DIOCESAN NEWS
05/07/10
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New Mass translation effective 2011,
catechesis begins in fall
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
On Friday, April 30, we received word the new English translation of the Roman Missal had been given its “recognitio,” or statement of acceptance, by the Vatican. The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) now must decide when to authorize its use in dioceses and parishes in the United States. 
The complete text of the Roman Missal is still undergoing final editing by Vatican officials. It is expected to be forwarded to English-speaking conferences of bishops later this spring, at which time it will be prepared for publication.
Publication of the new Missal and worship aids will take at least a year so that implementation and use of the new translation will be well into 2011. Until that time when this entire process is approved and published, parishes will continue to use the current English translation.
The English text we presently are using was developed shortly after the Second Vatican Council and has served us well for many years now. Upon looking at the present English translation in light of the Vatican’s publication of “Liturgiam Authenticam” in 2001, the church thought it would be prudent at this time in our history to study the Latin text and make some adjustments to the English that would be closer to the literal Latin.
Many of the prayers and responses to which we are accustomed such as the Confiteor (penitential rite), Gloria, Nicene Creed, eucharistic prayers, Sanctus, etc., have changed. Each of these responses has been nuanced in a way in the new translation so as to capture the original Latin more literally. Many of the retranslations are very subtle, but will involve some adjustments of learning new responses by all of us.
Liturgical materials to help with the transition to the new translation have been developed by several organizations including the USCCB and the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. You may access many of these resources through the internet at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.
 Beginning in the fall our diocese will devote much energy to providing catechesis and resources for priests, lay ecclesial ministers, pastoral ministers and parishioners. We already have two workshops scheduled for our parish leaders.
On Sept. 30, Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Diocese of Tuscon will present “Liturgical Leadership in a Time of Change.” On Nov. 13, the diocese will host “Mystical Body, Mystical Voice,” a day-long workshop developed and offered by The Liturgical Institute from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. More information will be provided on these workshops soon.
The celebration of the Eucharist is our central act of worship as Catholics. It is what makes us who we are. The Mass has evolved and developed throughout the centuries and it will continue to do so.
The church has a great system in place to help maintain the dignity of the sacrament so our universal church will reflect its unity throughout the world.
As a diocesan church we will journey through this transition as a Catholic family. When the implementation date is set, all of our parishes will begin using the new translation together. In this way we will continue the centuries old Roman Catholic tradition of being connected to the larger worldwide church through our movements and actions in the celebration of the Eucharist.
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