Latin Mass Fitchburg Blog

Last Mass at St. Joseph Church in Fitchburg

2011-06-09T19:49:00.003-04:00

Announcements

2011-05-22T19:46:00.000-04:00

After our last Mass on June 5th, there will be Benediction and Litanies of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Litaniae de Sacratissimo Corde Iesu) and of Saint Joseph (Litaniae Sancti Ioseph). Copies of the litany prayers in Latin and English will be placed at the front entrance table, and all are encouraged to join the choir in chanting the responses. There will not be Vespers on this day, as we will have a community meeting downstairs in the parish hall after Mass to discuss the future direction and plans for the Latin Mass in our local parishes. Feel free to either bring food to share as we will have potluck dinner, or make a donation towards drinks and paper goods.

Last Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St. Joseph's Church

2011-05-16T14:08:00.001-04:00

Dear friends in Christ:
It is with sadness but not without hope for the future that it is announced that Mass in the Extraordinary Form at St. Joseph parish in Fitchburg will terminate on June 5th. The reasons are of simple practicality and a realistic evaluation of the fact that after almost one year of having the Traditional Latin Mass at this parish, the number of attendees has not increased and is not sufficient to maintain basic expenditures. The various considerations which affect growth, including Mass time, location, and proximity to other Traditional Latin Masses in the diocese may all be considered in our decisions for future directions. We will thus meet after our last Mass on June 5th downstairs in the parish hall (at our community potluck) for discussion and planning. We have been blessed with many resources including a highly trained choir director and full choir, experienced M.C.’s and many trained servers in addition to a congregation with a sincere love of our Catholic liturgical heritage. On an encouraging note, the Vatican has just issued instructions for the implementation of Summorum Pontificum with explanatory notes to be used as guidelines for the establishment of the Extraordinary Form Mass in local parishes. For further reading, see: Universae Ecclesiae
and the explanatory guidelines.
All of us have shared the heart- felt sorrow of the closing of such a beautiful church as Immaculate Conception , and we are very grateful to Father Trainor for welcoming us at St. Jospeh’s. We have also shared much liturgical splendor in giving glory to God in reverential worship, and we express our undying gratitude to Father Phillipson who has shepherded us through the past two years. Let us strive to continue our efforts in promoting the Extraordinary Form Mass in our local parishes and prayerfully seek the will of God.

Movie Evening

2011-05-11T09:50:00.001-04:00

Any who would like to attend the very inspiring movie “Of Gods and Men” is invited, and feel free to invite others. It is playing at a very limited number of theaters (other closest location is Cambridge, MA), and is only playing for one week in Keene.
Rated: PG-13 – for a momentary scene of startling wartime violence, some disturbing images and brief language; 120 minutes. Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay. (Based on true events).
http://www.sonyclassics.com/ofgodsandmen/
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/tale_of_heroic_faith_WGFjZ983TYUAkoFCg3lp2J

Where: The Colonial Theater, 95 Main Street, Keene, NH (near Richmond)
Ticket Costs: Adults $8; students/ seniors $6

When: This Sunday May 15 at 5pm; we will leave St. Joseph’s after Vespers by 3:30pm- should be enough time to drive to Keene. People may carpool if they like.
Food options: You can either bring your own meal to coffee/ donuts time after Mass or eat after the movie as there are several good nearby restaurant options in Keene (those who want to eat out can look at the options list after the movie and choose which type of food they like).

Directions: (38 miles)

Litany of Loreto

2011-05-05T21:52:00.001-04:00

On Sunday, May 8, which is Mother's Day, we will honor Our Blessed Mother by praying the Litany of Loreto after Mass. Copies will be provided.
Litaniae Lauretanae

Divine Mercy Celebration

2011-05-03T18:41:00.002-04:00

How singularly blessed we were to honor Our Lord with the Rosary, Holy Mass, Benediction, Vespers and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Our heartfelt thanks to Father Phillipson for giving us the opportunity of receiving an outpouring of Divine Mercy from the pierced Heart of Our Saviour. The Latin Mass Community shared a wonderful time of fellowship and a celebration dinner that same evening. May all of us partake together of the eternal banquet where our hearts live with our merciful Lord.

Easter, 2011

2011-04-24T20:51:00.002-04:00

Surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia!
May the graces of this holy Easter Season remain with all of us throughout the year.

Palm Sunday 2011

2011-04-17T18:47:00.001-04:00

How beautiful it is to see our faith carried into the city streets. Gloria, laus et honor tibi sit, Rex Christe Redemptor.

Divine Mercy Novena

2011-04-15T18:43:00.001-04:00

On May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday, we will pray the Divine Mercy chaplet in front of a blessed image of the Divine Mercy along with Vespers and Benediction at 2:45PM.

During the course of Jesus' revelations to Saint Faustina on the Divine Mercy He asked on numerous occasions that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. The liturgical texts of that day, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, concern the institution of the Sacrament of Penance, the Tribunal of the Divine Mercy, and are thus already suited to the request of Our Lord.
Divine Mercy Promise: The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. “There must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me.”
In 2002, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II (who will be beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday, 2011) granted a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!").
The devotion to His Divine Mercy is also associated with the image below as Jesus wished and based on descriptions by Saint Faustina. The words that accompany the image are "Jesus, I trust in Thee". The rays coming from Jesus' body represent the Blood and water that poured forth from the wound He suffered when pierced by the lance.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet
Start    Kiss the Cross and make the Sign of the Cross
Say 1 Our Father
Say 1 Hail Mary
Say the Apostles' Creed

Say on each large bead: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and for the sins of the whole world.
Say on each small bead: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

At the conclusion:
Say three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us and on the whole world.

Novena to the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ (begin on Good Friday)
The Novena may be prayed any time, but Jesus asked that it especially be prayed beginning on Good Friday and ending the day before Low Sunday (what is now also known as Divine Mercy Sunday -- the Sunday after Easter).

First Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. O omnipotence of Divine Mercy, salvation of sinful man, You are a sea of mercy and compassion. You aid him who entreats You with humility. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Second Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. The fountain of God's love dwells in pure hearts, bathed in the Sea of Mercy, radiant as stars, bright as the dawn. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Third Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. The miracles of mercy are impenetrable. Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them. When You cast upon us an eye of pity, You draw us all closer to Your love. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Fourth Day:
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. May the light of Your love enlighten the souls in darkness; Grant that these souls will know You and, together with us, praise Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Fifth Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to adore the generosity of Your mercy. Even for those who have torn the garment of Your unity, a fount of mercy flows from Your Heart. The omnipotence of Your mercy, O God, can lead these souls also out of error. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Sixth Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. A truly gentle and humble soul already here on earth the air of paradise breathes, and in the fragrance of her humble heart the Creator Himself delights. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Seventh Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord; she is always close to the living fountain and draws graces from Mercy Divine. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, I Myself will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Eighth Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised. From the terrible heat of the cleansing fire rises a plaint to Your mercy, and they receive comfort, refreshment, relief in the stream of mingled Blood and Water. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Ninth Day:
Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. 0 Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Fire and ice cannot be joined; Either the fire dies, or the ice melts. But by Your mercy, O God, You can make up for all that is lacking. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Some Announcements:

2011-04-11T13:13:00.000-04:00

--For those who missed Father Phillipson’s Day of Recollection “Prayer, Penance and Peace”, his spiritual conferences are available for purchase on CDs:
http://catholicism.org/prayer-penance-and-peace.html#more-22073
Father gave some excellent and much needed teaching on the integration of the emotional life with the spiritual life according to the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

--Upcoming new Hymns, etc. for Vespers will be posted to the community blog ahead of time. See the Sunday Vespers section at the top of the blog page.

