SIR'-The letter of Elinor D.
Rhodes (CATHOLIC HERALD, March 3), points out how Cornmunity (Dialogue) Mass can be spoiled by unrestrained and indiscriminate zeal. Of course any good thing can be spoiled by misuse. The Mass in Germany as described is of course contrary to the rubrics, for the Confiteor at the beginning of Mass is a "loud" part of Low Mass (if General Rubric no. 16) not to be eclipsed by a hymn. Ideally it is te be said by the server and those present (Ritustelebrandi Missam III: 9).
And just before receivine Communion it is now generally allowed at Dialogue Mass that the people join with the server in Saying the Cortfiteor again (of course in Latin). They should be listening in silence when the priest turns to them and says "Misereatur . . . . lndulgentiam . . ." (RI:. Cel. Miss.
X: 6).
There is a happy medium between "gymnastic Mass" and Stine Messe. That happy medium is attained by scrupulous attention to the rubrics. as insisted on by the Pope in Mediator Del.
(Dr.) K. F. McMurtrle,
Box 166, Pietersburg S. Africa.