Benefits and Guide to the Catholic Traditional Latin Mass

In the Catholic church, the Latin mass was used for over a millennium and now most Catholics attend something called the New Mass. I talked last week (I believe) about the Latin mass, and now I am going to explain some of its customs. I have only been to one in person a few times, although I have watched several on EWTN. The TLM can be pretty hard to find, making the drive inconvenient, but when possible, here is why you should give the Latin Mass a chance:

1. Altar Boys- There are a lot pf blog entries regarding whether girls should serve at Catholic masses- most of which are in favor of them. Most Novus Ordo Masses in the world have female altar servers. However, as I discussed a few blogs ago, only boys should serve at the altar for several reasons. Please refer to that blog to see an explanation. (As far as I know, women are also not lectors in the Latin Mass. In fact, in the small number of Latin masses I've attended and watched on TV, the only place outside of the choir that I find women are in the pews, and young girls are basically restricted to the pews.)
2. Communion by mouth- In most Latin masses, most people will have the priest put the Body of Christ on their tongue, whereas in the Novus Ordo, most people will have him put it in their hand. Also, it's usually the priest giving communion during the Latin Mass, while three people assist the priest in passing out communion during the Novus Ordo.
3. Different reading cycles-  Latin Masses tend to give readings that are appropriate for the time, while the Novus Ordo tries to read the whole Missal within three years (giving it a three-year cycle).
4. Silence- In the Novus Ordo, there is almost constantly some sound. If the priest is not talking, there are usually just a few songs and several moments of quiet. In the Novus Ordo, music is being played before and after Communion and most people sing along. However, in many traditional masses, there is no song or only the choir sings, and the congregation has a few moments of quiet prayer time.
5. Music: In relation to the last topic, music during the mass is meant to help people praise God and stay connected in the part of the Mass being conducted. There is often a song going on during communion during the Novus Ordo. In the Latin Mass, music is only performed if it helps people worship God.
   

Guide:

• Dress nicely- At a Novus Ordo, you will find most people dressed relatively nicely, but some people will wear shorts, sneakers, and a T-shirt. At the Latin Mass, dress as if you are in the presence of God (because you kind of are!). Also, men should not wear hats during the mass. While not always required, women often wear chapel veils, typically provided in the back of the mass.
• Communion: A priest will allow you to take communion by hand, but most people will extend their tongue with their mouth open. This is because part of Jesus' flesh will remain on your fingers and spread to everything you touch. There is no telling what will happen afterwards to the flesh particles (it could get vacummed or split if you cut your finger!)
• Silence: Many times, a Novus Ordo will end and people will start talking to each other. Do this outside of the sanctuary and stay quiet while inside it. This allows time for prayer in silence. 

I still have some research to do on this topic so I will get back to this.

https://veneremurcernui.wordpress.com/2013/07/10/fr-rodriguez-on-the-benefits-of-the-traditional-mass/

https://sanctamissa.org/en/faq/newcomers-to-the-traditional-latin-mass.html