Latin in the Mass – Questions and Answers

1. Didn’t Vatican II get rid of Latin?

No. Vatican II explicitly said the opposite:

  • “The use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites” (Sacrosanctum Concilium 36).
  • It added that “the faithful should be able to say or sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them” (SC 54).

The Council allowed some parts of the Mass in the vernacular (local language), but Latin was never abolished. Instead, the Church wanted Catholics to know both — to pray in their mother tongue and in the mother tongue of the Church.

2. Isn’t this the “old Mass”?

No. The Mass we celebrate on Thursdays is the Novus Ordo (Ordinary Form) — the same Mass as on Sundays, but partly or mostly in Latin. It is not the Tridentine (Extraordinary Form) Mass.

  • Same readings, same structure, same lectionary cycle.
  • Different language and a heightened sense of reverence through chant, silence, and ad orientem posture.

3. Why bother with Latin if we don’t understand it?

Think of how hymns, icons, or stained glass work: they don’t need to be understood word-for-word to lift the heart and mind to God. Latin in the Mass is not meant to replace understanding, but to enrich prayer with sacredness, continuity, and unity.

  • Sacredness: Latin is set apart, not everyday speech. It signals we are entering holy worship, not ordinary conversation.
  • Continuity: Latin links us with the saints, martyrs, and centuries of Catholic prayer.
  • Unity: No matter where you go in the world, you can join in the same prayers.

And remember — missalettes and booklets provide translations so you always know what is being prayed.

4. But I don’t know Latin!

You don’t need to.

  • The common responses (Et cum spiritu tuo, Agnus Dei, Sanctus) are short and quickly memorised.
  • Repetition week by week makes them second nature.
  • Singing in Latin actually makes the words easier to remember.

Within a month, you’ll be joining confidently without even realising it.

5. Does Latin make Mass less personal?

No. In fact, it does the opposite. The Mass is not just “my” prayer but the prayer of the whole Church. Latin helps us step beyond ourselves into the great stream of Catholic worship through the ages. Paradoxically, when we lose ourselves in the mystery, our personal encounter with God becomes deeper.

6. Isn’t this dividing the parish?

Quite the opposite. Thursday’s Latin Mass is offered as a gift for the whole parish. Everyone is welcome, and it is celebrated in full continuity with our Sunday Masses.

  • 41 people came to the very first Thursday Mass — showing there is a genuine hunger for it.
  • Far from excluding anyone, it includes us in the worldwide and timeless prayer of the Church.

7. What’s the benefit for me?

  • A deeper sense of the sacred.
  • A chance to learn and experience the treasures of our Catholic tradition.
  • Greater focus in prayer, aided by chant, silence, and ritual.
  • A way to worship in unity with Catholics across the globe and with the saints in heaven.

Invitation

The Thursday Latin Mass is not about turning back the clock. It is about enriching our parish life today with the language and music that have nourished saints for centuries.

If you have never been, come and see. Come with curiosity, come with open ears and heart. You don’t need to know Latin — only a desire to worship God.

Every Thursday at 6:30pm that Fr. John is available — all are welcome.