Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
Adding a Friday Evening Mass
For some time I have been asked by some folks in the surrounding community as well as a few parishioners to offer a daily Mass in the evening.  The request was to offer this Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (I have written about this Form before, but if you are unfamiliar, see below).  The closest Extraordinary Form daily Mass is in Cleveland.  There is a significant number of people in the Akron area who desire more access to this Form (especially at a time after work).  Another reason to offer it here is our location and that I am the only priest in the area that has the training to celebrate this Form of the Mass.  I have reflected and prayed on this.  I also brought this to our Parish Pastoral Council.  Having further discerned with them, I believe that this will be helpful for our parish and the surrounding catholic community.  It will maintain a good balance of mass offerings.  This will not replace the Friday morning Mass. 
 
Starting on All Souls Day, November 2, we will begin offering a Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form every Friday at 5:30pm.  There will be a trial period of six months at the end of which we will evaluate the practice.  If you wish to offer Mass intentions for this Mass, please call the rectory.
 
If you have any questions about this Form of the Mass or celebrating here at St. Paul’s feel free to contact me.
 
So What is the Extraordinary Form of the Mass?
The Mass 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 used the most.  This is the rite promulgated 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 “ordinary” form one encounters. Hence it is termed the “Extraordinary” (meaning out of the ordinary) Form.  This form is also referred to as the “Traditional Latin Mass.”  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 quickly include: most of it being required to be said in the Latin language, ad orientem (meaning “facing the east”) worship, more silence, certain liturgical gestures, and how Holy Communion is received. 
 
Unfortunately, I have met people who have misconceptions about this form of the Mass, which sadly sometimes engender very negative emotions.  I cannot address all that here, but I encourage everyone to remember or 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 either Form. If you have questions, please ask.
God bless you!
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr.