Part II: A New Roman Missal?

Please remember that the changes in the liturgy are in words and not in actions. The Mass parts and ritual will remain unchanged. Most of the changes are subtle. This process has been undertaken to more closely unite the praying Roman Catholic Church with translations that more closely resemble the Latin documents, and therefore, reflect the wording of all languages. It is also meant to further invite lay participation in a more consistent way through the world. It incorporates more music – sung parts of the Mass – to further enhance the congregation’s prayer. It adds more plain-chant to the liturgy, which will further bring Roman Catholic tradition into worship. The process has invited deeper reflection and conversation regarding our ritual prayer, which is meant to help add meaning to our prayer together. Finally, its purpose is to remind us that Eucharistic Worship does not belong to one individual, one community, one nation, or one language. Roman Catholic worship is universal and needs to reflect that universality.

 In 1963, the Second Vatican Council issued a document on liturgy which revolutionized Roman Catholic celebration. It changed our language of prayer from Latin to English. It turned around our altars so that the priest was now facing the people. The liturgy encouraged people participation. Laymen and women were invited to proclaim the Word of God to the assembly, rituals were changed to become simpler and more inviting to all participants, and serving Mass became much simpler. Eventually, laymen and women would be asked to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion, girls would be invited to serve with boys, and Holy Communion would be offered under the form of bread and wine. These changes were radical at the time and it took a lot of getting used to on the part of the priests and people.

For over 40 years, these rituals have been a part of our prayer life. For those under 40 years of age, it is the only liturgy you have known! It is important to note that it was never written that these changes would be forever. As a matter of fact, the Church is described as a living community, so change is inevitable – not in pronounced doctrine, but in style and experience of liturgy and in our growing knowledge of the world around us. Almost as soon as the changes happened, evaluations began. Subtly, minor adaptations were made. Some mistakes were corrected, some changes updated, and some simply evolved. With each new Pope, the liturgical norms were reviewed. It was Pope John Paul II who ordered a review and then rewriting of the Roman Missal. Several languages were completed and the Roman Missal revised. The English Roman Missal took a number of years to update. It first was taken on as a project by the International Committee on English in the Liturgy. It was then taken over by the Congregation of Worship and Sacraments. Conversations took place with all of the English-speaking Bishops’ Conferences. Suggestions were made, accepted or rejected. Final confirmation came in 2009 with the final revisions made in 2010. From November, 2010 until now, education and preparation have taken place. The Roman Missal itself is currently being printed. It is officially the only Eucharistic Worship of the Church as of November 27, 2011.