Friday 18 February 2011

The New Translation of the Missal . . .


We at St Ann's are beginning to get quite excited about using the new translation of the Missal.

As we know, the new translation will be used in all parishes in England and Wales from September of this year.

Here at St Ann's we are beginning to look at some of the texts already, concentrating on the people's responses at the moment so that it won't be a big shock to us when we begin using the new translation.

Most of the changes are quite minor but it's surprising what a wealth of meaning can be added to the familiar texts by just a few changes and how much it will enhance our liturgy.

Today, I was looking at an interesting article on the new CTS blog 'Catholic Compass'. (This is definitely a site worth adding to your bookmarks). The item I refer to is a description of the proposed cover for the new Missal and an explanation of the reasons why this particular design has been chosen.

"The cross which is the centrepiece of the design has been designed to communicate the continuity but also the differences with the 1970 translation of the Mass. The cross is the same shape as that used on the previous Liturgical Books but is more complex, laden with symbolism and hopefully more beautiful, encapsulating some of the aims of the new text. The cross also aims to represents something of the ancient character of the texts contained and the liturgy celebrated using the Missal."

You can read about it here.

It certainly is a beautiful Missal and will look very fitting on our altar. I think you could say that we are now eagerly awaiting it's arrival.

Looking at the main CTS website it appears that the new Missal will become available in progressive stages.

Firstly, in June of this year, the Order of Mass will be available in several forms including pew cards so that we can all become familiar with the revised texts.

Then the Altar Missal will be available in two stages. The initial version will contain the texts necessary for the priest to celebrate Mass from September to Advent 2011.

Finally, from Advent 2011 the rest of the texts will be in use and available to all, including people's Missals.

I hope many of you will be including a new Missal on your Christmas list this year!

7 comments:

40 Days for Life London said...

40 Days for Life is back for 2011. 9th March-17th Aril. We also have a website, blog, twitter, and facebook. We hope you can join join, and perhaps bring a group from the parish?

We'd like it if you could add us to your blogroll, and even write a short post to help promote the campaign.

Many thanks, 40DFL Team.


http://www.40daysforlife.co/london/

Anonymous said...

Love the new Cross design for the new MIssal,has a Regal feel to it and a tinge of Celtic beauty!Looking forward to the new texts,onward Christian soldiers!

Cindy said...

I'll certainly be adding a new Missal to my Christmas list - if I can resist the temptation to order one as soon as they become available.

Anonymous said...

It is interesting to see how the parish priest is unintelligent to ignore the other other side of the debate and praising too much the element which will widen further the gap between the sacred liturgy the the people's active participation.May be he is acting!
Team of young adults

Anonymous said...

Sadly many do not know that what the RC church in England is doing, is no more than making a proper translation of something already having been in existence some 40 yrs ago. It would be better to pray for enlightenment and trust more in God's Providence,than finding fault!

St Ann's Parish said...

Thank you, Anonymous 2. Actually the new translation of the Missal is for the entire Church not just England and Wales.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the note ref the missal Fr Miceal!

(Anonymous 2)