First Sunday of Advent 2011 - The New Roman Missal

Well, the word has come down that the use of the New Roman Missal translation will begin on that date. Whether you like it or not, we will soon have to begin to catechize our people. At least by the first of the year, 2011...

New Sacramentaries, new music, new prayerbooks, etc., etc.... A huge undertaking... And added expense for our smaller parishes...

Here's the link to the longer version of the story. Check the USCCB website.

Any comments?

Sullivan Conference - New Roman Missal Translation

I participated in that conference and found it very helpful in understanding the whats, whys and wherefores of the new translation of the Roman Missal.

In spite of the fact that I am lukewarm in regards to the need for a new translation, I know it is coming. My thing is that I hope the people in the parishes get well catechized in regard to the changes so that confusion can be kept at a minimum. I think what happened during the changeover to the vernacular and more people participation after Vatican II, many many people did not understand why things were being changed. Thus it took a long time before people became comfortable with the new Liturgy, etc. and some simply dropped out... And that, of course, gave rise to the breakaway Latin Mass communities.

I'm looking forward to helping with the transition - I don't want the same confusion again in spite of my own personal desires for things to remain pretty much the same...

What say you folks? Did any of you attend the conference? If so, what did you think?

Sullivan Conference 2010 “Source and Summit: The Mass as Catechesis”

Don't miss this conference scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18-19, 2010 at two locations in the Diocese of Richmond. The locations are

Church of the Redeemer, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Salem, Virginia

Here is the theme of the conference taken from the brochure:

"Source and Summit: The Mass as Catechesis. To assist us in our appreciation for and engagement with the liturgy, Rev. Paul Turner will gather with us to reflect on the critical link between liturgy, catechesis, and life. His four keynote presentations will help to prepare us for the coming revisions to the Roman Missal. Breakout sessions led by presenters from around the diocese will further equip pastoral ministers to lead others to deepen their understanding and experience of the liturgy."

Here are the brochures from the East location: Mechanicsville

And the brochure for the West Location: Salem

And here is where to register online: Registration

There are scholarships available.