Sunday, September 4, 2011

Bishop Michael Warfel Restricts the Extraordinary Form of the Mass in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings - UPDATE

UPDATE - read more at WDTPRS



"There is no contradiction between the two editions of the Roman Missal. In the history of the Liturgy growth and progress are found, but not a rupture. What was sacred for prior generations, remains sacred and great for us as well, and cannot be suddenly prohibited altogether or even judged harmful." - Letter of Pope Benedict XVI to the Bishops of the World, July 7, 2007

From Father Z at WDTPRS:
GUIDELINES REGARDING CELEBRATION
OF THE EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF MASS
Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum, (MPSP) article 5.2 notwithstanding, celebrating the Extraordinary Form on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation in parishes of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings as a regular Mass of obligation is not allowed at this time. [Parishioners in these instances may be drawn away from celebrating at the regular Mass for Sunday or Holy Day].
Indiscriminate mixing of elements of the Novus Ordo and elements of the Extraordinary Form is now [sic] allowed. Norms for each form are to be observed correctly [N.B. Instruction on the Application of the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum, #24].
MPSP, article 5.3 notwithstanding, celebration of ritual Masses (funerals, weddings, etc.) in the Extraordinary Form is not allowed at this time in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. A priest must contact the Bishop in advance to ask for any exception to this policy and demonstrate pastoral consideration by not imposing the Extraordinary Form on a parish in these instances.
Altar Servers for the Extraordinary Form must be properly trained.
N.B.: It is important to remember that the Extraordinary Form generally does not enable full, active participation by the assembly which was called for by Vatican II. While the Extraordinary Form holds a definite place in the liturgical tradition of the Church, it does not meet the spiritual needs of the large portion of Church membership today.
Attachment – Instruction on the Application of the
Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum of His Holiness
Benedict XVI Given Motu Proprio
Promulgated by Bishop Michael Warfel
August 9, 2011

"Even though Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei“‘s instruction Universae Ecclesiae is attached, it is as if Universae Ecclesiae didn’t exist.  Indeed, it is as if Summorum Pontificum didn’t exist and these matters were still governed under the now superseded provisions of Ecclesia Dei adflicta..." (continued...)


Update 09/08/11: DEVELOPMENT: D. Great Falls-Billings document about Benedict XVI’s Summorum Pontificum

Link:
Related:

3 comments:

Nancy Case B. said...

If as you say, "it doesn't meet the needs of the people", then obviously you are wrong. Other states, other countries, have gone to this Latin devotional Mass, and if it helps bring more souls to the Church, then it is sanctified. How can you be so blind in times when the Roman Catholic Church needs to build itself up, not break itself apart.
I shall pray for you and your change of heart. Perhaps, you will see this in a dream.
Sincerely,
Nancy

Nancy Case B. said...

Hopefully you have now received my comment and yes, it is in your hands. Will you wash yourself of it, or simply turn away. Will you condemn the EM or go and take heart in it??

Vincenzo said...

"If as you say, "it doesn't meet the needs of the people", then obviously you are wrong..." "Hopefully you have now received my comment and yes, it is in your hands. Will you wash yourself of it, or simply turn away. Will you condemn the EM or go and take heart in it??"

Are you addressing me or the bishop? I support the Mass. Contact the diocese if you want to address the bishop. His Excellency probably isn't reading this blog. And by the way, there is a follow up to this story.