Kingston Traditional Latin Mass

The Situation of the Latin Mass

2011-03-06T15:03:00.002-05:00

I'm writing this post to reassure everyone that the Traditional Latin Mass is still scheduled on a regular basis in Kingston. Unfortunately, Fr. Price has been forced to cancel for the last two months because of hazardous driving conditions.

With the arrival of spring, the regular monthly Mass will resume. We will be meeting with the Archbishop soon to see if anything can be done to provide for a weekly Mass, or at least provide for a priest to fill in if there is a cancellation.

God Bless!

- Paul

Urgent: International Appeal in Support of Summorum Pontificum!

2011-02-19T00:08:00.002-05:00

Please Sign:

International Appeal in Support of Summorum Pontificum.

Background:

http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2011/02/international-appeal-in-defense-of.html

Regular Choir Practice

2010-11-07T23:21:00.005-05:00

Regular choir practices are ongoing at the Newman House (192 Frontenac St.) every Friday at 5:30. Feel free to come and join us! We're always in need of more people. At our next practice, we'll begin preparing the music for the Mass on December 5th, which is the second Sunday of Advent. We'll prepare some advent carols to sing before Mass!

General Update!

2010-10-15T15:20:00.007-04:00

With the departure of our illustrious former choir director Emilie Bruno for graduate studies in Medieval musicology at the University of Ottawa, the Latin Mass was left in a bit of a lurch and we've been forced to do simple low Masses while I (the former MC) had to leave the altar to take over the choir.

Luckily, providence has provided us with a new Master of Ceremonies who will allow us to attain new heights of liturgical splendour! Grant Fitzpatrick, for 5 years MC at St. Clement's (the FSSP's parish in Ottawa), has now taken up residence in Kingston and will be heading up the service at the altar. This means our next Mass on November 7th should be a High Mass (Missa Cantata). I've already begun learning the sung Propers and our choir will be prepared with a sung Ordinary.

Also, Grant has previously instructed a priest in celebrating the Traditional Latin Mass, so this gives some hope of the possibility of a local priest learning the Old Rite and hopefully increasing the frequency of the Latin Mass here in Kingston.

We are currently actively searching for men to serve at the altar and for more people to sing in the choir. We'll be looking to set up practices for both. If you're interested in either, please contact me, Paul Griffiths, at 6pag@queensu.ca or (613) 985-3152. Your involvement would be deeply appreciated!

I've decided to start doing regular practices for the choir on Fridays at 5:30. For now, they will probably be at the Newman House (192 Frontenac St.) until I can secure use of the Cathedral again.

I promise to update this blog much more frequently from now on!

Happy Summorum Pontificum Day!

2010-09-14T18:35:00.004-04:00

This day, 3 years ago, Pope Benedict liberalized the Traditional Latin Mass, allowing it to be celebrated by all priests of the Latin Rite and requiring that all stable groups of faithful be provided with a regular celebration.

Continue to pray that the Pope's decree is fully implemented!

Now that the fall has arrived, I'll be sure to update this blog more frequently. Hopefully, we can plan some special events soon and renew our efforts to find a priest for a weekly celebration.

Oremus Pro Pontifice

2010-03-30T21:42:00.002-04:00

V. Let us pray for our Pontiff, Pope Benedict.
R. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and bless him upon earth, and deliver him not to the will of his enemies.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

Let us pray.

O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant Benedict, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Program For Laetare Sunday

2010-03-13T14:29:00.003-05:00

The program for tomorrow's Mass can be downloaded at the following link:

Laetare Sunday

As a preview, here's tomorrow's communion motet Ave Verum Corpus performed by an amateur group:

FSSP Withdraws from Toronto

2010-02-22T16:03:00.003-05:00

The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter has withdrawn from Toronto after 19 months due to internal personnel pressures. Sadly, Fr. Venette has been reassigned to Orlando, Florida and will be unable to celebrate Mass for us again in Kingston (He came to celebrate the Mass this past November 9th and we were planning of having him celebrate one Sunday Mass this March).

Please pray for the Latin Mass community in Toronto. This is a difficult time for them, and the future seems uncertain.

Vox Cantoris - FSSP Apostolate Comes to an End

FSSP Toronto

New Forum

2010-01-10T17:31:00.003-05:00

There's a new discussion forum for the Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston! Feel free to post your thoughts and ideas. It can be found at the following link:

Kingston Traditional Latin Mass Forum

Hopefully, this new tool will help us all keep in better touch with one another!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T02:30:00.002-05:00

A blessed Feast of the Nativity to all!

