The LATIN MASS SOCIETY - CATHOLIC LIFE ARTICLE

Somewhat belatedly we report a useful article explaining the purpose, work and history of the LATIN MASS SOCIETY is published in the December 2009 issue of the illustrated monthly 'CATHOLIC LIFE'. The piece was written by the rep. for North Staffs.

Update: Epiphany Mass

More good news! Alan can now confirm that there will be a Low Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany, 6th January, at 7pm at Oulton Abbey.
Our thanks to Fr. Jan Nowotnik, who will be saying this Mass for us, and to the religious at the Abbey for letting us use the Abbey church.

Christmas Day Mass at Fenton

Great news! There will be a Low Mass (with carols) on Christmas Day morning at 11.15am at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Masterson Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. Our thanks to Fr. Petroc Howell who will be celebrating, despite the tight schedule he has on this glorious day.

Many of us know this church from the time of Fr. Anton Guziel as parish priest, under whose direction it was transformed (de-reordered!).

Thought for the Approach of Christmas

Here is a thought that is really for all those who are lapsed Catholics, or are among the indifferent, sceptical or hostile concerning the purpose and teaching of the birth of Jesus Christ in a stable at Bethlehem.

The thought originates from the memory of hearing or reading something similar by an unknown priest years ago. It very much reflects something that the social agenda-setters have been trying to stamp out, especially from the minds of children since the sixties: the reflexive importance of 'common sense'. Those who read the writings of the resurgent G.K. Chesterton will understand why he is known as 'The Apostle of Common Sense'.

So here is an important thought for everyone at this time of year:

CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE CHRIST IS LIKE SUNSHINE WITHOUT THE SUN

22 Nov. Mass at Oulton Abbey

We are most grateful to Fr. Jan Nowotnik, parish priest at St. Augustine's, Meir, for celebrating, for the first time in public, Low Mass in the Traditional Rite at the lovely and atmospheric chapel of the Benedictine Abbey at Oulton near Stone, last Sunday. Fr. Jan's modest trepidations at the outset proved groundless as members of the congregation readily attested afterwards. Our thanks to the Sisters and Abbot Cuthbert again for accommodating us and to Beryl Terry for helping in the preparation and in the provision of tea and snacks afterwards (and Joan and Peter!).

In the homily and in conversation later, Fr. Jan reminded us of the importance to the priest as celebrant of the spiritual depth that is to be found in the precious sacred liturgy that is the Traditional Rite, the Usus Antiquior. It is to be hoped that in coming years, in appreciation of and indeed in obedience to the Holy Father's moto proprio, many more priests will come to understand and experience this spiritual depth in offering the sacrifice of the Mass in the Traditional Rite.

Missa Cantata for the Feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury: December 29th

Alan is now able to confirm that the annual Mass at Wolstanton on the feast of St. Thomas of Canterbury will be taking place as usual. It will be a Sung Mass, and will begin at 11am.

As this year has been declared a year for priests, and St. Thomas à Becket is patron of the English clergy, this should be an excellent opportunity to pray for all of our priests.

Sunday 22nd: Change of time

It seems I posted a little too soon, and didn't include all the details.

The Mass on November 22nd will start at 2.30 pm, not 3 pm as normal.

Both my previous update and the November list have been edited to update them.