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October 2011
Dear friends,
We are fast approaching the implementation of the New Translation of the Roman Missal. While it is impossible to fully prepare ourselves for the change, we have some upcoming opportunities to talk about and learn about the new translation liturgy. I think the most important point as we transition is that the liturgy or the Mass is not different. We don’t have a new theology of the Eucharist. We are not being asked to believe in any new or changed doctrine. This is simply a new translation of the Mass. Some might ask; why bother with a new translation when the one we have seems to be working fine? The answer to this goes back to two sources; the way the Bible is translated and the fact that all Church documents are written in Latin. Over ten years ago, John Paul II commissioned a 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal from Vatican II. The Roman Missal is the book that includes all the prayers for the Mass and how to pray the prayers. Basically, everything except the Lectionary Bible Readings is in the Missal. As with any translation….it is a translation! As you know, the Mass has many, many quotes from the Bible. Some of those quotes were not translated well into the last version of the Missal. As a result, the quotes were not translated well into English, Spanish, French, etc. Put simply, the reason for the New Roman Missal is for the Catholic faithful to have a fuller Biblical experience of the Mass. As we move forward, we will need to explore some of the prayers and responses that will now be different English translations. While this will be an adjustment period, the hope of the Church is that we will all rediscover the beauty and meaning of the Mass by speaking and praying the words more closely connected to God’s Word, the Bible.
Bishop Jenky has released a DVD discussing the new Missal. We will show the video at the beginning of the Masses October 29 and 30. It is a brief explanation of the changes and an encouraging nudge to the faithful in this time of transition. I will also have three Wednesday Night talks on the Mass. My hope is to provide plenty of opportunity to come and learn about the new translation. The talks will be different but I will try for some overlap as I realize not everyone will be able to make each session. See the bulletin for further details. I am sure you have noticed the plastic pew cards by the hymnals. These cards summarize the translation changes for the people. We will put out more cards in a few weeks, but I wanted everyone to have an advanced look prior to the changes taking effect. Please take a look at the card, when you have a moment.
God Bless,
Fr. David
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