About the Latin Mass: The Beginning and the End

The biggest difference you’ll find between the English Mass and the Latin Mass occurs at the beginning and at the end of Mass. The Latin Mass is framed at the beginning and at the end by the “Introibo ad altare Dei” – I will go to the altar of God, and the “Last Gospel” – actually a reading of the beginning of the Gospel of John.

The idea as written in Psalm 42/43 is presented by the priest at the foot of the altar, which is to go to the altar of God, who brings the joy of our youth, a time when we were innocent, happy, and not yet fully aware of our sinful nature and mature sin. In maturity, this is what we seek to overcome and return to, with the help of God.

Psalm 42 of the Old Testament is also searching for the light and truth to come into the world. This is shown to be fulfilled in Christ Jesus at the end of Mass in the reading of John – the light and truth has come in the Word made Flesh - although the world did not recognize Him. Note that everyone genuflects at the words “And the Word was made Flesh”.

The Latin Mass is celebrated Sundays at Blessed Sacrament at 8:30 and Nativity at 9:00.