Kingston Latin Mass Featured in Journey

2009-12-21T14:23:00.011-05:00

Journey, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kingston, has published an article about the Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston:

Catholic Tradition Endures
By Paul Griffiths
Photos by Fred Happy

For over 30 years, the Traditional Latin Mass has been celebrated in St. James’ Chapel of St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kingston. Upon entering the chapel during a celebration of this Mass, one is immediately struck by the rich symbolism,the ancient imagery, and the palpable atmosphere of reverence. The priest celebrates ad orientem – toward the liturgical east; he faces the same direction as the congregation toward the crucifix in a symbolism that evokes our collective journey to the Lord. The sound of the Latin language fills the chapel,lending solemnity and otherworldliness to the celebration. At key points, incense wafts towards the ceiling, representing the prayers of the people rising to God. Strains of the Church’s ancient Gregorian chant fill the nave, illuminating the texts of the Mass with the profound beauty of truly sacred music. At the consecration of the Holy Eucharist, a hushed silence descends upon the church. A complete focus is given to the Sacrifice of Christ being renewed on the altar.

This is the form of Mass that the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, removed restrictions on in his Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum of July 7, 2007, permitting celebration by all priests of the Latin Rite. It is the Mass that traces its origins to the early liturgy of the Church of Rome, having been reformed and codified by Pope St. Gregory the Great in the 6th Century. In the succeeding centuries, it underwent enrichment, until it was finally made the universal rite of the Latin Church at the 16th-Century Council of Trent, which aimed to safeguard the liturgical tradition in a time of great upheaval. It has acted as a wellspring of the Catholic faith and an enduring link to our forefathers, bringing the whole history of the Church into the present age.

The local celebration of this venerable rite has humble origins. The Latin Mass was first requested by a local parishioner, the late Joan Jackson, in the mid-1970s, and Fr. Brian Price obliged, eventually gaining permission to celebrate five times per year on Saturdays. Under Archbishop Francis Spence, this celebration was extended to one Sunday per month. Archbishop O’Brien recently met with representatives from the Latin Mass community, and efforts are being made to find a priest to celebrate this Mass more frequently.

Currently, Fr. Price travels devotedly from his parish in Brockville on the first Sunday of every month to celebrate Mass for this long-enduring community. Over the years, the makeup of the community has changed, and today Fr. Price is supported by local parishioners such as long-time master of ceremonies Dan Devlin, as well as students from Queen’s University. Emilie Bruno, a student at the school of music, directs the Kingston Schola Cantorum in singing Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony for the Mass. The schola practices in the Cathedral every Friday at 5:30 p.m. and is always looking for new members. In addition, a blog for the Kingston Latin Mass community is maintained at http://kingstontlm.blogspot.com. It offers Mass times, event notices and updates about the efforts for a more frequent celebration.

With continued support and interest from older Catholics attached to the mystery and dignity of this rite and from young Catholics looking to discover their heritage, this vibrant community will continue to endure for many years.

The Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated in St. James’ Chapel of St. Mary’s Cathedral on the first Sunday of every month at 3:00 p.m. Check the blog or the parish bulletin. It is also celebrated every second Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at St. Michael’s in Belleville.

The full edition of Journey can be read online here.

Handout for Tomorrow's Mass

2009-12-05T05:02:00.001-05:00

The handout of the Propers for tomorrow's Mass can be downloaded at the following link:

Second Sunday of Advent

Hymns for Tomorrow's Mass

2009-12-05T00:01:00.008-05:00

The following three advent hymns will be sung before tomorrow's Mass:

• The Angel Gabriel, Traditional Basque Carol Melody
• Lo! He comes with clouds descending, John Francis Wade
• O Come, Divine Messiah, 16th century French carol

Please come early and join in!

Also, the program for tomorrow will be up shortly.

Ordinary Chants for Next Mass

2009-11-28T13:54:00.010-05:00

The Choir will be introducing new ordinary settings for our next Mass on the 2nd Sunday of Advent (December 6th). As always, the congregation is strongly encouraged to join in singing the Ordinary parts of the Mass. There's nothing quite like a church booming with the ancient Gregorian chant for the glory of God!

