![\"\"](\"http:\/\/restlesspilgrim.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/priest-at-altar.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Those of you who know me will know that I purposefully attend the\u00a0“Extraordinary Form”<\/em> (EF) of the Mass several times a year. This form of the Mass is sometimes known as “The Tridentine Mass”<\/em> and is the Liturgy which\u00a0our grandparents would have typically attended.<\/p>\n There’s much to commend the Extraordinary Form and I would love to see it become more widely available. However, as much as I love the older form of the Mass, I have to say, that when it’s done well, I actually prefer the “Novus Ordo”<\/em> (NO) Mass. This is the amended liturgy which came about following the Second Vatican Council and which is more typically found around the world today in Roman-Rite Catholic Churches.<\/p>\n (Having said all that, I actually go to Byzantine Liturgy<\/a> on Sundays)<\/p>\n Although I generally prefer the Novus Ordo, I think it’s safe to say that every Catholic has been to a typical parish Mass where the service has, well, left a lot to be desired… These banal liturgies have considerably nurtured the feeling among more traditional Catholics that the Novus Ordo was a considerable misstep in the development of the Roman liturgy. However, personally I think that when it’s done well, it’s thoroughly beautiful.<\/p>\n In recent months I’ve been in an extended email exchange with a friend who infinitely prefers the Extraordinary Form. During our discussion,\u00a0I gave\u00a0some suggestions\u00a0of some simple things which can be done to\u00a0elevate the typical Mass-going experience\u00a0and\u00a0I thought I’d share them here. Not all of these are Novus Ordo-specific, but in my opinion they would resolve many of the problems which are more commonly associated with the new form of the Mass…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1. Stillness before Mass. Walking into the church shouldn’t be like walking into a market place…<\/p>\n 2. Decent music please. It should be music which can actually be sung by the congregation. As much as I love Contemporary Christian Music<\/a> (CCM), I don’t think much of it is suited to congregational singing. I think it’s much better to stick to chant or well-known hymns. Use the traditional propers (Sanctus\/Agnus Dei etc)<\/p>\n 3. The choir should generally be tucked away, preferably out of sight. They are called to lead the congregation in the music, but it is not a performance and they shouldn’t be the focus.<\/p>\n 4. “Say\u00a0the black<\/span>, do the red<\/span>“<\/em><\/span>. The liturgical texts of the Church are ancient and beautiful. Priestly improvisation isn’t needed.<\/p>\n 5. Well-trained altar servers. They should all be wearing smart, black shoes. No flip-fops or sneakers.<\/p>\n 6. The Mass Readings should be audible and intelligibly read.\u00a0Every Lector should receiving training.<\/p>\n 7. The homily should address the Scriptural texts for that Mass. It should explain the context of the Readings and apply them to contemporary life. The homily\u00a0should have solid catechetical content that\u00a0actually teaches and challenges the congregation. Feel-good platitudes are not allowed!<\/p>\n 8. A\u00a0short period of silent reflection following the homily can help people take to heart the message preached.<\/p>\n 9. Solid intercessory prayers<\/a>.<\/p>\n 10. Ad Orientem<\/em> Liturgy of the Eucharist (yes, even in the Novus Ordo<\/a>).<\/p>\n