Understanding the Revised Mass Texts by Paul Turner is exactly the book I needed as I am not one to like changes. This small booklet (only 47 pages) starts with five pages of explanation as to why the Mass texts have changed and then goes through all the parts of Mass explaining what will be changing and why.
There is lots of information packed into those opening five pages. I learned that the new Mass texts will be more formal which is probably a good thing since Mass in many parishes has become too familiar - sometimes reverence for our Lord is forgotten. The new texts will be more faithful to the Latin from which they were translated and there will be both large and small changes to the words we pray during Mass. In addition to answering the whys, there is an explanation about who did the translations and how the book will assist the reader including reminding us that these changes will not take place for another nine months - on Sunday 27 November, the First Sunday of Advent. Although in reality, I'm guessing the changes will occur at Vigil Masses on Saturday 26 November.
I will be the first to say that I am not happy about these changes - having been born in 1964 I have known Mass as it is my entire life; I have no recollection whatsoever of Latin Mass - but at least I now know the reasons for the changes. There are some changes I totally understand such as our response to "The Lord be with you." being "and with your spirit." - it's a direct translation of the Latin text. And then there is the one I will have the hardest time changing - I am always humbled by the response "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed." I do not care for the new text and feel like it's talking about Jesus entering my physical home in Madison and not my soul. It will take me years to change my prayer just as I still sing many hymns without the newer gender neutral lyrics.
I would recommend this book for all Catholics so they are aware of the impending changes and not surprised when they attend Mass on the First Sunday of Advent.
You can purchase this book here.
I wrote this review of Understanding the Revised Mass Texts for the Tiber River Blogger Review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods, your source for Baptism Gifts and First Communion Gifts. For more information and to purchase, please visit Aquinas and More Catholic Goods.
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6 comments:
We are fortunate that our parish has purchased pamphlets explaining the changes. Our priest explains the changes during his homily while we follow along in the pamphlet. I think the hardest change for me will be the Nicene Creed, so many changes to a long prayer most of us can say in our sleep!
Oh, I hope people don't show up for Mass and find a new translation w/o any catechesis! I'm pretty sure that parishes, dioceses and bishops are well aware that things were abrupt and unexplained after V2, and are preparing to catechize. Otherwise, it will be bad news, no doubt.
I'm holding judgment; being involved in liturgy, I've known about this for a long time, and I'm a little uncomfortable with the stiffness and awkwardness of some of the texts I've read. But I'm willing to go with the flow, knowing that things that seem awkward often become not so as they grow familiar.
Born in 1957 I was raised on the Latin Mass...much of the revised Mass is familiar and welcome. Funny you mention "under my roof;" that's one of things I'm happiest to see come back in part because of its closeness to the Bible story, per this post I made a while back:
http://platytera.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-remember-it-well.html
No obligation.
Lorri, so far I've not seen any pamphlets at our parish.
Kathleen, I agree that there needs to be catechesis from the pulpit BEFORE Advent arrives.
K - thanks for the url back to your posting. I found it very interesting
Thank you for the review of this book. I did not know something like this book existed.
I am a new follower from Catholic Mothers Online. Please stop by and return the favor.
Another 1957 here- I remember the Latin Mass very well and can still follow it when I attend.
Thank you for reviewing this book. I need to buy a copy.
Janette
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