Texas Pastor Removed Over Latin Masses

Seattle Catholic ^ | July 4, 2003 | Peter Miller

[Land of the Irish]

For a Catholic priest in a small Texas town, it has been a particularly eventful week.

Over the course of three days, Fr. Stephen Zigrang JCL, pastor of St. Andrew's Church in Channelview, has been called into his bishop's office, threatened with suspension, removed from his parish and even forced to defend his mental health to his own father. These unfortunate events have taken place because Fr. Zigrang did something new during last Sunday's Masses — or, more accurately, did something very, very old.

Before each Mass on the morning of June 29th, Fr. Zigrang announced that he would no longer be offering Mass according to the revised missal of Pope Paul VI, instituted in 1969. He proceeded to offer the Mass according to the Roman Missal of 1962 (also called the "Latin", "Traditional" or "Tridentine" Mass). Parishioners who were used to attending a Mass in English, with the priest facing the congregation, witnessed a priest offer a Mass almost entirely in Latin, while facing the altar. Guitar bands and sing-along hymns were replaced by chants and reverential silence. Rather then standing up to receive Holy Communion in their hands, congregants were instructed to kneel and receive the Blessed Sacrament on their tongues. One of the three masses was a sung mass, also called a Missa Contata.

The Diocese Reacts Fr. Zigrang is a priest of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, under Bishop Joseph Fiorenza. Upon hearing of the weekend's events, the diocese reacted immediately. Unable to reach him for most of the day Monday, the chancery sent word to Fr. Zigrang that the bishop would like to meet with him the following morning, July 1st.

Despite advice from others suggesting he be accompanied by a lawyer, Fr. Zigrang went to see the bishop on his own. He was told that he would be suspended and had until the next day to vacate the St. Andrew's rectory. He was provided a letter signed by Bishop Fiorenza and the diocesan Chancellor, Monsignor Frank Rossi, admonishing him for his actions and informing him that failure to "follow the liturgical directives of the Holy See in the celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments … is a grave disobedience and threatens the unity of the Church within the parish committed to your pastoral care."

First thing the following morning, the Director of Communications for the diocese, Mrs. Annette Gonzales Taylor, responded to an inquiry from the night before with an email claiming that, "…your inquiry is a bit premature in that Fr. Zigrang has not been suspended. At this time, Bishop Fiorenza and Fr. Zigrang continue to be in conversation."

When reached by phone to clarify the matter, Mrs. Taylor reiterated that Fr. Zigrang was not suspended, is still the pastor of St. Andrew's and no action has been taken against him. She said that she did not know whether he was at the parish today as priests take some days off. When asked why Fr. Zigrang would be (as witnesses claimed) in the process of moving out of the rectory if no action had been taken against him, she did not know.

At some point that same morning, as he was moving out of the parish rectory, Fr. Zigrang was called by Bishop Fiorenza, who recommended that he take a two month leave of duty. It was further suggested that Fr. Zigrang may want to seek psychiatric counseling during this time.

The following day, June 3rd, parishioners found a note on the St. Andrew's church door explaining that there would be no daily Mass or Eucharistic adoration. The note also referenced the name and number of another priest to contact.

Finally, Fr. Zigrang's elderly father was contacted this week by Chancellor Monsignor Frank Rossi, who expressed to him concerns about Fr. Zigrang's psychological well-being.

Past Efforts Fr. Stephen Zigrang has been a priest in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston for over 25 years and pastor at St. Andrew's for the past six. He is a former seminary instructor and has a licentiate in canon law. He was previously a member of the diocesan marriage tribunal where his lack of lenience toward annulment applications brought him into conflict with his peers.

Prompted by years of liturgical research and studies which drew him toward the Traditional Latin Mass, Fr. Zigrang had requested on multiple occasions for the opportunity to offer a public Tridentine Mass in a parish. His most recent request came in January of this year when he sent a letter to Bishop Fiorenza requesting permission to convert St. Andrew's parish in to a traditional parish (dedicated to the practice of the Tridentine Mass and other sacraments) or start such a parish in another location. Six months later, he had still not received a reply.