--This new movie does not yet have a release date, http://www.cristiadafilm.com/, but it would be a good film for a Latin Mass Community movie and/or dinner night. We will pick a Sunday to attend (after Vespers), probably at a local Fitchburg theater, and those who wish to could also go out to dinner afterwards (probably at Il Forno’s.) Plot Summary: "Cristiada," centered on the 1926-29 Cristeros war, touched off by a rebellion over the Mexican government's 1917 attempt to remove the influence of the Catholic Church and secularize the country.

Some Announcements:

2011-03-20T18:50:00.007-04:00

Palm Sunday Mass on April 17th will begin at 1:30PM (instead of 12:30PM) as Father will be arriving a little late.    Before the Mass is the Blessing of the Palms, which includes an Antiphon, Psalms, and Gospel reading. The palms are distributed to the people at the kneelers.  The priest will hold the palm near your lips so that you can kiss it and then his hand. Then comes the Procession with hymns, when we carry the palms either around the church or outside, weather permitting, and then the Mass, during which there is a very long recitation of the Passion.  Prepare for a very long Mass!    Vespers will not be held on this day. 

On Easter Sunday, we will have fruits and desserts after Mass (12:30PM Mass time).   Bring goodies to share if you are able.  We will have a few games for the children with prizes.  (Vespers will be held at the usual time).

On May 1, Divine Mercy Sunday, we will pray the Divine Mercy chaplet in front of a blessed image of the Divine Mercy along with Vespers (with a commemoration of St. Joseph) and Benediction at 2:45PM.

Instead of community pot luck on May 1, we will have our Easter celebration dinner at Il Forno's, 27 Airport Road, Fitchburg at 4:30 PM (after the Divine Mercy celebrations). There will be wine and dessert for everyone. RSVP : sedessapientia@verizon.net

Children are welcome. There will only be one bill, so every family will keep track of their own tab (cash only).

Latest Schedule for Day of Recollection

2011-03-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

To be offered by Father Phillipson at St. Benedict Center in Richmond, N.H. on Saturday, March 26

Title/theme for the day:   PEACE, PRAYER AND PENANCE
7:30 - 8:30 AM:   Mass
8:30 - 9:00:   Breakfast - bring your own
9:00 - 9:30: Terce
9:30 - 10:30: First conference: "Peace"
10:30 - 11:00:   Silent time for prayer and meditation
11:30:   Rosary
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch in silence (bring your own meal, and feel free to bring something to share if you would like).
1:00 - 2:00: Second conference: "Prayer"
2:00 - 2:30: Seven Sorrows of Mary    http://www.angelfire.com/md3/fel/test.html
2:30 - 3:30:   Third Conference: "Penance"
3:30 - 5:00:   Exposition / Holy Hour
3:30:   Confessions
5:00:   Benediction (confessions will be interrupted if need be, and then resumed.)

The Day of Recollection is open to everyone- come for as much time as you like. Parents with small children should take charge of them for Mass and Benediction. There will be a young lady to help look after the little ones for a free will offering from the parents. Free-will offerings for the Day of Recollection are welcome, and if writing a check, please make it out to Saint Benedict Center (there will be a collection box for this purpose).

Saint Benedict Center, Richmond, N.H.: Directions http://catholicism.org/directions-sbc.html

Lent 2011

2011-03-01T20:25:00.002-05:00

Ash Wednesday is March 9.
Wednesday the 16th, Friday the 18th, and Saturday the 19th are Ember Days, traditional Days of Fast and Abstinence.
On each of the Friday’s of Lent, a Plenary Indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix”: Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Thy face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity; true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment. While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me while I call to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones." Amen.

Fast and Abstinence according to the Discipline of 1962 (taken from the FSSP Liturgical Ordo):
Laws of Abstinence:
Complete abstinence is defined as abstaining from meat and soup or gravy made from meat.
Partial abstinence is defined as allowing meat and soup or gravy made from meat, only once a day at the principal meal.

Laws of Fast:
On the days of Fast, only one full meal is allowed, two other meatless meals are allowed in addition to the principle meal but the total quantity of food for these two small repasts should not equal the amount taken at a full meal.
Partial abstinence is required on all days of Fast,except on days of complete Abstinence.
Eating between meals is not permitted though liquids may be taken.

Laws of fasting and abstinence are not binding on those with medical conditions or those whose ability to work would be impaired.
There is no obligation for fast or abstinence on a Holy Day of Obligation even though it may fall on a Friday.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.
Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of complete abstinence (from meat).

The Holy Season of Lent: Fast and Abstinence. (from http://www.ewtn.com/faith/lent/fast.htm)

It is a traditional doctrine of Christian spirituality that a constituent part of repentance, of turning away from sin and back to God, includes some form of penance, without which the Christian is unlikely to remain on the narrow path and be saved (Jer. 18:11, 25:5; Ez. 18:30, 33:11-15; Joel 2:12; Mt. 3:2; Mt. 4:17; Acts 2:38). Christ Himself said that His disciples would fast once He had departed (Lk. 5:35). The general law of penance, therefore, is part of the law of God for man.

The Church has specified certain forms of penance, both to ensure that the Catholic will do something, as required by divine law, while making it easy for Catholics to fulfill the obligation. Thus, the 1983 Code of Canon Law specifies the obligations of Latin Rite Catholics [Eastern Rite Catholics have their own penitential practices as specified by the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches].

Canon 1250: All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.

Canon 1251: Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Canon 1252: All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.

Canon 1253: It is for the conference of bishops to determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence and to substitute in whole or in part for fast and abstinence other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.

The Church, therefore, has two forms of official penitential practices - three if the Eucharistic fast before Communion is included.

Abstinence:
The law of abstinence requires a Catholic 14 years of age until death to abstain from eating meat on Fridays in honor of the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday. Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl. Moral theologians have traditionally considered this also to forbid soups or gravies made from them. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and shellfish are permitted, as are animal derived products such as margarine and gelatin which do not have any meat taste.

On the Fridays outside of Lent the U.S. bishops conference obtained the permission of the Holy See for Catholics in the US to substitute a penitential, or even a charitable, practice of their own choosing. Since this was not stated as binding under pain of sin, not to do so on a single occasion would not in itself be sinful. However, since penance is a divine command, the general refusal to do penance is certainly gravely sinful. For most people the easiest way to consistently fulfill this command is the traditional one, to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year which are not liturgical solemnities. When solemnities, such as the Annunciation, Assumption, All Saints etc. fall on a Friday, we neither abstain or fast.

During Lent abstinence from meat on Fridays is obligatory in the United States as elsewhere, and it is sinful not to observe this discipline without a serious reason (physical labor, pregnancy, sickness etc.).

Fasting:
The law of fasting requires a Catholic from the 18th Birthday [Canon 97] to the 59th Birthday [i.e. the beginning of the 60th year, a year which will be completed on the 60th birthday] to reduce the amount of food eaten from normal. The Church defines this as one meal a day, and two smaller meals which if added together would not exceed the main meal in quantity. Such fasting is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fast is broken by eating between meals and by drinks which could be considered food (milk shakes, but not milk). Alcoholic beverages do not break the fast; however, they seem contrary to the spirit of doing penance.

Those who are excused from fast or abstinence:
Besides those outside the age limits, those of unsound mind, the sick, the frail, pregnant or nursing women according to need for meat or nourishment, manual laborers according to need, guests at a meal who cannot excuse themselves without giving great offense or causing enmity and other situations of moral or physical impossibility to observe the penitential discipline.

