I have been attending TLM at a diocesan parish. The nearest SSPX chapel is 2 1/2 hrs away. I am thinking about attending an independent chapel near me. For some reason I feel compelled to seek insight/caution. I am seeking thoughts about attending an independent chapel. Also, I travel quite a bit and am interested in whether I should avoid independent chapels that I am not familiar with or how to decide if ones I'm not familiar with are ok.

Succinct reason that I am looking to move from diocesan:  I am troubled by the new rite ordinations; I am troubled by the 1962 Missal; the issues and apparent faltering of the SSPX in relations with Rome has me concerned that the entire Motu is a big gimmick. I initially was elated with the Motu of BXVI. I naively thought that it signaled that the entire Church would be moving to be more like the SSPX. But rather it now appears to me to be merely a gimmick to lure traditionalists back in.

I have been attending TLM at a diocesan parish. The nearest SSPX chapel is 2 1/2 hrs away. I am thinking about attending an independent chapel near me. For some reason I feel compelled to seek insight/caution. I am seeking thoughts about attending an independent chapel. Also, I travel quite a bit and am interested in whether I should avoid independent chapels that I am not familiar with or how to decide if ones I'm not familiar with are ok.

Succinct reason that I am looking to move from diocesan:  I am troubled by the new rite ordinations; I am troubled by the 1962 Missal; the issues and apparent faltering of the SSPX in relations with Rome has me concerned that the entire Motu is a big gimmick. I initially was elated with the Motu of BXVI. I naively thought that it signaled that the entire Church would be moving to be more like the SSPX. But rather it now appears to me to be merely a gimmick to lure traditionalists back in.

First, I would more so avoid diocesan TLMs than independent chapels.

As VeraeFidei posted, you will most likely want to attempt to find out about the priest's validity.  For the most part, I've found the people at the chapel themselves to be helpful in this regard. Often there are some "regulars" you can speak to before Mass in case you cannot speak to the priest directly. Also doing a google search of the priest or chapel is often all you'll need.

If you're unsure, it might seem a bit awkward for you to ask at first, but I assure you that both the priest and / or people will be eager to reply and happy you asked - they often get a chance to find out about you in the process too, this is important to many "regulars", as well as the priest so don't be afraid to inquire!

If for whatever reason you couldn't find out this time, I'd encourage you to look around to see what the chapel looks like, if there are any events for parishioners posted, the pope's picture is hanging in the vestibule, pamphlets, books for sale etc. can usually help you decide if the chapel passes your initial "once over" before you actually attend Mass there. I think you will find most independent priests are valid - at least that's been my experience.

Yes, the Motu is a "big gimmick" because Motu welcomes the TLM without condemning the NO "mass", it is only a matter of time before they directly change the TLM into some TLM/NO blend that'll appease both liberal trads and conservative NOs.

 

I attend a private chapel now.  Other people who attend there were completely forthcoming in regards to the priests Orders and their validity.  The priest also was not shy about sharing information with us in that regard.