For the past couple years, Fr. Zigrang has been offering the Latin Mass privately in the rectory at 6:30 each morning. When he attempted to offer a single Latin Mass for his congregation on Sunday mornings, he was ordered by Bishop Fiorenza to stop.

In 1988, responding to Catholics attached to the Traditional Mass and sacraments, Pope John Paul II called for the "wide and generous application" of Latin Masses throughout the Church, but the decision was left up to each bishop on whether or how to implement those directives. Many bishops have refused to allow any such Masses, while some have allowed only limited access.

In the Diocese of Galveston-Houston, home to 1.5 million Catholics and the largest diocese in Texas (eleventh largest in the United States), there is a single Latin Mass offered on Sundays in downtown Houston. Not all believe that these accommodations are adequate to meet their spiritual needs, or in the "wide and generous" spirit alluded to by the Holy Father. Catholics who need to travel great distances with families have requested that the early Mass time be moved or another Mass be added for more reasonable access. Some have requested daily Masses; others Masses on Holy Days of Obligation; and still others a traditional parish, going so far as to locate property and priests available for such an arrangement. These requests to Bishop Fiorenza have reportedly been ignored or denied. The attendants of the Mass also are under certain restrictions, including a prohibition from promoting or advertising the Mass.

Critics point out that this diocese, which prides itself on promoting and celebrating diversity, particularly in liturgical matters, has demonstrated a clear and disturbing exception when it comes to the Tridentine Mass. Although hundreds of Masses are said throughout the diocese in a multitude of languages from Spanish to Chinese, and in a multitude of styles from "Country Music" to "Gospel Spiritual" with little to no concern from the bishop, requests for Traditional Masses are ignored and attempts to offer Masses in Latin quickly and definitively put to a stop.

Parishioners Respond The parishioners' responses to Fr. Zigrang's Latin Masses have been varied. Many were surprised but respectful of their pastor's decision, but there were also some notable negative and positive reactions. Some were openly hostile toward the move, storming out of the church at the beginning of Mass. Members of the musical band which performs at the 10:30 Mass were particularly dismayed (having no role during a Latin Mass), as were lectors and extraordinary ministers. After one of the Masses, a regular guitar player was particularly vocal about the complaint that would be forthcoming to the bishop.

On the other end of the spectrum, other parishioners were greatly appreciative of the opportunity afforded to them. Some old enough to remember when the Mass was in Latin were given a reminder of how much had changed and some of what was lost. Others who had never experienced such a Mass were struck by its simplicity and beauty. At least once attendant commented on the contemplative rather than "entertainment" focus, and another described it as "absolutely beautiful".

Several congregants came up to Fr. Stephen Zigrang after Mass to personally thank him. In what now appears to be his last Sunday at the parish, he gave them the rare opportunity to experience a Latin Mass in their parish, and allowed them to witness firsthand the reason for which their pastor was willing to risk the consequences which would soon follow.

***

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St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...

[sinkspur]

I think that ultimately, there is really only one way to solve this: a new rite should be recognized: the Tridentine Rite, which could work like the Eastern Rite churches that we have which are in communion with the Pope.

I agree with you. I don't see how this will ever be resolved to the satisfaction of everyone by trying to integrate the Tridentine Mass back into the Novus Ordo Church.

As our friend, ninenot, pointed out above, it appears that strict observance of the GIRM in Lincoln has quelled any wholesale demand for the Tridentine, even though Bruskewitz allows it. So the solution is obvious: insist on following the GIRM, with a celebration of the Novus Ordo in Latin on occasion or even every Sunday, and see what that produces.

In addition, the SSPX has already said it will not return under the auspices of a separate "rite." It believes that such would convey a second-class status on the "true" Latin Rite liturgy.

[sinkspur]

Since when is it a Catholic posture to act like a spoiled brat?

Why is it OK for Fr. Zig to act like a spoiled brat by willy-nilly changing every single Sunday Mass, but not his parishioners? He's principled for acting like an autocrat, but parishioners who showed up to lector, or participate in the singing, or just attend their regular Novus Ordo Mass, are "spoiled brats" because they spend an hour wondering what the hell is going on?

