Now is the Time to Prepare for the Roman Missal, Third Edition

New Words: A Deeper Meaning, but the Same Mass

Beginning the First Sunday of Advent, November 26-27, there will be changes in the wording in the Mass. You will notice the “New Text” is quite different and may seem awkward. We hope this will help members of our parish understand not only the content of the changes but also the reasons underlying these changes. Pew cards have also been purchased to help guide us so there is no need to memorize the new wording all at once. This is also an opportunity to examine and renew our celebration and understanding of the Eucharistic Liturgy that stands at the heart of Christian life.  The revised translation of the Liturgy gives us an opportunity for a deeper understanding, greater attention to words and gestures, and more intentional participation. 

INTRODUCTORY RITES: THE GLORIA

The Gloria is an ancient hymn that follows the Penitential Rite and Kyrie.  It is an act of joyful praise to God the Father and to his Son, the Lamb of God.

The Gloria begins with the words sung by the angels announcing the birth of the Lord as told in the Gospel of Luke.  Because it is a hymn, the Gloria should be sung rather than recited.  It is part of Mass on all Sundays, with the exception of the Sundays of Advent and Lent.  It is also sung during major celebrations of the Lord, the Blessed Mother, and some saints, and during other celebrations of special joy or solemnity.

As with some of our other prayers at Mass, the words of this hymn will be changing slightly when we begin using the new translation of the Roman Missal, in Advent of 2011.  Below is the current text on the left, and on the right, the changes you will be hearing and singing with the new translation.

New Text:

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins Of the world, receive our prayer; You are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen

LITURGY OF THE WORD: THE CREED

Changes to the text of the Creed constitute some of the most significant changes in the new translation of the Roman Missal.  They are significant for two reasons: because they are substantial and because the Creed is where we express what we believe as Catholic Christians, the essential tenets of our faith.

The first change is the translation of credo as “I” instead of “we” in the opening phrase.  This was done in order to maintain the person and number indicated in the original Latin text.  Does this change the meaning of the prayer? Not at all.  While the Profession of Faith is a communal liturgical act, each individual in the liturgical assembly professes his or her own faith, which is joined to the profession of the whole assembly.

New Text:

I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ the only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven; and by the Holy Spirit he was Incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds From the Father and the Son. who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified. who has spoken through the Prophets. And one, holy, catholic And apostolic Church. I confess one baptism For the forgiveness of sins. and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST:  The Acclamations

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the high point of our celebration.  Gathered in the introductory rites, formed and challenged by the Word, we now participate in Christ’s sacred action of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing.  We focus our attention on the altar, as the offerings are brought forward and prepared, and the faithful join their offering with the priest’s, who prays in the persona of Christ for the entire community.

The Eucharistic Prayer has three acclamations proclaimed by the people: the Sanctus, the Memorial Acclamation (which is called The Mystery of Faith in the new Missal), and the great Amen.  As with other parts of the Mass, there have been changes made to some of the words of these prayers.  The Eucharistic Prayer is followed by Communion, in which all share in the sacred meal and are fed by Christ’s Body and Blood.  The Liturgy of the Eucharist concludes with Prayer after Communion.

New Text:

 Sanctus:

 Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest.

 Mystery of Faith (Memorial Acclamation):

 Priest: The mystery of faith.

 People:

A- We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

B-When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.

C-Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.