Aside from these minimum penitential requirements Catholics are encouraged to impose some personal penance on themselves at other times. It could be modeled after abstinence and fasting. A person could, for example, multiply the number of days they abstain. Some people give up meat entirely for religious motives (as opposed to those who give it up for health or other motives). Some religious orders, as a penance, never eat meat. Similarly, one could multiply the number of days that one fasted. The early Church had a practice of a Wednesday and Saturday fast. This fast could be the same as the Church's law (one main meal and two smaller ones) or stricter, even bread and water. Such freely chosen fasting could also consist in giving up something one enjoys - candy, soft drinks, smoking, that cocktail before supper, and so on. This is left to the individual.

One final consideration. Before all else we are obliged to perform the duties of our state in life. When considering stricter practices than the norm, it is prudent to discuss the matter with one's confessor or director. Any deprivation that would seriously hinder us in carrying out our work, as students, employees or parents would be contrary to the will of God. ---- Colin B. Donovan, STL

Community Potluck- First Sunday of Each Month

2011-02-06T21:11:00.001-05:00

More details on the Lenten Day of Recollection

2011-01-31T07:58:00.002-05:00

To be offered by Father Phillipson at St. Benedict Center in Richmond, N.H.

Title/theme for the day: PRAYER, PENANCE AND PEACE.
Saturday, March 26

7:30 - 8:30AM:   Mass
9:00         Terce
9:15 - 10:15     First conference
10:30 - 11:30     Silent time for prayer and mediation
11:30        Rosary
12 – 1PM    Lunch in silence (bring your own meal, and feel free to bring something to share if you would like).
1         Seven Sorrows of Mary http://www.angelfire.com/md3/fel/test.html
1:30 - 2:30     Second conference
2:30 - 3:30     Stations of the Cross
3:30 - 5:00     Exposition / Holy Hour
3:30         Confessions
5         Benediction (confessions will be interrupted if need be, and then resumed.)

The Day of Recollection is open to everyone- come for as much as you would like. Parents with small children should take charge of them for Mass and Benediction. There will be a young lady to help look after the little ones for a free will offering from the parents.   Free-will offerings for the Day of Recollection are welcome, and if writing a check, please make it out to Saint Benedict Center (there will be a collection box for this purpose).
Saint Benedict Center, Richmond, N.H.:
Directions http://catholicism.org/directions-sbc.html

Day of Penitential Observance for Abortion

2011-01-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

Saturday, Jan. 22 is a day of penitential observance for the sin of abortion in all dioceses of the U.S. by decree of the Bishops' Conference. It is also a day of prayer for the full legal restoration of the right to life (and end to abortion).

Announcements

2011-01-14T15:10:00.002-05:00

Father Phillipson will be offering a Lenten day of recollection on Saturday, March 26 in Richmond's St Benedict's Center (New Hampshire) from 9am to 4pm. This will be for men and women (all ages). Bring your own lunch (potluck)- you can bring some to share if you like- there is a kitchen/ eating area. Details will be posted as they are finalized.

The Latin Mass Community at St. Joseph Church in Fitchburg will start having First Sunday of the Month Potluck. After Mass on every first Sunday of each month, we will meet in the Parish Hall downstairs and share our potluck food (please bring anything such as main dishes, side dishes, desserts, etc.). Plates, bowls, cups, napkins and utensils will be provided, as well as coffee and drinks. Come and join in fellowship and friendship. Vespers will be prayed after the meal. Our first Potluck Meal will be on Sunday, Feb. 6. Hope to see everyone there.

2011-01-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

There will not be choir practice on Wednesday Jan. 12 due to the snow storm.

A Blessed New Year 2011

2011-01-02T20:00:00.001-05:00

Blessed be God in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar of the Mass. Blessed be His Most Holy Name.
May He grant us all growth in holiness, in Christ and Our Blessed Mother.

Snow Emergency Mass Cancellation

2010-12-26T10:00:00.003-05:00

Due to the snow conditions, the 12:30PM Mass today (Dec. 26) is cancelled.

Midnight Mass plus Pictures

2010-12-20T07:33:00.010-05:00

There will be Christmas Midnight Mass (High Mass) in the Extraordinary Form at St. Joseph's- Friday at midnight. There will not be Latin Masses on Saturday, Christmas Day or on Saturday, January 1 (but there will be the usual 12:30PM High Mass on Sunday, December 26.)

All had a wonderful time at the Latin Mass Community dinner. May everyone have a most Blessed and Holy Christmas.

Reminders

2010-12-11T08:23:00.000-05:00

--Please remember that Mass on Sunday, December 12 will be held downstairs in the Lower Chapel due to a concert of sacred music being held in the Church at 2PM.

--There will be a baptism in the Church after Mass on Dec. 19, if anyone would like to attend.

-- December 13, the commemoration of St. Lucy, is the herald for the winter quatember, the Ember Days of winter. This year the Days fall on December 15, 17, and 18 (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). The Ember Days are traditional days of penance, fasting, prayer and almsgiving, giving us the opportunity to focus on repentance. http://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html

--The O Anitphons which are recited at Vespers during the Octave before Christmas, begin on Friday, Dec. 17. Each Antiphon addresses Our Lord with a unique title which comes from prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, and whose initials, when read backwards, form an acrostic for the Latin "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I come." http://www.fisheaters.com/customsadvent10.html

Announcements

2010-11-29T18:20:00.000-05:00

--The Unfailing Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew, Tuesday Nov. 30th. To be prayed 15 times every day until Christmas for a special intention: “Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.”

-- If you would like the opportunity to attend Mass in the Extraordinary Form for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day of obligation, on Wednesday Dec. 8, there will be a 7PM Mass at St. Ann’s Chapel: 254 Still River Road, Still River

--On Sunday, Dec. 12, our Mass will be held in the Lower Chapel downstairs due to an afternoon concert of Christmas music being held in the Church at 2PM. The front row will be reserved for receiving Holy Communion.

--Latin Mass Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 19: If you haven’t done so already, please let us know if you are coming to the Latin Mass dinner on Sunday, Dec. 19th, at 4PM (after Vespers) at Il Forno Restaurant (27 Airport Road, Fitchburg). RSVP to Todd and Diana Tabbaa: sedessapientia@verizon.net so that we can give the restaurant a general count. (You may still attend even if you don’t RSVP).

Children are welcome; cake and wine will be served. There will only be one bill, so every family will keep track of their own tab (cash only). We will hold a Yankee Gift Swap: Anyone who would like to participate should bring a wrapped gift with no name tag (a Catholic theme gift (funny or nice) or home-made goodies- under $20). As many family members who would like to participate may each bring a gift. Each person who brings a gift will draw a number to determine the order. The first person opens a gift. The next person may choose from any opened gifts or open a new gift, and so on until the last person may choose from all of the opened gifts. The best gift will be sharing the time together!

Save some dates....

2010-11-18T19:14:00.001-05:00

Beginning next week for Advent, the psalms for Vespers will be chanted (instead of recto tono). Anyone who would like extra help in learning the chant modes is welcome to join the choir for practice at 6:30PM on Wednesday Nov. 24 at St. Joseph's Church. All are encouraged to take this wonderful opportunity to learn chant from our very knowledgeable and experienced choir director, and offer praise to God in this most beautiful tradition of our Faith.