The whole idea of having someone committed over this sort of incident is beyond reprehensible.

I agree with you here. Fiorenza ought to be committed for wanting to have the priest committed.

[Loyalist]

What bothered me about the congregation is that they complained because they couldn't have their way, at least the "ministers". Since when is it a Catholic posture to act like a spoiled brat?

From what I read in the article, most of the congregation went along with it without any trouble.

The complaints mostly came from those with a stake in the status quo: the lectors, eucharistic ministers and guitar choir, all of whom would have to find some other way to contribute to parish life.

Fr. Zigrang may not have made sufficient preparations in bringing the changes about. But it appears that he had little choice but to act quickly, since either way, Bishop Fiorenza had him marked.

[Desdemona]

I got the impression it was just the 10:30. And with a good knowledge of English, Latin is not that hard. A good chunck of English comes straight from Latin.

[Desdemona]

The complaints mostly came from those with a stake in the status quo: the lectors, eucharistic ministers and guitar choir, all of whom would have to find some other way to contribute to parish life.

I saw that in the article, but the loud ones are always the ones who get quoted - and usually the dissenters. The "musicians" use Mass as a performance outlet. Trust me on this one. They'd do better to find an open mike night. EEMs - I still don't quite get that. Lectors I have some sympathy and it would have been better if he just would have said their services weren't needed, but se la vie.

I have a feeling we're going to see more of this.

[sinkspur]

Before each Mass on the morning of June 29th, Fr. Zigrang announced that he would no longer be offering Mass according to the revised missal of Pope Paul VI, instituted in 1969.

Nope. It was every Mass last Sunday.

[sinkspur]

The "musicians" use Mass as a performance outlet. Trust me on this one. They'd do better to find an open mike night.

Do you use your participation in sacred music that way?

I'm not going to "trust you" on that, because I know plenty of music ministers at Novus Ordo Masses who bring the same devotion to their time at liturgy as some of our priests do.

I have a feeling we're going to see more of this.

I doubt it. Certainly you won't see it in the diocese of Houston.

[Desdemona]

And so the people who had a problem with this couldn't just find another parish? Happens everywhere.

[sinkspur]

And so the people who had a problem with this couldn't just find another parish?

Why should they find another parish? One Tridentine Mass is understandable; three is an attempt to turn the parish into an FSSP parish, without the permission of the bishop.

Fiorenza should have allowed a Tridentine Mass; in its absence, Fr. Zig should have continued to work toward it. Now, he'll be lucky to ever work in Houston again.

[RobbyS]

The Henrician reforms were probably more radical and done more swiftly and were more extensive than is commonly thought. Not only did the Crown seize the monasteries; they sought to eliminate the festivals and devotions of popular Catholicism. I agree with you that there is a certain resemblence between His Majesty's minions and the liberal reformers of the post Vatican II. My main complaint is how indifferent each were to what the people wanted.

[B Knotts]

Another part of the solution is putting a very short leash on ICEL.

[Loyalist]

It would have been better if he had been able to prepare the parish for the change over a period of several months.

He could have handled the parish politics and carried out the necessary catechesis to ensure a smoother transition.

But he would have needed his bishop's support, or at least his indifference.

Without that, Fr. Zigrang's efforts were doomed. If he did not handle the situation well, remember that no one else could have done better.

[sinkspur]

But he would have needed his bishop's support, or at least his indifference.

No bishop is going to give permission to turn one parish in a single parish city into an FSSP parish.

[Desdemona]

Do you use your participation in sacred music that way?

Let me put it this way, when I was cantoring and "song leading" (I have a solo voice which really is not conducive to that form), in order to present the material the way I did, to the best of my ability, required preparation. Usually at least an hour a week to work out the phrasing, the line, etc. I just would not wing it (which drove the music director nuts and me nuts when he'd change the material without telling me, sometimes in the middle of Mass). That's just how I was taught and how I am. Just showing up and sightreading without rehearsal, IMO, is not respectful of God, Mass, the congregation. It just isn't. As a result, I found myself not assisting the way I should and instead was more cognizant of the music than I was paying attention to Mass. So, I started going to Mass twice a weekend, once for me and once to more or less perform.

