How to Use a Latin Mass Missal

Latin missals are back in use. Since Pope Benedict XVI encouraged wider use of the Catholic Tridentine Latin Mass, with his 2007 document Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, Catholics around the world have seen wider access to and more celebrations of the traditional Latin mass. Latin missals have regained popularity and have been dusted off or reprinted for another generation. Young Catholics often have to learn how to use a Latin missal. Read on to learn how to use a Latin mass missal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a Latin mass near you for attendance. Ask your local parish priest if there is a Latin mass in your diocese.
2. Locate a Latin missal that you can use. Your grandparents or older friends or family members who were Catholic before Vatican II in the 1960s may have one you can have, or you may need to buy one online. They are available both new and used. Look for a Latin missal with the ordinary and propers in both Latin and English.
3. Look through your Latin missal to familiarize yourself with the Latin missal layout. Locate the ordinary of the mass, which includes the unchanging elements of the mass—the Introibo, the Credo and more. It is usually near the center of the Latin missal. Browse for the current propers, which contains the reading, Gospel and specific prayers of the particular Sunday or weekday. Consult a Traditional Liturgical Calendar online if needed.
4. Mark the ordinary and propers in your Latin missal with a ribbon marker or holy cards to aid in quickly finding the areas you need.
5. Follow along in the Latin missal during the Latin mass, switching between the ordinary of the mass and the daily or Sunday propers as necessary.
6. Be content to listen, observe and pray as you become accustomed to the Latin mass. Most Latin missals have beautiful traditional prayers for meditation. Pray the mass as it is offered.