Save the date for a Latin Mass dinner on Sunday, Dec. 19th, at 4PM (after Vespers) at Il Forno Restaurant (27 Airport Road, Fitchburg). Children are welcome; cake and wine will be served. There will only be one bill, so every family will keep track of their own tab (cash only). We will hold a Yankee Gift Swap: Anyone who would like to participate should bring a wrapped gift with no name tag (a Catholic theme gift or home-made goodies- under $20). As many family members who would like to participate may each bring a gift. Each person who brings a gift will draw a number to determine the order. The first person opens a gift. The next person may choose from any opened gifts or open a new gift, and so on until the last person may choose from all of the opened gifts. The best gift will be sharing the time together!

Feel free to post or email our new video to promote our Latin Mass:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L5ChvEYLQQ&feature=player_embedded

(The video is currently at the top of our blog.)

Feast of Christ the King

2010-11-01T16:48:00.000-04:00

Viva Cristo Rey!

Feast of Christ the King

2010-10-21T16:09:00.004-04:00

For the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, October 31, we will recite the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King. Along with the usual conditions, this allows for one to to gain a plenary indulgence. Copies of the prayer will be placed at the entrance and front tables.    Benediction and Vespers will take place in the church, beginning at 2:40pm.

All are invited to refreshments downstairs in the Parish hall at 2PM, and to participate in a discussion as to the preferred Mass time for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday Dec. 8.

Remember that on Tuesday, November 2, All Souls Day, a plenary indulgence can be gained for the souls in Purgatory by visiting a Church and reciting one Our Father and the Creed.   On all the days from November I though November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray for the departed.

To acquire a plenary indulgence it is necessary to perform the work to which the indulgence is attached and to fulfill the following three conditions: sacramental confession (up to a week before or after, one confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences), eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff. It is further required that all attachment to sin, even venial sin, be absent.   If the latter disposition is in any way less than perfect or if the prescribed three conditions are not fulfilled, the indulgence will be partial only,

Community Events

2010-10-09T04:14:00.000-04:00

The Latin Mass Community will make a prayerful visit to the chapel of the Little Audrey Santos foundation at 64 S. Flagg Street in Worcester on Monday October 18 at 6PM. Father Phillipson will offer Mass there at 6:30PM. You may read more about Audrey Santos at http://www.littleaudreysanto.org/Test.html

There will be a birthday dinner for Fr. Phillipson: at Il Forno restaurant (27 Airport Road, Fitchburg) on Friday, Oct. 22 at 6:30PM. Children are welcome. Please RSVP the number attending to the Tabbaas sedessapientia@verizon.net as soon as possible so we can estimate the size function room to reserve. As only one check is allowed for the group, payment will be cash only (each family may tally their own tab). Wine and cake will be served.

Ember Days: Sept. 22, 24 and 25

2010-09-18T20:46:00.001-04:00

In the liturgical calendar of the Western Christian churches, Ember days are four separate sets of three days within the same week—specifically, the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—roughly equidistant in the circuit of the year, that were formerly set aside for fasting and prayer. These days were considered especially suitable for the ordination of clergy. The Ember Days are known in Latin as the quattuor anni tempora (the "four seasons of the year"), or formerly as the jejunia quattuor temporum ("fasts of the four seasons"). These times are spent fasting and partially abstaining (voluntary since the new Code of Canon Law) in penance and with the intentions of thanking God for the gifts He gives us in nature and beseeching Him for the discipline to use them in moderation. The fasts are rooted in Old Testament practices of fasting four times a year.

These quarterly periods take place around the beginnings of the four natural seasons. The first of these four times comes in Winter, after the the Feast of St. Lucy; the second comes in Spring, the week after Ash Wednesday; the third comes in Summer, after Pentecost Sunday; and the last comes in Autumn, after Holy Cross Day. Their dates can be remembered by this old mnemonic:

Sant Crux, Lucia, Cineres, Charismata Dia
Ut sit in angaria quarta sequens feria.

Which means:
Holy Cross, Lucy, Ash Wednesday, Pentecost,
are when the quarter holidays follow.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

2010-09-14T06:44:00.001-04:00

A most blessed feast day to all, on this the three year anniversary of the implementation of Summorum Pontificum. With gratitude, we keep our Holy Father in our prayers.

Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary

2010-09-06T04:39:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, September 12, in honor of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary, there will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Vespers and Benediction in the church.
Exposition will begin immediately after Mass. There will be refreshments downstairs in the parish hall, and at least one person should be present in the church until Vespers begin at about 2:40. Vespers will be prayed in Latin, and booklets will be provided. When prayed before Our Lord in Exposition, all stand throughout.

Feast of the Assumption

2010-08-21T20:29:00.001-04:00

Blessed be the Most Glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Assumption

2010-08-08T18:27:00.002-04:00

For the great Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady on Sunday, August 15, we will have Vespers followed by Benediction at 2:30PM after refreshments after Mass. We will also pray the Rosary before the 12:30 Mass. All are invited to join us in honoring Our Most Blessed Mother on Her great Feast Day. Printed copies of the Vespers are provided (Latin and English) and we will chant recto tono, with Father Phillipson leading us. This beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother was brought from Immaculate Conception Church. How very happy we are to have Her with us!

Interesting Videos on History of the Changes in the Mass

2010-08-06T20:18:00.000-04:00

From Real Catholic TV, here is an interesting study series of the history of the changes in the Mass.
http://www.realcatholictv.com/cia/03Massdest/

Sunday Vespers

2010-08-01T10:23:00.000-04:00

We will pray Sunday Vespers in the Church after the refreshments after Mass (starting at about 2:30pm). Feel free to join us (and for refreshments in the hall downstairs). Print copies will be provided.

Pilgrimage for Restoration

2010-07-27T09:33:00.001-04:00

http://www.national-coalition.org/pilgrim/index.html

The Fifteenth Annual Pilgrimage for Restoration to the Shrine of Our Lady of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, New York is coming up September 22-25.
Walk, sing, pray along the paths, the actual places where the North American Saints lived and died for Christ, for their persecutors, and for you.
Join one day or four, for 7 miles or 70. Transportation for weary pilgrims provided throughout. 'Modified pilgrimage' for parents with young children, and for seniors.

Traditional Roman Mass (forma extraordinaria) and confessions daily. Plenary indulgence.

Choir

2010-07-23T12:53:00.002-04:00

The choir can use the help of anyone who is planning to attend the 12:30 Mass at St. Joseph's. This Sunday, July 25, will be a Low Mass, with music which will all be simple polyphony and chant. The choir meets for a brief warm-up and practice at 12:00 downstairs in the church hall- feel free to join in. For more information, contact Mike Meier at meier.family@usa.net

The Portiuncla Indulgence

2010-07-20T18:49:00.001-04:00

The Portiuncula (small portion) refers to the land in Assisi, Italy, that belonged to the Benedictines. On this land was an old church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of God but abandoned. When he saw that the church was deserted, St. Francis began to live there and repair it. He heard that the angels often visited it, so that it was called St. Mary of the Angels.
In 1216, in a vision, St Francis obtained from Jesus Himself the Indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi that was approved by Pope Honorius III. This indulgence has been extended to all parish churches throughout the world.
The date was set from vespers of the first of August until sundown on the second of August, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels. It is said that St. Francis was given this day by Our Lord because the Feast of the Chains of St. Peter celebrated on August first is the day Peter was released from prison and his chains removed. This is an extraordinary demonstration of God’s mercy in removing the chains of sin from those who devoutly and faithfully seek to gain the indulgence by completing its requirements.

