Here at a glance are the central points of Pope Benedict XVI's July 7 letter and norms for the wider celebration of the Tridentine Mass using the Roman Missal of 1962. The norms take effect Sept. 14:

-- The current Roman Missal, published after the Second Vatican Council, continues to be the "ordinary" form for celebrations of Mass in the Latin-rite church. The 1962 missal is now considered the "extraordinary" form of the Mass.

-- Any priest can celebrate Mass in private using the 1962 missal, except for the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, the Good Friday commemoration of the Lord's Passion and the Easter Vigil, which always must be celebrated with a congregation.

-- Catholic laypeople may attend a priest's private Mass using the 1962 missal.

-- If a recognized group of Catholic laity asks its parish priest to celebrate Mass according to the 1962 missal, he should do so. The 1962 missal can be used for Mass on any weekday, but no more than one Tridentine Mass should be celebrated in a given parish on Sundays.

-- The 1962 missal can be used for baptisms, weddings, funerals and anointing of the sick, if the faithful request it.

-- Even when the 1962 missal is being used, the readings can be proclaimed in the local language using a Lectionary, or book of Mass readings, recognized by the Vatican.

-- If a parish priest refuses laypeople's request for celebration of the Tridentine Mass, the laypeople should turn to their bishop for assistance. If the bishop has difficulty fulfilling their request, he should seek advice and help from the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei," which is responsible for coordinating pastoral care to Catholics attached to the Tridentine Mass.

-- Bishops may celebrate the sacrament of confirmation using the rite that was in effect in 1962; the rite is found in a book called the "Roman Pontifical."

-- CNS