Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church is among the few parishes in the Chicago area that offer the Tridentine Rite—or Traditional Latin Mass—which was the most widely used Eucharistic liturgy in the world from 1570 to 1962.
Experience the history and dignity of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite by attending one of four Latin Masses that will be offered by Saints Peter and Paul in 2022.*
Nine Facts About the Latin Mass
At the beginning of Mass, the priest and servers say a significant number of prayers at the foot of the altar.
The priest, with the congregants, say prayers facing God and the East-oriented altar.
The priest prays in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
Communion is distributed by the priest, only on the tongue, while the congregant is kneeling.
After the Creed there are extended Offertory prayers before the Holy, Holy, Holy. . .
There is only one Eucharistic Prayer.
The priest makes more genuflections and reverances at the altar.
The music is based on the ancient Gregorian chant.
The Mass doesn’t end with the blessing and “Go forth in peace.” Instead, the Johannine Prologue (John 1:1–14) is read.
* Fr. Michael Magiera typically celebrates a Latin Mass each Sunday at 4:30 p.m. These Masses are held independently of the parish, but the four Masses listed above will be said by Fr. Mike McMahon with the assistance of Fr. Magiera. For more information on Fr. Magiera’s ministry, visit fssp.com/apostolate/fssp-joliet.