Immaculate
Conception Parish
The New Roman Missal
From the Pastor...
As many of you have heard by now, a new edition of the Roman Missal, the book of prayers, readings and rules for the celebration of the Mass, is undergoing a revision. One year from now, on the First Sunday of Advent 2011, the third edition of the Missale Romanum will be issued and all of the English speaking countries of the world will be required to use the new translation. The third edition for the other languages of the world will soon follow. The Church is issuing the new translation for a number of reasons. These include:
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Pope John Paul II canonized many saints long after the current edition was published. The third edition will include the specific Mass prayers for these feast days.
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A desire for a more formal and literal translation of the original Latin texts. In this way we are able to use the beauty of language to raise us up to God as we pray, worship and adore.
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An opportunity to reflect more deeply on the Mass.
Most of the changes affect the prayers proclaimed by the priest.
The English used will be more
formal and dignified and, in many cases, poetic. A number of the
communal prayers will also change. For example, as we pray the creed
together we will change we believe to I believe as this is a more
literal translation of the Latin. In the Sanctus (Holy, Holy,
Holy) we will pray: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts which is
the correct translation of the Hebrew word sabaoth of the
original prayer. We will answer the greetings of the Mass: The Lord be
with you with the response: And with your Spirit. This is not only the
translation of the Latin: Et cum spiritu tuo, but is also a way for us
to remember that what happens at the Mass is the result of the workings
of the Holy Spirit. There will be other translation changes as well,
but, the important thing to remember is that whatever words are used,
these are not new prayers. All of the prayers, however they are
translated, must reflect accurately the original prayers of the Church.
During a workshop for priests
from around the United States we were given the opportunity to view some
of the new prayers. They are really beautiful and should, if we really
listen to them and pray them with understanding, help to raise us up to
God during the Mass.
Over the course of the next year you will find information about the
third edition of the Roman Missal in the bulletin and on the parish
website. It is my hope that by the First Sunday of Advent, 2011 we will
not only be prepared for the new translation, but will also be looking
forward to its implementation.
Please know that all of the priests are very happy to answer any
questions you might have regarding the new translation of these prayers.
May God bless you.
Fr. Michael
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