Novus Ordo – Madison Catholic Herald Archive (2001-2025)

To the editor:

R. Jared Staudt’s article (July 27 issue of Catholic Herald) suggesting the Church use both the Extraordinary Form (with priest facing ad orientem) and Novus Ordo rites was interesting.

The Extraordinary Form offers much rich music, protocol, vestments, rubrical gestures, and the ranking and roles of the celebrants. God is adored and worshiped, and this worship is strictly conducted. Much attention is given to well-defined ritualistic human behaviors and postures which are meant to indicate the pious devotion of each worshiper.

The Novus Ordo offers a simpler worship . . . a community called by Christ nourished and fed in Word and sacred sacrament, and gathered around the living and active Christ who is present in the celebrant, the Word, His holy body and blood . . . and His people.

Letters to the editor

On February 24, 2016

M.A. Rakow

Prefers use of Novus Ordo Mass

To the editor:

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf’s recent columns on the Pontifical Mass create a very nervous Catholic here. It feels as though these columns are opening shots on banning the Novus Ordo Mass celebrations here in the Diocese of Madison. Or imposing the use of Latin.

I much prefer the Roman Rite Novus Ordo to the other. I do not hope in the least for any return to the other form. I recall the Mass before Vatican II and not with any joy. Mass then was cold and isolated people.