Liturgical Change

On November 29, 1964, at the beginning of Advent, the first of a series of changes in the Mass was implemented. Instead of having his back to the people, the priest faced the people. And Mass was not just being "said," it was "celebrated" – and not all in Latin, but with most parts in the language of the people. This was the first step toward the "full, conscious and active participation" by the people in the Church's liturgical life.

Additional changes came about in the following decade. Scripture readings from both the Old and New Testaments were added, along with a plan: a three-year cycle of Sunday readings and a two-year cycle of weekday readings. The sign of peace was placed between the Our Father and the Lamb of God.

The obligation to fast before receiving Communion was reduced to one hour, and those receiving Eucharist stood instead of kneeling at a Communion rail, and were given the option to receive the host by hand. The 1969 General Instruction on the Roman Missal permitted Communion under both species: bread and wine.

The music changed, too. In keeping with the times, the "folk Mass" sprang up, primarily with guitar-driven choirs. Other local, ethnic elements were incorporated into liturgical celebrations as well.

With these changes came more roles for lay people. Besides singing in the choir, the laity could be lectors, a role previously reserved for seminarians, as well as help distribute Holy Communion. Ushers, who had passed around the offertory baskets and directed people for Communion for generations, were now expected to be ministers of hospitality, welcoming all to Mass.

Since then, only minor changes have been made in the way we celebrate Mass.

With this new year, however, more changes are anticipated. The Vatican has approved a new English translation for the Roman Missal, meaning that Catholics will be using the new version beginning in Advent 2011. These changes include some of the common responses: for example, when the priest says "The Lord be with you," the faithful will respond "And with your spirit" rather than "And also with you."

There will be opportunities throughout the year for you to learn about the new translation. It may seem difficult at first, but as we study and adapt to these changes, it is important to remember that while our beliefs are unchanging, the way we express those beliefs can and will change over time. The words we say will be slightly different, but the Eucharist will continue to be the source and summit of our Christian life.