THE NEW TRANSLATION OF THE MASS

The new translation of the Roman Missal has now been completed and has received the
'recognitio' (approval) of the Holy See.

Before leaving England the Holy Father asked the Bishops of England and Wales to prepare for the introduction of the new translation. The bishops have decided that it will be used in our parishes from September this year.

It is the Holy Father's wish that there should be an in-depth catechesis on the Eucharist and renewed devotion in the manner of its celebration. The catechesis will be undertaken from September until December.

Resources for this catechesis are being prepared, the first of which - an interactive DVD
'Become One Body One Spirit in Christ' - is already available. see link below

Bishop Arthur Roche, Bishop of Leeds and Chairman of the Department for Christian Life and Worship, said: 'The new translation is a great gift to the Church. The Mass is at the heart of what the Church is, it is where we deepen our faith in Christ and are nourished by him so that we can glorify the Lord by our lives. In the new translation we find a text that is more faithful to the Latin text and therefore a text which is richer in its theological content and allusions to the scriptures but also a translation which, I believe, will move people's hearts and minds in prayer.'

Links to resources

Press release from the Bishops' Conference

Resources from the Liturgy Office of England and Wales
(this page includes a link to the Text of the People's Part in the new translation)

Trailer for the DVD 'Become One Body One Spirit in Christ'

To order the DVD 'Become One Body One Spirit in Christ'

Three sessions 'Preparing to Welcome the New Translation' at the CEC
( Article as above but including photographs)

Marie Mann, Adult Advisor for South London at the CEC, writes:

On Thursday, 3rd February 2011, the first of three sessions on the new translation of the Roman Missal took place. We started on the first week by focusing on 'Exploring the Context', and will follow this week by 'Examining the Content' and on the final week by 'Experiencing the Celebration'.

The three sessions have drawn a great crowd causing us to move from the Christian Education Centre to the hall kindly offered by St Anselm's School next door; over 170 people booked in to join the sessions.

We began by asking what people had read and heard about the new translation and how they were viewing the changes in the Missal; the responses varied from great enthusiasm to genuine concern. One enthusiastic person stated that she had come so that she would be well informed, and that she wanted to be the first in her parish to know what was changing and why!

A Personal Reflection

Inspired, Informed & Alive

A personal reflection on the three sessions presented by members of the Team from the Christian Education Centre and members of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission to inform the faithful of the New Translation of the Mass.

First Impression

Why a new translation?
What is the new content of the new translation?
How will we experience the new translation?

At the start of session one of the course we knew we were going to be well informed about the process of the new translation. As week one progressed and led naturally on to week two we were made aware of the challenges that would face all of the faithful.

From the beginning we were nourished by the Word of God. We were given clear information and reminded by Father John that we were coming from a position of worth and value - the historical documentation of Vatican II and the importance of remembering that Christ is the centre of our lives and present amongst us.

The approach to the information was particularly inspiring, for it really sought to engage. Canon Cooley's reflections started in the ordinary "whilst watching a young parishioner at mass a few weeks ago" and led us to be reflective and informed. Marie reminded us of the model of change management and helped us to access and review our levels of anxiety. Some of the group were clearly looking for the 'noble simplicity' of the old text and were not in favour of change, but others were led to believe that the changes grounded on a more literal interpretation of the original Latin translation and would bring a more faithful version of the Latin and greater opportunities to celebrate our faith.

An opportunity for those present to be able to express and be fully involved in the managements of how parishes could begin the process was led by Father Tony Charlton. He gave a clear blueprint of the process of involvement now and not waiting until September. His emphasis was on being 'prepared' and becoming more familiar with the new text so that it allows us, not only to question the old, but to find a natural rhythm in the new. A suitable time to catechise to receive the new translation was stressed and we were fortified and encouraged to seize the opportunity to deepen, nurture and celebrate our faith by a shared sense of renewal in the sacred liturgy.

Finally, in week three we had the opportunity of sharing in a special celebration of the rite of the Mass using the new translation. Paul Moynihan of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission guided us through and reminded us that there are many aspects of the old translation remaining. Ultimate discussion for all to share gave each and everyone present the opportunity to voice their concerns and approvals, but most importantly reminded us that the Eucharist is at the very source, the summit and the centre of our life, nourished, as we are, by the Word and Sacrament.