The Portiuncula indulgence is the first plenary indulgence that was ever granted in the Church. To gain it, one must worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance (eight days before or after, and have no attachment to venial sin) and of the Blessed Eucharist (attend Holy Mass) and to say in a church of the Franciscans or in the parish church the customary prayers for an indulgence (according to "The Raccolta", 1957, the prayers for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff for the Portiuncula Indulgence consist of "at least SIX TIMES Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be, at each visit") .

What distinguishes the Portiuncula, indulgence especially from all others is, that on the day on which it is granted, it can be gained not only once, but oftener, as often as on that day you visit a church of the Franciscans, or the parish church, and there pray for some time according to the intention of the Holy Father. The Portiuncula indulgence can be gained more that once on the same day, for we may apply it to the souls in purgatory, if we gain it the second and the third time, etc.

Note: The norms and grants of indulgences were reformed by Pope Paul VI after the Second Vatican Council in his Apostolic Constitution "Indulgentiarum Doctrina" (1967), and the Portiuncula Indulgence was again confirmed at that time. According to the Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, the Catholic faithful may gain a plenary indulgence on 2 August (the Portiuncula) or on such other day as designated by the local ordinary for the advantage of the faithful, under the usual conditions (sacramental Confession, Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff), by devoutly visiting the parish church, and there reciting at least the Lord's Prayer and the Creed. The Indulgence applies to the cathedral church of the diocese, and to the co-cathedral church (if there is one), even if they are not parochial, and also to quasi-parochial churches. To gain this, as any plenary indulgence, the faithful must be free from any attachment to sin, even venial sin. Where this entire detachment is wanting, the indulgence is partial.

Enrollment in the Brown Scapular

2010-07-09T09:37:00.002-04:00

As the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is on July 16, Father Phillipson will enroll anyone who would like to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel after Mass on Sunday, July 18.

New Parish

2010-06-21T13:35:00.004-04:00

The Latin Mass Community expresses our most sincere thanks to the Right Reverend Bishop McManus for his help in our transition into a new parish home. Father Richard Trainor, pastor of Saint Joseph Church in Fitchburg, has extended a generous invitation to Father David Phillipson and the Latin Mass Community to have the Ancient Mass on a regular basis, including Holy Days according to the Traditional Calendar . The community accepts his invitation with sincere gratitude. The Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite will be offered every Sunday at 12:30PM as a Sung High Mass, beginning on July 4. The church is located at 49 Woodland Street in Fitchburg. All those attending are asked to please wait for the church to clear from the previous Mass before entering.
Deo Gratias.

Another Meeting

2010-06-10T11:10:00.002-04:00

All are invited to a meeting with Father Trainor at St. Joseph Church on 49 Woodland Street in Fitchburg on Tuesday, June 15 at 7PM to discuss the possibility of having the Latin Mass there.
A vote (for adults) will be conducted after Mass on Sunday, June 20th, where people may express their preference.

Notes for our last Mass at Immaculate Conception on Sunday, June 27: The Mass will be at 7AM, and will be followed by Benediction, including the chanting of the Litany of Loreto. All are invited to share in prayer our thanks to God for the time we have had in this beautiful church and our sorrow in its closing. Afterwards, there will be a presentation to Fr. Thien expressing our community's thanks.

The Last Mass at Immaculate Conception, and Meeting Announced

2010-06-06T11:36:00.003-04:00

Our last Mass at Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday, June 27 will be at 7AM instead of the usual Mass time of 8AM, in order to accomodate the last Mass for the Ordinary Form parishoners.

All are invited to a meeting with Father Ortiz of St. Francis Church in Fitchburg to discuss the possibility of moving the Latin Mass to this parish, on Wednesday, June 9th at 7PM at St. Francis Church, 63Sheridan Street.

Pictures of the Year for Priests Spiritual Bouquet Presentation to Father Phillipson:

Our prayers will be ongoing. Through the intercession of the Immaculate Mother, May God bless, protect and grant him a full harvest of souls to bring with him to heaven, to dwell with God and worship Him forever and ever. Amen.

Otter River Picnic moved to next Sunday

2010-06-05T06:26:00.003-04:00

Due to rain, the otter river picnic is moved to Sunday, June 13th. See you then!

No Latin Mass this Sunday, May 30

2010-05-27T09:03:00.003-04:00

We are sorry to report that there will not be an 8AM Latin Mass on Sunday, May 30th as there is not a priest available to offer the Mass. The 8AM Latin Mass will resume again next Sunday, June 6. There will be a special presentation by the children at coffee/ donuts after Mass.

June 6th is also the day of the Latin Mass Community picnic at Otter River State Park.86 Winchendon Rd., Baldwinville MA.   http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/ottr.htm (for directions)
The Pavilion is reserved for our use for the entire day. Bring picnic food and drinks. There is a swimming area (no life guards so parents must watch their children), grills for barbeque and plenty of picnic tables.   There is a $5 fee to park- ask the attendant for directions to the Pavilion.

Also mark your calendars for Saturday, June 26 at 5:30PM for an end of the Year for Priests Dinner with Fr. Phillipson at Il Forno Restaurant, 27 Airport Road, Fitchburg.   We will have our own private room. The restaurant serves Italian food including brick-oven pizzas, and allows for patrons to bring their own wine.   There will be cake for all to share for dessert.

-From Route 2 East bound: Take exit 30, Merriam Ave., turn right towards Fitchburg 0.7miles, right at light onto Wanoosnoc Rd. Proceed through light, —it is 0.3 miles on your right.

--From Route 2 West bound: Take exit 31 Rt. 12N toward Fitchburg, continue on 12N for 1.5 miles. Turn right at light onto Bemis Rd. Proceed 0.3 miles –it is on your right.

May Procession and Crowning

2010-05-16T11:06:00.001-04:00

A May Procession and Crowning will take place after Mass on Sunday, May 23rd, Pentecost Sunday. Everyone should bring flowers from their homes to offer to the Blessed Mother.

More Details on Confirmations

2010-05-07T12:10:00.007-04:00

To those interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation:

Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, S.T.D., will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Traditional Rite to those from the 8th grade and up on Saturday, June 19^th, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel (282 Still River Road, Still River, MA) at 11:00AM.

Here is the list of items, which Father Phllipson will need no later than May 22 (the date of test for the candidates for Confirmation which follows the 8am Mass at St. Ann's). (see below for more information on the test)

Baptismal Certificate (with seal) of the Candidate for Confirmation along with the address of the Church where the baptism took place.
The Confirmation Name chosen by the Candidate.
The Name of Candidate’s Sponsor.
A Standard form from the Sponsor’s Pastor stating that the Sponsor is a practicing Catholic and eligible to act as a Sponsor.
For those wishing to be confirmed and who do not regularly attend the Latin Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Fitchburg, a signed letter/form, similar to the one for the sponsors, is needed attesting to the regular attendance at Mass from the Pastor or priest where the candidate does attend Sunday Mass.

There will be a practice for Candidates and Sponsors on Thursday, June 17^th at 7:30 in the evening at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel.

It would be helpful if the requested information be paper-clipped to the Baptismal Certificate on a single piece of paper (with the parents name and phone number listed on top) and handed in before the test began on May 22nd.
For any questions, please contact Father Phillipson: frdavidphil4@gmail.com

TEST ON MAY 22nd
After 8am Mass on Saturday, May 22, Father will administer a 50 question test based on the Penny Catechism / Baltimore Cat in which an 80% or higher grade must be obtained to be considered a candidate. A Penny Cat. can be obtained at the IHM gift shop or through Tan Publishers. All 350+ questions will be considered as possible test questions though, as this is preparation for Confirmation and not 1st Holy Communion, many of the more difficult questions will be considered as possible questions. For those being Confirmed, an elementary knowledge of the Faith is presumed. For Confirmation, the Faith must not only be known, but possessed in such a way as to be able to be passed on to others.

