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Vigil of Pentecost update

Laudetur Iesus Christus! Today Saturday May 30th is the ancient Vigil of Pentecost. Before 1955, this day had its own special liturgy to prepare the Church for the great feast of Pentecost. The “vigil” in the traditional rite is not to be confused with a Saturday evening “anticipatory Mass for Sunday” that occur at most Novus Ordo parishes.

Vigil of Pentecost – Saturday May 30

As you may know, many major feasts in the traditional calendar had vigils the day prior which had its own distinct Masses. These vigils were normally days of partial abstinence (meat only at 1 meal) or fasting (now voluntary)- this included the Vigil of Ascension, Assumption, Nativity, and even the Vigil of St. Lawrence the Martyr. The Vigil of Pentecost was perhaps one of those most important vigils. Although optional we may consider fasting and or partially abstaining from meat today for our priests and bishops.

The Mass of the Vigil of Pentecost, is remarkably similar to the Easter Vigil, in a sense. According to the Facebook page Restore the ’54, the Mass begins in silence with the deacon and subdeacon wearing folded chasubles, penitential vestments, no altar candles are lit, and 6 prophecies from the Old Testament (half of the twelve from the Easter Vigil) are read. Following the prophecies is the baptismal rites (if there are those being baptized) with the Pascal candle, followed by the chanting of the litany of the saints and proceeding with the rest of the Mass.  After Mass, like Holy Saturday, Vespers are sung with all 5 psalms.

Sadly, this sublime liturgy was removed after Archbishop Annibale Bugnini’s “reforms” of 1955, but there are a few parishes that are beginning to offer it again. Mater Ecclesiae Latin Mass chapel in Berlin, NJ is one such parish. They will stream it at 5pm today May 30th: https://www.facebook.com/MaterEcclesiaeChurch/  Perhaps in future years we will be able to have one at St. Ann parish.

To learn more you can view the Restore the ’54 Facebook page (no account needed): https://www.facebook.com/restorethe54/ (scroll and read the Vigil of Pentecost posts parts I, II & III)

A few gentlemen needed on Sunday

With space limits inside St. Ann church, the CLMC and St. Ann parish want to ensure women and the elderly, etc. are able to have a seat inside the Church (even if they arrive late). We are asking the healthy men of the parish to be willing to give up their seats for women, children, and those seniors within our community. You might be asked by an usher to help in this regard.  On a separate matter, we will also need a few men to help take down the tents out in the plaza after Mass (see next announcement).

Pentecost Sunday (Whitsunday) – Sunday May 31

Sunday is the great feast of Pentecost and St. Ann will offer its normal 12:30pm Latin Mass (social distancing limits), as well as Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro (sign-up Mass only) at 1pm and St. John the Baptist in Tryon at 8:30am. Be sure to check parish websites for latest schedule. For St. Ann, once the church reaches capacity, the overflow will be invited to stay in the narthex, cry rooms, or out in the plaza. All who want to receive Communion will be able to.  Tents will also be set up in the plaza to shade you from the sun (or rain). Also the speakers in the St. Ann plaza have been repaired so one can hear the Mass better outside.

To learn about the traditions of the feast of Pentecost, please visit: https://www.fisheaters.com/customseastertide7.html (Note there is a plenary indulgence on Sunday to all who pray the Veni Creator – ‘Come Holy Spirit’ under the usual conditions). This will be prayed during the Sunday Latin Mass.

Mass cancellations next week

St. Ann: St. Ann will not have its normal 7am Latin Mass on Friday June 5. Sadly, with St. Mark Friday Latin Mass also canceled for June 5, this leaves the Latin Mass faithful in Charlotte without a 1st Friday Mass to attend. If we hear of any changes, we will let you know. Please offer a prayer perhaps another option will develop.

Sacred Heart in Salisbury: Sacred Heart will not have its 1st Sunday 4pm Latin Mass on June 7. We will keep you posted when this resumes.

FSSP Ordinations – Monday June 1

The Fraternity of St. Peter (a Latin Mass society of priests) will live stream its ordinations of its priests AND deacons on Monday June 1st from 11am – 4pm Eastern. It will be a double header ordination (perhaps two Masses). To learn more visit and how to watch visit: https://fssp.com/fssp-priestly-and-diaconal-ordinations-2020/