Preparing for the New Translation of the Mass

^{Preparing for the New Translation of the Mass}

Dear Friends,

As you may have heard or read, there is a revised translation of the Roman Missal, the book that the priest uses to pray the words of the Mass. This is the third English translation since 1974, the current version having been completed and implemented in 1985. This third edition of the Roman Missal was issued by Pope John Paul II in 2000. After it was published in 2002, the work of translation began. During this translation a different model was used than after the Second Vatican Council, so some of the words we proclaim at Mass have been changed. The United States is not the only country making these changes. The words prayed in the Mass are being revised around the world, no matter what language is spoken. By the nature of the language in some parts of the world, though, the revisions are less extensive.

Words affect out lives. How we say and hear words affects how we react to life: the way we live, pray, and believe. The revised translation of the Roman Missal can convey images that can help us express our feelings of praise and thanks to God for all he does for us in new ways.

What differences will we hear in this translation? This version will be more formal in language and scripturally richer in images. Some of the words in the Gloria, Creed, Holy, Holy, Holy and Memorial Acclamations will be different. A few of the acclamation changes will be in the responses for "The Lord be with you" and the "Lord, I am not worthy." The Mass parts will be assigned new musical settings.

We should each be personally excited to pray this revised translation since it will give fuller meaning to the words expressed in the document from the Second Vatican Council, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, "full, conscious and active participation in liturgical called for by the very nature of the liturgy."

Change, as we all know, is a part of life. Nothing stays the same, locally or globally. Just think of the changes that have taken place in our lifetimes. We also are not the same Catholic people we were only a few years ago.

After praying the same words of the Mass for so many years, both the priest and the people will have the opportunity once again to be more conscious of the works we pray. Richer meanings of the words may be spiritually heard in a new way, transforming our hearts. They will not be words said by rote, but words with a fuller scriptural understanding.

In the next few weeks we will begin publishing more information about the changes in our bulletin. During the month of September we will begin using a new Mass setting for several of the prayers in order to become comfortable and familiar with them. Then, on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011 we will begin praying the new Mass texts here and throughout the United States.

As with all changes, it will take time to adapt. When we first start saying and listening to these prayers it may seem awkward; but after a while we will pray them more fully and actively. During this time of transition we will all need to be patient. Not only will parishioners need time to internalize the changes, but it will also take priests time to become comfortable with their parts in the new translation.

Let's pray that the revised translation of the Roman Missal may assist us in lifting our minds and hearts to God; that we may grow deeper in our faith by praying the Mass more consciously, fully and actively.

Peace,

Fr. Bob

Want to Read More Visit the United States Council of Bishops: http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/