I know we are Holy, Catholic and Apostolic but are we one?

I am of course, talking about the Ordinary Form of Mass and the Extraordinary Form of Mass. Some people have commented to say that they do not like labels and that a Catholic is a Catholic is a Catholic.

I disagree. And here is the point where I state that I have nothing against those who adhere to the OF Mass or, indeed, those who have no choice in the matter as no EF Mass is available. Both forms of Mass are valid and my only grouch is that there appears to be a wholesale prejudice against the EF one. But, I do believe that OF and EF Catholics are two different animals; to say we are one is like saying that a plum is the same as a pineapple. Both are fruit but one is much larger and more sustaining than the other  very different from the other.

Are you perhaps a plum?

Or are you a more sustaining
and substantial type of fruit?

Here are a few of the distinctions between us.....this may appear trite, it is not exactly a theological argument but I believe that it holds true....

Followers of the OF Mass :-

1. Talk loudly both before and after Mass (and sometimes during)
2. Generally regard the Mass as the fulfilment of their weekly duties
3. Are not interested in debating religious issues after Mass
4. Claim loyalty to the Holy Father but then decry doctrinal issues such  
    as Purgatory, Sin and the evils of abortion, euthanasia 
    and homosexuality
5. Accept female altar servers, Extraordinary Ministers, reception by hand
    and standing, folk Masses, priests in funny vestments, liturgical
    titivations
6. Often do not genuflect when entering or leaving their pew
7. Like to call their priest 'Jim' or 'Craig'
8. Cannot stand Latin
9. Have no dress code for Mass
10. Do not regard wilful missing of Sunday and Holiday obligations as
      being  a mortal sin


And what about us Traditionalists or, as I prefer to say, Extraordinary Catholics.......what do we stand for? Of course, it would be glib to say the opposite of the above, although, in truth, that is really it; so I have compiled a top ten list that defines the EF Mass follower:-

 1. Hold to reverence and modesty in Church
2. Like Plainchant and other good sacred music
3. Believe that Benediction is an essential part of liturgical practice
4. Holy Communion is only received from a priest, kneeling and by mouth
5. Priests are treasured and referred to as 'Father' or 'Father Michael'
6. Loyalty to the Magisterium is paramount
7. Have a good knowledge of the faith
8. Abstain from meat on Fridays (don't we all now?)
9. Do not like the dialogue form of the Latin Mass
10. Attend the Tridentine Latin (EF) Mass whenever possible

Now some of you will say that you do both; fine, but remember this is a generalisation and it is also my own personal standpoint. I am ambivalent towards liberal Catholics, I do not attack them verbally and I do not write letters to the Bishop about them (not as yet, anyway).
I am quite happy to leave them to plough their furrow of salvation while I plough mine.

But I do get a little upset when I am subjected to constant attack and detraction on their part. They cannot be sanguine with regard to the Latin Mass and its followers; they must whisper and whinge at all things traditional.
An elderly Monsignor who once regularly celebrated a Sunday afternoon EF Mass in his parish used to cheerfully bemoan the fact that he had to write a different sermon for the traditionalists; "They want something deeper and more theological than my morning parishioners" He used to say.
And that perhaps encapsulates it neatly, we followers of the Extraordinary Form seek a deeper link with the time of Christ that comes only from the Roman Rite of the Latin (EF) Mass and the hermeneutic of continuity.

If you see nothing wrong with this picture
you are definitely a plum!