Grace from Illicit Mass
            QUESTION from Devin on January 2, 2004

Mr. Slavek,

When I am away at college, I have to attend a mass where there are many liturgical abuses. The priest uses inclusive language with the creed and the gloria. Also he changes some of the words such as Lord Jesus Christ to Jesus the Christ. The final blessing is changed to "May Almighty God Bless '*US*'...." and instead of This is the lamb of God, our pastor uses "Behold in this Eucharist the broken body and poured out blood of our savior...." With Eucharistic Prayer 4, he uses a different preface. During Advent he also omitts the penitential rite and replaces it with the blessing of the advent wreath every sunday.

My question is what graces can the faithful receive from valid but illicit masses.

Thank you and God Bless.

Devin

             ANSWER by Mr. Jacob Slavek on January 6, 2004

Dear Devin,

I don't think you would lose any graces because of changing words, except if the penitential rite were omitted there would be no act of penance or an absolution.

I would make a point though to be aware that Mass is not being celebrated in the way that the Church intends.

Mr. Slavek

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