"For he who sings praise, does not only praise, but also praises joyfully; he who sings praise, not only sings, but also loves Him whom he is singing for." - St. Augustine

To help the congregation (and choir members) practice, here are some recordings of the new Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei from Mass XVII (for Sundays of Advent and Lent):

Choir Practice Friday

2009-11-24T13:51:00.003-05:00

There will be a choir practice this Friday, November 27th at 5:30 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral. The choir will be rehearsing for the 3 pm Mass on the 6th with Fr. Price.

Anyone who has an interest in learning Gregorian Chant is welcome to attend!

Choir members, please bring your Parish Book of Chant.

Handmade Mantillas Available!

2009-11-15T23:34:00.006-05:00

"And she will never fall, who puts before her eyes modesty, and her shawl... for this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her to pray veiled." - St. Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 153 - 217)

The immemorial custom of the Catholic Church, emphatically recommended by the Fathers and by Sacred Scripture, is for women to cover their heads in church. This beautiful practice is an imitation of the humility, submission, and obedience to Christ exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also a form of modest dressing, which is especially important in church.

To aid women and encourage them in this practice, Beth Schreiner, a regular attendee at our monthly Latin Mass, is offering handmade mantillas!

If you're interested in purchasing one, Beth can be contacted at swanxiv@yahoo.ca or 613-546-7514.

Choir Practice Friday

2009-11-11T14:15:00.005-05:00

There will be a choir practice this Friday, November 13th at 5:30 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral. The choir will be rehearsing for the 3 pm Mass on the 6th with Fr. Price.

Anyone who has an interest in learning Gregorian Chant is welcome to attend!

Choir members, please bring your Parish Book of Chant.

Photographs from the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior

2009-11-10T13:46:00.005-05:00

The photographs from yesterday evening's Mass in St. Mary's Cathedral have now been posted on the Archdiocesan website. They're absolutely beautiful! Here are a few samples:

Photographs from Sunday's Mass

2009-11-10T00:42:00.008-05:00

The Archdiocese of Kingston has posted a beautiful series of photographs (taken by Fred Happy) from our recent Sunday Mass on their website:

Pictures from the Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Thanks for a Successful Evening!

2009-11-10T00:33:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came to the Mass for the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior! We had a fantastic turnout of around 50, and a very fruitful question and answer session.

I want to thank Fr. Venette for including us in his busy schedule. It was very generous of him to come all the way from Toronto. He celebrated Mass beautifully!

I also want to thank The Kingston Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Emilie Bruno, for providing fantastic music, and the servers Andrew Rivera (who acted as MC) and Jim Mullen who traveled from Toronto just for the occasion.

Above all, of course, I thank God for making the evening a success.

Hopefully, we can have these special event Masses regularly! There's also some hope for a more frequent Mass in Kingston, since we have found a priest who would consider offering Mass here occasionally. More on that when there's something more concrete.

Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior

2009-11-09T00:00:00.004-05:00

Good news! Journey, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kingston, has taken notice of our event for the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior and will be publishing an article about it in their next edition. A photographer will be taking photographs at the Mass.

Click the following link to download a PDF file of the program for this evening's Mass:

Dedication of the Archbasilica of our Savior

Propers for the Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

2009-11-08T12:01:00.004-05:00

Click the following link to download a PDF file of the program for today's Mass:

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

Choir Practice Tomorrow

2009-11-05T13:02:00.005-05:00

There will be a choir practice this Friday, November 6th at 5:30 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral. The choir will be rehearsing for both the 3 pm Mass on the 8th with Fr. Price and the 7 pm Mass on the 9th with Fr. Venette.

Anyone who has an interest in learning Gregorian Chant is welcome to attend!

Choir members, please bring your Parish Book of Chant.

Facebook Group for November 9th Mass!

2009-11-03T13:30:00.004-05:00

If you'll be attending the special Traditional Latin Mass on Monday, November 9th for the Dedication of the Archbasilica of our Savior, be sure to join our newly-created Facebook group:

Kingston Traditional Latin Mass For Newcomers

Be sure to invite your Facebook friends to this event! It's a great opportunity for newcomers to learn more about the Latin Mass.

Poster - Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior

2009-10-30T00:24:00.004-04:00

Here's the poster advertising the Mass on November 9th for the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior:

Choir Practice Friday

2009-10-28T13:03:00.005-04:00

There will be a choir practice this Friday, October 30th at 5:30 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral. The choir will be rehearsing for both the 3 pm Mass on the 8th with Fr. Price and the 7 pm Mass on the 9th with Fr. Venette.

