One Mass Two Forms - Comparison

Introduction to the Comparison of the Extraordinary and Ordinary Forms of the Roman Rite

The Roman Rite of the Catholic Mass exists in two authorized forms: the Extraordinary Form (EF), codified in the 1962 Roman Missal, and the Ordinary Form (OF), promulgated in 1969 by Pope Paul VI following the Second Vatican Council. Though both express the same Eucharistic sacrifice, they differ in structure, language, liturgical emphasis, and ritual expression.

The tables below provide a clear, side-by-side comparison of key elements—including language, priestly orientation, readings, music, and the full Order of the Mass—with special attention to what was removed or added in the transition from the 1962 Missal to the 1970 Missal (and its subsequent editions). These changes reflect the Council’s goals of greater simplicity, active participation, and accessibility, while preserving the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice.

Whether you are a liturgist, catechist, parishioner, or curious inquirer, these charts offer an objective, concise reference to understand the historical development and liturgical identity of each form—both of which remain valid and cherished expressions of Catholic worship today.

Comparison of Extraordinary Form & Ordinary Form

Aspect	Extraordinary Form	Ordinary Form
Also Known As	Tridentine Mass, TLatin Mass	Novus Ordo Missae, Mass of Paul VI
Promulgation	Codified 1570, revised 1962	Promulgated 1969, revised 2002
Language	Latin, minimal vernacular	Vernacular primarily, Latin permitted
Priest’s Orientation	Ad orientem	Versus populum or ad orientem
Liturgical Calendar	1962 Calendar, fewer feasts	Revised, more feasts
Structure	Fixed: Prayers at Foot, single Canon	Flexible: multiple Eucharistic Prayers
Readings	1-year cycle, Epistle & Gospel	3-year cycle, OT added
Music	Gregorian chant, polyphony	Chant, hymns, contemporary
Communion	On tongue, kneeling	Hand or tongue, standing/kneeling
Participation	Priest-led, minimal responses	Active, more responses
Silence	Extensive, esp. Canon	Less, more audible

EF vs OF: Order of Mass & Key Changes

Aspect	Extraordinary Form	Ordinary Form	Changes
Language	Latin	Vernacular	Vernacular added
Orientation	Ad orientem	Versus populum	Facing people common
Order of Mass	1. Prayers at Foot 2. Introit 3. Kyrie 4. Gloria 5. Collect 6. Epistle 7. Gradual 8. Gospel 9. Creed 10. Offertory 11. Secret 12. Canon (silent) 13. Communion 14. Postcommunion 15. Last Gospel 16. Dismissal	1. Entrance 2. Greeting 3. Penitential Act 4. Kyrie 5. Gloria 6. Collect 7. OT Reading 8. Psalm 9. 2nd Reading 10. Gospel 11. Homily 12. Creed 13. Prayers of Faithful 14. Offertory 15. Eucharistic Prayer 16. Communion 17. Concluding Rite	Removed: Prayers at Foot, Secret, Last Gospel Added: Penitential Act, OT & 2nd Reading, Prayers of Faithful
Readings	1-year, 2 readings	3-year, 3 readings	+OT & 2nd reading
Communion	Kneeling, tongue	Hand or tongue, standing	+hand, standing
Silence	Extensive	Reduced	– silence

EF vs OF: Condensed Comparison Chart

Aspect	Extraordinary Form	Ordinary Form	Changes
Language	Latin	Vernacular	Vernacular added
Orientation	Ad orientem	Versus populum	Facing people common
Order of Mass	1. Prayers at Foot 2. Introit 3. Kyrie 4. Gloria 5. Epistle 6. Gospel 7. Offertory 8. Secret 9. Canon (silent) 10. Last Gospel	1. Entrance 2. Penitential Act 3. OT Reading 4. Psalm 5. 2nd Reading 6. Gospel 7. Homily 8. Prayers of Faithful 9. Eucharistic Prayer 10. Concluding Rite	Removed: Prayers at Foot, Last Gospel Added: OT, 2nd Reading, Intercessions
Readings	1-year, 2	3-year, 3	+OT & 2nd
Communion	Kneeling, tongue	Hand or tongue	+hand
Music	Chant, polyphony	Contemporary allowed	+modern
Silence	Extensive	Reduced	– silence