The Twelve Eucharistic Prayers

We’re now celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mass in English.  50 years ago a provisional English translation was introduced.  In 1973 the United States bishops were granted approval for the translation that most of us became familiar with.  But this was an interim translation, a rough draft if you will.  In 2011 we began using the new Roman Missal which isn’t just for the United States, but for all the English speaking countries of the world; from New Zealand and the Pacific Rim, to Canada and South Africa.  This was a major undertaking, decades in the making.  Priests, liturgists, musicians, and the rest of us are still learning the texts, cadence, and wordings.

There were many changes that most of us are unaware of.  For example, instead of six Eucharistic prayers there are now many more available for the priest to choose from.  Most of these we don’t see; unfortunately, only three are printed in most Missalettes.  

With the number of Eucharistic prayers doubling, let’s look at their differences:  Likely the oldest, The First Eucharistic Prayer, recognized by the litany of saints we hear intoned,  is also known as the “Roman Canon” because it was the only one the Roman rite used for many centuries.  The Second Eucharistic Prayer, the shortest, dates from Hippolytus in the 2nd Century.  It tries to rediscover what Mass was like for the very early Christians.  The Third focuses on the Holy Spirit.  The seldom heard Fourth Eucharistic Prayer is prayed with a theology of salvation history – but is not appropriate for Sundays or Feast Days.

There are two additional Eucharistic prayers for reconciliation that are recommended for the Lenten season and for those times the Priest feels that the theme is important to the community.  These six represent the ones that we’ve had for fifty years.  

The New Roman Missal includes four additional Eucharistic Prayers that  are for various occasions: One for the church on the path to unity; a second for God to guide us on the Way to Salvation; a third about Jesus, who is the Way to the Father; and a fourth based on Jesus who went out doing works of mercy.  

Finally, there are three Eucharistic prayers for Masses with children.  These prayers are simple in form and are meant to be interactive.

Occasionally, some think that Father is making up the Eucharistic prayer, or saying the Mass incorrectly.  The reality is that most of the faithful have never heard all twelve options of the canons.  

Whatever Eucharistic Prayer is offered, we know that Jesus is truly present to us in Holy Communion.  

If Father sometimes seems lost in the Roman Missal, most likely he is.  The book is huge compared to its predecessor and is arranged in a different order.  There are multiple ribbons to help Father mark his place; imagine the panic when some good intentioned person has rearranged them!  

With these changes to the Roman Missal, we should keep in mind that patience is a virtue and we are all getting used to worshipping with new words that bring us closer to our roots.