Some problems are good problems. I saw a statement by Fr. Calvin Goodwin of the FSSP who is coordinating training in the classical Roman liturgy with Una Voce, who spoke back in March about the popularity of that initiative:
"It appears that we may have slightly underestimated the degree of interest that there would be in this project of training priests in the traditional Mass... Enquiries and reservations have been coming our way fast and furious, to the degree that something like half the places available (for our crash course class in June) have been claimed - just in the last three days. They're coming from all over: Denver, Arlington, NYC, Tennessee, New Jersey, etc." (March 2007)
I asked Father for an update on that initiative:
"The programme was almost sold out within days of the initial announcements and we have a waiting list for another week sometime later this year..."
Encouraging and beautiful news, particularly when you consider there hasn't been a major media push about this.
Other Training Opportunities
Speaking of training in the classical Roman liturgy, a few priests have approached me and have expressed interest in helping to offer such training as well for any clergy interested. Therefore, if you aren't able to make it to the training offered by the FSSP or the ICRSS, here are a couple of contacts:
In the New Jersey region:
Fr. Robert Pasley
Mater Ecclesiae Church
Berlin, NJ
Email: rector@materecclesiae.org
Parish website: www.materecclesiae.org
Fr. Pasley, a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, is willing to take on individuals or groups, and they have some lodging facilities available.
Father Pasley is also able to help give some basic music training for the mass.
Mater Ecclesiae is of course one of the well-known full service 'Tridentine' rite parishes in the USA. Fr. Pasley is the pastor of this parish, and our own Michael Lawrence has involvement there.
In New York state region:
Fr. Edmund Castronovo
St Joseph's Church
Oneida, NY
Email: sjosephr@twcny.rr.com
Parish website: http://home.twcny.rr.com/stjony/
Fr. Castronova received permission to offer the 1962 Missale Romanum back when this was first offered and is a priest of 31 years. Father informs me that his parish has an intact high altar upon which to practice and there is a room available for a Catholic priest in his rectory for this purpose.
(I will see if Father can provide a picture of his parish.)
If any others are competent to offer such training in their regions, please feel free to contact me and let me know your experience and training in the classical Roman liturgy, as well as what you'd be able to offer.
