"To Everyone in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
Concerning New Liturgical Norms Issued by Pope Francis"

"July 20, 2021

On Friday, July 16, 2021, Pope Francis issued the Apostolic Letter Traditionis Custodes; On the Use of the Roman Liturgy Prior to the Reform of 1970.

The letter contains new norms concerning the use of what has been referred to as the Extraordinary Form or the Traditional Latin Mass according to the Roman Missal edited by Pope John XXIII in 1962. The norms contained in Traditionis Custodes became effective immediately on the date they were issued, which means that the norms issued by Pope Benedict XVI under the Apostolic Letter Summorum Pontificum no longer apply.  Among the changes directed by Pope Francis is the more immediate role of the diocesan bishop in regard to the use of the 1962 Roman Missal by priests in the diocese. In order to provide for an appropriate response to the new norms as they apply now and into the future, I have decided to consult with the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese and Vicars Forane (Deans)..."

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