Liturgy

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A New Mass?

If you have been reading the newspapers, you are probably aware that there will be some changes in the way Mass is celebrated.  It would be wrong to think of this as a new Mass.  It is the same Mass, the same saving sacrifice of Christ, but with some ritual refinements. 

Why is this happening?  Simple.  Liturgy is a living reality.  Therefore, over time, it evolves.  For example, in 1969, as a result of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI promulgated the revised Roman Missal (this includes the entire set of scripture translations, prayers and rituals that comprise Sunday and weekday Masses).  Prior to the 1969 Roman Missal when we began celebrating Mass in the vernacular, the Church had been using a missal devised after the Council of Trent dating to 1570! 

In 1975 the second edition of the Roman Missal was promulgated by Rome and published by authority of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  This second edition contained further refinements to the 1969 missal, primarily the addition of new Masses (for the blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, the Dedication of a Church, and in honor of Mary, Mother of the Church). 

In between the 1969 and 1975 editions of the Roman Missal, and after 1975, new Eucharistic Prayers were approved for use (two for Reconciliation and three for Children), the Eucharistic Prayer for Various Needs was also published, the Ceremonial of Bishops was published and a new Code of Canon (Church) Law was promulgated—which included sections addressing topics related to celebration of Mass (the homily, concelebration of priests and the reservation of the Eucharist). 

Because of these developments, a third edition of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) was deemed necessary by Rome and therefore promulgated in 2002.  The GIRM is the pastoral introduction to the Roman Missal itself.  The GIRM contains all of the regulations pertaining to and descriptions of how Mass is celebrated.  (In a few years time we will probably see another edition of the Roman Missal which will “catch up” with the regulations and descriptions included in this newest GIRM).

What are some of the Changes? 

The 2002 GIRM goes into effect in this Archdiocese on November 30, 2003.  Some of the most notable changes involve posture, ministerial roles and seasons.

Posture:

• People bow during Creed at: by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of the Virgin Mary.

• People stand to say: May the Lord accept this sacrifice at your hands. . .

• People kneel after the Holy, Holy until the Great Amen is finished.

• People kneel when the priest shows the consecrated host and chalice at: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. . .

• After the epiclesis (calling down the Holy Spirit) until showing the people the chalice, the deacon kneels.

• Before receiving communion, each person shows reverence with a bow of the head.

Ministerial Roles:

• Servers assist the priest in receiving the gifts at the Presentation but only the priest places the gifts on the altar.

• The fractioning (distribution) of the consecrated hosts and wine during the Lamb of God is done only by the priest, assisted by the deacon.

• Only after the priest himself receives communion do the extraordinary ministers approach the altar to assist with the assembly’s communion.

Seasons:

• In Lent (even during weddings) it is forbidden to decorate the altar area with flowers, except on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

• In Lent the organ and other instruments are only allowed to support singing (i.e., no solely instrumental music), except on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.

There are other changes and refinements which involve various liturgical ministerial roles, but, on the whole, they do not impact the worshipping assembly.  More information will follow in subsequent worship booklets, in homilies and in the bulletin.  Our worship ministry at St. Julie will continue to prepare us to implement these changes. 

From the Parish Worship Aid
Fr. Steve Lanza
07/27/03