EF Training in Scranton

The Knights of Columbus Council 14829 in Scranton is offering a one day informational seminar Saturday, February 19, 2011 featuring an introduction to the extraordinary form of the Mass, according to the 1962 Roman Missal. The seminar will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 1703 Jackson Street, Scranton, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The presentation will begin with an explanation and overview of the traditional Latin Mass by Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, followed by a question and answer period. A “sung” Mass, or Missa Cantata, will follow at 11:30. After lunch, Father Nolan will provide two additional presentations for a more in depth understanding of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

The seminar’s objective is to provide an educational, interactive, friendly and prayerful experience to inquirers of the traditional Latin Mass through talks on history, theology, and spirituality. The day includes participation in a Missa Cantata with Gregorian Chant and other forms of sacred music.

The seminar is free, including lunch, and open to the public. Interest in the traditional Latin Mass has grown in recent years, especially since July 2007 when Pope Benedict XVI issued the Motu Proprio, Summorum Pontificum, permitting priests to freely celebrate the older liturgy.

One of the Pope’s objectives in issuing the Motu Proprio was to clarify that the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo Missae, or new Mass, are part of the “same rite.” Like his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI has made unity a major goal of his pontificate. The Church, he said, must make “every effort” to achieve unity, adding: “Let us generously open our hearts and make room for everything that the faith itself allows.”

For more information, please email knights14829@gmail.com or call the rectory at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church at 570-961-1205.