Tag Archives: liturgy

January 3, 2012 · 8:50 pm

new roman missal – one month later

It`s over a month since the new translation of the Roman Missal was introduced into all English-speaking dioceses around the world. Has it made any difference in our liturgical worship? Has it, as promised, sent our prayers mystically soaring on Latin-gilded wings? Have our devotions become more meaningful thanks to the theological richness of phrases from bygone days? These are still the early days, but here are some thoughts from my wee corner of the world…

First of all, I appreciated the low-key approach of my parish to the Missal. There was no hoopla, or long lectures rationalizing the translation. We just did it; with expected stumbles along the way. But then came Christmas, when pews are overflowing with visitors.

The new translation added to the unease felt by some of our sisters and brothers who join us for special feast days and celebrations of life`s passages.  Eager responses to familiar prayers were cut short as mistakes were realized. Folks fumbled through pamphlets. Some gave up and followed the prayers in silence. One young person summed it up this way, “I`m an intelligent person. Coming to Mass made me feel stupid. I don`t know what I`m supposed to say anymore!” This saddened me. We`re supposed to promote a spirit of welcome and hospitality within our worshipping community. Will this new language deepen separations and build walls between those who are “in” and those who are “out”?

And, it’s not only the occasional church goers that are feeling stupid. I attend Mass regularly and I`m still responding with a warm and friendly “And also with you”! The feeling of stupidity is quickly followed by either an embarrassed giggle, or anger and frustration. And then I have to struggle to regain a prayerful mind-set. So much for deepening my sense of devotion!

I use the Canadian Living with Christ missalette for praying the daily scripture readings. The difference in wording of the Collect,(previously known as the Opening Prayer), reflects the style of language in the new translation.  On the page, it stands in sharp contrast to the clean simplicity of our NRSV Lectionary. Here is a sentence from today’s Collect,

O God, who in the blessed child-bearing of the holy Virgin Mary kept the flesh of your Son free from the sentence incurred by the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have been taken up into this new creation, may be freed from the ancient taint of sin.

Difficult words to read. Even more difficult to speak out loud in a smooth and flowing manner.

I’m trying my hardest to give this Missal a chance. Will I ever get used to hearing “chalice” rather than “cup”? Will I remember to invite Jesus “under my roof”? Can I eventually embrace the renewed focus on our abject sinfulness with the requisite beating of the breast? Time will tell.

Meanwhile, I’d love to hear of your experiences with the New Roman Missal one month later…

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December 9, 2011 · 10:06 am

rejoice, it`s gaudate sunday!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near. (Philippians 4:4-5) Entrance Antiphon for the Third Sunday of Advent.

Catholics love their liturgical symbols and colors. Green for ordinary time. White for solemnities like Christmas and Easter. Red to signify both the blood of martyrs and the Holy Spirit. Purple for the penitential time of Lent; with a subtle change in tone to violet for Advent. And, tucked in the back of many parish vestment closets is a joy-filled rose number. Okay, it’s pink!

The liturgical pink makes an appearance but twice a year, on Gaudate and Laetare Sundays; the Third Sunday in Advent and the Fourth Sunday in Lent. They both signify a time to focus on joy in the midst of penance and waiting. (Gaudate means rejoice.)

Many parishes no longer have rose-coloured vestments. Liturgical garments aren’t cheap, and you don’t get much mileage out of these. Some priests don’t feel comfortable wearing them, even if they are available. A dear friend of ours loved celebrating mass at our local Benedictine monastery. But, he dreaded being there for Gaudate Sunday, knowing the Sisters would insist he wore the rose! (I’m still not sure if the insistence came from liturgical correctness or from a desire to tease their beloved friend.)

All kidding aside, it is always good to take time to intentionally focus on joy. As we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, we will be reminded that the coming of the Lord is near. We look with joy to celebrating the birth of Jesus, and to his second coming. The readings are filled with calls to rejoice, exult and be glad.

The anticipation of young ones at this time of year fills homes with excitement. Even not so young ones look forward to family and friends gathering during this holy season. Some of our children are in the midst of exams, and are yearning for that precious moment when the pen is put down and the last exam is completed. Celebrating Christmas with the first grand-baby and niece has increased the joy and anticipation for us all this year.

As the shopping days count-down, the burden of preparations rears its ugly head. And with it, the threat of the annual, panic-induced melt-down. (I’ve never been one of those organized souls who has everything bought and wrapped weeks before the holiday. We’re starting our shopping this weekend!)