Tom Gately & Martine Mercer, St Anselm's Parish, Tooting Bec.

 

Evaluation

Sample comments from the Evaluation Questionnaire
on Preparing to Welcome the New Translation

 

Not as bad as I thought. More changes for the priest.

I came to the course in an anti-mood to the changes. But I now feel much better. I do still have concerns about the cost, missing Parish Mass Books etc. But I am pleasantly pleased.

A very good initiative and well timed.

Need to explain to people in the pew.

Do not like many of the changes. In particular the 'for all' to 'for many.' Jesus died for all. Whether all accept him is their choice.

Presentation good. Easy to follow.

I was glad to hear that there will still be a place for a quiet, non-singing Mass. I feel well informed, thanks.

Put all info and developments onto diocesan website for access by all. Do not rely on communication to parish priests, please.

It was excellent to see and meet so many people who are interested in the new translation. The number of attendees was brilliant. A superb opportunity for catechesis and discussion - controversy and discussion!

Thanks and the Lord be with your spirit. God bless.

I felt that the sessions were very well put together and were clear, precise and varied in their content and presentation.

The reasons for the change needed to be more clearly explained.

Sharing the new Mass was a lovely experience. The words may change but it is Jesus who is central and this is what I felt.

It is really down to us in our different parishes to bring about the changes and demonstrate our understanding and enthusiasm for them.

I wonder how it will develop as it is cascaded down to the deaneries/parishes. I hope it won't be like a postcode lottery.

Did these sessions meet your expectations? YES - 88, NO - 3, Not sure - 10.

Article from Sacred Heart Newsletter Edgeways December 2010
By Tony Brook, formerly Head of Classics at Wimbledon College.

The New Translation of the Mass

Two seminars were recently given by Canon Alan Griffiths, a member of the International Commission on English in the Liturgy and Professor of Liturgy at St John's Seminary, Wonersh.

With great expertise and enthusiasm Canon Griffiths addressed a large audience drawn from every parish in the deanery. In early November he outlined the scriptural foundations and evolution of the Mass, and the decision to revise the English text: two weeks later he examined the revised text and the challenge of introducing it into our parishes. This new translation aims to deepen our understanding of the Eucharist.

The Eucharist encompasses past, present and future: as we celebrate it in the "now", we look back to the Old Testament (the manna, the bread and wine offered by Melchizedek) and to Our Lord's command "Do this in memory of me": we also look forward - Our Lord will drink no more wine "until I drink it with you in the kingdom of God", and "this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die." The Eucharist spans the whole of time - the whole of God's plan of salvation.

Why change the translation? We recognise a few imperfections in the version we now use, and the emphasis is now on producing a "sacred vernacular" - heightened language more suited to sacred worship. This language should rest on certain principles - on which I can only suggest you meditate!

These principles were as follows. There is a change from the didactic to the "welcoming", from stating "This is the Word of the Lord" to proclaiming "The Word of the Lord." Liturgical language is Trinitarian, Eschatological, Biblical, Patristic, Formative, Holistic - far from everyday speech. There should be no paraphrasing, no "style manuals", no fashions: we should not "psychologise" the language, but be sensitive to the "music" of the text and the significance of the priest's gestures.

A very few examples -
Five times during Mass ( which is an action of Christ) we say "The Lord be with you. And with your spirit". Prayer rather than greeting, it recognises our identity and vocation: The Lord be with you (because you are his people): And with your spirit (because you, his priest, make this liturgy possible and invoke upon our offering the Holy Spirit which has been given you) - this is Trinitarian language.
"The Word of the Lord" deserves solemn proclamation because The Word was made flesh: in hearing the scripture we are receiving the Lord Jesus (who promised to be with us all days): we also receive him in the Eucharist - this is Holistic language.
"Behold the Lamb of God . . . Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb". These lines from John 1 and Revelation 19 attempt to render the original texts "strongly", as the momentous words deserve. This is not today's idiom which could change tomorrow: the aim is "timeless" expression - this is Biblical language.

So much more could be said! It is always a pleasure to hear speakers who really know their subject. These talks gripped me from first to last, and left me clearer about the thinking behind the changes, more aware of the mystery of the Eucharist, keen to find new insights in the words of the liturgy - and resolved not to agonise over minutiae.

Tony Brook