New Words: A deeper Meaning, but the Same Mass.

Much has been in the news of late regarding changes that are coming in the Mass.  Some speculations were that it would return to the Tridentine Mass, others that it would return to Latin, others just speculated on the changes, but without any real view of what that change would be.   With the final revisions to the Roman Missal having been completed and having recevied approval from Rome, the speculations are over.

On August 20th, it was announced that Cardinal George, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, received the final English text of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal.  The implementation of this translation in the United States will take place, not this coming Advent, but next, on November 27, 2011.  During the course of the year, until its implementation, workshops will be held for the clergy, and through them the laity of the diocese, on the implementation of the Roman Missal. 

But like any good mystery, a sneak peek or a glimpse into what lies ahead is always satisfying.  As of Friday, August 20th, the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) has posted on their website that glimpse.  You can explore them at www.usccb.org/romanmissal.  As you review the website, under "Sample Texts", you will be able to see the revisions in the Order of the Mass, the spoken parts of the priest as well as the laity.

The speculation is over.  The translation is complete.  Now we begin our preparation to celebrate "new words:  a deeper meaning, but the same Mass."