My mantra this weekend will be joy, joy, joy!!! And not with teeth-clenched, sarcastic over-tones, but hopefully with a heart-filled with gratitude for the message of this season. Our God became one of us, with a promise that peace and justice will eventually reign over all.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed the Lord is near.

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November 30, 2011 · 9:40 am

inclusive language in the lectionary

Today`s gospel reading is the story of Jesus inviting Peter and Andrew to be `fishers of men`. I use our Canadian Living With Christ  missalette for the daily readings. Our Canadian lectionary uses the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. But I misplaced November`s issue and have been reading the online versions from the USA. Today`s gospel reading reminded me of the differences in language between the Bibles that are used for our lectionaries. On January 24th, I posted a reflection on fishers of men, or people?  on the issue of inclusive language in our liturgy.

The NRSV translation had to go  through some revisions before getting official recognition from the Vatican. The process is explained on the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) web-site. 

“The Lectionary is the result of important cooperation between members of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and officials of the Holy See. While most of the Lectionary text has not been altered, changes have been made so that the Word proclaimed in our churches will be clearer or more accurate. “

A Back-grounder on the Canadian Lectionary  (link is available on the same page) states

The Commission also wanted to be faithful to the wish of the Second Vatican Council that it would be preferable to have a version of Sacred Scripture which all Christians could use in common. To do this would be in keeping with the opening paragraph of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy which saw as one of the principal goals of liturgical renewal “to nurture whatever can contribute to the unity of all who believe in Christ” (Vatican Council II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 1).
With these criteria in mind (suitability for public proclamation, fidelity to the original Scriptural text, possibility of ecumenical use), the Commission recommended the adoption of the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible as the basis of the Canadian Lectionary. (emphases mine)

The principle used for inclusive language was

When the original language was clearly intended to include both males and females, the translation was to be inclusive; when the original language was clearly meant to be gender specific, this was to be respected in the translation.

Cooperation and collaboration between our Bishops conference and the officials at the Vatican. A desire for opening doors for ecumenical unity. A respectful use of inclusive language while remaining faithful to the integrity of scriptural scholarship. And an acknowledgement that the language used must be suitable for public proclamation.

We did the Lectionary right.

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November 27, 2011 · 4:31 pm

the missal came…and no explosion

Three cheers to our pastor and choir. The new Roman Missal was introduced into our parish today with no fanfare. We were not burdened with lengthy explanations and rationalizations. A new mass setting was waiting for us in the pew, along with a card  of prayer responses. We stumbled over the first couple of `and with your spirits`, but by the end of mass everyone responded with one voice. The Eucharistic prayers were read carefully and slowly. I cringed at the dense wording and lengthy sentences, but others either weren`t perturbed or didn`t notice. Hubby said that he rather appreciated hearing things in a new way.

I appreciated the lack of fanfare. There was no nagging or correcting. The new translation was not praised as a great gift from on high. It was something that we had to do, and we got down and did it – graciously and simply.

So, is this it? We’ll see. It wasn’t an all out bomb. (At least not in my parish experience.) But I don’t think it’s a complete dud, either. For now, I’m happy that the new translation did not trump the liturgical beauty of this Advent season.

I would love to hear what your experiences were. What was it like in your parish today? How was the new missal introduced? How was it received?  

 

 

 

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November 25, 2011 · 10:18 am

a nod from the new missal

I always get into a depressive funk in the days prior to a turn of a decade birthday. I dread waking up in the morning knowing that I will be thirty…then forty…then fifty. But, when the day finally arrives, the sun is still in the sky and the world is still spinning around it. I survive another milestone birthday, and feel no worse for the experience. It wasn’t so bad after all!

I’m hoping the same will happen this Sunday. Perhaps all my worries and fears about the new missal will dissipate into nothingness. Perhaps it will be a non-event, barely noticed by those in the pews. Perhaps…

Our diocese has spent the last several years undergoing a so-called liturgical renewal. The purpose, we were told, was to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the liturgy. All we experienced was an obsessive focus on new rules and regulations; from sitting and standing to the liturgically correct way to pass a collection basket.

And, it was announced that we had to make a profound bow before receiving communion. A profound bow is a graceful and meaningful gesture when done simply and naturally, as in many Asian cultures. But it doesn’t come naturally to most North Americans. It`s also a physical challenge for the increasing number of elders in our pews. Numerous bulletin inserts and announcements from the pulpit reminded us of the need to bow, and the right and proper way to do so. (We were slow learners!) As communion lines inched along, we were told to bow while the person in front of us was receiving to speed things along. Now we found ourselves bowing to someone`s back-side!

