Roman Missal
The latest refinement of the translation from Latin of the prayers of our liturgy takes effect at the beginning of Advent 2011. The first Our Lady of the Ridge Mass using this updated resource will be the 5:00 PM Mass on November 26, 2011. There is much information flowing about this Third Edition of the Roman Missal. Here are some facts regarding implementation of the English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal:
What is NOT changing:
- OUR MASS
- The ritual of our Mass celebration will remain the same. Following Vatican II, some redundant elements of the Mass were eliminated and we reached into our history to reinstate other elements that had been previously removed (i.e. the Prayers of the Faithful). The Third Edition of the Roman Missal involves no such changes.
- THERE IS NO MOVEMENT TO RETURN TO LATIN-ONLY MASSES. Some parishes currently offer Latin Masses, but this is strictly an option and does not replace their English services.
- THE READINGS
- The Lectionaries (the books containing the readings, psalms and gospel acclamations) were revised in 1998 (Sundays) and in 2002 (Weekdays). There is no change to these books. Publication of the current USA edition is normally in four volumes:
- The Lectionaries (the books containing the readings, psalms and gospel acclamations) were revised in 1998 (Sundays) and in 2002 (Weekdays). There is no change to these books. Publication of the current USA edition is normally in four volumes:
- THE HYMNS
- The hymns and songs that we sing during Mass are unaffected.
- Our Gather Comprehensive hymnals (the green book) will still be used. (Only the Mass prayers (Gloria, Holy, Holy, etc.) in these hymnals will be obsolete.)
- A new edition of our Music Issue (the blue book) comes out each Advent. This resource will be thoroughly up to date.
- Today's Missal, the part of the blue book that contains primarily prayers and readings, is also issued periodically and will be up to date.
- The hymns and songs that we sing during Mass are unaffected.
What is changing:
- THE WORDING of the PRAYERS of our MASS
- The new English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal supercedes its predecessor, the book we currently call the Sacramentary. The Sacramentary is the red book that the altar server holds when the priest says, "Let us pray" and is the book used at the altar during the Eucharistic prayers. It contains the Mass prayers & chants, as well as rubrics (instructions) for the priest as he presides over the Mass. (Upon its implementation, it will again be called the Roman Missal.)
- The prayers we use now are changing only in their wording. They will be communicating the same message, but will connect us more reverently with our God.
There are two main reasons for the upcoming changes in our texts:
- There is a new edition in Latin of the Roman Missal. Just as with the other Latin editions of the Missal promulgated since the Second Vatican Council, the new edition needs to be translated into all of the major language groups of the world.
- There is a new document outlining principles for translating liturgical texts from Latin into the vernacular languages around the globe. “Liturgiam Authenticam” advocates the principle of “formal equivalence,” which calls for a more literal translation from the Latin to vernacular languages.
Thoughts:
- The Third Edition of the Roman Missal is not a change to our rites. It is a continuation of the renewal called for by the Second Vatican Council and is merely a refinement of our translation.
- All editions in all languages worldwide are subject to this process. The English-speaking countries of the world are the first to complete and implement the process.
- The language of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, being a more direct translation of the Latin, contains more formal language. This more sacred wording of the prayers remind us more fully that we are communicating with our God and Creator. There is a stronger reverence and respect in these new translations.
- While there are some awkward passages, the bulk of the translation has recaptured the poetry and depth of the original Latin texts.
- There is a richer biblical connection in this new translation. Numerous scripture references have been replaced into the prayers.
- There will be a learning curve. With patience and prayer we will make this transition. Your parish staff is working to introduce you to the improvements in various ways. Watch the bulletin and web site for Fall 2011 sessions.
For more information, please click here to visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Roman Missal web site.
Read articles on the English translation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal:
OLOR Newsletter Article, October 2, 2011
Chicago Tribune, February 21, 2011