Announcements for May

2010-04-30T20:00:00.002-04:00

There will be Sung Mass on the Feast of the Ascension (a Holy Day of Obligation), on Thursday May 13, at 7PM.

Please join in the Pentecost Novena which begins on Friday May 14 for the intentions of the Latin Mass Community:     Pentecost Novena

Confirmations according to the Extraordinary Form rite will be held on June 19 at 11AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Still River (8th grade and up). Please contact Father Phillipson for more information: frdavidphil4@gmail.com      505-850-4265 (cell)

Latin Mass Community Picnic:    Mark your calendars for Sunday June 6 for a community picnic at Otter River State Forest Park, 86 Winchendon Rd., Baldwinville MA.    Otter River Park Information
The Pavilion is reserved for our use for the entire day (Father Phillipson will try to join us in the afternoon). Bring picnic food and drinks. There is a swimming area (no life guards so parents must watch their children), grills for barbeque and plenty of picnic tables.   There is a $5 fee to park- ask the attendant for directions to the Pavilion. A suggested donation of $5 per family or individual is requested to help cover the reservation fee- please give this to Todd or Diana Tabbaa.

Latin Mass Pilgrimage: A pilgrimage is planned from Monday June 28 through Saturday July 3 to the shrines and churches in Montreal and Quebec. If you would like more information, contact the Tabbaas: sedessapientia@verizon.net

Restoration of the Tabernacle

2010-04-22T09:40:00.003-04:00

Deo Gratias.

Announcements

2010-04-08T18:46:00.000-04:00

We will pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet before a solemnly blessed Divine Mercy image this Sunday at 7:20AM, followed by the Rosary.

Father Thien invites all of the Latin Mass Community to a meeting in the Parish Hall on Thursday, April 15, at 7PM to discuss with him our concerns and future direction for the community.

Thank you to all who helped celebrate the Easter Triduum in the Extraordinary Form. A slide show accompanied by the voices of our choir will be posted to the blog site soon in case you missed any of the liturgies.

Our weekly coffee/ donuts has resumed in the Parish Hall downstairs after Mass.

Divine Mercy Sunday

2010-03-26T14:14:00.002-04:00

On Divine Mercy Sunday, April 11, we will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 7:20AM before the Rosary. A Divine Mercy image will be displayed. Please pray the Divine Mercy Novena beginning on Good Friday.   (see Novena below).

During the course of Jesus' revelations to Saint Faustina on the Divine Mercy He asked on numerous occasions that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. The liturgical texts of that day, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, concern the institution of the Sacrament of Penance, the Tribunal of the Divine Mercy, and are thus already suited to the request of Our Lord.
Divine Mercy Promise: The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. “There must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me.”
In 2002, the Supreme Pontiff granted a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!").
The devotion to His Divine Mercy is also associated with the image below as Jesus wished and based on descriptions by Saint Faustina. The words that accompany the image are "Jesus, I trust in Thee". The rays coming from Jesus' body represent the Blood and water that poured forth from the wound He suffered when pierced by the lance.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet
Start    Kiss the Cross and make the Sign of the Cross
Say 1 Our Father
Say 1 Hail Mary
Say the Apostles' Creed

Say on each large bead: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Thy dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and for the sins of the whole world.
Say on each small bead: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

At the conclusion:
Say three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us and on the whole world.

Novena to the Divine Mercy of Jesus Christ (begin on Good Friday)
The Novena may be prayed any time, but Jesus asked that it especially be prayed beginning on Good Friday and ending the day before Low Sunday (what is now also known as Divine Mercy Sunday -- the Sunday after Easter).

First Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit. O omnipotence of Divine Mercy, salvation of sinful man, You are a sea of mercy and compassion. You aid him who entreats You with humility. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Second Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in us, that we may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see us may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven. The fountain of God's love dwells in pure hearts, bathed in the Sea of Mercy, radiant as stars, bright as the dawn. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son, in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Third Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely. The miracles of mercy are impenetrable. Neither the sinner nor just one will fathom them. When You cast upon us an eye of pity, You draw us all closer to Your love. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Fourth Day:
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of pagans who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. May the light of Your love enlighten the souls in darkness; Grant that these souls will know You and, together with us, praise Your mercy. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of pagans and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Fifth Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to adore the generosity of Your mercy. Even for those who have torn the garment of Your unity, a fount of mercy flows from Your Heart. The omnipotence of Your mercy, O God, can lead these souls also out of error. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Sixth Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy. A truly gentle and humble soul already here on earth the air of paradise breathes, and in the fragrance of her humble heart the Creator Himself delights. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek and humble souls, and upon the souls of little children, who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Seventh Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy. These souls are united to Jesus and carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life. A soul who praises the goodness of her Lord; she is always close to the living fountain and draws graces from Mercy Divine. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them, I Myself will defend as My own glory, during their lifetime, and especially at the hour of their death, those souls who will venerate My fathomless mercy. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Eighth Day:
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of the purifying fire, that in that place, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised. From the terrible heat of the cleansing fire rises a plaint to Your mercy, and they receive comfort, refreshment, relief in the stream of mingled Blood and Water. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Ninth Day:
Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. 0 Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power. Fire and ice cannot be joined; Either the fire dies, or the ice melts. But by Your mercy, O God, You can make up for all that is lacking. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls, who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet

Traditional Latin Mass at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Feast of St. Joseph 2010

2010-03-20T11:37:00.003-04:00

Thank you Sean and everyone who helped you, for all of your hard work to bring this beautiful Mass to Holy Cross College in Worcester after so long a time period. May God bless you all for your efforts.
Deo Gratias

Worcester Telegram Article

WORCESTER — Sean M. Connolly attended his first traditional Latin Mass when he studied abroad at the American Institute for Roman Culture in Rome.

After hearing much about the old rite that was at the spiritual heart of his grandparents’ generation, the College of the Holy Cross student visited the Santissima Trinita dei Pellegrini (the Most Holy Trinity of the Pilgrim Church), a 16th-century house of worship where the Mass is celebrated exclusively in Latin.

He said he immediately fell in love with the worship service — struck by its solemnity, its piousness, and its elaborate trappings.

“I felt like I was denied, for years, something that was very special,” said the 21-year-old Westchester, N.Y., resident. “It is such a beautiful liturgy.”

Mr. Connolly, who is studying theology and the classics at Holy Cross, said he was so impressed that he began to regularly attend the Latin Mass that is offered Sunday mornings at Immaculate Conception Church in Fitchburg.

And thinking that his fellow students might spiritually benefit from the experience, Mr. Connolly, with help from the chaplain’s office at Holy Cross, has worked to schedule a Mass on Mount St. James.

The service will be held at 5 p.m. today at St. Joseph’s Memorial Chapel, preceded at 4:30 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary.

The Latin Mass will be the first to be celebrated at Holy Cross since 1995.

Raymond L. Delisle, a spokesman for the Diocese of Worcester, said he was not aware of any other Latin Masses being celebrated at the area’s Catholic colleges in years.

Pope Benedict XVI eased restrictions on the millennial-old rite in 2007.

The Latin Mass had been the standard Catholic liturgy until the sweeping reforms of the 1960s Vatican Council.

Traditionalists within the Catholic Church were pleased with Pope Benedict’s decision but the Latin Mass hasn’t been embraced by the general Catholic population.

