This website contains information on the Traditional Latin Mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vacaville, CA in the Diocese of Sacramento, California. Sections include "Areas of Practice”, Our Team, Other Resources and a Blog. In addition, we provide the additional “word of mouth” for parishioners on church events and local retreats and prayer services in the parish or nearby Catholic venues (e.g. Pontifical Mass, vigils, veneration of relics, international retreats, etc.   

On July 16, 2021 the implementation of Traditionis Custodes began with the promulgation of the Apostolic Letter by Pope Francis. This document, issued motu proprio, restricted the celebration of the Tridentine Mass of the Roman Rite, which is sometimes called the Latin Mass or Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). In effect, the Catholic Church basically restricts the celebration of the TLM and prohibiting publication of related information on parish websites, bulletins and social media.   This website is maintained by parishioners at St. Mary’s Latin Mass group (SMC-TLM) and are not affiliated with the Sacramento Diocese or church hierarchy. We are Catholic lay men and women who do not understand the rationale behind the juridical decision. Therefore we continue to pray for the Church and hope that some rationality that place in the future and meantime we are dedicated to supporting the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass whenever and wherever it is remains available. 

***Disclaimer: The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church. While we strive to provide accurate and faithful information regarding Catholic teachings and beliefs, this blog is not an official source of Church doctrine or dogma. Readers are encouraged to consult the Catechism of the Catholic Church or speak with a qualified clergy member for official teachings of the Catholic faith. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Also, any commentary made in this website/blog are the opinions of writers and not of the Catholic Church or the local parish.

Neither this website nor any website maintained by SMC-TLM should be construed as an official parish communications platform.

Local history: "How the Latin Mass started at St. Mary's" in Vacaville, CA. (in a nutshell it was started by Fr. Francis Stevenson as a result of the motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" in July 2007)  more details here: From the Our Pastor's Desk...  

About the Latin Mass:

The Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) is the Roman Catholic liturgy codified in 1570, celebrated in Latin, and known for its solemnity, ritual precision, and orientation toward God.

Historical Background

The Traditional Latin Mass, also called the Tridentine Mass, Extraordinary Form, or Vetus Ordo, was codified by Pope Pius V in 1570 following the Council of Trent to standardize the Roman Rite across the Catholic Church. It remained the primary form of the Mass until the reforms of the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), which introduced the Mass of Paul VI (Novus Ordo) with vernacular languages and simplified rituals. The TLM is celebrated almost exclusively in Ecclesiastical Latin and follows the 1962 Roman Missal, the last edition authorized for the Extraordinary Form.

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Liturgical Structure and Celebration

The TLM emphasizes the sacrificial nature of the Mass, presenting Christ’s offering on the Cross in an unbloody manner through the priest. It is traditionally celebrated ad orientem, with the priest facing east, symbolically toward Christ, rather than the congregation. There are two main forms:

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• Solemn High Mass: Fully sung, involving a celebrant, deacon, subdeacon, and multiple ministers.

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• Low Mass: Spoken quietly by a single priest with minimal servers, allowing silent prayer and reflection.

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  The Mass is structured to fulfill four purposes: adoration, thanksgiving, petition, and atonement. Rituals such as the sign of peace are omitted to maintain focus on God rather than interpersonal gestures.

Language and Participation

While Latin is the liturgical language, many missals include parallel English texts to assist the faithful in following the prayers and responses. Attending the TLM does not require fluency in Latin, as the faithful can participate through prayer and missal guidance.

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Contemporary Status

The TLM is currently permitted under the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, though its use has been restricted by Pope Francis’ 2021 motu proprio, Traditionis custodes, which limits celebrations to certain approved locations and under episcopal oversight. Despite restrictions, it remains central to the traditionalist Catholic movement and is celebrated worldwide in communities dedicated to preserving the older liturgy.

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Significance

The Traditional Latin Mass is valued for its ritual beauty, theological depth, and continuity with centuries of Catholic worship. It provides a contemplative, solemn experience that emphasizes the transcendence of God and the sacrificial nature of the Eucharist. Many faithful are drawn to its historical continuity, musical richness, and meditative atmosphere.

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For more information about SMC-TLM, please visit our blog at TLM@SMC.