Westminster prepares for new Mass translation

image © 2003 Angela Albertazzi

The Diocese of Westminster is introducing a new initiative this month - 'Praying the Mass', to help prepares parishes to use the new Mass translation.

Fr Allen Morris, Chair of the Diocese of Westminster's Liturgy Commission, who is co-ordinating Praying the Mass explained that the programme has an introduction by Archbishop Vincent Nichols. He said: "Praying the Mass will provide parishes and schools with resources to renew our understanding and love of the Mass, and it will help us take the steps necessary to prepare for the new translation of the Mass which we will begin using later this year."

"The first stage of Praying the Mass focuses on our understanding of the Mass and how we pray it. This first stage begins in February 2011 and continues until July 2011."

"The second stage of Praying the Mass will begin to introduce the new translations and musical settings of the Missal texts. This stage will begin in June 2011."

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster said: "Before we begin to familiarise ourselves with the new translation of the Roman Missal, it is important that we take the opportunity to remind ourselves of what we do and what we are part of when we celebrate the Mass."

"In the Diocese of Westminster, the process of catechesis and formation is being coordinated under the title: Praying the Mass. It will continue until at least the summer of 2012, offering support and encouragement as we prepare for the new Missal, and begin to use it."

"The first part of the process runs from February to June 2011 and each month offers a chance to re-consider the nature, meaning and function of the different parts of the Mass. There is an opportunity to look again at how the parish celebrates, as well as for reflection - as individuals or in groups - on the theology of the Mass."

"Pope Benedict XVI emphasised the importance of this in his final words with the Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland when he met with us at Oscott College at the end of his State Visit."

"I encourage you now to seize the opportunity that the new translation offers for in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist and renewed devotion in the manner of its celebration. 'The more lively the eucharistic faith of the people of God, the deeper is its sharing in ecclesial life in steadfast commitment to the mission entrusted by Christ to his disciples'" (Sacramentum Caritatis, 6).

The bishops of England and Wales have decided that from September 2011 the Order of Mass in the new translation will be used in parishes in England and Wales. The Order of Mass contains those texts of both priest and people which are constant at each celebration of Mass. For three months from September 2011 until December 2011 there will be catchesis in parishes both on the new translation and on the Mass itself. This will precede the publication of the new Missal which at the earliest is expected by Advent 2011.

An introductory video can be seen at http://vimeo.com/19384083 and more information and a range of resources can be found at http://tinyurl.com/5srhwzh

Source: Archbishops House