The Masses we celebrate here at St. Paul (and what is celebrated at the majority of parishes the majority of the time) is called the “Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite.”  “Ordinary” simply means the one more regularly used.  This is the Order of Mass promulgated in 1970 after the Second Vatican Council.  But even after the reforms, the “old” Mass celebrated before the council still remained a valid form and continued being used, only to a lesser extent.  This is so even today, and while it has enjoyed some recent increase in usage, it is not the form one "ordinarily" encounters. Hence it is termed the “Extraordinary” (meaning out of the ordinary) Form.  This form is also referred to as the “Traditional Latin Mass.”  This term is appropriate since this form can be traced back in our Roman Catholic history to Pope St. Gregory the Great - 1,500 years ago!

Perhaps it seems confusing, but throughout the history of the Church there have always been multiple rites and forms, often being used at the same time in different parts of the world.  Remember the Catholic Church is bigger than our own modern liturgical experience.  Even though the “form” (meaning its ceremony and order) may look different, they both offer the same sacrifice of Christ in the Eucharist.  Both are ways to enter into the great mystery of God’s love for us. Both have its own theological and liturgical logic, with different emphases that help us encounter the infinite majesty of God.

Some of the external differences that one will notice include: most of it being required to be said in the Latin language, ad orientem (meaning “facing the east”) worship, an emphasis on silence, certain liturgical gestures, and how Holy Communion is received.  

Unfortunately, some people have misconceptions about this form of the Mass, which sadly sometimes engender very negative emotions.  The Church encourages everyone to remember and  recognize that this is part of our heritage and patrimony as Catholics.  I further invite everyone to participate at one; it cannot hurt to try.  If it seems too different or confusing, that’s okay.  We should still honor it for God’s grace is present through this Form of the Mass.