After all the fuss made over the bow the new missal now decrees that a simple nod of the head as a gesture of respect should be performed before receiving communion. Really???

So, yes! I have underlying issues that have been ignited even more with the new missal. We have already experienced annoyance, upheaval, and anger from having liturgical `renewal` imposed on us. We could have brushed it off as much ado about nothing. But it was an annoying and distracting energy waster. With all the issues facing our church, this is what we`re focusing on? There was anger and frustration at the top-down imposition and lack of consultation with these new regulations. And, it was insulting to be treated as children, with patronizing appeals to unity and obedience.

I was chatting with a friend, a religious sister, about the upcoming changes. Her passion is working with the poor. She tries not to worry about pastors and liturgical politics. She goes to mass for the food. She needs the nourishment of the Eucharist, to be fed and energized for the work she is called to do. She is able to brush aside all the silliness.

I have pondered her words, wondering if I can dig deep within and embrace this attitude myself. But, I`m still struggling.

Making do with a faulty translation..  from the National Catholic Reporter  suggests that we,

Keep these texts, study them. But do not use them to nurse a grudge. If we become bitter and arrested in anger, then we will be losers. 

Ironically, these lines come at the end of an editorial that gives a synopsis of all that is wrong with the new missal. It is hard to put all of that aside and embrace this translation with an open mind and heart.

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October 10, 2011 · 7:33 pm

count-down to the missal launch

The first Sunday of Advent fast approaches, and so does the introduction of the New Roman Missal in English-speaking parishes around the world. Our diocesan public relations machine is in full gear. Workshops are being hastily prepared. Bulletin inserts are being distributed. During a time of limited resources, a lot of those resources are being expended to catechize, convince, and possible prevent a revolt from the pews.

It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds. For some, the changes will come as a surprise on November 28. How will these folks react? Those who follow the news from the Vatican know the bumpy history of this latest revised Roman Missal. Many have followed its journey with amazement. How can such sweeping changes be imposed from the top-down with little or no room for dialogue? Where is the spirit of subsidiarity that allows national and regional episcopal conferences to adapt the liturgy to the diversity of local cultures and languages? Why, oh why, is all this energy and effort being wasted on obsessive words and gestures when the people of God have so many pressing needs?

Bishops, priests, and liturgists are patiently (and patronizingly?) telling us to make an effort to understand the reasoning behind the changes. Well, I have read the reasoning and understand the reasoning. And I still do not agree with it. Changing words to reflect a more literal translation from the Latin does not guarantee a `deeper meaning and splendour` in our prayer. Obsessing about when to kneel and when to stand does not guarantee that we will be one. The New Roman Missal is forcing parishes to focus, yet again, on what we are doing within the four walls of our church and not on what we are doing out in the world. Sigh…

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September 8, 2011 · 8:55 am

missal strategy

A headline on The Tablet home page caught my eye, Time to say `yes` by Michael G. Ryan. Two years ago, he published an article in the Jesuit weekly America called “What if we said ‘Wait’”. He begged the Bishops to allow for more time to dialogue and test the revised Missal before it was released. This prompted a world-wide online petition signed by 22,000 (including me).

So, has Fr. Ryan had a conversion experience? Is he now supporting the revised Missal, and encouraging us all to embrace it with faithful and trusting obedience? Not quite!

In conversations with fellow priests, he has learned that many will be taking liberties with the Missal to avoid any of the language that sounds stilted, is non- inclusive, or awkward. Basically, they will try to avoid disturbing the parishioners’ sensitivities by making their own, personal edits. But Fr. Ryan has a different strategy in mind. He is encouraging all priests to stick to the new translation verbatim. If it sounds strange, so be it. If it comes across as too dated and awkward, so be it. He writes,

No, I will make no changes because I am convinced that, after all the years of wrangling and behind-the-scenes manoeuvring (including the shelving of the elegant and accessible 1998 Icel translation), the only way the new Missal will have its full impact is if the People of God can judge it for themselves without edits of any kind. 

 This is another way of saying that the new Missal should be allowed to stand on its own and be judged for what it is, not for what we priests decide to make of it. I am of the opinion that the Missal will in time – I’m guessing not a long time – be judged deficient, but an informed judgement will never be made if we priests, even for the best of motives, give our people not the new Missal but our version of it. So we should do whatever is necessary to prepare our people for the new Missal but not take on the responsibility for making it work by doctoring or diluting it. 

