The Mass is
  Sacred Beautiful Holy Extraordinary

Welcome to Extraordinary Vegas
Information about the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Rite in Las Vegas.

There are two major forms of the Latin Rite. We have the Ordinary Form (Novus Ordo) which is what most people experience in almost all the parishes here in Las Vegas, and then there is the Extraordinary Form. There are similarities and differences between both forms, the most striking being that the Novus Ordo is said in the vernacular (the language of the people; i.e. English, Spanish, Tagalog, etc.) while the Extraordinary Form is said in Latin (with the homily and the readings in the vernacular). The Extraordinary Form goes by different names. Some call it the Traditional Latin Mass (or the TLM for short), the Tridentine Mass, or the Pre-Vatican II Mass.

The Extraordinary Form of the Mass is how the liturgy was celebrated and experienced by many saints through the ages, including St. Padre Pio, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Bernadette, the children of Fatima, St. Maximilliam Kolbe and thousands of others.

If you are interested in learning more about this Mass, please see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Are there any traditional Masses for Holy Days of Obligation during the year?

  We are blessed to have Holy Days of Obligation and some special Feast Days throughout the year. Location is not always in the same place. To be kept up to date send an email to latinmasslasvegas@gmail.com and request to be added to the email list or visit our page on Instagram: @latin_mass_las_vegas

• Is this Mass in communion with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church?

  Yes. St. Bridget’s parish is part of the Diocese of Las Vegas under the authority of Bishop George Leo Thomas. The Bishop has given permission for this Mass.

• How long does this Mass last?

  The Mass usually lasts around one hour to one hour and ten minutes, just like any regular Mass. Very occasionally, on Holy days such as Easter or Christmas it may last up to one hour and 30 minutes at the very most.

• I have very young kids and I am worried about whether they’ll be able to sit through the Mass. What if they’re noisy?

  There are a lot of families with very young children - so you’ll be in good company! All kids get antsy sometimes even at a regular Mass in English - some squirminess and movement is to be expected. If your child is especially rambunctious on a given day you can sit in the cry room at the back of the church. Many parents also choose to step into the nave of the church temporarily when their babies or toddlers need a break, or if they are being disruptive. Some happy babbling or baby noises are fine, and are not a reason to step out. Although the Mass is fairly quiet, you will often hear other children making some slight noise during the Mass.

• Do I have to know Latin to understand what’s going on?

  No. Mass booklets are provided in English and Spanish, which have short explanations of what is going on so that you can follow along in your own language. The corresponding English or Spanish text is on the opposite page from the Latin so you understand what is being said. Furthermore, the readings are often in English rather than Latin (by special dispensation), and the homily is always in English.

• What if I try to use the booklet but I am still completely lost?

  The truth is that there is a learning curve until you get used to the differences between our Mass and a Novus Ordo Mass. Give yourself a few weeks to get used to it. Sit toward the back of the church so you can observe when everyone else is sitting, kneeling, and standing. Its ok to be a little lost at first, no one will judge you, because we were all there once! Ask anyone who looks like they know what they’re doing to help you find your place when you get lost. Worst case scenario, just close the book and simply watch and listen for a while. Its ok to do that, and simply unite yourself spiritually to the Mass without physically doing everything the congregation does.

• I like to sing at Mass, will I be able to sing along?

  Absolutely! Just like in a regular Mass, there are sung parts that involve the entire congregation. For example, the Gloria, the Creed, the Sanctus and Angus Dei, as well as the responses when the priests says “The Lord be with you”, and we reply, “And with your spirit”. We also often start with an entrance hymn in English before starting the Introit in Latin.

• I don’t like to sing - do I have to?

  No. You can feel free to actively participate by interiorly uniting your heart and prayers with those of the priest as he celebrates Mass.

• Do I have to wear a chapel veil?

  A chapel veil, also known as a mantilla, used to be required for women attending Mass, but this is no longer the case. It is a totally personal preference. Some women feel called to wear the veil, others do not. No one at our Mass will judge you either way - we’re just happy to see you!

• I like to stand to receive Communion, do I have to kneel?

  The norm in the Extraordinary Form of the Mass is to receive our Blessed Lord kneeling and on the tongue. If you are physically unable to do so, simply stand to the side of the kneelers to receive Holy Communion.