This term is commonly used to refer to Masses offered according to the Missal of 1962. For centuries prior to 1970, this was the way the Mass was celebrated all around the world. The priest faces the altar with the people, offering a sacrifice to God, present in the Blessed Sacrament. With the exception of the sermon to the people, the Mass is sung, chanted, or spoken entirely in Latin.
A limited number of missalettes specific to a Matrimonial Latin Mass will be provided which will guide you through the Matrimonial Rite and the Mass that follows. Explanations of the liturgy as well as translations of the Latin are contained within. There are also Edmund Campion Missals at the church which can be used to follow along.
As mentioned, the Mass is conducted entirely in Latin. There are more occasions of bowing, kneeling, crossing oneself, standing and sitting than in a regular (Novus Ordo) Mass in order to show the appropriate reverence due God. Holy Communion is received kneeling at the altar rail. Our advice to you is to follow others if you are unsure what to do, but not to become overwhelmed if you become lost. Take this as an opportunity to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the Sacrifice, to soak in the richness of the different sights, sounds, and scents that are meant to bring one to the highest possible level of unity with God.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
We ask that you refrain from taking personal photos during the Mass, as there is a professional photographer on staff for this purpose and it will detract from immersion in the ceremony.
There are a number of parks and breweries in Dexter and Ann Arbor where one might pass a few pleasant hours while awaiting the commencement of the cocktail hour at the reception hall. Please see the “Things To Do” tab of our website, and note that due to the Wolverines football game that day, travel in and out of Ann Arbor could include significant delays.
Due to the large number of family and friends with which God has blessed us, we unfortunately cannot accommodate any uninvited guests or plus ones. Only named invitees have been accounted for.
Children are welcome to attend the Mass, however, due to capacity limitations at the reception hall, no seats have been reserved for those other than named invitees.
Yes! There will be wine, beer, and mead available.
While there are no blocks set aside at a specific hotel, there are a number of different hotels at a range of prices available under the “Travel” page of our website. Keep in mind that the listed prices may rise as our wedding day gets closer due to the Wolverines football game in Ann Arbor the same day.