"The essay should explain how you would instruct someone in ways to participate in the MEF. Write the essay for a fellow Catholic who may have been to one MEF and walked away unsure of how to act or participate in the Mass."
Below are two essays from the group that I believed best fulfilled this assignment:
The Latin Mass
Griffin Walsh
The Mass of the Ordinary Form and Extraordinary Form are the same. The amazing miracle happens, The Consecration (occurs) through the acts of the priest. The Mass of the Extraordinary Form may be difficult for people to go to because they think they need to know Latin to participate. It is not difficult to participate because the priest and acolytes speak all the prayers and words, but the congregation stays silent. This silence gives (me) more time to adore Christ then the other form of the Mass. Knowing when to stand, kneel, or sit you just follow the servers and the priest, but also people who attend the mass regularly will show you what to do.
Both Masses are different in many ways. As you will see the altar is set in different ways. The altar is set so the priest's back is facing the congregation. There is a crucifix and two candles on the altar behind prayer cards. The credence table is set to the right of the altar. You may see the priest wearing a hat at the beginning and ending of the mass, this hat is called a (biretta). Another big difference is the silence, but it is one of the best parts in the mass.
From being silent to all the differences, the Latin Mass will help you appreciate the ordinary form better than you ever have before.
MEF Participation
Thomas Mathis
The Mass in the Extraordinary Form can be very confusing for new attendants. Many are lost in the Latin or have trouble with the responses. For some it may just be the new set up at the altar. In this form of mass there are two key elements for participation, confidence in your abilities and being well studied. The second element is of importance because you have the knowledge of when things are going to happen, what they are, and what they mean. Secondly, you will be able to identify the parts of the mass where you need to respond. Confidence is another must. This will help you fully participate without you having second thoughts in your responses. I highly recommend you buying a 1962 missal. This tool gives you English translations and printed copies of the Latin that is being said during the mass. Lastly, there is a red book that St. Anne's offers during mass that can also be used as an aid to people who struggle with the Latin. I hope this has been a helpful guide in participating in the Mass in the Extraordinary Form.
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