Changes in Our Eucharistic Liturgy

You have probably heard that the Pope and Bishops are mandating changes in our Eucharistic Liturgy for the English-speaking countries of the world.  These changes involve the words we speak at mass, rather than the ritual of the mass itself.  These changes are to be implemented beginning the first Sunday of Advent this year, November 27.

The rationale behind these changes is to bring the English translation more in line with the Latin text.  The translation we currently use came to us in 1969 and is based on the intention or the overall meaning of the Latin text combined with the common word usage and syntax of the English language.  Now, the Bishops and the Pope believe the language used in our Liturgies should be rendered in a more reverential and formal manner; they are, therefore, calling for an exact, literal translation of the original Latin. This is reflected in the translations that have been most recently approved by Rome.

Here at St. Francis, I feel that this will be a good time for us to be renewed in our appreciation for the Liturgy, and to perhaps learn more about why we do what we do at mass.

We will renew our appreciation of and prepare for the changes in a four part series, using the four main elements of our liturgy which are: the Gathering Rites, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Dismissal/Sending Rites.  During the fall season, we will address these movements of our Eucharistic Liturgy one at a time, beginning with the Gathering Rites and concluding with the Dismissal Rites.

We will begin the implementation of the changes this coming Advent and take the time we need to get used to them and incorporate them, which will require more than one Sunday or even one liturgical season.  I believe we need to give ourselves time to assimilate the changes, while also addressing the challenge of changing habits that we have formed over the past 40+ years since the Second Vatican Council.

The five-part preparation will take place within the context of the weekend liturgies and information will also appear on the parish website, in the bulletin and by other means available to help with this transition.

While there is always room for improvement, and change is always a part of life, I suspect that God is fine with all our attempts to pray, celebrate, give thanks, and renew our commitment to God's way of life in whatever form or language is used.  So as we adjust to the changes and perhaps make a few mistakes, God will probably be okay with that.  We all know God has patience galore!

-- John Hoffman, Pastor