Anyone who has an interest in learning Gregorian Chant is welcome to attend!

Choir members, please bring your Parish Book of Chant.

Outcome of Meeting with Archbishop O'Brien

2009-10-27T17:34:00.002-04:00

Today, a group of representatives from the Traditional Latin Mass community in Kingston met with Archbishop O'Brien to discuss the future of the Latin Mass. His Grace was very supportive, and will be making inquiries to help us find a priest to supplement the current monthly celebration.

I'll keep this blog updated on our efforts to find a priest, which will now begin in earnest. I'm very hopeful that we will find a local priest who is willing to learn the Extraordinary Form, and that we will eventually have a weekly celebration.

Traditional Latin Mass for the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior

2009-10-25T12:22:00.000-04:00

The Kingston chapter of Juventutem, a group of youth attached to the Roman traditions of the Catholic Church, has organized a special celebration of Mass (Missa Cantata) in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite for the Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Savior on Monday, November 9th at 7:00 pm.

The celebration will take place in St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 279 Johnson Street in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Fr. Howard Venette of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter will be traveling down from Toronto for the occasion. After the Mass, there will be a talk by Fr. Venette followed by a question-and-answer period about the Traditional Latin Mass.

The Kingston Schola Cantorum, under the direction of Emilie Bruno, will be providing the music for the Mass, featuring traditional Gregorian chant and pieces of sacred polyphony. Edward Brown will provide music on the Cathedral's magnificent 47-stop organ.

This Mass is for all those who want to experience the Church's venerable liturgical tradition, or are curious and want to learn more about the Traditional Latin Mass. Handouts of the Propers will be provided to make the Mass easier to follow for newcomers.

Also, Fr. Venette will be in the confessional for half an hour before Mass.

Choir Practice Friday

2009-10-21T14:38:00.001-04:00

There will be a choir practice this Friday, October 23rd at 5:30 pm in St. Mary's Cathedral.

Anyone interested in learning Gregorian Chant is welcome to attend!

Choir members, remember to bring your parish book of chant.

Meeting With Archbishop O'Brien

2009-10-16T18:59:00.000-04:00

On October 27th, a group of representatives from the Kingston Traditional Latin Mass community will be meeting with His Grace, Brendan O'Brien, Archbishop of Kingston. Please pray that this meeting might be fruitful and successful. Pray in particular for the ministry of Archbishop O'Brien:

Deus, omnium fidelium pastor et rector, famulum tuum Brendani, quem pastorem Ecclesiæ Regiopolitana præesse voluisti, propitius respice: da ei, quaesumus, verbo et exemplo, quibus præest, proficere: ut ad vitam, una cum grege sibi credito, perveniat sempiternam. Per Dominum nostrum.

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all the faithful, graciously look upon Thy servant Brendan whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint pastor over The Church of Kingston: grant, we beseech Thee, that by both word and example he may edify those over whom he is set, and together with the flock committed to his care, may attain to eternal life. Through our Lord.

Traditional Latin Mass in Brockville

2009-10-12T23:07:00.000-04:00

Exciting news! Fr. Brian Price will be celebrating Mass in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite on Sunday, November 1st (All Saints' Day) at 11:00 am. The Mass will take place in Brockville, Ontario at St. Francis Xavier Church on 66 Church Street.

As you can see, the church is absolutely beautiful, and retains its magnificent high altar! Be sure to invite your friends and family to experience the Mass of the Ages in this stunning venue.

Directions

Latin Mass to Feature in Journey!

2009-10-09T10:48:00.000-04:00

The editor of Journey, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kingston, has agreed to include an article about the Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston in their next edition! They'll be sending a photographer to take pictures at our next Mass on November 8th.

Journey has a circulation of 13,000 and is distributed to parishes around the archdiocese, so this is obviously a great opportunity to raise awareness about our little community and to kick-start our growth. Please mark the date down on your calendar and tell your friends and family, so that we can fill the pews!

Cassock and Surplice Update

2009-10-05T17:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks to kind donations from readers of this blog and Fr. Venette, we will have a full complement of Cassocks and Surplices in which to enrobe our servers for the Mass on November 8th! Today, I confirmed our order for two cassocks and three surplices, which will complete the set. These things are very pricey, and donations are still very welcome to help compensate for the expense!