Besides Immaculate Conception, Latin Masses within the diocese are only celebrated regularly at St. Paul Church in Warren.

“There is a small group that is very dedicated to the Latin Mass,” said Paul Covino, associate chaplain and director of liturgy at Holy Cross. “But it doesn’t seem to have caught on.”

Mr. Covino said the Mass in 1995 was celebrated at the request of curious students, who were unfamiliar with the rite. The Mass, at the time, had to be approved by the local bishop.

“We’re hoping the Mass will serve as an educational and spiritual tool,” Mr. Covino said.

He said there are no plans to regularly schedule the Latin Mass, also known as the Tridentine Mass, at Holy Cross because the Jesuit priests on College Hill are not trained in the rite.

Today’s Mass will be celebrated by the Rev. David Phillipson, who offers the service at Immaculate Conception in Fitchburg.

Mr. Connolly, a senior who hopes to attend seminary this fall and eventually become a priest for the Archdiocese of New York, said many who take part in the Masses in Fitchburg, including the choir and about 20 trained acolytes, will participate in today’s service.

Announcements

2010-03-13T11:42:00.003-05:00

There will be a Sung Mass on the Feast of the Annunciation on Thursday, March 25 at7PM. On the same day, there will be altar server practice for the Palm Sunday Mass from 3:30 to 5PM. (followed by pizza dinner at Farynaz home)

Due to the length of time needed for the Palm Sunday Mass, this Mass (March 28) will begin at 7:30AM, with Rosary and Confessions beginning at 7AM.

Stations of the Cross: Every Friday evening during Lent at 6:30PM, followed by Adoration from 7-8PM.

The Holy Triduum (April 1-3) will be celebrated in the Extraordinary Form at Immaculate Conception. All server practices will be held at the Church, and servers should arrive 30 minutes before the Masses for setting up.

Holy Thursday, Mass at 8pm with server practice from 3 to 5PM.

Good Friday: Stations of the Cross at 3PM, with the Good Friday Service: The Passion and Death of the Lord (The Mass of the Presanctified) immediately after. Altar server practice from 12 to 2PM.

Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 10PM with altar server practice from 3 to 5 that day.

Easter Sunday: Mass time at 8AM (Confessions beginning at 7:15 and Rosary at 7:30AM)

On Divine Mercy Sunday (April 11), we will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 7:20AM (before the Rosary). A Divine Mercy image will be displayed. Please pray the Divine Mercy Novena beginning on Good Friday.

Latin Mass Pilgrimage to Canadian Shrines and Churches

2010-03-07T13:00:00.004-05:00

A group which attends Mass at St. Ann’s Chapel in Still River is planning a pilgrimage from Monday June 28 through Saturday July 3 to the shrines and churches in Montreal and Quebec. Father Phillipson will serve as the trip chaplain and provide for daily Latin Mass and devotions. Transportation will be by individual car and van pools. The itinerary will include sites in Montreal: St. Joseph Oratory, Notre Dame Basilica, Notre Dame de Bonsecours; Notre Dame de Cape, and numerous churches in Quebec as well as St. Anne du Beaupre, the Cyclorama of Jerusalem and St. Ann’s Canyon. If you think you might attend and would like more information, please send your email address to the Tabbaas: sedessapientia@verizon.net. A passport or passport card is required (for children as well) for border crossings into Canada, and can take six weeks to obtain: http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Immaculate Conception Church Not To Remain Open

2010-03-05T12:18:00.003-05:00

Bishop McManus Announces Parish Changes for Fitchburg

March 5, 2010, WORCESTER, MA -- This weekend, a letter from Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, will be shared at all Masses in the City of Fitchburg announcing his decisions following a year-long process that has been analyzing the Catholic Church’s needs in that city. He announced his decision on Thursday evening to the City-wide planning group which has been working on the analysis and recommendations since early last summer.

In summary, the bishop stated that the charters of all eight parishes, some of which had geographic territories while others were established to serve specific immigrant communities in the past, will cease on July 1, 2010. New charters as territorial parishes will commence for four parishes in various parts of the city. He writes, “The four new parishes will be as follows: St. Bernard Parish worshipping at St. Camillus de Lellis Church and serving the northern part of the city; St. Anthony Parish at St. Anthony Church serving the downtown area, St. Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church serving West Fitchburg including the Cleghorn neighborhood, and St. Francis Parish at St. Francis Church serving the south and east neighborhoods of the city.” The decision was ratified by the Presbyteral Council on Tuesday, March 2.

Bishop McManus stressed to the group that their “rich Catholic heritage in the City of Fitchburg” is to be cherished in those new parishes and that all assets and liabilities in any of the parishes remains with the new territorial parishes. “The patrimony, including assets and liabilities of St. Camillus de Lellis Parish and St. Bernard Parish, which includes St. Bernard Elementary School and St. Bernard Cemetery, will all be part of the new St. Bernard Parish at St. Camillus Church. The patrimony and traditions of Immaculate Conception, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Madonna of the Holy Rosary, as well as their assets and liabilities, will be assumed by the other three newly established parishes. Over the coming weeks, the Diocesan Pastoral Planning Committee will meet with parish focus groups and, together with the Fitchburg Planning Committee, will present recommendations for the assignment of patrimony and specific territorial boundaries. One of the new parishes will also welcome those celebrating the Mass in Latin using the Extraordinary Form.”

The city-wide focus group had met from July to October and defined the needs of the community today and in the foreseeable future. It then developed various recommendations for configurations based on no more than four worship sites remaining in the city. No single recommendation was presented to the bishop, but all discussions supported a variety of worship spaces in various geographic areas of the city. The committee’s new vision for the city’s parishes, when seen as a whole, includes greater human and financial resources to build parish ministries, including education for all ages, youth and young adult programs, more social services and outreach to the poor and new immigrant populations, improved access for those with physical challenges. The committee also underscored that the many devotional and ethnic traditions in the city should continue to be cherished in the new parishes.

Bishop noted in his letter that this process is part of a diocesan-wide pastoral planning process “for more vibrant parish life.” To date, pastoral planning has impacted Worcester, Clinton, Harvard, Bolton, Upton, and Mendon with both closed and new parishes being announced or established.

Traditional Latin Mass at Holy Cross College in Worcester

2010-02-26T14:08:00.008-05:00

Traditional Latin Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at Saint Joseph’s Memorial Chapel, The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester MA

Honor the Lord and Saint Joseph on this First Class Feast of the Church and Titular Feast of the College Chapel.

Friday, March 19th 2010 Anno Domini
4:30 p.m.—Recitation of the Holy Rosary
5:00 p.m.—Missa Cantata—Chanted Holy Mass
Enrollment into the Brown Scapular Society to any attendee who so desires following Holy Mass in the McCooey Chapel
Directions to the College
Campus Map
Saint Joseph's Memorial Chapel is number 34 on the map. Parking on campus is through Gate 7 which is the third entrance on the left of College Street. Mass attendees can park in the large lot through Gate 7 and walk to the College Chapel.

A note to the servers for this Mass: There will be two practices (please attend at least one) on Wed. March 10th from 5-730pm and Tues. March 16th from 5-730pm. Please let Paul Farynaz know if you plan to serve and/ or need a ride to Worcester for the practices: paul@farynaz.com

Announcements: Ash Wednesday Mass and Stations of the Cross

2010-02-11T15:35:00.004-05:00

There will be an Extraordinary Form Mass on Ash Wednesday, February 17th at 7:30PM at Immaculate Conception.

