2. The Masses they celebrate are also valid, but it is considered morally illicit for the faithful to participate in these Masses unless they are physically or morally impeded from participating in a Mass celebrated by a Catholic priest in good standing (cf. Code of Canon Law, canon 844.2). The fact of not being able to assist at the celebration of the so-called "Tridentine" Mass is not considered a sufficient motive for attending such Masses.3. While it is true that the participation in the Mass and sacraments at the chapels of the Society of St. Pius X does not of itself consititute "formal adherence to the schism", such adherence can come about over a period of time as one slowly imbibes a mentality which separates itself from the magisterium of the Supreme Pontiff. Father Peter R. Scott, District Superior of the Society in the United States, has publicaly stated that he deplores the "liberalism" of "those who refuse to condemn the New Mass as absolutely offensive to God, or the religious liberty and ecumenism of the postconcilliar church." With such an attitude the society of St. Pius X is effectively tending to establish its own canons of orthodoxy and hence to separate itself from the magisterium of the Supreme Pontiff. (Commission Ecclesia Dei, Protocol 117/95)
"2. We have already told you that we cannot recommend your attendance at such a Mass and have explained the reason why. If your primary reason for attending were to manifest your desire to separate yourself from communion with the Roman Pontiff and those in communion with him, it would be a sin. If your intention is simply to participate in a Mass according to the 1962 Missal for the sake of devotion, this would not be a sin."
Sincerely yours in Christ, Rev. Msgr. Camille Perl Secretary Pontifical Ecclesia Dei Commission
This is an old letter. It was superceded by a more recent Letter by Msgr. Camille Perl from Pontificia Commissio "Ecclesia Dei" dated January 18, 2003. It says in part:
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Points 1 and 3 in our letter of 27 September 2002 to this correspondent are accurately reported. His first question was "Can I fulfill my Sunday obligation by attending a Pius X Mass" and our response was:
"1. In the strict sense you may fulfill your Sunday obligation by attending a Mass celebrated by a priest of the Society of St. Pius X."
His second question was "Is it a sin for me to attend a Pius X Mass" and we responded stating:
"2. We have already told you that we cannot recommend your attendance at such a Mass and have explained the reason why. If your primary reason for attending were to manifest your desire to separate yourself from communion with the Roman Pontiff and those in communion with him, it would be a sin. If your intention is simply to participate in a Mass according to the 1962 Missal for the sake of devotion, this would not be a sin."
His third question was: "Is it a sin for me to contribute to the Sunday collection a Pius X Mass" to which we responded:
"3. It would seem that a modest contribution to the collection at Mass could be justified."
By the way, Perl's comment that if someone attended with a desire to separate himself from the Pontiff, it would be a sin, is too ludicrous for words. If Perl really believes such drivel, it would be proof positive the Vatican is completely out of touch with reality. As it is, I don't think for a second Perl actually believes this. It is a mere sop to cover the Pope's unjust charge of schism. There is a need for Vatican bureaucrats to PRETEND there is this terrible urge some traditional Catholics have to separate themselves from the Pope. The truth is, HE has separated himself from us--and this is made clearer and clearer as each year goes by.
So it is NOT morally illicit to participate in an SSPX if you are morally impeded from participating in a New Mass travesty. It is morally impossible for me to set foot in a New Mass church. I don't mind attending an indult Mass if it's available, but it's not necessary to have an indult, and it IS morally necessary for me to attend only the true Catholic Mass of all time.