Welcome to the St. Martin de Porres Holy Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass, or "TLM").  We invite you to join us in glorifying God in the language of “the mother tongue” of the Catholic Church.

If you are new to the Latin Mass and thinking of attending in the near future, here is some information that might help you. We are a fast-growing and friendly community, so don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

HOW SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN THE LATIN MASS?

• Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early
• Prior to the Mass, you can seek out and sit with someone who is familiar with the Mass. Tell someone that you are new and looking for help to guide you through the Mass. The ushers and welcoming committee are specialized to help newcomers as well.
• Pick up available printed materials to guide you through the Mass (located in the narthex):
  • Red missalette that will enable you to follow along with the ordinary parts of the Mass and the propers for the day (specific readings for the day).
• You may feel lost the first few times attending Mass, however these feelings are very normal.  Don’t worry about these internal distractions.  You will receive the same grace as anyone else, whether adult or child. It might be better your first few times to just experience the Mass. Take in all the sights, sounds, smells, and happenings and be present to God in silent and attentive participation without worrying about following everything.
• Please join us after Mass on the first Sunday of each month in the parish hall for fellowship and getting to know the community.

LANGUAGE OF THE LATIN MASS

• The Holy Mass is the offer of the Sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ through the Priest in Persona Christi.  He will offer most of the Mass in Latin.  However, the readings and sermon will be in English.

SACRED SILENCE DURING THE LATIN MASS

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps 46:10)

• Enter quietly into the church and prepare yourself for the Mass both physically and internally.  This is a time for silent preparation for the Mass.
• There are also periods of long silence during the Canon of the Mass (the Eucharist Prayer) while the priest is talking and praying quietly to the Father as he offers the sacrifice on behalf of his people.  At this time, you can pray for the priest so that his offering may be acceptable to God, or you can follow along with the missal during this priestly prayer.
• Enjoy the prolonged silences as a way to unite yourself to Christ

RESPONSES AT THE LATIN MASS

• In the Traditional Latin Mass, the altar servers say the responses to the priest.  The most important form of participation for the congregation is interior participation, in which we pay close attention to the Mass and lift up our hearts and minds in silent prayer, totally disposing and surrendering to God.  You may wish to join in the singing of certain responses with the choirs, such as the Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and the hymns.

POSTURES FOR THE LATIN MASS

• The missalette will tell you when to sit, stand, or kneel.  You can also follow people and imitate them.  This will become second nature once you get used to the form of the Mass.

THE PRIEST FACES THE ALTAR (AD ORIENTEM) AT THE LATIN MASS

“But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. (Mal 4:2)

• Some may mistakenly think that the priest is turning his back on the people.  However, it is a “liturgical east” as referenced in the above passage by the prophet Malachi, which means the priest is leading his people in the direction of the sun rise, as the Sun of Justice will rise as the sun, to conquer darkness to restore all things.  You will see this direction of prayer is still practiced in the Jewish faith, the Orthodox Church and the Eastern Rites Catholics Church.  In fact, it is still written in the rubrics (instruction) of the Novus Ordo (the current form of the Mass). 

HOLY COMMUNION AT THE LATIN MASS

• If you are a Catholic and not conscious of any grave reasons to not receive communion that day (such as any unconfessed mortal sin), you are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Just follow other people as you come up for Holy Communion.  You will receive the Host on the tongue while kneeling.  You do not respond “Amen.” A priest will say the same prayer for everyone as he says it himself before he receives it.  “The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserves my soul unto life everlasting.  Amen.”

HOW TO DRESS AT THE LATIN MASS

• Because we are in the presence of the Lord, we ask everyone (men and women) to dress modestly (Sunday dress) for Mass.  The priest does not wear ordinary clothes to offer the sacrifice. 
• Traditionally, ladies and girls often wear a head covering, or mantilla, during Mass, signifying humility, modesty, and spiritual submission to God.  There are several Bible passages referring to this tradition.  Genesis 24:64-65, Isaiah 47:2, 1 Corinthians 11:3-6, 1 Timothy 2:8-10.