In other words, let’s avoid the temptation to put clothes on the emperor. While some pastors and liturgists are busy regaling the beauty of the new translation, a wee voice from the pews will honestly and bluntly point out the deficiencies. And other voices are bound to join in. An interesting strategy!

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August 31, 2011 · 11:14 am

revised english missal

Here is an article the I wrote for the Prairie Messenger. It`s a reflection on the revised English Missal, scheduled for use this Advent.

Church emphasis should be on unity not uniformity.

I`d love to hear your reactions to the changes. What are the feelings in your part of the world? Do folks even know of it, or is it going to come as a surprise? How is your diocese and parish preparing for it?

Related Site

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops – Roman Missal Updates

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July 20, 2011 · 6:00 am

Set-decorator Catholicism: The common traits of set-decorators | National Catholic Reporter

The first common characteristic of set-decorators is their affinity for surfaces. Professing commitment to the depths of the faith, they are obsessed with rustling cassocks, billowing capes, sounding bells and bows, the stuff, in short, with which they can redecorate the set of hierarchical Catholicism. If they build it, these clerics believe, the people will come.

via Set-decorator Catholicism: The common traits of set-decorators | National Catholic Reporter.

Have you ever read a piece of writing that had your head-a-bobbing in agreement? Have you ever been drawn into a metaphor so strongly that you are torn between lingering on each image and speed-reading to see what happens next? The above article is part two of a lengthy essay written by Eugene Cullen Kennedy. I read the first part  while on holidays and was itching to share it on this blog.

Kennedy uses the term `set-decorators`for those clerics who embrace the pre-Vatican II liturgical style of ritual, pomp and finery. The focus on fine fabrics and lace is only one aspect of this clerical culture. It also promotes an old-school style of authoritarianism that views the laity as disobedient children, and a style of leadership that allows no questioning or dialogue. The young seminarians who embrace this style of priesthood have one eye always open on future promotions in the Church. And there is more…

As always, the discussion board is a mixed bag of reactions. Readers love it or hate it. What do you think?

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June 27, 2011 · 10:19 am

corpus christi

image via Microsoft

Yesterday was Corpus Christi, or the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is central to our Catholic identity. It is the `source and summit` of our faith life and liturgical worship. Sadly, the theology surrounding this sacrament separates us from other Christian denominations. Ironically, it also divides us within our own Church.

When we receive Holy Communion under the appearance of bread and wine, we believe that it is really and truly the body and blood of Jesus and not just a sign or symbol of remembrance. We use dense words such as transubstantiation to try and explain the unexplainable. As with most mysteries, there are many layers and meanings beyond this core belief. Our theological or ideological leanings often determine which aspect is highlighted in our worship style. At the risk of over-simplifying or generalizing, traditionalists focus more on the real presence of Jesus in the consecrated bread and wine. Liberals or progressives focus more on the communal banquet table that feeds and unites us.

A focus on the real presence tends to place great importance on devotional practises and liturgical rites such as Eucharistic Adoration, Benedictions, and Corpus Christi processions. Individual piety and acts of devotion center on the Tabernacle and the consecrated host itself. It can be more exclusive, with high standards of who can and who cannot receive.

A focus on the communal aspect of Eucharist focuses on gathering in fellowship around the table of the Lord. The worship style is less formal and more communal, less focused on the person of the priest and more focused on the community. It tends towards inclusivity, with a desire to welcome all who come to the table.

A previous pastor used to focus on the real presence. His strong devotion was apparent in both his worship style and homilies. He often wore a Cope, a liturgical cape, changing vestments mid-way in the mass. After Communion, he dramatically kneeled in long prayer in front of the Tabernacle while we watched from the pews. Lengthy rules concerning reception of the Eucharist were repeatedly read in homilies and printed in bulletins. We had to bow – and he kept correcting how we bowed.

He preached that the most important place in the world was inside the four walls of the Church. Missing Mass was a grave sin. One First Communion Sunday, when pews were filled with non-Catholic family and friends unsure of when to sit and stand, he preached about Eucharistic miracles – hosts purportedly turning to real flesh and blood. I squirmed in the pew wondering what our visitors were thinking. What were the young boys and girls thinking? At the heart of his efforts was a deep devotion. But his methods were turning people away rather than drawing them in.

As with many aspects of our faith, the truth can be found in the middle of two extremes. If we truly believe in the sacramental presence of Jesus in the Eucharist then yes, we must receive with respect and devotion, ensuring that certain standards are in place. If we truly believe that it is a sacrament of love and unity, then we must also reflect this in how we welcome our sisters and brothers to the table.

 

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