Traditional Catholicism means embracing the old ways, the time-honored and proven methods, of being Catholic. It does not mean rejecting Vatican II, the pope or the New Order of the Mass (Novus Ordo) introduced in 1970. While many Traditional Catholics prefer the Old Order of the Latin Mass (Vetus Ordo) which was the norm before 1970, not all Traditional Catholics are able to, for either logistical or practical reasons. Many attend the Novus Ordo Mass, which is celebrated in vernacular languages (English, Spanish, French, etc.), but keep their traditional customs anyway. All of this is completely compatible with the Novus Ordo Mass of course, since the Catholic Faith has not changed, even though liturgy can be revised and reworked from time to time in history.
The following is a list of how to be a Traditional Catholic in a Novus Ordo setting. Because many of these practices are not kept fully by most people in the Novus Ordo setting, traditional Catholics need to make a conscious effort to keep them going. Sometimes others will catch on, and it has been the case (many times) that traditional trends become the norm in Novus Ordo parishes too. The trick is to refrain from judging others. Don’t judge others for not following these customs, and ignore anyone who ignorantly judges you for keeping them.
- During Mass…
- Observe the traditional Eucharistic Fast before receiving Holy Communion of no food or liquids (except water and medicine) for 3 hours before Mass. Continue to fast for at least 15 minutes after Mass.
- Start receiving communion on the tongue instead of the hand. This is allowed by the Vatican and USCCB. No priest or bishop can lawfully deny you communion if you choose to receive it this way. Simply hold your hands folded, close to your chest, bow before receiving, say “Amen” after the priest says “the Body of Christ,” open your mouth and stick your tongue way out there. You’ve got to give him a big target, so don’t be shy. Try to receive from the priest (or deacon) whenever possible. Try to avoid receiving from Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), regular laypeople, whenever possible. If you decide to receive from the cup as well (which is neither required nor necessary), you may not be able to avoid this.
- Receive communion while kneeling only if you are physically able to do so safely. Again, this is allowed by the Vatican and USCCB. No priest or bishop can lawfully deny you communion if you choose to receive it this way. If you choose to receive from the chalice too (which is neither required nor necessary), there is no prohibition against kneeling. However, doing so can be difficult and present inherent risks of spillage. For practical reasons it may be better to reverently bow and then stand to receive the chalice. Many traditional Catholics, both Novus Ordo and Vetus Ordo, choose not to receive from the chalice, and this is perfectly permissible. Prior to the introduction of the Novus Ordo Missal in 1970, it was the norm.
- Do not raise your hands in the Mass during the “Our Father.” That gesture is reserved for the priest alone. Keep your hands folded in prayer position.
- Do not shake hands in the Mass during the “Sign of Peace.” Simply wave politely, nod your head, or give the blessing hand sign. Hugs and kisses are reserved for immediate family members of course.
- Always wear modest clothing to Mass. It doesn’t need to be a suit and tie, or a formal dress. But it should be modest and practical. Cover those shoulders, bosoms, knees and legs. On exceedingly hot days, closed-toed sandals are acceptable for both men and women.
- If you’re a woman, wear a head covering to Mass. No, it doesn’t matter what kind you choose. It can be a lace veil, or a shawl, or a cute little hat, or a larger hat, but what you should not wear is some big gigantic outdoor hat that attracts a lot of attention. Here’s a good rule of thumb. If it’s obstructing the view for the person sitting in the pew behind you, it’s probably too big.
- During Mass, bow your head slightly whenever you hear the name “Jesus.”
- During Mass, bow reverently toward the cross being carried during the procession and recession.
- Genuflect whenever passing in front of the tabernacle and altar while in the chapel.
- On your own…
- Let your priest know you’re open to a more traditional celebration of the Novus Ordo Mass, and if needed you would be willing to help. Women should never serve as EMHC or altar servers. It goes against the principles of traditional Catholicism.
- Learn just a little bit of Latin for personal prayer, and you never know when you might run across it even in a Novus Ordo mass. It’s just a little bit, nothing crazy, like a few prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be) along with the Latin response to “Dominus Vobiscum” (the Lord be with you…) and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God…).
- Learn a few simple Gregorian chants. Again, it’s nothing crazy. It’s just a few that you like.
- Read a little bit of the Bible every day. You can just do the Mass readings for the day, or something else. It’s your choice. It’s private devotion. Do what works for you.
- Study the Baltimore Catechism No. 4., while using the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) for reference only.
- Pray the Rosary every day. A full Rosary of five decades takes about 15 to 25 minutes to pray. If you’re too busy, you can just do one decade of the Rosary a day (about 5 minutes). Or if you have a little more time, you can spread out the five decades over the day as you see fit. Figure out what works best for you.
- Go to the Sacrament of Confession at least once a month, even if you are not aware of any mortal sins. Simply confess as many venial sins as you can remember. This is a good habit that keeps one accountable to God and helps build sanctification. Also, traditional Catholics do not use the confessional as a therapy session. Simply confess the sins in a concise manner and without excuses.
- Do not eat any mammal or bird meat on Fridays. Stick to fish and non-meat foods on Fridays in keeping with the old customs. This is allowed by the Vatican and USCCB.
- In addition to a crucifix by all exterior doors, keep an image of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady prominently displayed in your home.
- Use Holy Water and Holy Salt to bless your home regularly.
- Make your Ash Wednesday and Good Friday fasts as real and complete as your medical condition will allow. Consider fasting more often as you see fit.
- Visit a Vetus Ordo (Latin) Mass at least once a year, if it is available and licit in your area. Consider this a type of annual pilgrimage, especially if you have to drive far away. The Latin Mass Directory is an excellent resource to find Latin Masses that are in full communion with Rome and the local bishop. In other words, these are “safe” Latin Masses.
Shane Schaetzel is an author of Catholic books and he is an Evangelical convert to the Catholic Church. His articles have been featured on LifeSiteNews, The Remnant Newspaper, Forward in Christ, and Catholic Online. You can read Shane’s books at ShaneSchaetzel.Com
