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You say, "You prefer the mass in Latin, I like it just fine in English. You like altar rails, I don't miss them. I like being able to watch the priest's face rather than his back, but the other way was OK, too."

1. But what you prefer is immaterial. The Mass isn't about you or any of us. It's about worshiping God appropriately. It's not supposed to be entertaining.

2. Kneeling for Communion expresses adoration for the Real Presence. Standing doesn't, but subtly subverts this belief.

3. Cardinal Ratzinger addressed the importance of facing east in his work, The Spirit of the Liturgy: "A common turning to the east during the Eucharistic Prayer remains essential. This is not a case of something accidental, but of what is essential. Looking at the priest has no importance. What matters is looking together at the Lord." (p. 81.)