Traditional Catholic Moms Spring/Summer 2011 - Page 9

[Trigger]

CONGRATULATIONS, JMJ!  What wonderful news!

 

Originally Posted by LessTraveledBy 

Since there was a discussion.... I definitely do not think clapping is the way to go at Mass. We are basically at the feet of Jesus at Calvary and I don't find that clapping is a good way to express out emotions there...

Well, another way to look at it is that the Mass is meant to be a celebration.  Certainly, a proper reverence is expected during the Liturgy of the Eucharist; however, JMJ makes some excellent points below.  The Gloria and the Gospel Proclamation are songs of praise, and clapping is not inappropriate within that context.  Same goes for the recessional, save for the more somber season of Lent.

I reference again the great King David, who wrote certain Psalms specifically for the purpose of praise & the inclusion of clapping and dancing.  He worshipped with great passion, joy, and reverence.

Originally Posted by JMJ 

As to clapping during the Gloria, does anyone know if there have been any specific prohibitions or any other information on the topic.  While the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is something to be very serious about, the Gloria is a song of praise.  It is taken out completely during Lent and brought back with great rejoicing at Easter.  If clapping during Mass was ever appropriate, I think it would be during the Gloria.

Of course, I seek obedience to the Magisterium.  Is the Gloria not ever a place for this kind of praise?  Forgive me, I am still learning.  Proper liturgy is not something that was really emphasized in any of my churches growing up.  I do not even know all the abuses going on, but as I learn the 'why' behind the way everything is, I fall more and more in love with the beauty of my Church.

Though some may deem it inappropriate, I have yet to see any official liturgical document declaring that clapping during the Gloria (or during Mass at all, for that matter) is expressly forbidden.
 

[LessTraveledBy]

Originally Posted by Trigger 

Though some may deem it inappropriate, I have yet to see any official liturgical document declaring that clapping during the Gloria (or during Mass at all, for that matter) is expressly forbidden.
 

But this is not how it works. We have rules about how Mass must be offered, which sort of music is to be used (and which is the most appropriate). There is no long list of behaviors that are forbidden. However, it is, due to tradition, very clear that clapping does not fit the TLM. Now, some things in the NO change according to the culture. I am fine with that. I do find clapping in the USA (though I don't live there) rather tasteless, probably due to my TLM leanings and the fact that clapping is not even a natural way for me to show anything other than appreciation for a good performance. I think there may be "clappers" who do it for the right reasons. However, I find that the average Mass goer in the USA is unlikely to be able to put the clapping in the right "category" and that it is likely to destract from the reverence. No one needs to agree, as, I suppose, this is why we have different Masses for different people.

[PatienceAndLove]

I have come to the conclusion that giving the baby up for adoption is the best and most logical idea for what is best for the baby.

Please pray for me as I start this process, that the father will agree with me on this decision, and that the right parents will come along for the baby.

[callieollie]

P&L, you and your family are in my prayers. 

[LessTraveledBy]

P&L.... I don't know what to say other than that I have lots of respect for your strength. (Not that I mean this will be easy, but that you can reach such a decision). You will be in my thoughts and prayers! Please keep us all updated.

We had a TLM here yesterday, which was a rare treat. We used to have a priest who visited regularly for that, but then he moved to place where the trip would have been way too long. Our bishop feels that we should be able to have a regular TLM, but so far there is no priest in the diocese to offer the Mass. Sooner or later, though. We have amazing seminarians, who will change the diocese sooner or later. (All our seminarian are either in TLM seminaries or come to the TLM, whenever we have one and they are able.)

In about a month we will be added to the list to receive infants (0-12 months) for short term foster care. Our dd (6) is so very excited. :) I am looking forward to it, although also wondering whether we will continue after the first placement. Mostly, that is up to how dd handles the situation when the baby leaves, but I suppose I can't know how dh and I will feel, either. The babies will stay anywhere from days up to about 6 months, so we only commit ourselves for one placement at a time, and can decide to quit any time after a baby leaves. Yet, I am wondering if this might be what God is calling us to, long term. All I know is that he has to be calling us to something... hah. Dd will be homeschooled but, honestly, I have too much time on my hands right now.