Every Friday evening during Lent at 6:30PM, there will be Stations of the Cross in the Church, beginning on Feb. 19

There will be altar server practice on Thursday, Feb. 18th at 7PM at Immaculate Conception Church. Men or boys who have received First Holy Communion and are interested in learning to serve the 1962 Mass may also attend.

Due to the renovations taking place in the Parish Hall downstairs, there will not be coffee/ donuts time after Mass. When the renovations are completed, the refreshment time will be resumed.

Propers for February:
February 7: Sexagesima Sunday, Missa 'Exsurge'
February 14: Quinquagesima, Missa 'Esto Mihi'
February 17: Ash Wednesday, Missa 'Misereris Omnium'
February 21: First Sunday in Lent, Missa 'Invocabit Me'
February 28: Second Sunday in Lent, Missa 'Reminiscere Miserationum'

Lent: Fasting and Abstinence

2010-01-29T15:14:00.003-05:00

Fasting and Abstinence: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of universal fast and abstinence. Fasting is obligatory for all who have completed their 18th year and have not yet reached their 60th year. Fasting allows a person to eat one full meal. Two smaller meals may be taken, not to equal one full meal. Abstinence (from meat) is obligatory for all who have reached their 14th year.

If possible, the fast on Good Friday is continued until the Easter Vigil (on Holy Saturday night) as the "paschal fast" to honor the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus, and to prepare ourselves to share more fully and to celebrate more readily his Resurrection.

Fridays in Lent are obligatory days of complete abstinence (from meat) for all who have completed their 14th year.

The Holy Season of Lent: Fast and Abstinence. (from www.ewtn.com)

It is a traditional doctrine of Christian spirituality that a constituent part of repentance, of turning away from sin and back to God, includes some form of penance, without which the Christian is unlikely to remain on the narrow path and be saved (Jer. 18:11, 25:5; Ez. 18:30, 33:11-15; Joel 2:12; Mt. 3:2; Mt. 4:17; Acts 2:38). Christ Himself said that His disciples would fast once He had departed (Lk. 5:35). The general law of penance, therefore, is part of the law of God for man.
The Church has specified certain forms of penance, both to ensure that the Catholic will do something, as required by divine law, while making it easy for Catholics to fulfill the obligation. Thus, the 1983 Code of Canon Law specifies the obligations of Latin Rite Catholics [Eastern Rite Catholics have their own penitential practices as specified by the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches].
Canon 1250 All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the entire Church.
Canon 1251 Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Canon 1252 All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.
Can. 1253 It is for the conference of bishops to determine more precisely the observance of fast and abstinence and to substitute in whole or in part for fast and abstinence other forms of penance, especially works of charity and exercises of piety.
The Church, therefore, has two forms of official penitential practices - three if the Eucharistic fast before Communion is included.
Abstinence The law of abstinence requires a Catholic 14 years of age until death to abstain from eating meat on Fridays in honor of the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday. Meat is considered to be the flesh and organs of mammals and fowl. Moral theologians have traditionally considered this also to forbid soups or gravies made from them. Salt and freshwater species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and shellfish are permitted, as are animal derived products such as margarine and gelatin which do not have any meat taste.
On the Fridays outside of Lent the U.S. bishops conference obtained the permission of the Holy See for Catholics in the US to substitute a penitential, or even a charitable, practice of their own choosing. Since this was not stated as binding under pain of sin, not to do so on a single occasion would not in itself be sinful. However, since penance is a divine command, the general refusal to do penance is certainly gravely sinful. For most people the easiest way to consistently fulfill this command is the traditional one, to abstain from meat on all Fridays of the year which are not liturgical solemnities. When solemnities, such as the Annunciation, Assumption, All Saints etc. fall on a Friday, we neither abstain or fast.
During Lent abstinence from meat on Fridays is obligatory in the United States as elsewhere, and it is sinful not to observe this discipline without a serious reason (physical labor, pregnancy, sickness etc.).
Fasting The law of fasting requires a Catholic from the 18th Birthday [Canon 97] to the 59th Birthday [i.e. the beginning of the 60th year, a year which will be completed on the 60th birthday] to reduce the amount of food eaten from normal. The Church defines this as one meal a day, and two smaller meals which if added together would not exceed the main meal in quantity. Such fasting is obligatory on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The fast is broken by eating between meals and by drinks which could be considered food (milk shakes, but not milk). Alcoholic beverages do not break the fast; however, they seem contrary to the spirit of doing penance.
Those who are excused from fast or abstinence Besides those outside the age limits, those of unsound mind, the sick, the frail, pregnant or nursing women according to need for meat or nourishment, manual laborers according to need, guests at a meal who cannot excuse themselves without giving great offense or causing enmity and other situations of moral or physical impossibility to observe the penitential discipline.
Aside from these minimum penitential requirements Catholics are encouraged to impose some personal penance on themselves at other times. It could be modeled after abstinence and fasting. A person could, for example, multiply the number of days they abstain. Some people give up meat entirely for religious motives (as opposed to those who give it up for health or other motives). Some religious orders, as a penance, never eat meat. Similarly, one could multiply the number of days that one fasted. The early Church had a practice of a Wednesday and Saturday fast. This fast could be the same as the Church's law (one main meal and two smaller ones) or stricter, even bread and water. Such freely chosen fasting could also consist in giving up something one enjoys - candy, soft drinks, smoking, that cocktail before supper, and so on. This is left to the individual.
One final consideration. Before all else we are obliged to perform the duties of our state in life. When considering stricter practices than the norm, it is prudent to discuss the matter with one's confessor or director. Any deprivation that would seriously hinder us in carrying out our work, as students, employees or parents would be contrary to the will of God. ---- Colin B. Donovan, STL

Course Offering on "Mass and the Sacraments"

2010-01-24T14:22:00.000-05:00

Father Phillipson will offer a "seminar" course following Fr. John Laux's “Mass and the Sacraments” at St. Ann’s on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:45PM, beginning Feb. 4 and ending sometime in May. An estimated number of fifteen classes will be held with vacation during Holy Week.
Course objective include: 1) to learn more about the Mass and the 7 sacraments, 2) to grow in confidence in discussing ideas intelligently as a class, 3) to grow in confidence in speaking in front of a class from memory, 4) to write intelligently about the Mass and the Sacraments, 5) though the Mass and the Sacraments will be understood primarily from a traditional perspective, related topics regarding the history of the liturgy and the New Mass & Rites will also be treated.
Course requirements include: 1) “Mass and the Sacraments” by Fr. John Laux published by Tan, 2) notebook and writing instruments, 3) ability to read, understand and discuss the book at about twenty pages per week, 4) ability to write sentences and paragraphs, 5) willingness to speak and make oral presentations from memory to the class as a whole.
Students will be evaluated based on review/test questions at the end of each chapter, class participation based on reading assignments, a few short written essay assignments, and short oral presentations from memory regarding the reading material or related topics of interest to the students. The course cost will be on a donation bases. For any questions please do not hesitate to ask Fr. David Phillipson frdavidphil4@gmail.com

Latin Mass Fitchburg Blog

2010-01-09T16:23:00.004-05:00

This blog is a new effort designed to be an information hub for people who attend the Ancient Roman Mass at Immaculate Conception, Fitchburg. We will be posting information such as snow emergency cancellation of Holy Mass, and other information pertinent to those who attend the Ancient Rite. This blog is not an official blog of the Parish or of the Pastor. Instead it is run by some who attend the Ancient rite at Immaculate Conception, and wish to be kept abreast of changing information regarding Ancient Rite Mass times and announcements or articles of interest.