Mass & Prayer Schedule with Resources

The Ordinary Form of the Liturgy, sometimes referred to as the “Novus Ordo” or “New Mass”, was publicly released in 1969, and promulgated under the authority of Pope Paul VI. This is the Liturgy that most Catholics today are familiar with; the most notable features of the Ordinary Form are its celebration almost entirely in the vernacular, as opposed to Latin, and that the Priest commonly faces the congregation, a position known as “Versus Populum” or, “Towards the People”.

At the Basilica of Sts. Peter & Paul, the Ordinary Form is celebrated with the utmost reverence. While the majority of the Ordinary Form is celebrated in the vernacular at the Basilica, certain liturgical seasons and Holy days - for example, Advent, the Octave of Easter, and Pentecost - see the use of Latin during the celebration of Mass. It is also common during these liturgical seasons for the Priest to adopt the traditional “ad Orientem” position, in which the Priest joins the congregation in facing “Liturgical East”.

For more information on the traditional ad Orientem posture, click here.

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Forms of the Mass are offered alongside each other at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, allowing for a mutual enrichment of forms that Pope Benedict XVI encouraged in his 2007 motu proprio, Summorum Pontificum.

See The Joy of Tradition Catechetical Library for more information on the beautiful, traditional expressions of our Catholic faith.

In a Missa Cantata, the priest chants the Scriptures and prayers. The assembly sings the responses. The schola cantorum (“school of singers”) sings the chants proper to the day and may offer additional sacred music for meditation. The Ordinary parts of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei) are led by the schola cantorum in either Gregorian chant or a choral arrangement. If these parts are chanted, the congregation is invited to join in singing.

A Missa Solemnis, or solemn high Mass, features the same traditional elements as a Missa Cantata, with additional ministers and ceremonial elements, including a deacon to sing the Gospel and the dismissal and a subdeacon to sing the Epistle.

Though the Extraordinary Form of the Mass is wrapped in mystery and uses unfamiliar language, we invite each and every one of you to experience the beauty and sacredness of this ancient form of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is so important to our Catholic history and tradition. This is the Mass that underlies, instructs, and informs the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite that most Catholics experience today. It may take a little effort to grow comfortable with it. However, it is an opportunity to experience the tradition, music, and mystery of our Faith.

Pope Francis's motu proprio,  Traditionis custodes, issued July 16, 2021, places limitations on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass. At this time, The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will continue to offer the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite at 11:30am on Sundays, under the following condition noted by Bishop Stika:

"With the express provision that those attached to this more ancient form re-affirm their submission to the Roman Pontiff, the full teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the validity and liceity of the post-conciliar reforms of the liturgy, I wish to offer the opportunity for this liturgy to continue in the Diocese of Knoxville."  

- Most. Rev. Richard F. Stika, Bishop of Knoxville (July 21, 2021)

Read Bishop Stika's letter, Pope Francis' documents, and Fr. Carter's July 18 homily here.

Missale Meum
Online Missal with Readings and Propers for the Extraordinary Form (See more recommended Missals above.)

Liturgical Latin Pronunciation Guide from Parish Book of Chant, 2nd Ed. 
The Church follows Italian pronunciation rules as opposed to the classical Latin pronunciation.

Extraordinary Form Mass Walk-Through by Fr. Carter
A lesson Fr. Carter presented in 2014 when he first introduced the Extraordinary Form to the parish.

Guide to the Extraordinary Form
Side-by-Side Parts of the Mass for the Extraordinary and Ordinary Forms

Basilica Customary Postures of the Extraordinary Form 
Customary postures we have adopted at the Basilica for the parts of the Mass; these are not obligatory.