Questions & Answers

The Traditional Latin Mass is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass celebrated according to the Roman Missal of 1962 — the older form of the Roman Rite, also called the Tridentine Mass or the usus antiquior. It is offered in Latin, with the priest and people together facing the altar, and is marked by reverence, sacred silence, and Gregorian chant. See our introduction.

It is the same Holy Sacrifice of the Mass — the same Christ, truly present, offered to the Father. What differs is the form, or expression, of the Roman Rite: the traditional Mass follows the older form (the 1962 Missal), with its own prayers, language, and ceremonies. Both are celebrations of the one Mass of the Catholic Church.

Latin is the mother tongue of the Roman Church, uniting Catholics across nations and centuries in a single voice of prayer. Because it is no longer an everyday language, it is stable and set apart for sacred use. You do not need to know Latin to follow along — most worshippers use a hand missal with Latin and English side by side. See Why Latin?

This ancient posture, called ad orientem (“toward the east”), means the priest and people face the same direction together — toward the Lord — as one pilgrim people. Far from turning his back on the faithful, the priest leads them in worship directed to God. See Ad Orientem.

They are the same Mass celebrated with differing solemnity. A Low Mass is quiet and simple; a High (Sung) Mass adds chant and incense; a Solemn Mass is the fullest form, with sacred ministers. A Solemn Pontifical Mass is offered by a bishop. See Low, High & Solemn Mass.

Yes. The traditional liturgy has a long and venerable place in the life of the Catholic Church, and it continues to be offered for the faithful who are devoted to it, in union with the Church and under the care of her shepherds.

Not at all. The great majority of worshippers do not speak Latin. A hand missal places the Latin and English side by side so you can follow every prayer, and over a few weeks the rhythm becomes familiar. Above all, the Mass is something to be entered into in prayer, more than merely followed word for word. See How to Follow the Mass.

Everyone is welcome — Catholic or not, lifelong faithful or simply curious. There is no registration and no cost. Come and pray, and you will be warmly received. See Attending for the First Time.

People often dress somewhat more formally out of reverence for the Holy Sacrifice, but modest, respectful attire is always welcome and sufficient. Please come exactly as you are able; the Lord looks upon the heart.

No. Many women choose to wear a chapel veil as a custom of reverence, but it is entirely optional and never required. See Chapel Veils.

Arriving a few minutes early lets you settle into prayer before Mass begins. Sit wherever you are comfortable; near the front can help newcomers see the altar and follow the sacred actions.

The silence — especially during the most sacred moments — is not empty but full of reverence, giving the soul room to adore and to pray. Many of the faithful come to treasure it. See Sacred Silence.

To receive, one should be a Catholic in a state of grace who has kept the Eucharistic fast. At the traditional Mass, the faithful receive kneeling and on the tongue. If you are not receiving, you are most welcome to remain quietly in prayer. See Receiving Holy Communion.

Approach and kneel at the rail, tilt your head back slightly, and extend your tongue a little; the priest will place the Host upon it. There is no need to say “Amen” aloud. Then return to your place to make your thanksgiving.

Very much so. Families and children are a joy and a sign of life in our community. Do not worry about the occasional wiggle or whisper — every parent has been there. See Raising a Family in the Faith.

None at all. The Mass is freely offered. If you wish to support the community, you are welcome to do so through our Get Involved page, but there is never any obligation.

Una Voce La Crosse is a lay Catholic apostolate that supports the Traditional Latin Mass in the Diocese of La Crosse and the surrounding region. We connect the faithful, foster formation, and help sustain the traditional liturgy. We are a chapter of Una Voce America, part of the International Una Voce Federation. See About Us.

Yes. Una Voce La Crosse works entirely within the Catholic Church, in union with the Holy Father and our bishop. We are not an independent or breakaway group; our purpose is simply to support and promote the traditional liturgy within the life of the Church, in a spirit of charity and obedience.

We support the availability of the traditional Mass in our region; build up a community so that no one walks alone; offer formation and resources such as our articles; and promote Latin, Gregorian chant, and the sacred arts that serve divine worship.

Una Voce is not a parish; it is a lay apostolate that supports the Traditional Latin Mass wherever it is offered — at the shrines, oratories, and parishes listed on our Latin Mass Times page. We work alongside and in support of those communities and their clergy.

You can join our email list to stay connected, attend the Mass, pray for our community and our priests, help with hospitality, and — if you wish — support our mission with a pledge. Every form of help, including prayer, is received with gratitude.

The Traditional Latin Mass is offered at several locations in our region, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (La Crosse), St. Mary’s Oratory (Wausau), St. Mary of the Angels Chapel (Winona, MN), St. Mary’s in Fennimore, and the Institute of St. Joseph (Boyd). Full details are on our Latin Mass Times page.

Our Latin Mass Times page lists each location’s schedule. Because times are set by the individual parishes and can change, we recommend confirming with the parish or shrine before traveling a distance.

The best way is to join our newsletter on the Get Involved page. We share Mass updates, upcoming events, and news for the community. You can also check our Upcoming Events page.

Our community has known the sorrow of changes to where the traditional Mass is available. We hold this with hope and perseverance, trusting in God’s providence and continuing, in charity and patience, to support the traditional liturgy and one another. We encourage you to attend where the Mass is offered, to stay connected through our newsletter, and to keep our community in your prayers.

We would be glad to hear from you. Please email us at info@unavocelacrosse.org with any question at all.