Today dd and I will go look for a stroller -I carry, instead, but the social services assume we need to have one - and other baby things. I have already bought tons of dipes in newborn and XS, but will need to get more bigger sizes at some point. It is bitter sweet to me. The ladies at the stores always end up asking when I am due. (I am a size 12-14, so not obese enough or anything to look really pregnant. I do have enough of a tummy, though, I guess, to confuse them.)

It has taken me years of pain but now I can finally say that I fee blessed and thankful, and (most moments) am able to accept God's plan and enjoy it. I do have my weak moments, also, of course, but things are starting to make sense now. I feel very happy that God does seem to want to use me, afterall. I love babies, so all this feels right.

It looks like we might spend the whole summer in the USA next year. This is quite exciting, especially for dd. She has seen her grandparents once a year, normally (dh's parents, mine live very close to us), so spending months with them sounds amazing to her. I am excited about the idea of being able to go to TLM every Sunday... quite heavenly. Dd was baptized according to the "older rite," and it saddens me that she is now more familiar with the NO. She loved the TLM last night, but was no longer as natural with it as she used to be.

Wishing you all a week full of love and blessings!

Edited by LessTraveledBy - 7/15/11 at 12:48am

[Arduinna]

P&L 

[JMJ]

P&L, I'm praying for you.  Giving up a baby that you love, even as an act of love to give him/her a better life, is a difficult thing.  I admire your courage, and I pray for strength for you and the father.

LTB, that is so exciting... and scary all at the same time!  I'm glad to hear that this is really happening for you.  You have prayed for years about how God is calling you to grow your family, and it is a blessing to have some direction.  Congratulations!

[CherryBomb]

Praying for you, P&L.

[LessTraveledBy]

Originally Posted by JMJ 

LTB, that is so exciting... and scary all at the same time!  I'm glad to hear that this is really happening for you.  You have prayed for years about how God is calling you to grow your family, and it is a blessing to have some direction.  Congratulations!

Thank you. Just to clarify, though, so no one has the wrong idea: These babies will stay for short term, only, each of them. I am excited, but this is obviously not really adding to our family. Once they leave, it is very unlikely we will ever see them again. BUT, nevertheless, yes, I have prayed for a long time and I am so happy that something is finally happening.
 

[JMJ]

Yes, but the call to parenthood can be answered in so many ways, and these children will be a part of your family, even if for such a short time and will remain in your hearts. Some foster parents have been parents to hundreds or thousands of children and consider themselves to have huge families because of all the lives that they have touched.

[LessTraveledBy]

Hmmm... Thanks JMJ. I guess, TBH, I am just not able to think of it that way, at least not yet. The idea of loving for a short time, at least in practice, is something I must concentrate on. Otherwise I would not be able to welcome the first foster baby. I am hoping that the fact that we have gone through a lot of pain about all our "could have been" children will mean that we have dealt with the matter well enough to be prepared to let go. Yet, I won't know until I have to actually do that.

[countryangels]

Hi,

I am so glad I found you here!

I was wondering if anyone here is either from Wisconsin, Michigan, Idaho, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana or New England area? 

And do you have access to the TLM/EF Mass in Latin? Do you have several Catholic families in your area? Do you have a sense of

community? Do you do activities together?

Is there a strong Catholic Homeschooling group in your area?

Could you please give me the pros & or cons of your area?

I desperately need this information as soon as you can help me with it.

I heard & or read about the Kansas area, having a very strong Catholic culture, Latin Mass community there, but I am really scared of being right

in the middle of tornado action, yes I am a coward.

Also, if you do not live in the above states, but you love your community & Church, please tell me about it. If you were not living there,

would you move there again? What are the pros & cons of it?

Its so weird, if I find an area that supports homeschooling & all of the Natural type of living,etc. then it tends to be somewhat liberal. I would really

like to find an area that embraces God, the Church, the TLM/EF Latin Mass, homeschooling, does it exist out there?

