An Example (kind of) ...

Something else that we can also report on here at the Hotline was brought to my attention so I will post it. This doesn't just have to be about abuses in the liturgy as this example points out -- it can be about other unCatholic things happening at a church or parish center.

For example: last fall, Good Shepherd in Alexandria was hosting a number of speakers that were anti-Catholic in their message. One, while this was not his topic, had spoken publicly questioning the Virgin birth and the divinity of Christ. Yet he was invited to speak at this Catholic church. Also last fall, this same church was hosting a discussion on "faith" to learn about Judaism, Islam and Buddhism.

Now, this is for a CATHOLIC adult education class. And, worse of all, it wasn't being taught by a priest from a Catholic perspective -- there was an imam, a rabbi, etc. coming in to teach the class.

With enough calls to the chancery and bad weather, thank God, both talks were cancelled.

But, most disturbing, one gentlemen I know called and asked if, in light of their willingness to host people opposed to our Faith, would they host a talk on the Traditional Latin Mass?

The woman, I'm told, scoffed at the idea.

So, are there any talks like this happening where you go to Mass? Anything else that would offend our sensus Catholicus?

Let's hear about it!

First Feedback ...

I've received a good deal of feedback already to the creation of this blog. Much more than I actually expected at first.

My first email was from someone in Arlington who has a good amount of knowledge in terms of the traditional Mass and who wished this blog well. He also had some good words of caution as well.

His advice was to not get hung up on what we "prefer" in the liturgy -- but what are actually abuses. And he's right. While I would never go to the novus ordo, I would also not expect someone to write me complaining about altar "girls" or lay readers. That's allowed, folks. Don't like it? Go to the traditional Mass and you'll never have to worry about it.

Now, if you write me and tell me there's a lay reader who is preaching the homily instead of the priest -- now we're cooking with gas! And, if we document it here, we can go to the bishop with it -- publicly -- and demand action be taken.

So get your accounts of liturgical abuse, whether in the old rite or the novus ordo, into me at gravitas3@yahoo.com and I'll be sure to post them.

P.S.: A few people have questioned the anonymity part of this. Why do I go by Gravitas Catholica and not my real name? Well, did anyone ask Samuel Clemens why he had to go by Mark Twain? Or why so many bloggers don't use their real names? It's simple -- I don't want people at my work to think I'm some traditional freak and, quite frankly, who cares what my name is? How does it lend to the work I'm trying to do?

I would argue that those who would like to focus on who I am are really trying to ignore the greater purpose of this effort. And that's sad, but I can't worry about those people. I have a greater purpose.

So get in your stories and let's get going. And, remember, these do not have to be ripe -- they could have happened a month or two ago. If they were happening then, they'll most likely happen again.

And, of course, your name will never be used. And that goes for layman or priest.

God bless.

Let's Get Started ...

I know what you're thinking: here's yet another blog written by yet another so-called "traditional" Catholic. Yawn.

But this blog will not be written by me besides periodic news updates -- it will be written primarily by you.

The concept is simple: you go to Mass somewhere in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. or the Arlington Diocese, you see a liturgical abuse, and you email me. I will then post your account of the abuse and open it up for discussion in the comment section. If the priest -- if he calls himself a "presider" that's an abuse in and of itself -- writes in and wants to comment, he can do that as well. If the abuse is committed by a layman, he or she can also comment in their own defense.

Did your priest wear dopey and liturgically illegal blue vestments for Advent? Does the congregation hold hands during the Pater Noster? Are laymen talking during the homily instead of the priest? Are prayers being said during Mass for the ordination of women or other anti-Catholic petitions? Is the matter used for the Body and Blood of Christ valid? Is Communion being given to open heretics? If there is something being done at Mass that is offending your sensus Catholicus, then email me and let's expose it and, God willing, end it. Priests, you may write in as well. And anonymity is guaranteed for everyone -- layman or clergy.

And don't think this applies only to the Novus Ordo. While the Holy Father's Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum" was a blessing from Heaven, it also opened the door to novelties in a Mass that was once only said by priests who knew it inside and out and would never think of adding or subtracting from it. So if there's something goofy going on in the Mass of All Ages, such as it following the new calendar instead of the traditional calendar, Communion in the hand, inappropriate music in the vernacular, vestments unfit for the traditional Mass, etc., then email me and let's expose it and, God willing, end it.

(I know what some of you traditionals are thinking: “Why do we even care about the Novus Ordo? Isn’t it just one big liturgical abuse?” My answer to that is, once the average Catholic is no longer exposed to balloons and clowns and banjos and Communion in the hand from Patty or Bob; once the average Catholic is introduced to sacred music, Communion kneeling at an altar rail, a priest saying Mass Ad Orientem (facing liturgical East and toward God and not toward the people), not having to shake hands at Mass, etc., all things currently permitted but ignored in the typical Novus Ordo Mass, then they will be one step closer to embracing the Traditional Latin Mass. Isn’t that really the main goal? We need to start laying brick in a hurry.)

If enough of us traditional and conservative Roman Catholics come together, we can root out abuses for good in the Archdiocese of Washington and the Arlington Diocese. God only knows we can't count on our politician prelates to do so.

So, if you want more reverence and less balloons; if you want more Palestrina in the Mass and less Nancy Pelosi at the altar rail; you've come to the right place.

Let's get started ...