WATERLOO, Iowa --- For many devout Catholics, the prescribed prayers and language of the liturgy are a source of comfort, familiarity and strength. [Funny, we said the same thing 40 years ago]WCFCourier
Catholics across the U.S. will notice changes in the words and phrases spoken throughout the Mass at the end of 2011. [When I see articles like this, I wonder; is it really a big deal? The words are still in English right?]
On Tuesday, the Catholic parishes of Waterloo hosted a presentation on the alterations of the Roman Missal as part of Winter at the Cellar, 320 E. Fourth St. Winter at the Cellar is a four-week adult enrichment series. Peggy Lovrien, director of the office of worship for the archdiocese, gave a talk, "The Language of Prayer - Why What We Say Matters." A group of 17 gathered for the event at The Cellar in Waterloo. [I think that number reflects how concerned the average Catholic really is about the new translation]
Everything Catholics sing, say and do should proclaim the mystery that Jesus died, suffered and rose again, Lovrien said.
The revision to the Roman missal, announced by Pope John Paul II in 2000, is about preserving both unity and theology. [Hmm, so the theology needed to be corrected?]
"Words affect what we believe," Lovrien said. [Amen!]
In 1970, Pope Paul VI proclaimed the Roman Missal[In Latin] --- a book that contains what is to be said or sung at Mass --- as the definitive text of the reformed liturgy of the Second Vatican Council, according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. A revision came out in 1975. [Hmm, sounds like it was a bit hasty in implementation]
The new edition also includes revisions to familiar recitations like the Nicene Creed and supplies additional prayers, including texts for observances for recently canonized saints. [One of the most powerful moments during the Traditional Mass that I noticed when I started going was the singing of the Creed. It puts a whole new dimension to "I Believe."]
During a question and answer portion of Tuesday's talk, several in the audience worried that singing or chanting might be uncomfortable or too traditional for teens or those already reluctant to participate. Others, like Michelle Schons, 41, were already warming to the idea and suspected that young people would, too. [Young people sense the artificialness of the current liturgy. That's why they don't go. They will come back when parishes take the liturgy seriously.]
"I love the fact that we are coming back to chants," said Schons, who teaches faith formation to children at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls. "I think adding more music and variety to the Mass is wonderful." [Many places chant is considered "variety." I don't really think they can be mixed and matched. If people like the chants of God, then they should request one of the Masses offered perhaps take a holistic traditional approach.]
Lovrien stressed the heart of the Mass, its structure and sacred traditions, will remain the same.
A good article with no hidden agenda by the writer.... unlike certain other publications... There was no quote from Fr. Thomas Reese SJ needed.
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