Someone talked to me about Alaska, but I do not think they have the TLM & it seems to be a bit expensive...to get there & to live there.

Thank you for reading! Thank you for your help!

May our Lord Bless you all & our Blessed Mother keep you safe! 

[countryangels]

Originally Posted by CherryBomb 

Praying for you, P&L.

Hi CheeryBomb,

I noticed that you have a child that plays the violin. Do they go to a Classical music school, or do they have a tutor, or are they going to Suzuki?

How many times a week does your child get tutored? Do they play the violin with other children?

May I ask how much is it in your area (the classes/tutoring,etc.) Are you happy with the teacher/school?

Is there a strong Catholic community in your area?

Do you have access to the Latin Mass? Is there a strong Latin Mass community in your area?

Is it a safe area? How is the unemployment situation in your area? 

Thanks for your help!

Blessings to you & your family!

[Arduinna]

I'm in Louisiana, we have lots of Catholics here and I do have a diocesan TLM. I'm trying to move to Kansas City though because they do have a more vibrant Latin mass community than most. IME of living in 3 different medium to large cities is that even if you have a TLM most of the time it's 1 per week at most. Often times it's once a month. And you don't usually have TLM available on holy days of obligation, we got lucky this year since Christmas was on a Sunday. Regardless at my parish we only have the low mass.

It's just not the same as being in a parish were the TLM is offered daily with at least 1 miss cantata on Sunday and holy days. Also there is a very different atmosphere at TLM only parish. If I were you I'd look at the websites of the various societies dedicated to the TLM and see what locations meet your needs.

[PatienceAndLove]

Pittsburgh has the largest Latin Mass community in the country :-)

http://www.pittsburghlatinmass.org/

http://latinmasspittsburgh.com/

[LessTraveledBy]

Wisconsin has the Institute of Christ the King in quite a few places, at least Green Bay and Wausau come to mind. If you check their website, you will see all the locations. Not very crunchy, but I think you just can't really have conservative and crunchy in the same place. I do think, though, that wherever you have TLM people, you will also find some homeschoolers.

Originally Posted by countryangels 

Hi CheeryBomb,

I noticed that you have a child that plays the violin. Do they go to a Classical music school, or do they have a tutor, or are they going to Suzuki?

How many times a week does your child get tutored? Do they play the violin with other children?

May I ask how much is it in your area (the classes/tutoring,etc.) Are you happy with the teacher/school?

Is there a strong Catholic community in your area?

Do you have access to the Latin Mass? Is there a strong Latin Mass community in your area?

Is it a safe area? How is the unemployment situation in your area? 

Thanks for your help!

Blessings to you & your family!

[Arduinna]

Originally Posted by PatienceAndLove 

Pittsburgh has the largest Latin Mass community in the country :-)

http://www.pittsburghlatinmass.org/

http://latinmasspittsburgh.com/

really? Do you have more than St Boniface?

I know Kansas City has Institute of the Christ the King, FSSP and SSPX locations all three of which are EF only with daily, Sunday and holy day EFs. 

[PatienceAndLove]

I know there is an SSPX chapel in Pittsburgh, but I have never been.

St. Boniface serves the Traditional Catholic community for most of Western PA- the Diocese of Erie only has one Latin Mass, now.

There are several independant chapels in the area, but as far as I know, St. Boniface is the only diocesan TLM that is offered.

[countryangels]

Hi Thank you for the info.!

I knew that PA had lots of Catholics. But, I also thought that it was difficult to homeschool there?? Yes, no?

Also, how close is this community to the Three Mile Island area?

Have you heard of cancer rates high in that area or nearby?

Thank you so much for your help!

Any input is appreciated!!

Blessings! 
 

Originally Posted by PatienceAndLove 

Pittsburgh has the largest Latin Mass community in the country :-)

http://www.pittsburghlatinmass.org/

http://latinmasspittsburgh.com/

[heatheresc]

Praying for you, P&L, and that God directs you to the right home for your little one! I admire your courageous and difficult decision...