Vatican issues final text of the Roman Missal,
Third Edition, for the Dioceses of the United States
New Words: A Deeper Meaning, but the Same Mass
The Roman Missal, Third Edition, the ritual text containing prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass, has been approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. First use of the new text of the new Roman Missal will be on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011.
Pope John Paul II announced a revised version of the Missale Romanum during the Jubilee Year 2000. Among other things, the revised edition of the Missale Romanum contains prayers for the observances of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Votive Masses and Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. The English translation of the Roman Missal will also include updated translations of existing prayers, including some of the well known responses and acclamations of the people.
In a statement The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, said, "It is a great pleasure to have received word that the Official text of the new translation of the Roman Missal was approved. There is much to recommend this text that has been the subject of of so much discussion and hard work by expert translators for many years. Two of the strongest points, in my opinion, are its fidelity to the original text and its awareness of references from Sacred Scripture, which have always permeated Catholic Liturgy. The priests of the Diocese have received a timetable for catechesis on the new Roman Missal at the fall Deanery meetings. They were also invited to a workshop held in Alexandria in October on this topic. The Pastors of the Diocese will be invited to lead their parishioners to a deeper understanding of the Liturgical celebration for which this new translation is a real help."
During the coming year, until the implementation of the new translation, articles and information will be available on this site for the Catholics of the Diocese of Lake Charles and all other people who are interested.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has provided a website to also aid in understanding the changes in the liturgy, both for clergy and laity. The site can be reached by clicking on http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/