[Pyro7480]

"If there are groups that desire the Tridentine Mass, this is already provided for," he said. "Bishops may allow it for groups."

The key word there is "may." Perhaps the reason they aren't discussing it is because they know Pope Benedict XVI is going to issue a universal indult (pure speculation on my part).

[mike182d]

I don't understand traditionalists' obsession with the Tridentine Mass. Certainly the Novus Ordo Mass has been very poorly implemented by ill-doctrinated liturgists, but in its purest form the Mass is quite beautiful and perfectly legit.

Even the Tridentine Mass was a radical "change" from the celebration of the first Christians. If we follow their line of thought, the only acceptable form of worship would be in Greek or Aramaic and we should abandon the Latin rite entirely for the Maronite.

[26lemoncharlie]

When will they or will they ever realize that the reaspn many Catholics do not attend Mass is because it is not a Catholic Mass!! It is more of a rendition of the Lutheran/Protestant sunday Church meeting, with the communion.

Bring back the the Lation Tridentine Mass and the the strength of the Cathechism of the Council of Trent. Without these Historical Trademarks of the Catholic Church, there is no Catholic Church, just a facsimily.

[Romulus]

"[The Tridentine Mass] is not a priority... "The problem we have discussed is that many people don't go to Mass, and those that come don't understand

Unintentional irony alert.

[starfish923]

Way back when, the notion of sin was different. I grew up believing that if I ate meat on Friday I had committed a mortal sin and would go to hell if I died in that state of mortal sin.
Confession was necessary for mortal sins, not venial sins. Perhaps mortal and venial sins weren't clarified well. I'm not accusing, just thinking.

Today the word from the pulpit is that confession is essential for "egregous" sins. What is "egregous" sin? It's pretty bad stuff in my book.

At the same time we are exhorted to go to confession at least once a year because it's a good thing for us.

Perhaps I am reading this all wrong but it seems to me as if the concept of sin and confession have changed, that is, gotten more realistic. Ancient Christians didn't go to confession but once in a lifetime perhaps. It wasn't a weekly or even a yearly sacrament. Confession has changed over the millenium.

At the same time, the concept of receiving the Eucharist has been emphasized more. It also wasn't a DAILY sacrament for most Christians as it is today.

The world has changed. We Catholics DO have access to frequent confession and daily Mass and communion. I can readily understand why the Church has altered its sacraments.
Changes are never done quickly or without profound thought. I THINK that the Church tries to think things through.

[ikka]

Many of the Catholics I have met, can be bested by an 8th-grade Baptist kid who always went to Sunday School, in terms of Bible knowledge.

[Salvation]

BTTT!

[Salvation]

**"The problem we have discussed is that many people don't go to Mass, and those that come don't understand -- they go to Communion but not to confession, as if they were immaculate."**

Fantastic quote!

[Salvation]

You have been doing an outstanding job of finding news stories about the Synod. Thank you!

China rejects Pope's invitation for bishops to attend Synod
Trautman on the Synod
Vatican publishes list of special experts and auditors for next Synod
Synod of Bishops to review liturgical issues, emphasize Sunday Mass
CONFIRMED: CHINESE BISHOPS CANNOT ATTEND SYNOD

Bishops meet at Vatican for synod; Communion to Catholic politicians on agenda
Papal Homily at Opening of Synod - "Lord: Help Us to Be Converted!"
Briefing on Synod of Bishops (to the media)
A primer on the October Synod of Bishops in Rome
Top Cardinal Plays Down Priest Shortage (Divorcees to receive communion?)

The First Synod after the Conclave Gets Underway. The Pope Is Being Tested
Ordination of married men is raised at Vatican synod
Bishop Urges Talk of Polticians at Vatican
Abandon Eucharistic doctrine, dissidents urge Synod
Vatican clamps down on information at synod

Bishops Discussing Communion in the Hand - Also Concerned About How the Mass Is Celebrated
Synod Reflects on a Key Ecumenical Question
SYNODUS EPISCOPORUM BULLETIN (Summary of Synod Working Groups - First Session - Oct.5
Archbishop Jan Lenga of Kazakhstan: Restore Tabernacle, Stop Communion in the Hand
"No to General Absolution," Except Rarely, Says Cardinal Re

SYNOD - Report #5: Environment, social justice emerge as eucharistic themes
No ban on gays expected in Vatican document; will advise 'prudential judgement'
Communion in hand versus on tongue gets attention at synod (strange commentary from bishops)
Synod - 07Oct - Married vs Celibate Priests
Synod - 06Oct - The Trinitarian, Marian, and Ecclesiological dimension of the Eucharist

Pope Addresses Synod Unexpectedly
Some bishops say church must reconsider role for married priests
Deja vu: First week of (Vatican) synod follows patterns from past
7 Key Topics Discussed So Far at (Vatican) Synod - Spokesman Assesses 1st Week of Assembly
Eucharistic adoration is key, but also has drawbacks, bishops say

SYNOD OF BISHOPS - 10OCT05 - Intercommunion (with Orthodox Church among topics)
SYNOD OF BISHOPS - 10OCT05 - Participation of the Laity (with music)
Unfit for Priestly Service
Vatican Synod of Bishops - 11OCT05 - Presentations by Anglican and Lutheran Representatives
Vatican Synod of Bishops - 11OCT05 - Presentations by Orthodox Representatives

Bishops to deal with liturgy, lay ministry, death penalty in November
Cardinal Pell: Ending Celibacy Rule Would Be a Blunder
Tridentine Mass "Not a Priority," Says Cardinal Arinze (Vatican Synod)

[marshmallow]

Before I say what I'm about to let me set out my position. I have issues with both rites of Mass; Novus Ordo and Tridentine. Just my .02, not authoritative and a purely personal take.

I have a question. Why are the readings in the Tridentine Mass read a) in Latin and b) facing away fom the people?

Now I have a fair idea of the theological reasons for the orientation of the altar why the priest faces the altar and away from the people during the Offerertory, Canon and consecration of the Tidentine Rite, and it makes plenty sense. However, the readings puzzle me.

Surely the readings are the Word of God and are addressed to the people. That being the case, they should be read facing the people and in a language which they can understand, yes? If I open my Bible and read the Gospels, I do so in my own language. I don't read them in Latin. Surely the same should apply at Mass and moreover, they should be proclaimed towards those to whom they are directed.

This is one of my main problems with the Tridentine Rite. Only one Epistle, in Latin and "mumblemumblemumble"....back wall of Church.

In my opinion, the way the readings were/are treated at Tridentine Masses had a lot to do with the widespread Catholic indifference and almost illiteracy with regard to the Scriptures and the common cliche among Protestants and even many Catholics that we don't bother ourselves with that "Scripture stuff."

So......when the appropriate Vatican Curia calls me........y'all are going to be getting a hybrid Mass, with Novus Ordo Liturgy of the Word including two readings plus a Gospel and Traditional Eucharistic Liturgy, with altar rails and Latin and stuff......

That is all. Carry on.

[Dajjal]

Glad I wasn't holding my breath in excited anticipation.