Roman Missal
As you have heard, the Church is issuing a new edition of the Roman Missal (the Prayers of the Mass). This new edition contains an updated translation of the Latin text into English. This translation update process has been ongoing for several years and the new texts are to be used starting later this year.
Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent of 2011 (Nov 26/27), there will be changes to the prayers and responses of the Celebrant and the Congregation in the Mass. Many of these changes will affect what we have been hearing, praying, singing, and reciting for the last 40+ years.
In order to prepare us for the changes to the congregation’s prayers and responses, a series of instructions will be provided. These presentations on how the laity participates in the Liturgy will provide some of the reasons and background to the changes as well as a comparison of current and revised versions of the text. Since the explanations of the changes will take time, these instructional presentations will take place outside of Mass.
To accomplish this period of Catechetical instruction, the second series of presentations will begin on October 1. The presentations will be held in Shepherd’s Hall after each of the weekend Masses according to the following schedule:
On October 1, after the 5 PM Mass
On October 9, after the 8 AM Mass
On October 30, after the 10 AM Mass
On November 6, after the 11:30 AM Mass
Below is additional information to help you understand the new changes to the Roman Missal.
Click here to view the Changes in the Parts of the People in the Order of Mass in the Roman Missal.
In this video, Monsignor James P. Moroney explains what is new in the new missal. He is a faculty member of Saint John's Seminary and serves as Executive Secretary to the Vox Clara Commission. A consultant to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Monsignor Moroney is a Priest of the Diocese of Worcester and Rector of Saint Paul’s Cathedral.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have created a website filled with helpful information that will assist parishes in implementing the Revised Roman Missal. This is the most helpful website for those who want to see the new translations. You will find the most frequently asked questions about the new translation, and answers that will prepare you to grow in your understanding of the new text.