Liturgical Abuses in the Mass

---

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

---

There is no simple way to identify liturgical abuses. Using your own parish Mass isn't reliable because abuses may have become accepted to the point that you might view a correction as a 'departure from tradition.' There are also many gray areas in liturgical regulations, making the problem even more complex.

Correcting these problems, however, is still worth the effort and is important.

STEP 1: The Right Liturgy
Use a reliable source to 'see' how the Mass is supposed to be celebrated...
1. Watch a video or read a detailed, orthodox book.

2. Watch a Mass on EWTN. This is a reliable, orthodox network and the Masses are 'done right'

3. Visit a variety of Masses. Go to some other celebrations of the Eucharist in the surrounding area (be aware, however, that these may also have unauthorized variants)

---

STEP 2: Compare and Investigate
Take the differences between the Mass in your parish and the one in Step 1...
1. Write down specific differences (be as specific as possible)

2. Use resources to learn more about the areas of difference. For each variation, try to...
a. Find what the Roman Missal and other official documents say about the issue
b. Determine if the variation is right, wrong, or in an acceptable 'gray area'
c. Avoid making an issue of any 'gray areas' as this will weaken your credibility
d. Separate outright abuse from opinion (i.e. the priest hurries through the Gospel reading)

3. Take your time and do thorough research: the Mass is not 'invalid' with some elements of error in the celebration

4. Make copies of whole page regulations, highlighting specific regulation pertaining to the issue(s)

5. Follow similar steps when dealing with theological errors

---

STEP 3: Plan of Action

---

Rights of the Laity - what you may expect
Levels of Theological Loyalty - heresy
Plan of Action - what you can do
Resources - additional detailed resources on the liturgy

---

Return/Back