The Mass is like a pool of water, crystal clear and deep. If you pay attention only to the surface, you will mainly see your own reflection. On the other hand, if you look down into the water, you will behold the treasures in its depths.
If you've never been to the Latin Mass, the best thing you can do to prepare for it is to go to your regular Mass--but don't go like you always go, sort of glazed over and half-steeling yourself for whatever irritating thing the priest might say or do. Instead, go prepared to peer into the depths of the mystery before you. What is happening when the priest moves to the altar or says a particular prayer? What does the order of the prayers and the readings in the Mass mean? Ponder these things in prayer.
Then, when you go to the Latin Mass, do the same. Carefully observe what goes on at the altar of sacrifice. Realize that each movement the priest makes has a meaning, that each prayer (no matter how incomprehensible the language might be to you) falls in a specific place and serves a specific purpose in light of the Mystery of Christ's self-immolation. I don't recommend that you follow your hand missal or red paperback pew missal slavishly for your first time. Rather, recollect that the Mass you attend in Latin, in the older (extraordinary) form, is simply the first standardized liturgy, the one from which the Mass you attend in your parish originates.
As you actively watch and take in the Mass in the Extraordinary Form, it is handy to keep in mind some specifics. First of all, you must be aware that the majority of the prayers in this form of the Mass are pronounced in a low voice or silently by the priest. You might miss the exact beginning of Mass, because the Introductory Rites start at the foot of the altar and continue for some time (and when first the priest, then the altar boys, bow for an extended period, it is when each in turn are praying the Confiteor, the "I confess to almighty God," which you too may pray along with the altar boys who recite it for you). When in doubt, make the Sign of the Cross.
After the Kyrie, Gloria, and Collect (introductory prayer), the priest will proclaim one reading, in either the Old or New Testament, depending on the season, and then a psalm verse, which either the choir will sing or the priest will recite; after that, all will stand for the Gospel, which will be proclaimed from the opposite side of the altar. According to custom, the reading and Gospel may be repeated in English before the homily. The Creed will follow the homily and then immediately the Offertory: the Offertory prayers will take some time and you may either read them along with the priest or interiorly bring your gifts to the altar and prepare yourself for the transubstantiation about to occur at the priest's fingertips.
When the choir sings (or the priest recites) the Sanctus, you know the Eucharistic Prayer is beginning--if it is the choir singing, the priest will silently begin the Eucharistic Prayer underneath the chant. When the bell rings once, it is the moment just before the Consecration, the "Hanc igitur," at which point you must focus your attention on the Lord. After the Consecration, the rest of the Mass is taken up with preparing for the Holy Communion. If you are to receive Communion, you will go up and kneel at the communion rail, tilt your head up, open your mouth and slightly stick out your tongue; the priest will pray that the Body of Jesus Christ preserve your soul unto eternal life as he places the Host on your tongue, and will supply your "Amen" so you may remain silent and receptive.
These are just a few thoughts that might help you prepare yourself to go to your first Tridentine Mass, and I hope you find them helpful. By no means are they an exhaustive review of the Mass, nor do they show you how to use a hand missal effectively (something you will either have to muddle through on your own or, better, get a knowledgeable friend to sit with you at Mass and help you) or explain at any length the beautiful prayers of the Mass. There are riches here that will take you more than one experience to discover. I believe that anyone who comes to the older form of the Mass with an open mind and a prayerful heart will come to understand its beauty and timelessness, so please do give it a chance!
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