Pope Benedict has called the movement towards the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal a: “New Task” His statement at the end of his letter announcing the approval of the new translation states:
“A new task will then present itself,” the Pope affirmed, “one which falls outside the direct competence of Vox Clara, but which in one way or another will involve all of you — the task of preparing for the reception of the new translation by clergy and lay faithful.”
He acknowledged that “many will find it hard to adjust to unfamiliar texts after nearly forty years of continuous use of the previous translation.”
“The change will need to be introduced with due sensitivity,” the Pontiff said, “and the opportunity for catechesis that it presents will need to be firmly grasped.”
He added, “I pray that in this way any risk of confusion or bewilderment will be averted, and the change will serve instead as a springboard for a renewal and a deepening of Eucharistic devotion all over the English-speaking world.”
The “opportunity for Catechesis” falls not only on the priests and bishops but also on us as Catholic faithful. He explains that this change should not create confusion but be a “springboard” for “renewal” and a “deepening of Eucharistic devotion.”
As a Catholic father, I find this opportunity as the perfect way to help in the “reform of the reform.” I know that some have called the “reform of the reform” a hollow call and lackluster movement, but if not now, when? Is this not the perfect opportunity to reclaim the Mass? To bring it back from the throws of puppet shows, altar gatherings, ad-libbing, liturgical improvisation, and “Church-u-tainment”?
Many of the changes will require Catechesis to not only help the faithful learn the differences, but to also ACCEPT them. How better to reclaim the true meaning and mystery in the Mass then to seize this opportunity and ensure that what is taught and what we learn is true to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Many have complained of the ‘abuses’ that they see and hear in the Mass every Sunday and during the week. Well, what better time than now to instruct ourselves on the meaning, mystery, and sacredness of the Mass?
We cannot stand at the Ambo and preach the changes-as-Catechesis, but we do stand at the “Ambo” of the dinner table. We can begin to instruct our families and children on the changes, why they are changing and what they mean. We also can inform other lay faithful on the changes, and how they impact the Mass.
This is a new task… and it falls on ALL of us, especially those that have been calling for reform in recent years. It must start somewhere… so why not with YOU?
Posted at: Defend Us In Battle
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Agreed Joe.
I think one of the big tasks for us, the lay faithful who welcome the changes, is to present the changes as a positive for the Church and the world.
In doing so, I see the challenge as defence, but not in the strident, “I understand liturgy better than you because I read Father Z” sense.
We will be presented with situations in which our fellow parishioners and others will react antagonistically and seek our approval for their opprobrium. It is in these instances, with calm and humble responses, with docility and joy, where we can convert.
I pray that we always remain joyful in our liturgical conversations with our fellow Catholics!
By the way, Jeffrey Pinyan’s Praying the Mass is an excellent guide to the new translation and will help with your encounters with your family and others: http://www.prayingthemass.com/
I must say, though, reading Fr. Z’s blog IS a good idea.
Here is the link if you need it.
Yes, no disrespect to Fr. Z! I read his blog, er, religiously…