Bloomfield Hills — Like many who are drawn to the extraordinary form of the Mass, Cecilia Lakin did not grow up with it.

“I did not grow up Catholic,” said Lakin, the president of Oakland County Latin Mass Association (OCLMA).

“I grew up in another religious tradition,” she explained, but “when I first became Catholic and began attending Mass I realized it’s an opportunity to experience the reality and the presence of God in a very powerful way.”

Lakin said she first encountered Gregorian chant — used frequently in the Latin Mass — before she became Catholic, and following her conversion was drawn to the extraordinary form.

She added that the use of Latin in the liturgy strongly drew her as well: “For me the linguistic characteristics of the extraordinary form help remind me that I have entered the realm of the sacred.”

Lakin lives in Oakland County, and for a while attended regular extraordinary form Masses in other areas, such as Wayne County’s St. Josaphat Church.

But she knew the drive to downtown Detroit was tough for local families who enjoyed the Latin Mass — “For every Sunday, that was difficult” — and looked into bringing a Mass closer.

Following the publication of Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 “Summorum Pontificum” issued motu proprio (meaning, “on one’s own initiative”), and 2011 instruction on the apostolic letter, Lakin searched for an Oakland County location that could hold regular Latin Masses.

She contacted Sr. Bridget Bearss, RSCJ, head of the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills, about the “architecturally perfect chapel,” considering its high altar and communion rails. Soon she had arranged a home for the new Oakland County Latin Mass Association.

The first extraordinary form Mass at the chapel was celebrated May 4, and was packed with families.

Lakin said she appreciates the assistance of both Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, and the OCLMA’s chaplain, Msgr. Ronald Browne, and is excited about the future of the association.

“My advice for anyone who’s curious about it or wants to experience the Church’s historical riches is to come,” she said. “We greet everyone who comes to our Masses. The very best thing is to come and visit yourself.”

 

Oakland County Latin Mass Association

• Oakland County extraordinary form Masses are held at the Chapel of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, 1250 Kensington Road, Bloomfield Hills.

• Upcoming High Masses will be celebrated July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10, Aug. 17, Aug. 24 and Aug. 31. No Mass on Sept. 7.

• Rosary begins at 9:15 a.m. before each Mass; High Mass begins at 9:45 a.m. Confessions are heard prior to Mass on the first Sunday of each month.

• To find out more, visit www.oclma.org or email [email protected].