You’ve probably been hearing rumors about a “New Mass Book” for a few years —and now it’s official: last August, word was sent out that the Roman Missal: Third Edition, the ritual text containing the prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass, had been approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship & the Discipline of the Sacraments.
 
What does this mean for us?
 
First of all, understand that the Mass will still have the same “parts”—the same rhythm and flow that we have come to know over these past decades. And these changes will not affect the scripture readings—and your favorite hymns will remain untouched!
 
The revisions are to the book called the “Sacramentary”—which will soon be referred to as the “Roman Missal”. This book contains the words that the congregation speaks at Mass as well as the prayers that the priest recites alone.
 




When will we see this change?
 
First use of the Roman Missal: Third Edition will be on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011.
 
How will we be prepared for these changes?
 
Watch this webpage for updates and detailed information.
 
 In anticipation of the changes we are going to provide opportunities for our faith community to become more familiar with ALL aspects of our liturgical celebrations.
 
The first such program begins Feb. 5-6. Believe, Celebrate, Live The Eucharist is a multi-faceted program of study and reflection, developed to help parishioners realize the core teachings of the Second Vatican Council. It emphasizes the incredibly important role of the ASSEMBLY, who, by full, conscious and active participation, offers the Mass together with the priest, and when sent forth from the celebration—bears fruit in the world!
 
This program will run for five weeks, until the First Sunday of Lent. The program begins each week with an at-Mass reflection featuring a different aspect of the liturgy.  
 
The information contained in this program is informative, engaging, and is guaranteed to change perceptions and clear up misconceptions about the Mass. We strongly encourage ALL parishioners to make use of these resources and this unique opportunity to grow in love and appreciation of the mysteries of our faith!