Preparing for the New Translation of the Roman Missal
The Roman Missal is the book containing the prescribed prayers, chants and instructions for the celebration of Mass in the Roman Catholic Church. Published first in Latin under the title Missale Romanum, the text is then translated and, once approved by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, is published in modern languages for use in local churches throughout the world.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II introduced a new edition of the Missale Romanum for use in the Church. Soon after, the complex work of translating the text into English began. As the Church in the United States and throughout the English-speaking world prepares to introduce the new edition of the Missal, so does the Church in other countries as the Missale Romanum is translated into other languages. The Roman Missal, Third Edition, will be implemented in the United States on the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, 2011. Today, parishes are in the planning process for this implementation. Parish leadership and various sectors of the parish community are being catechized to receive the new translation. Musicians and parishioners alike are learning the various new and revised musical settings of the Order of Mass. The ritual editions will start arriving in parishes around October 1.
Among other things, the revised edition of the Missale Romanum contains prayers for the observances of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Votive Masses and Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions, and some updated and revised instructions for the celebration of the Mass. The English translation of the Roman Missal will also include updated translations of existing prayers, including some of the well-known responses and acclamations of the people.
There is variation in the way that dioceses are implementing the orientation and training for the new translation. Jesuits have been asked to familiarize themselves with the workshops and training offered in their dioceses and to participate in them. While only some Jesuits minister in parishes, many do supply work in parishes or liturgies for retreats and workshops. Continuing to provide the service to the Church that is expected requires that Jesuits are able to minister appropriately in these settings. They must first find their own way to appropriate these changes in order to deepen, nurture and celebrate faith through the renewal of worship and the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy. This website will provide some important resources to help Jesuits during this implementation.