The New Liturgy - What you need to know
The Catholic Church will soon be using a new English translation of the Latin Roman Missal. The new Order of Mass will be in place from the first weekend in September, and fully established from the First Sunday of Advent (27 November). The Holy Father is sensitive to the fact that change can be unsettling. He therefore recommends careful preparation – to minimise confusion, and to encourage “a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world.”
Why do we need to change?
Not everyone realises that the Missal we use in Mass has always been a temporary one. After the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, people called for liturgical texts in their own language. The English translation from the Latin of the original Roman Missal was produced quickly in response to this demand. The translation was plain and direct - and the texts of the prayers were simplified. 40 years on, the translators have a firmer grasp of what the original texts meant and should sound like.
How extensive are these changes?
Not as dramatic as people fear. The structure of the Mass we celebrate every day will remain the same. What we are talking about is certain new passages in the Missal – the book on the Altar containing the texts prayed by priest and people. The Scripture readings are unchanged.
What we will see however are changes in the priest’s words and our responses. The Gloria will be longer, for example, as it follows the Latin text more closely. There will also be a number of changes in the Collects and the Eucharistic Prayers. Overall, the main differences are in what the priest says rather than the congregation or those helping with the ministries.
What support will there be to help us adapt?
This is a significant change in the life of the Church – and so the text is being introduced gradually. Cards with the new Order of Mass will be available from the first week of September, accompanied by catechesis and explanations by the priest. Having to read a text carefully gives us a great opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist. Who amongst us can say they haven’t sometimes fallen into the habit of reciting responses without thinking?
Will there be changes in the music as well?
A key feature of the new Roman Missal will be the enormous amount of music – to remind us of its central place in the liturgy. The Gloria and the Sanctus will be sung to new translations – and composers are busy working on new settings. In the meantime, the new Missal chants will form the basic foundation setting. There is no better way to learn the new translation than to sing it.
Are we losing anything?
Quite the reverse - we gain a great deal. The new translation has more depth; it is richer in style, content and scriptural allusion. Being closer to the original Latin, it is more faithful and accurate. As we say and hear the new words, we should appreciate even more the value of the faith we hold dear.
Why do we need to change?
Not everyone realises that the Missal we use in Mass has always been a temporary one. After the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, people called for liturgical texts in their own language. The English translation from the Latin of the original Roman Missal was produced quickly in response to this demand. The translation was plain and direct - and the texts of the prayers were simplified. 40 years on, the translators have a firmer grasp of what the original texts meant and should sound like.
How extensive are these changes?
Not as dramatic as people fear. The structure of the Mass we celebrate every day will remain the same. What we are talking about is certain new passages in the Missal – the book on the Altar containing the texts prayed by priest and people. The Scripture readings are unchanged.
What we will see however are changes in the priest’s words and our responses. The Gloria will be longer, for example, as it follows the Latin text more closely. There will also be a number of changes in the Collects and the Eucharistic Prayers. Overall, the main differences are in what the priest says rather than the congregation or those helping with the ministries.
What support will there be to help us adapt?
This is a significant change in the life of the Church – and so the text is being introduced gradually. Cards with the new Order of Mass will be available from the first week of September, accompanied by catechesis and explanations by the priest. Having to read a text carefully gives us a great opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist. Who amongst us can say they haven’t sometimes fallen into the habit of reciting responses without thinking?
Will there be changes in the music as well?
A key feature of the new Roman Missal will be the enormous amount of music – to remind us of its central place in the liturgy. The Gloria and the Sanctus will be sung to new translations – and composers are busy working on new settings. In the meantime, the new Missal chants will form the basic foundation setting. There is no better way to learn the new translation than to sing it.
Are we losing anything?
Quite the reverse - we gain a great deal. The new translation has more depth; it is richer in style, content and scriptural allusion. Being closer to the original Latin, it is more faithful and accurate. As we say and hear the new words, we should appreciate even more the value of the faith we hold dear.
