priest says to himself during the eucharistic prayers might not be in there.... honestly tho, i think a lot of priests have that memorized.

what are collects?

[kateri05]

[quote]I've seen many priests use only an alb and stole, but no chasuble or cincture, in the ordinary form. I honestly don't know if this is licit or not.[/quote]

maybe fr. brian or cappie can comment, but i'm pretty sure this is a nono. of course, in certain situations, its impossible (imprisoned priests, warzone, etc.), but your regular private mass, i think it would be illicit not to vest.

[photosynthesis]

[quote name='kateri05' post='1396614' date='Oct 2 2007, 03:45 PM']only optional for a grave reason and the Church is quick to remind how impt homilies are to the faithful. obviously, for a mass of one, its a non issue

and yup, the magnificat has the prayers of the day as well, not to mention the eucharistic prayers. although, i will say, some of the things the priest says to himself during the eucharistic prayers might not be in there.... honestly tho, i think a lot of priests have that memorized.

what are collects?[/quote]
The collect is part of the Proper of the Mass. It's usually said after the Gloria and before the first reading, and (correct me if I'm wrong) can only be said by a Priest or Deacon. It's in the extraordinary form of the Mass as well as the ordinary form. For example, here is the ordinary form Collect for today (Memorial of the Guardian Angels):

"God our Father, in your loving providence you send your holy angels to watch over us. Hear our prayers, defend us always by their protection and let us share your life with them for ever. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."

[kateri05]

oh you mean the opening prayer. got it. yes, in magnificat. i always get sad when the priest doesn't do the optional memorial and does a different prayer from the one i have