Archbishop's Response!

2009-10-05T16:11:00.000-04:00

The Archbishop has responded to our petition very graciously, saying that he is willing to renew his efforts to find a priest in the archdiocese (or even from outside of it) who can supplement the celebration we currently have monthly. His grace has agreed to meet with representatives from our community to discuss an arrangement.

I want to thank all the readers of this blog for their prayers and support! Please continue to pray for a good outcome, particularly through the intercession of St. James, in whose chapel this Mass has been celebrated for many years.

Deo Gratias!

Petition Received and Response on the Way!

2009-10-01T12:24:00.000-04:00

I've just received word that the Archbishop has prepared a response to our petition and it's being sent by mail today. By Monday at the latest, we should know His Excellency's response. Please continue to pray for a good outcome!

Servers

2009-09-25T15:56:00.000-04:00

The Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston is also in need of men or boys to serve at the altar. Without at least four, we can't conduct a proper Missa Cantata with incense. In the past, we've had to draft members of the congregation. If you're available to serve, please contact Paul Griffiths at 6pag@queensu.ca. Paul is responsible for the training of servers and will be taking over as Master of Ceremonies at the Mass on the 4th of October. Also, we'll need cassock measurements for any new servers, since they'll be purchased next week (from Broughton's in North York).

We are still in serious need of donations in order to buy cassocks and surplices for all the servers. The Mass is approaching quickly, and we need your help to make this happen!

Gregorian Chant Schola

2009-09-21T16:05:00.000-04:00

The Gregorian Chant schola which sings for the monthly Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston is always looking for new members! Along with chant, we sing polyphony and some English hymns. If you'd like to join, contact emiliebruno@gmail.com. Practices are typically weekly on Fridays in the Cathedral.

Promotional Video

2009-09-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

Today, I created a promotional video for the Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston, Ontario. It combines beautiful music (Sheppard's Sancte Dei Pretiose) and sacred imagery and makes the case for the Traditional Latin Mass by outlining its purpose, its genesis and the beautiful, rich prayers which are so central to it. I hope you enjoy!

Also, we'll soon be purchasing the cassocks and surplices for the servers; I've found a nearby place with good prices. Your donations have been a great help! Please keep them coming.

Happy Summorum Pontificum Anniversary!

2009-09-14T22:43:00.000-04:00

The day is almost over, and I just realized that it's the second anniversary of the Motu Proprio "Summorum Pontificum" of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, which liberated the Traditional Latin Mass.

Happy Summorum Pontificum Day! Here's an excerpt from that magnificent document and a celebratory video:

"Up to our own times, it has been the constant concern of supreme pontiffs to ensure that the Church of Christ offers a worthy ritual to the Divine Majesty, "to the praise and glory of His name," and "to the benefit of all His Holy Church."

Petition Submitted!

2009-09-11T10:21:00.000-04:00

Today (Friday, September 11th, 2009), a petition with 27 signatures was submitted to His Grace Brendan O'Brien, Archbishop of Kingston. The wording is as follows:

We the undersigned humbly and respectfully request, in accordance with the prescriptions of the Motu Proprio “Summorum Pontificum” of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, that a provision be made within the Archdiocese of Kingston for the daily celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (typical edition of 1962).

Understanding that there may be difficulty in finding a priest to accommodate these needs, we also respectfully propose that Your Excellency formally invite the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, whose priests celebrate Mass according to the 1962 Missal, to establish an apostolate within the archdiocese.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Please pray for the success of this petition, and for the growth of the Traditional Latin Mass everywhere! I'll keep posting updates as they come.

Cassock Update

2009-09-09T10:06:00.000-04:00

Fr. Venette, of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter in Toronto, has been kind enough to donate a couple of cassocks for the Traditional Latin Mass in Kingston. Thank you, Father!

Please pray that the FSSP is granted a personal parish soon.

Donations

2009-09-03T16:52:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the new blog for the Traditional Latin Mass community in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

We're currently looking for donations for the purchase of cassocks and surplices for the servers (so we don't have to use those white cassock-albs with the Velcro fastenings) . If you can help out, please click the donation button below; even the smallest amount helps.Soon, I'll be updating this blog with more information about our petition and other efforts for a more frequent celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass.