The New Roman Missal
New Words: A Deeper Meaning, but the Same Mass
English-speaking Catholics are about to take the next step in the liturgical reform inaugurated by the Second Vatican Council. The New Roman Missal, Third Edition, will begin to be used less than a year from now, in Advent of 2011. Among other things, this most recent revision of our Liturgy features new translations of many of the familiar prayers we hear and say during mass.
The Third Edition of the Missal includes translations that are more true to the original texts, but also 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 rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has prepared an online resource to help ease the transition. Likewise, we at St. Charles have prepared this page to help you self-study and ready yourself for the change.
Understanding the New Roman Missal, Understanding Our Liturgy
This past winter of 2011, David Tedesche, St. Charles Seminarian-in-Residence, conducted an eight-week class entitled Understanding the New Roman Missal — Understanding Our Liturgy. Throughout the course of this class, we looked at our Roman Rite Liturgy in the original Latin alongside both our current English translation and the up-and-coming revised English translation. We compared and contrasted the current with the new translation and discussed the different translation philosophies behind each. More importantly, all of this discussion was an opportunity for us to learn about and deepen our own appreciation of our Roman Rite Liturgy and our Catholic Eucharistic faith and spirituality.
Here is the main text we used throughout the class: The Order of Mass
Here are recordings of each class and the handouts that were used. Study at your own pace, pass this material around, and spread the word: