How the Novus Ordo can shipwreck your faith: "If you hang around a barbershop long enough…"
Prolonged exposure to a problematic environment will inevitably influence you - here is what you can do.
For many faithful Catholics, the question of whether to attend the Novus Ordo Mass or seek out the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) has become increasingly urgent. While it is indisputable that the Eucharistic consecration at both the Novus Ordo and the TLM is valid, the surrounding liturgical environment and the theology it conveys can have a profound effect on the faith of those in attendance. This is not a mere matter of preference but a question of safeguarding one’s spiritual life.
There is a timeless saying: “If you hang around a barbershop long enough, you’ll get a haircut.” In other words, prolonged exposure to a problematic environment will inevitably influence you, whether you realize it or not. While attending the Novus Ordo Mass is often unavoidable for many Catholics, it is essential to recognize its potential dangers and take steps to remain grounded in authentic Catholic teaching.
Romans 10:17: Faith cometh by hearing
St. Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” This verse underscores the importance of what is proclaimed, preached, and prayed during the Mass. Liturgy is not merely ceremonial; it is formative. It shapes what we believe, how we pray, and ultimately how we live as Catholics. Sound doctrine is essential for the spiritual life, and anything that deviates from it can weaken or distort our faith.
The Baltimore Catechism teaches, “We are bound to make open profession of our religion and to worship God in the manner He has appointed and by the means He has prescribed.” This highlights the inseparable link between liturgy, doctrine, and worship. The Traditional Latin Mass embodies this teaching, reflecting the sacrificial nature of the Mass, the need for repentance, and the majesty of God in every word, action, and gesture.
By contrast, the Novus Ordo Mass—while valid—often introduces ambiguous language, diminished emphasis on the sacrificial elements, and a greater focus on the community rather than God. These changes, though well-intentioned at their inception, have often led to liturgical abuses and a dilution of the theological clarity present in the TLM. As Cardinal Ottaviani famously observed, “The Novus Ordo represents, both as a whole and in its details, a striking departure from the Catholic theology of the Mass as it was formulated in the Council of Trent.”
Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi: The Law of Prayer is the Law of Belief
The ancient principle lex orandi, lex credendi—"the law of prayer is the law of belief"—reminds us that the way the Church prays shapes what the faithful believe. Over centuries, the TLM developed organically, preserving and expressing the fullness of Catholic doctrine. Its prayers and gestures convey the sacrificial nature of the Mass, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the importance of repentance and humility before God.
The Novus Ordo Mass, on the other hand, introduced significant reforms. While its consecration is valid, the surrounding structure often lacks the same theological depth and reverence. Reduced references to sin, fewer prayers for repentance, and greater focus on horizontal participation risk distorting the understanding of the Mass as a sacrifice and weakening the faithful’s grasp of Catholic truth.
As Pope Pius XII warned in Mediator Dei, “The liturgy must clearly manifest the Sacred Mysteries and the worship that is due to God. Deviations can easily lead to a corruption of faith.” These deviations, seen in many Novus Ordo celebrations, pose a danger to Catholics who may not be equipped to discern between authentic Catholic teaching and modernist influences.
Safeguarding the Faith in a Modernist age
One of the gravest dangers associated with the Novus Ordo Mass is exposure to modernist tendencies, which can subtly erode one’s understanding of the faith. Pope St. Pius X, in Pascendi Dominici Gregis, described Modernism as the “synthesis of all heresies” because it seeks to make truth subjective and changeable. In some parishes, this manifests as ambiguous or heterodox homilies, a downplaying of essential doctrines (such as sin, repentance, and the Four Last Things), and liturgical abuses that strip away the sense of the sacred.
St. Alphonsus Liguori warned, “An evil book, but much more an evil sermon, can do harm to those who hear it.” The same applies to poor catechesis, irreverent liturgies, or theological compromises that can confuse or mislead the faithful. For Catholics who attend the Novus Ordo, it is critical to remain vigilant and discerning in order to safeguard the integrity of their faith.
How to remain faithful amid difficult circumstances
While the Traditional Latin Mass is undoubtedly a treasure that preserves and fosters Catholic orthodoxy, not all Catholics have access to it. Many are left with no choice but to attend the Novus Ordo Mass. If this is your reality, there are steps you can take to counter the potential dangers and remain firmly rooted in Catholic Tradition (I have also addressed this issue in A guide to guerilla-traditionalism in the Novus Ordo parish):
Ground yourself in sound doctrine
Study the teachings of the Church through the writings of the saints, the Church Fathers, and the traditional catechisms (e.g., the Baltimore Catechism or the Catechism of Trent). These resources provide clarity and serve as a reliable guide to authentic Catholic faith.
Pray the Mass with intentionality
Regardless of the liturgical setting, approach the Mass with reverence and a focus on Christ. Follow along with a traditional hand missal, meditate on the Eucharistic sacrifice, and unite your prayers to the timeless prayers of the TLM.
Seek out orthodox resources
Supplement your faith with solid Catholic content—whether through books, sermons, or reputable Catholic media—so that you are continuously formed in sound doctrine.
Cultivate a strong devotional life
Deepen your relationship with Christ through traditional devotions like the Rosary, the Divine Office, the Stations of the Cross, and frequent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. These practices will strengthen your faith and keep you close to Christ, even in challenging environments.
Focus on the Real Presence
Amid any liturgical deficiencies, never lose sight of the reality of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. Approach Holy Communion with profound reverence, understanding that you are receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord.
