Bulletin Articles
August 21, 2011
As many of you may have already heard, there will be some changes coming in the Liturgy of the Mass. A new Roman Missal has been approved by Rome and will be used in all Catholic Churches beginning the first Sunday in Advent. This means that some of the prayers that we are so used to at Mass will have some changes to them. The structure of the Mass (the order of the elements, the actions of the priest and so forth) remains unchanged in the new edition of the Roman Missal. However, the translation of the prayer texts will change to more closely reflect the original Latin text in order to regain the original meaning and spirit of the prayers. Most of the prayers are very similar, but translated to convey the rich theological concepts and biblical language and images of the original text,. Between now and the implementation date of the new Roman Missal in Advent, there will be a space on the front page of the church bulletin that will contain updated information to help us prepare for the upcoming changes.
August 28, 2011
The third edition of the Missale Romanum (the Latin text of the Roman Missal) was issued by Pope John Paul II during the Jubilee Year in 2000. This new translation employs “the best of what we have learned about translation and liturgical language in two generations of celebrating the Liturgy in the vernacular” (in English). The style of the translation of the third
edition follows the style of the original Latin texts more closely. This translation began in 2002 and received final approval from The Holy See in the spring or 2010. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops has established that November 27, 2011 is the first day parishes will use the new translation.
Between now and the implementation date, this space will contain information to help our parish transition into the new Translation. More information is available on a table in the gathering space.
September 4, 2011
Overall, this translation achieves a greater adherence to the original Latin. The translation we have been using has served us well. It has given us a better understanding of the faith we share.
A large number of people worked on this translation. The entire process was guided by the International Commission of English in the Liturgy (ICEL). Eleven bishops from different countries around the world attended meetings and brought the results to the conferences of bishops. The conferences made changes to enhance it and sent their suggestions back to ICEL. ICEL made further improvements and eventually it was sent to Rome where final
adjustments were made before approving them for publication.
There are many beautiful parts of the new translation. In time we should become familiar with the changes, enabling us to pray with purpose when we gather for Mass.
There are several ways we can prepare. In the weeks and months ahead, this space will be devoted to the upcoming changes. More information is available on a table in the gathering space.
You can also visit the Roman Missal Web site (www.usccb.org/romanmissal).
September 11, 2011
In the new translation of the liturgy, some of the words that have become so familiar have changed. These are a few of those words:
Abasement: The lowering of one of higher rank. Jesus abased himself in that, tough he was God, he lowered himself and became a human being so that he might save us from our sins (see Phil 2:6-11).
Consubstantial: The belief, articulated in the Nicine Creed, about the relationship of the Father and the Son: that “in the Father and with the Father, the Son is one and the same God” (CCC, no. 262)
Ineffiable: That which cannot be conceived or expressed fully (see 1 Cor 2:6-9). One cannot, for example adequately describe in concepts and words the mystery of the Trinity or the mystery of the Incarnation.
Provident grace: The free and undeserved gift that God gives us as he protects and governs all creation.
A complete list of unfamiliar terminology is available in the gathering space.
September 18, 2011
Introductory Rites
Changes in the People’s Parts and the Biblical references:
Greeting: After the priest has arrived at the altar and the Entrance Chant if concluded, the Priest and the faithful, standing, sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross and the priest says “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19). The people reply “Amen.”
The priest then extending his hands, greets the people saying: “The Lord be with you.” (Ruth 2:4) The people respond “And with your spirit.” (2 Tim 4:22)
These changes will be in the new Missalettes in November. You do not need to memorize them, just be familiar with them.
September 25, 2011
Changes in the People’s Parts and the Biblical references continued:
Gloria:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will (Lk 2:14). We praise you, we bless you we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly king, O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, ( Jn 1:29) have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One, (Rev 15:4) you alone are the Lord, (Ps 83:19) you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.