Liturgical FAQ
1. What Mass does the Old Roman Catholic Church Use?
The Old Roman Catholic Church uses the so-called Tridentine Mass as codified by Pope St. Pius V in the Bull Quo Primum. This is the Mass used since ancient times and, in particular, arranged by Pope St. Gregory the Great (c. 590 A.D.).
2. Why does the Old Roman Catholic Church Not Use the Mass of Pope Paul VI (the Novus Ordo)?
The first reason is that the Old Roman Catholic Church has been separated from the direct authority of the Pope since 1702, and maintained the Mass with which it was familiar. Updates to feasts, etc. in the Missal have been followed since this time because they do not alter the substance of the Mass.
3. What is the normal languauge of the Mass.
The normal or regular language for Mass in the Western Rite is Latin.
4. Does the Old Roman Catholic Church Permit the Vernacular?
Yes. The Church first used Greek for the liturgy, but then changed to Latin around the year 200. This corresponded to the overwhelming vernacular of the time. Surprisingly, even in the Medieval Ages the Roman Rite Mass was permitted in the "vernacular" Old Slavonic in places like Croatia. The Eastern Orthodox Church has frequently used the vernacular to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
5. Why does the Old Roman Catholic Church Use Chant?
The Old Roman Catholic Church exists to glorify God. Sacred music through chant (with or without organ accompaniment) is the embodiment of God's gift to us to glorify Him. Secular music and instruments may be pleasant to the listener but are generally discouraged from the sacred liturgy.
6. Who May Receive Communion in the Old Roman Catholic Church?
Because of our union with the Orthodox Church, the Old Roman Catholic Church considers the "Church Catholic" to be much larger than what most people associate with Catholicism (Roman Catholicism). Individuals who are baptized and with a clear conscience while believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Sacred Body and Blood may receive in the Old Roman Catholic Church.
The Old Roman Catholic Church uses the so-called Tridentine Mass as codified by Pope St. Pius V in the Bull Quo Primum. This is the Mass used since ancient times and, in particular, arranged by Pope St. Gregory the Great (c. 590 A.D.).
2. Why does the Old Roman Catholic Church Not Use the Mass of Pope Paul VI (the Novus Ordo)?
The first reason is that the Old Roman Catholic Church has been separated from the direct authority of the Pope since 1702, and maintained the Mass with which it was familiar. Updates to feasts, etc. in the Missal have been followed since this time because they do not alter the substance of the Mass.
3. What is the normal languauge of the Mass.
The normal or regular language for Mass in the Western Rite is Latin.
4. Does the Old Roman Catholic Church Permit the Vernacular?
Yes. The Church first used Greek for the liturgy, but then changed to Latin around the year 200. This corresponded to the overwhelming vernacular of the time. Surprisingly, even in the Medieval Ages the Roman Rite Mass was permitted in the "vernacular" Old Slavonic in places like Croatia. The Eastern Orthodox Church has frequently used the vernacular to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
5. Why does the Old Roman Catholic Church Use Chant?
The Old Roman Catholic Church exists to glorify God. Sacred music through chant (with or without organ accompaniment) is the embodiment of God's gift to us to glorify Him. Secular music and instruments may be pleasant to the listener but are generally discouraged from the sacred liturgy.
6. Who May Receive Communion in the Old Roman Catholic Church?
Because of our union with the Orthodox Church, the Old Roman Catholic Church considers the "Church Catholic" to be much larger than what most people associate with Catholicism (Roman Catholicism). Individuals who are baptized and with a clear conscience while believing in the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Sacred Body and Blood may receive in the Old Roman Catholic Church.
