Experience the Latin Mass.

Chaplain's Message on Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter

July 16, 2020

Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Dear Latin Mass Parishioners,

You are probably aware that Pope Francis has issued new norms for the celebration of mass according to the 1962 Missal.  At this time the diocese is still trying to discern how it will affect our Latin Mass communities.  It seems that the only noticeable change is that when the readings are done in English they will need to be read from the New American Bible, which is the current approved translation for the United States.

A few weeks ago I started praying a daily Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  In the prayer, I resolve to “honor [the pope] as the infallible head of Thy Holy Church, show [my] fidelity and pray for him.”  I, certainly, have had many difficulties with the papacy of Pope Francis.  While it is appropriate to express criticism to the pope, as St. Paul did in Galatians 2:11, we risk the loss of our eternal souls if we allow the devil to foster uncharitable and rebellious thoughts within our hearts.  I disagree with Pope Francis, but I likewise honor him as the infallible head of the church, and seek to show him my fidelity and pray for him.

While this Apostolic Letter will change little in regards to the life of our community, it makes me feel as if we are being rejected by our Holy Father.  St. John of the Cross, though, exhorts us not to waste suffering: unite it to the cross of Christ!  This dark night is happening with the permission of Almighty God.  He is permitting it to draw us ever closer to Him.  It is an expression of His love for us.  May we unite ourselves more closely to the cross of Jesus Christ and look forward in hope to the good things He has in store for us.

In Christ,

Fr. Power

New Sunday Mass Time

Sunday Mass at St. Casimir Church in Erie will now be at 9:00am instead of 9:30am. 

Welcome Fr. McElrath!

Fr. Ian McElrath has been assigned by Bishop Persico to assist with Sunday Masses at St. Casimir Church.  Fr. McElrath was raised at St. Joseph Church in Sharon and is a graduate of Kennedy Catholic High School, St. Mark Seminary at Gannon University, and St. Mary Seminary & University in Baltimore, MD.  He was ordained in 2018.  Fr. McElrath also serves as parochial vicar of St. Joseph Church and on the Faculty of Mercyhurst Preparatory School.  Please extend a warm welcome to Fr. McElrath.

What is the Traditional Latin Mass

The Traditional Latin Mass refers to the way in which the Roman Catholic Mass was celebrated across the world until 1970.  For centuries the Traditional Latin Mass inspired saints, nourished the souls of sinners, and converted nations to Jesus Christ. 

Every minute detail of the Traditional Latin Mass is replete with symbolism and accompanied by prayer.  It is this experience of worship which generations of saints have found as a most suitable way to follow the injunction of our Savior: “Do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19).

To learn more about the Latin Mass check out the following:

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• Frequently Asked Questions

• Structure of the Mass and How to Participate.

• 7 Tips for Attending your first Latin Mass

• Resources

• Prayers

Upcoming Events

Latin Mass Locations

St. Casimir Church

629 Hess Ave,

Erie, PA 16503

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Mass (Either Low or High)

every Sunday

at 9:00am

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High Mass

every Wednesday

at 5:30pm

St. Anthony Church

165 Beach Ave,

Cambridge Springs, PA 16403

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High Mass

Last Sunday of the Month

at 12:30pm