The Traditional Latin Mass for the 5th Sunday after Pentecost was the 5th monthly TLM offered at St Paul Catholic Church in Nampa. Tom Lester, Chair of the Treasure Valley Latin Mass Society, gave a short presentation before Mass to let folks who have only experienced the ordinary form of the Mass (the Mass of Paul VI instituted after Vatican II) know that there is a different approach to the extraordinary form of the Mass, and that, contrary to the ordinary form, following every word and gesture is not only not expected, but it's ok to be rather bewildered and feel lost. So do not be afraid to let it go, the sense of wanting to know what is happening at every moment, and to enter into the liturgical action of the priest. It takes time to get used to the flow of the Mass, and to let go of certain expectations shaped by our prior experience, and discover the mystery of the ancient form and let it's expectations shape us. It takes time, but the Mass of the Saints has a power all its own, shaped as it was by the long experience of the Church and the faithful.
This was the first time a bit of social time was offered with refreshments after Mass. Quite a few folks enjoyed visiting and a snack!
The expectation is that after next month's TLM on Sunday, August 11, the new parish hall will be open and we will be able to visit there.
Many thanks to Fr Vogel for his generous service, and to all the folks who have put so much into supporting the TLM; the altar servers, the schola, the ushers, and all the work that goes on behind the scenes that helps make the Mass flow smoothly and beautifully. Special thanksgiving also to his Excellency, Bishop Peter Christensen, for instituting the monthly TLM as a permanent ministry under Fr Vogel at St Paul. Please pray for our bishop and Fr Vogel, that this may grow and prosper.
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