New Roman Missal Website - US Bishops

The US Bishops have launched a new website (http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/) designed to lead both clergy and laypeople through the upcoming changes to the English language translation of the 2000 edition of the Roman Missal. The changes are many, and include some very different wording to the responses and acclamations made by the people during Mass. Incorporating these changes when the time comes will necessarily be preceded by much catechesis to prepare the faithful. Here's hoping each diocese and parish does a better job instructing the people than most did with the liturgical reforms after the Second Vatican Council.

Recently I spoke with our diocese's director of liturgy and was impressed with the preparations he's making to ensure the changes are understood by both the clergy and the faithful. I only hope that all of our bishops realize that these changes are not trivial and that their implementation deserves attention, time and resources, certainly as much as their annual appeals for donations. The date for full implementation has not yet been set, and I expect we'll have a couple of years to prepare, primarily because of the need to to compose new music that will reflect the changes to the parts of the Mass.

Personally, I'm pleased with the changes since they better reflect the language of the Roman Missal itself and correct many of the poor translations that we have had to live with all these years since the English translation to the 1975 Roman Missal was published.

Anyway, if you want to check out the changes and help prepare yourself in advance of their eventual implementation, click here. Take some time to explore the website, and be sure to visit the "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) and "Examples" pages.