Diocese Prepares for Nov. 27 Implementation of New Roman Missal Changes

GREEN BAY, Wis. (Nov. 22, 2011) -- The First Sunday of Advent, November 27, marks the beginning of the new Church year for Catholics worldwide. This year, the Diocese of Green Bay joins all other dioceses in the United States to begin implementation of the new English-language translation of the Roman Missal, third edition, which is the ritual text containing prayers and instructions for the celebration of the Mass.

According to Sister Ann Rehrauer, diocesan director of evangelization, living justice, and worship, when the first translation was implemented around 1970, it was the first time in 1,600 years that the Church translated Mass prayers from Latin into the "vernacular," or language of the people. "The translators knew we would pray the texts for a while," says Sr. Ann, "and then revise them based on experience. The new Missal differs in style, but not in meaning. The language is a more precise rendering of the Latin original, but the Mass structure will not change. We will gather as a community, offer Christ's sacrifice to the Father, and receive Christ's body and blood in Holy Communion. And, at the end of the Mass, we will be sent forth to help build God's kingdom of justice and love."

Year-long preparation

Introduction of the new Roman Missal is the culmination of a year-long preparation process for priests, deacons, religious, lay ministers and parishioners. The changes are minimal for Mass participants and are accompanied by a great interest in the Missal and the Mass, says Sr. Ann. "The diocese has used this curiosity as an opportunity to teach about the importance of the Mass as well as the actual changes. We hope this preparation will help Catholics to pray well with the new texts and music and lead them to a deeper appreciation of the gift of the Eucharist."

Comprehensive preparation for the new edition began in August 2010 with regional workshops. Additional catechetical resources included sessions in local parishes, regular updates to pastors, online help and recommendations for parish catechists and Catholic school teachers.

The diocesan newspaper, The Compass, featured a bi-monthly column throughout the year (click here). The series is also posted on the Diocesan Web site as downloadable PDFs (click here). In addition to newspaper subscribers, approximately 30,000 others in schools and parishes received a special supplement on the changes.

Pastors enthusiastic

Local pastors are optimistic about this weekend's debut:

"I suggested to my parishioners that we need to keep in mind first and foremost that the Mass is 'communal prayer' and with patience and practice, we will slowly become familiar with the new wording," said Father Paul Demuth, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Green Bay.

"Parents tell me that their children are coming home all excited about the changes in the Mass," said the Very Rev. Daniel Felton, vicar general and pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc. "I know that youth and young adults feel the same. It's like we are all sharing this moment together in the history of our Church."

Multi-faceted outreach

• priests and parish leaders, including parish liturgists, parish musicians and choirs, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Parish Council Congress, Diaconate Congress, and pastoral associates
• educators, including catechetical and youth ministry leaders and school administrators, principals and teachers
• parishes and the general public

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Who we are

The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay works to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ by helping people in need and by providing academic, leadership and spiritual formation opportunities to parish and school leaders. Established in 1868, the Diocese is composed of 345,000 Catholics in 16 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Forest, Kewaunee, Langlade, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago.

Contact

Deacon Ray DuBois
Director of Communications
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Amber Backus 
Communications Coordinator
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