Pray for the Church
Offer sacrifices and prayers for the renewal of the Church and the restoration of reverent liturgy. Trust in God’s providence, knowing that He will guide His Church through even the darkest of times.
A Message of Hope
While the challenges facing the modern Church are undeniable, Christ’s promise to His Church remains: “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). Even in a world marked by confusion, irreverence, and doctrinal ambiguity, we can hold fast to the timeless truths of the Catholic Faith.
For those who must attend the Novus Ordo Mass (and remember leaving Catholicism is NEVER an option, no matter how dire the situation!), know that God sees your love for Him and your desire to worship Him faithfully. By grounding yourself in Catholic Tradition, fostering a strong spiritual life, and seeking out sound doctrine, you can remain steadfast in your faith. Let us take heart in the words of St. Paul: “Hold fast to the traditions you have received” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). In doing so, we can persevere, grow in holiness, and contribute to the renewal of the Church.
Traditional Catholic Resources for Formation
Here is a list of trusted resources to help you deepen your faith, counter modernist tendencies, and remain grounded in Catholic Tradition. (We want to encourage our readers to add resources in the comment section as the list below is a mere drop in the ocean):
Books
The Baltimore Catechism
The Catechism of the Council of Trent
True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort
The Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius of Loyola
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
Pascendi Dominici Gregis by Pope St. Pius X (An encyclical)
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort
The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
Humility of Heart by Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo
The Liturgical Year by Dom Prosper Guéranger
The Mass of All Time by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (Actually, just about anything written by the good Archbishop is excellent!)
Nothing Superfluous: An Explanation of the Symbolism of the Rite of St. Gregory the Great by Fr. James Jackson
The Crisis in the Church by Abbé Georges de Nantes
The Catholic Controversy by St. Francis de Sales
Christus Vincit by Bishop Athanasius Schneider
Credo by Bishop Athanasius Schneider
The Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux
The Four Last Things by Fr. Martin von Cochem
The Eternal Happiness of the Saints by St. Robert Bellarmine
Infiltration: The plot to destroy the Church from within by Dr Taylor Marshall
Pre-Vatican II encyclicals
Websites and News Sources
The Remnant Newspaper
OnePeterFive
New Liturgical Movement
Rorate Caeli
LifeSiteNews (Traditional Catholic section)
Crisis Magazine
The Catholic Thing
Gloria.tv
Tradition in Action
SSPX News
Fr. Z’s Blog (What Does the Prayer Really Say?)
Catholic Family News
Tradition and Sanity (Dr. Peter Kwasniewski’s Substack. Basically, anything you can lay your hands on by Dr. Kwasniewski will assist in your formation!)
The WM Review
YouTube Channels and Video Resources
The SSPX Channel – sermons, conferences, and reflections from the Society of St. Pius X
Dr. Taylor Marshall Podcast – traditional Catholic commentary on current events and theology
Restoring the Faith Media – podcasts and videos on traditional Catholic teaching
The Catholic Wire – sermons and discussions on Catholic spirituality
Return to Tradition – news, analysis, and readings of traditional Catholic writings
The Meaning of Catholic (Timothy Flanders) – discussions on tradition, faith, and the modern crisis
Sensus Fidelium – an extensive archive of sermons, retreats, and conferences from traditional Catholic priests
Our Lady of the Rosary Church – Traditional Latin Mass sermons and reflections
Roman Catholic Media – catechetical content and commentary on the state of the Church
FSSP North American District – sermons, videos, and catechetical content from the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter
The Catholic Esquire
Remnant TV
Mere Tradition with Kennedy Hall
Anything by Fr. Chad Ripperger
Devotions and Practices
Daily Rosary – meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary, as encouraged by Our Lady of Fatima
The Divine Office (Traditional Breviary) – praying the official prayers of the Church using a pre-1962 breviary
First Fridays and First Saturdays Devotions – honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Stations of the Cross – praying through Our Lord’s Passion and Crucifixion
Eucharistic Adoration – spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament
Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary – through the methods of St. Louis de Montfort or St. Maximilian Kolbe
Daily Mental Prayer – silent meditation on the life of Christ and Catholic truths
Traditional Novenas – such as the Novena to the Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, or the Holy Ghost
Podcasts and Audio Resources
The Taylor Marshall Show
The Crisis Point (from Crisis Magazine)
SSPX Sermons Podcast
Latin Mass Explained (available as audio series)
The Terry and Jesse Show (Traditional Catholic commentary)
By immersing yourself in these solid resources, you will be better equipped to discern the truth, deepen your faith, and protect yourself against confusion or error. Even if circumstances require attending the Novus Ordo Mass, these tools will strengthen your understanding of authentic Catholic doctrine and spiritual life. Let us take solace in Christ’s words: “He who perseveres to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).
Ave Christus Rex!
Recognise and Resist!
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Excellent list of books. My parents raised 6 kids in the NO and none of them remain NO Catholics. Two of us took the trad route and the other four left the faith altogether, so in my view, apostacy is the greatest risk of raising kids in the NO - right up there with not homeschooling your kids or sending them unarmed (figuratively speaking) to a college with marxist profs. What is more important than the salvation of your family? Another benefit of the TLM is that it is saturated with the "4 last things," which we all need to keep us focused.
Thank you! I stand with the first commenter. The NO is so hard on families. It is hard to think of it as anything other than a danger.