The Mass

What is the Traditional Latin Mass?

The Traditional Latin Mass, also known as the Tridentine Mass or Extraordinary Form, is the ancient form of the Roman Rite codified after the Council of Trent and offered according to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII. Offered entirely in Latin, it is marked by silence, chant, and ritual beauty — a worship that draws the soul upward to God.

Worship Focused on God

At the heart of the Latin Mass is the orientation toward the divine. The priest and faithful face the same direction — toward the altar, toward the rising sun, toward Christ. This posture, known as ad orientem, reminds all that the Mass is not a dialogue among men but an offering to God.

Through chant, incense, and sacred gestures, the liturgy expresses the mystery of the Eucharistic sacrifice — the same offering of Christ on Calvary, made present upon the altar.

Unique Elements of the

Latin Mass

Witness this

Extraordinary Liturgy

Watch the beauty and reverence of the Traditional Latin Mass as it has been celebrated for centuries.

How to Attend

Attending the Latin Mass requires no prior experience — only reverence and an open heart. Here are a few simple ways to participate more fully:

Please dress in reverent and modest clothes. For men, typically a shirt and tie; for women, typically a dress or skirt at or below the knees.
Follow along with a Latin-English hand missal or printed guide (most parishes will have them in the back as either books or red booklets).
Join in the prayers interiorly, especially during silent parts.
Follow along in the liturgical gestures of reverence: kneeling, bowing, and making the Sign of the Cross.
Immitate those in front of you during Holy Communion. Receive kneeling on the tongue at the altar rail, with eyes closed if possible.

You can also explore this Downloadable Missal for a line-by-line guide to the Latin and English prayers and this guide on when to sit, stand, and kneel.

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