Sunday Off-Topic: Mass Variations

Every Introduction course always has its off-topic tangents, and Catholicism 101 is no different. On Sundays, we'll delve into some aspects of Catholicism that we might not otherwise get to. These areas are kind of up to my whim, but they will usually focus on unusual parts of Catholicism.

If you go to a Catholic parish on the west side of town one weekend, then spend another Sunday in an inner-city parish, you might notice some differences. One Mass may not be in English, or another might have a healing service at the conclusion. Both services are Catholic (meaning that they are sanctioned by the Pope) but they may be celebrated a bit differently.

Latin (Western) Church- Follows the ancient traditions of the Christian church in Rome from the time of Sts. Peter and Paul in the 1st century. As the capital of the Roman Empire, the Roman language (Latin) spread throughout Western Europe, bringing the church influences with it. Today, most parishes in Western Europe, Australia, and the Americas are considered the Latin Church. Even though the language used is no longer Latin, the prayers, gestures, etc., are all the same throughout. The Mass used is called the Nouvo Ordo (New Order) Mass, and is usually celebrated in the local language, although it can still be celebrated in Latin.

Eastern Catholic Church- Also in full Communion with the Vatican, it includes the Byzantine Church and other Eastern Orthodox Churches that were restored under the authority of the Pope in the 17th century. The seven sacraments are valid, but the Eastern Mass follows the tradition of the Orthodox Church, using the liturgy of St. John Chryostom. Eastern Catholics largely consist of the parishes in Eastern Europe and Asia.

Tridentine Mass- Masses are said only in Latin. These are usually parishes that have received permission to continue using the "old" mass that was the norm from the 16th century Council of Trent until the Second Vatican Council in 1963. In celebrating the Tridentine Mass, the priest uses the Roman Missal of 1962, which contains all the necessary prayers, readings, and liturgical directions. The priest also celebrates this Mass facing the altar, with his back to the assembled congregation. Pope John Paul II allowed these Masses to come back into use in 1988.

Charismatic Masses- Not really a seperate type of Mass, just New Order Masses celebrated in a different manner. Charismatic means sharing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including healing or speaking in tongues. People who are unfamiliar with Charismatic Catholic Masses often mistake them for Pentecostal services, and indeed both denominations are devoted to the Holy Spirit and receiving its gifts.