The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) is currently provided by the Diocese of Gaylord at two location: Holy Rosary Church in Cedar (Sundays at 11 and at other times during the week) and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Elmira (Sunday at 3 PM). In light of the recent ordinations of bishops by the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), and in the context of the Society having a parish in Mancelona, Bishop Walsh has invited parishioners ( https://dioceseofgaylord.org/news/statement-bishop-jeffrey-walsh-sspx-vatican-decree ) to attend Mass at one of the Diocesan-sponsored parishes. The Society of St. Pius X was established in 1978 and provides the Traditional Latin Mass only at its parishes.
Bishop Walsh stated the following: “Catholics are not permitted to participate in the sacramental life and ministries of the Society of Saint Pius X or to receive the sacraments from bishops and priests associated with the Society.” However, this is not consistent with the Vatican’s proclamations regarding the Society of St. Pius X. Specifically, Catholics who desire to fulfill their Sunday Mass obligation may attend a Mass by the Society of St. Pius X if the purpose is to fulfill a Sunday obligation. Furthermore, a Catholic may support the Society with time and money if the goal is to support the Society in providing Mass for those who wish to go there for Sunday Mass. The stipulation is that the faithful may not “adhere to the schism of the SSPX”. What this essentially means is that the faithful should not support or encourage separation from the Church. This was noted in a Vatican decree from 2003: ( https://www.scribd.com/document/251694208/EC-2-18-de-Enero-de-2003 )
Nowhere does it state in the recent Vatican decree that it is “not permitted to participate” in the Society of St. Pius X with regard to attending Mass. With regard to other sacraments, they could be construed as invalid if the local Bishop does not approve of their presence to administer these sacraments.
The above announcement by Bishop Walsh affects a very small group of Catholics in the Diocese of Gaylord. Although this is no doubt a courteous move by the Bishop, bigger issues seem to be highlighted by this latest development. For example, why are there only two Masses in the entire Diocese of Gaylord that are said in the Traditional Latin Mass form? How about other sacraments – can they be administered in the Traditional Latin formulas? Why do many faithful have to travel hours in order to attend a Traditional Latin Mass? Why not have one in Traverse City, Alpena, or other parts of the Diocese, for example?
Although this may be a non-issue for many Catholics, it does affect some in our Diocese, and it has obviously caught the attention of Bishop Walsh. Many of those who attend an SSPX parish are fervent and deeply serious about their faith and worship; they don’t tend to be Sunday or less weekly Mass-goers. The situation with the SSPX and the Vatican is far beyond the scope of what Gaylord Diocesan Watch can describe with a short post. Suffice to say, the situation could be construed as being mishandled on many fronts, both by the Society and the Vatican. However, accurate data should always be presented from both sides to prevent misunderatndings and mistrust.