I took this last year off after years of more or less being walked on and risking serious damage to my voice and started attending Mass elsewhere and sitting in the congregation. I kind of like being a congregant. There's no pressure and Mass becomes less a choreography of parts than one flowing, seemless, timeless Sacrafice. That doesn't mean that I'm not available when needed. I spent quite a bit of time this morning working on the Bach/Gounod Ave Maria. It's the Hail Mary, not just notes on a page. I had to remind myself. It sounded too stilted, at least to my ears. That's what it takes to make it beautiful and inspiring and that's my job.

So, there you have it. Confessions of a soprano. I know others who do the same thing I do. Go to Mass multiple times a weekend as a congregant rather than a performer. It makes a difference.

[Desdemona]

This was better because his bishop is now exposed. There is something to sacraficing a battle in order to win a war.

[Desdemona]

Make that go to Mass multiple times a weekend - one for self and the others for the congregation.

[sinkspur]

Singing is praying twice, but I admire you for attending two Masses on Sunday.

[Thorondir]

Come on, my friend. That cut was over the top.

[sitetest]

Dear Desdemona,

"The orginal protestant movement was 200 years old before Luther brought it above ground. It could be we're seeing the same sort of thing with traditional Catholicism - more and more people want it and all it's richness. The priest is one soldier in the war.

"What bothered me about the congregation is that they complained because they couldn't have their way, at least the 'ministers'. Since when is it a Catholic posture to act like a spoiled brat?"

There are some real contradictions in what you say, here.

First you say,

"It could be we're seeing the same sort of thing with traditional Catholicism - more and more people want it and all it's richness."

Then you say,

"What bothered me about the congregation is that they complained..."

Obviously, at least at the priest's parish, more and more people did NOT want the old rite.

You also say,

"The priest is one soldier in the war."

Then you say,

"What bothered me about the congregation is that they complained because they couldn't have their way, at least the 'ministers'. Since when is it a Catholic posture to act like a spoiled brat?"

It is not the laity of this parish who disobeyed their bishop, it is the priest. To object to his sudden, unilateral, previously-unannounced action cannot fairly be considered acting like a "spoiled brat". I've thought of going to one of the three Tridentine Masses offered in my own archdiocese, and if I should go, I will first study it a bit, so that my children know what to expect, and so that I AND MY WIFE will know what to expect. I will inquire as to appropriate dress, and I will endeavor to make sure that my own responses and behaviors, and those of my wife and children, will not give offense or scandal to others assisting at the Mass.

But if my pastor were to decide that, hey, today, we're going to do it Tridentine, I would be offended. Why? First, we parishioners at least deserve the courtesy of notice. Second, as I said above, I would prefer to be prepared if I were to assist at a Mass of a different rite than that which I usually assist. And third, I have young children, and I find that they do better at Mass when they, too, know what to expect. Am I a "spoiled brat" because I would be offended if my pastor did what this pastor did?

As for the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and the like, they had every right to complain bitterly about this priest's petulant behavior. At least in my parish, folks who assist in these and other roles (altar boys, lectors, etc.), are scheduled weeks in advance, and must work their Sunday (or Saturday evening) schedule around the Mass schedule given to them by our pastor. To then show up at Mass and find that one's efforts to change one's life so that one may serve God and man at Mass have been significantly altered is maddening, and rightly so. This priest's behavior was entirely inexcusable.

You, yourself, admit that to properly perform musically at Mass takes some effort and preparation. I assume that the musicians treated rudely by this priest probably made significant efforts to prepare so that they could worthily use their talents to worship God, and for the spiritual benefit of others. So this priest just got up one Sunday and made hash of the efforts of others in the service of God.

If anyone is worthy of criticism at this parish, it is the pastor, who was rude and disobedient. I don't like calling folks names, but if you are to use the phrase "spoiled brat", it more aptly applies to this priest.


sitetest

[Thorondir]

Gee wiz, man. I don't think this Pope Piel thing is funny: Never did. But now you are starting to gain my support. My world is crumbling. Drat!