Chapel and Communion
Visitors are welcome to attend Holy Mass and join in offering worship to Almighty God. During the school year, Holy Mass is usually offered here on weekdays at 6:40 a.m. and at 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays. On Sundays, Mass is offered at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (It is always good to check the Weekly Bulletin in case of schedule changes.)
Newcomers will notice that a prayerful silence permeates Mount St. Michael’s chapel at all times. In many churches today, it is considered acceptable to carry on conversations before or after Mass, or to make occasional comments to one’s neighbor during the course of the service. Here at Mount St. Michael, we request that you follow the custom of maintaining silence in the church. The church is truly the House of God. Silence is a sign of reverence for the presence of God and demonstrates your spirit of consideration for those who wish to pray in silence.
Catholics believe that the Holy Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, truly, really and substantially present under the outward appearances of bread and wine. The Catholic Church teaches that in receiving Holy Communion we fulfill the command of Christ: “Unless a man eat My Flesh and drink My Blood, he shall not have life in him.” Therefore Holy Communion, the reception of the Holy Eucharist, is the culmination of every Mass.
Reception of the Holy Eucharist signifies the profession of the Catholic Faith. For one who does not profess the traditional Catholic Faith, to receive the Holy Eucharist would symbolize a unity of faith that does not in fact exist. For this reason, non-Catholics and those who do not accept the traditional teachings of the Church are not permitted to receive the sacraments here.
We welcome all our guests and visitors, and encourage you to read the blue pamphlet “Welcome to the Traditional Latin Mass” (available in the vestibule). It explains why we must completely avoid the modern Mass and liturgies introduced since Vatican II.
Dress Code for Church Services
If this is the first time you are attending the traditional Latin Mass here at Mount St. Michael, you will notice that our parishioners do not dress casually for church services. Since the changes that came about after Vatican Council II, few parishes have any kind of dress code. We still believe that modesty and appropriate attire are necessary, especially in church out of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. Please observe these minimum standards of dress for attendance at church services at Mount St. Michael:
- Women and girls must cover their heads. (Chapel veils or mantillas are available for loan in the vestibule.)
- Women and girls must wear dresses or skirts that cover the knee completely when sitting or standing; slacks, shorts, sleeveless, tight or low-cut clothing or dresses with long cuts or slits are to be avoided.
- Men and boys should wear suit coats and ties.
- Jeans and other casual attire are inappropriate for attendance at church services.
Instructions in the Faith
If you are interested in receiving instructions in the traditional Catholic Faith, please contact Father or the parish secretary so that arrangements can be made.
There is also a weekly class taught by the pastor, Fr. Casimir Puskorius, CMRI, on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Adults and older teenagers are welcome to attend.