New Roman Missal
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About the New Translation:
Beginning in late November, Saint Clement and every Roman Catholic Church in the English-speaking world will begin to use a revised translation of our Mass. This means that some of the words we say in response and song will change.
The words of our Mass are contained in original Latin texts. These texts are translated into the vernacular for the various languages of the worldwide church. Our current translation comes to us from 1973 and there were other translations prior to 1973. Work on this revised translation began well over ten years ago. This revision is not a correction of what are currently doing or what we have done in the past. It is more of an evolution in the way we look at the original Latin text. Translators now have a firmer grasp of the original meaning of the Latin and have used a more literal approach in translating the texts. Keep in mind that this change applies to the Mass texts and not to the scriptures.
No doubt that these new translations will be a challenge for all of us. Change is never easy, and this will touch us at the very words we use during our liturgical celebration. As the Spirit has been alive and active in the church throughout the ages, so too is the Spirit with us today. As we prepare for the new translation, we can use this opportunity to deepen our understanding and spirituality of the liturgy. There will be many opportunities for our parish to delve deeper into our knowledge and practice of liturgy.
Consider taking time over the coming months to learn more about these texts and to deepen your own spirituality. Together as one parish community we will implement the changes with great success.
St. Clement Seminars:
St. Clement will hold three seminars to introduce our parishioners to the various prayers that will change in the Mass when the U.S. implements the new translation of the Roman Missal. Please mark the following dates on your calendar:
- Wednesday, September 7: Learn about the changes in regards to the musical settings. We will have the opportunity to practice these new settings.
- Thursday, October 6: What is the Mass? Why is the language we use so important? Why is this change happening now?
Couldn't make the second session? Find helpful documents online: an outline of the session and a reference page. Also view the entirety of the seminar under our Online Seminars section.
- Thursday, November 3: What is specifically changing for the congregation and the priest? Why are these parts changing? The answer to these questions will help us grow in a deeper understanding of the prayers we say or sing at Mass.
Missed the third session? Much of the reference material was taken from the Roman Missal Companion from Magnificat Press. You can also view the entirety of the session below, in the Online Seminars section.
Seminar #2: What is the Mass? Why is the language we use so important? Why is this change happening now? Presented by Fr. Luis Rodriguez and Deacon Kurt Young.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Seminar #3: What is specifically changing for the congregation and the priest? Why are these parts changing? The answer to these questions will help us grow in a deeper understanding of the prayers we say or sing at Mass. Presented by Fr. Luis Rodriguez.
Part 1
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Part 2
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Beginning the week of August 14th, the St. Clement of Rome Bulletin has included articles on the new translation of the Roman Missal. The 12-part series selects a different point of emphasis each week, seeking to briefly and informatively describe some of the forthcoming changes. You can find digital copies of our bulletins in the Bulletin section of this website and review the articles already published.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offers a wealth of digital resources for the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal. With our own Archbishop Aymond as the Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship, a familiar face and voice is found on a national level. Particularly helpful at a basic level is the USCCB's FAQs on the New Translation.
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Published by Liturgical Training Publications, this slim paperback work collects various pamphlets on the new translation of the Roman Missal to produce a unified work. Written by Paul Turner, a priest of the diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, this booklet provides a brief yet deep explanation of how and why the prayers and responses of the Mass are changing. It will help you understand these new words so that you will be able to participate at Mass when the translation is ready to use. It might be a purchase to consider for your own personal preparation. It comes with a strong recommendation from Deacon Kurt Young.
Coming with an even higher recommendation from Deacon Kurt and a slightly higher price-tag of around $4, Magnificat Press has produced a Roman Missal Companion. Offering detailed informational and theological articles on the new translation, this work also shows side-by-side comparisons of the texts, making clear the sometimes subtle differences found. It would be a very helpful companion in the pews as well as at home.
An archdiocesan commitee of music directors, musicians, and liturgists has selected the "Mass of Renewal" as the common setting for archdiocesan gatherings. It is also the setting St. Clement of Rome's Pastor Fr. Luis Rodriguez and Music Director Louis Hackett have chosen as the initial setting for our parish community to learn. The implementation of the sung parts of the Mass has already begin. To hear more of the music to come, check out the "Mass of Renewal" website dedicated to the work of William Gokelman and David Kauffman. You can even listen to the pieces online.
Liturgical Texts:
- Sacrosanctum Concilium: The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy
- What exactly led to this new translation?
- Changes in the people's parts
- Changes in the priest's parts:
