Revised Language for the Catholic Mass

September 29, 2009

Vatican II marked major changes in how the Mass was celebrated.  Since then, however, additional minor changes have been made.  Most recently, in 2000 Pope John Paul II announced a new version of the Roman Missal, the book that details the language for celebration of the Mass.

Such changes are not adopted instantly.  First they must be translated into the many, many languages across the world.

For those of us in English-speaking countries, there is an organization named ICEL – the International Commission on English in the Liturgy - which takes on the task of the English translation.  Eleven bishops’ conferences are represented on ICEL.  Besides the US, they include Australia, Canada, England & Wales, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, The Philippines, Scotland, and South Africa.

Anyone who has traveled to other countries can begin to guess at the difficulty this entails.  I remember attending an international meeting in Europe and hearing an English translation where they referred to a torch.  This didn’t make sense given the context.  When those of us from the US asked what they meant, we were told, “In your country, you call it a flashlight.”  Such minor differences appear trivial.  But when the language pertains to prayer and how we interact with God at liturgy, the language takes on another deeper level of importance.

Because of the complexities involved, it has taken nine years to work on the English translation for the new Roman Missal.  The US bishops will be voting on the final version this coming November.  If approved, you will soon be seeing the changes on Sundays. 

The US bishops have set up a website to help parishioners become familiar with the changes.  Some changes appear to be stylistic.  Others more obviously present the fuller meaning of the original text.  For example, currently when Mass begins and the presider says, “The Lord be with you.”  We respond, “And also with you.”   The new Roman Missal changes our response to, “And with your spirit.”  If you have participated in a Mass in Spanish, you will recognize that these are the exact words that are already used in the Spanish Mass.

Other changes are not as clear.  For example, in the Nicene Creed at Mass we currently say, “… Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.”   The revision proposes changing the last part to, “begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.”  Although theologically correct, the word “consubstantial” is not one that will have instant meaning for most Catholics.

If you would like more of a preview, visit the USCCB site and learn about the changes that are coming.

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Schedule of Catholic Conferences for October and November 2009

September 21, 2009

The following Catholic organizations will be hosting a conference in October or November 2009:

9/26/2009  – 10/1/2009 
NCDVD – National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors
2009 NCDVD Convention
Newark, NJ
The professional membership organization of those who work in diocesan vocation offices. The mission of NCDVD is to promote priestly vocations by supporting diocesan vocation directors in their work. 
 
9/27/2009  – 10/1/2009 
ANSH – Asociación Nacional de Sacerdotes Hispanos en Estados Unidos
XX ANSH Convention
Chicago, IL
The organization of Hispanic priests in the US. The mission of ANSH is to promote unity, collaboration and support for Hispanic priests in the US, to serve as the official voice for Hispanic priests at the national level, to support the ministry of priests within the Hispanic community, and to participate in the development of the Catholic Church in the US.
 
9/29/2009  – 10/2/2009 
CCC – Catholic Cemetery Conference
CCC 60th Annual Convention and Exposition
Chicago, IL
The organization that helps Catholic Cemetery staff enhance their skills in caring for the deceased and comforting their loved ones through ministry, education, network and service opportunities. Members come from the US, Australia, Canada, Italy and Guam.
 
10/2/2009  – 10/4/2009 
National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus
2009 National Black Catholic Men’s Conference
Birmingham, AL
This event is cosponsored by several organizations including the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the Society of the Divine Word, the Knights of Peter Claver and the Diocese of Birmingham.
 
10/6/2009  – 10/9/2009 
FDLC – Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions
FDLC 2009 National Meeting – Liturgical Formation with Zeal and Patience
Plymouth, MI
The membership organization for diocesan liturgical personnel. This includes members of diocesan liturgical commissions, worship offices and/or equivalent liturgical structures. FDLC’s mission is to promote the liturgy as the heart of Christian life, especially in the parish community.
 
10/8/2009  – 10/11/2009 
BCTS – Black Catholic Theological Symposium
BCTS 20th Annual Meeting
Atlanta, GA
A national interdisciplinary theological society established to foster among Black Catholics an ethical community of scholarly dialogue. BCTS encourages the teaching and discussion of Black Catholic religious and cultural experiences; encourages the identification and development of Black Catholic Scholars in the fields of theology, liturgy, ethics, canon law, church history and biblical studies; and encourages theologically and theoretically grounded ministry and program development responsive to the needs of Black Catholic within the Church and society.
 
10/12/2009  – 10/15/2009 
CLSA – Canon Law Society of America
2009 CLSA Convention
Louisville, KY
The official membership association for Catholic canon lawyers in the US and Canada. CLSA’s mission includes promoting the pastoral ministry of the Church by cooperating in the continuous revision and renewal of the universal law of the Church, encouraging canonical research, responding to practical canonical needs, and facilitating the interchange of canonical ideas, practices and decisions.
 
10/14/2009  – 10/17/2009 
CRA – Catholic Radio Association
Global Catholic Radio Conference
Birmingham, AL
The membership association for Catholic radio. CRA facilitates the sharing of knowledge and resources among Catholic radio apostolates and Catholic radio program providers in the US. The organization seeks to contribute to, and help shape, the thought and reflection on Catholic radio, including the development and growth of Catholic radio from both theological and practical perspectives.
 
10/22/2009  – 10/24/2009 
CMA – Catholic Medical Association
78th CMA Educational Conference – The Theology of Suffering: Bringing Faith, Hope & Love to the Art of Healing
Springfield, IL
An organization of individual Catholic physicians, dentists, nurses and other health care professionals. The mission of CMA includes coming together to grow in the spirit of Christ in the members’ personal and professional lives and bring His Spirit to all touched by members’ science and art.
 
10/23/2009  – 10/25/2009 
USCMA – US Catholic Mission Association 
2009 Annual Mission Conference
New Orleans, LA
USCMA is a membership organization which unites and supports people committed to the cross-cultural and global mission of Jesus Christ in service to Church and world.
 
10/25/2009  – 10/28/2009 
CACE – Chief Administrators of Catholic Education
2009 CACE Annual Meeting
Salt Lake City, UT
An organization within NCEA, CACE is the association of chief administrators of Catholic education encompassing three areas – total Catholic education, schools, and religious education. CACE’s mission is to exert leadership on and in behalf of Catholic education, to influence the development of leadership and to be a strong advocate for Catholic education at the national level.
 
10/29/2009  – 11/1/2009 
La RED – National Catholic Network de Pastoral Juvenil Hispana
La RED 2009 Annual Membership Meeting
Orlando, FL
A network of Catholic church-based organizations and pastoral ministers committed to the evangelization, holistic development, and ongoing support and formation of Hispanic jóvenes (teens and single young adults 18 to 26+). The mission of La Red is to promote the articulation of its members at the national and regional levels and to foster the creation of diocesan networks.
 
11/12/2009  – 11/15/2009 
CNVS – Catholic Network of Volunteer Service
2009 CNVS National Conference
Durham, NC
A membership organization of domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs. The mission of CNVS is to promote full-time national and international service opportunities by providing training and resources, networking opportunities, and national advocacy.
 
11/19/2009  – 11/21/2009 
NFCYM – National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
NCYC – National Catholic Youth Conference
Kansas City, MO
The professional membership organization of diocesan directors for youth ministry. The mission of NFCYM is to serve those who serve the young Catholic Church.

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

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Schedule of Catholic Conferences in May or June 2009

April 17, 2009

The following Catholic organizations will be hosting a conference in May or June 2009:

5/26/2009 – 5/29/2009
Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
RBTE – Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit
St. Charles, IL
Annual gathering of Catholic and Episcopal book publishers and dealers. This gathering includes members of the Association of Catholic Booksellers.

5/27/2009 – 5/30/2009
NALM – National Association for Lay Ministry
NALM 2009 Annual Conference
St. Paul, MN
A professional membership association for lay ministers in the Catholic Church. NALM’s mission is to support, educate and advocate for lay ministers and promote the development of lay ministry.

5/27/2009 – 5/30/2009
CPA – Catholic Press Association
CPA 2009 Catholic Media Convention
Anaheim, CA
The official membership association for Catholic press/media personnel.

5/31/2009 – 6/3/2009
ACHTUS – Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the US
ACHTUS 2009 Colloquium
Chicago, IL
A membership association of Roman Catholic Hispanics who possess a doctoral degree in theology, Scripture, ministry or general religious studies and are actively engaged in the North American Hispanic religious experience. The mission of ACHTUS is to promote research and critical theological reflection with the context of the US Hispanic experience.

6/3/2009 – 6/5/2009
DISC – Diocesan Information Systems Conference
2009 DISC Conference
New Orleans, LA
An organization of diocesan information systems managers, as well as others involved in the use of electronic technology for the work of the Catholic Church. DISC’s mission is to provide data processing expertise and professional service to the local and national church as well as to encourage networking of information and ideas among its members.

6/4/2009 – 6/7/2009
CTSA – Catholic Theological Society of America
2009 CTSA Annual Convention -
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The official membership organization of Catholic theologians (professionals with a degree in theological or related studies and who are or have been actively engaged in teaching and research.) CTSA’s mission is to promote studies and research in theology, to relate theological science to current problems, and to foster a ore effective theological education.

6/7/2009 – 6/9/2009
CHA – Catholic Health Association
2009 CHA Assembly
New Orleans, LA
The official membership organization of Catholic health care sponsors, systems and facilities. The mission of CHA is to support the Catholic health ministry’s pursuit of the strategic directions of mission, ethics, and advocacy.

6/15/2009 – 6/17/2009
NDCL – Notre Dame Center for Liturgy
37th Annual Conference – “Paul as Liturgical Theologian”
Notre Dame, IN
The Center for Liturgy at the University of Notre Dame seeks to support and enrich the liturgical life of the Church through scholarly research and pastoral education. The annual conference welcomes anyone at diocesan or parish level who wishes to examine the liturgical foundations of spirituality, catechesis, and ministry.

6/25/2009 – 6/28/2009
NACFLM – National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers
NACFLM Conference 2009
St. Paul, MN
The membership association for family life ministers. This includes a variety of ministry areas including singles, marriage prep, respect life, interchurch/ecumenical marriage, families in crisis, separated/divorced, widowed/bereaved, older adults, and special needs families. NACFLM’s mission is to offer support and professional enrichment for those who minister to and with families, to be a voice and advocate for families, to promote the development of family life ministry and to foster a family perspective in Church and Society.

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

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2009 Liturgical Calendar for the US

November 11, 2008

The 2009 Liturgical Calendar for the US is now available online at the US Bishops’ Conference website.  The calendar is the official source for liturgies celebrated in US dioceses. 

The calendar contains helpful information such as the dates for the Ash Wednesday and for Advent.  It also contains the cycle of readings for both Sundays and weekday liturgies.

The calendar also includes the readings for each day of the year, as well as the feastdays that are celebrated liturgically. In addition, the calendar lists the color of vestments for each day.

To learn more about Mass and liturgical celebrations, visit ActiveParishioner.com’s website.

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Catholic Homilies, African-Style

August 21, 2008

I recently stumbled across a homily resource site, “Light A Candle – Munachi’s Homepage of African Christian Inspiration.”  The website offers a story-filled homily for each Sunday of the year. 

When you first reach this website, you are greeted by delightful and appropriate cartoon. You can sign up to receive the weekly homilies by email.  An archive includes a listing of past homilies.

What makes this site unique for US visitors is that the perspective is African.  The site is run by a Catholic priest, Ernest Munachi Ezeogu, CSSp, a member of the Holy Ghost Missionary Congregation living in Nigeria. His sense of humor is apparent in his writings.

If you’d like to look at Sunday’s readings through another cultural lens, visit this site for a refreshing glance.

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Catholic Preaching Conference in September

August 14, 2008

Whether you are a priest or a parishioner, if preaching is important to you, then you should browse the website for the Catholic Coalition on Preaching’s convocation scheduled in Louisville on September 24-27, 2008. The theme for the conference is New Evangelization: Spirituality of the Preacher and the Hearer.

Held every two years, this event seeks to promote and energize the quality of preaching in the United States. The coalition itself consists of many Catholic organizations including schools of theology, seminaries, Catholic professional associations, organizations of religious priests, and liturgical organizations.

The line-up of speakers is excellent. The structure of the conference will be highly interactive, with keynotes, focused dialogue, panel presentations, discussions with preachers and homiletics professors, and breakout sessions.

Often one will hear Catholics complain about the quality of preaching in their parish. Yet, one must ask how much we Catholics have invested in training our priests in homiletics. As one older priest (but not that old!) told a group recently, when he was in the seminary, there wasn’t a single class on preaching. Fortunately seminary training has improved in recent times. 

In all fairness, parish budgets are so tight and there are so many demands on priests’ times these days that many would not even consider trying to carve out the funds and time to attend a preaching workshop. 

This is where “active parishioners” can help. If you would like to help your pastor or associate pastor with his preaching skills, consider giving him the gift of sending him to this conference. Gather with fellow parishioners and raise the funds to cover this “investment” in your parish. It’s bound to be an excellent conference. And in the long run, both priests and parishioners will benefit.

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Catholics to Stop Saying/Singing the Name Yahweh

August 13, 2008

In an interesting development, the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued a directive to all bishops’ conferences on June 29, 2008, stating that Catholics are to no longer say the name Yahweh. The US Bishops’ Committee for Divine Worship, which is the responsible committee for liturgical issues in the US, forwarded the directive to all dioceses on August 8. It is expected that it will take some time to implement the change.

To those who have been a fan of the song, “Yahweh, I Know You Are Near,” such a change is surprising, if not disappointing. I’ve been on many retreats and participated in many Masses where this song has captured the hearts of the people and helped us to pray more deeply. Ironically, last Sunday while on travel we sang this song at Mass in a small town. Now, the song needs to be changed to replace the name Yahweh.

What is behind this new directive? Why are we to no longer pronounce the name Yahweh in a liturgical setting, whether in song or spoken prayer? A bit of history is helpful here. The name Yahweh was the ancient Hebrew name for God and was originally spelled YHWH. Thus, it had four consonants and no vowels, rendering it unable to be pronounced.

As the letter from the Vatican explains, “As an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God, it was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of an alternate name: ‘Adonai,’ which means ‘Lord.’” In other words, another name was always substituted for YHWH when God’s name was spoken out loud in liturgy. Thus, the directive bring us back to the ancient tradition where the name YHWH was not spoken out loud, emphasizing respect for God in a profound, meaningful way.

Since this blog helps to connect faith and daily life, it is only appropriate to explore if there are any other present-day venues where someone’s name is not to be spoken out loud. One example that comes to mind is in the Harry Potter books. In this narrative, the villain Lord Voldemort, has a name which is never spoken by anyone except for Harry Potter and a few others. When others refer to Voldemort, they say, “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” As the storyline goes, the villain is so evil and so terrible, that out of fear people don’t use his name. This is a twisted form of respect for a powerful being.

Of course, in the Harry Potter example, the villain is as far from God as possible. The villain is pure evil as becomes obvious throughout the books. His great weakness is that he is incapable of love. But there is something interesting here. We believe that God is pure, unconditional love and goodness, totally holy. In the fictional account, a character who fully embodies a trait (evil) has people refraining from using his name out loud. Is it so far-fetched, then, for us to choose to refrain from speaking the proper name for God, who fully embodies a much more important trait (love and goodness) out of respect? 

Maybe what the Vatican is trying to do is to retrieve the dimension of God as totally Other, as Mystery. Certainly, in the present day, the pendulum has swung in the direction of God being seen as totally familiar and intimately involved in our lives. Personally, I like this. But perhaps we have lost something by ignoring the other end of the spectrum which emphasizes God as “mysterium tremendum et fascinans” as Rudolf Otto coined in his profound book, The Idea of the Holy: An Inquiry into the Non Rational Factor in the Idea of the Divine.

How do we hold onto our closeness to and intimacy with God, while also balancing God’s Other-Worldly dimension? A current day book helps us to do exactly this. What Is God?: How to Think about the Divine, written by John Haught, a theologian and professor at Georgetown University tackles this brilliantly. He proposes several images for thinking about God — as Depth, as Future, as Freedom, as Beauty, and as Truth. All of these lead to the image of God as Mystery. 

This wonderful little book is well worth reading. For Haught, mystery does not mean a gap in knowledge. As Haught describes, Mystery “denotes a region of reality that, instead of growing smaller as we grow wiser and more powerful, can actually be experienced as growing larger and more incomprehensible as we solve more of our scientific and other problems. It is a region of the ’known unknown,’ the horizon that keeps expanding and receding into the distance the more our knowledge advances. It is the arena of the incomprehensible and unspeakable that makes us aware of our ignorance, of how much there yet remains to be known.”   

I want to know more about this God of ours who is as a horizon which expands as we approach. But, honestly, I know I will miss singing the song, “Yahweh, I Know You Are Near.”

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Schedule of Catholic Conferences in August and September 2008

July 30, 2008

8/1/2008  - 8/4/2008
LCWR – Leadership Conference for Women Religious
2008 LCWR-CMSM Joint Assembly
Denver, CO
The association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the US

8/5/2008  - 8/8/2008
NPM – National Association of Pastoral Musicians
NPM Convention (Regional)
Los Angeles, CA
The membership organization for anyone who recognizes and supports the value of musical liturgy. This includes choir directors, organists, guitarists, pianists, instrumentalists, presiders, cantors, and choral groups. NPM’s mission is to foster the art of musical liturgy.

9/4/2008  - 9/6/2008
NAfIM – National Apostolate for Inclusion Ministry
40th Anniversary NAfIM Conference – Winds of Change, Spirit of Inclusion
Huron, OH
A membership organization of parish ministers, diocesan leaders, university professionals, parents, and persons withmental retardation, intellectual disability and other developmental differences. NAfIM’s mission is to lead the Catholic community to the full inclusion of persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
  
9/18/2008  - 9/21/2008
NACDLGM – National Association of Catholic Diocesan and Gay Ministries
NACDLGM 2008 Conference – “I Am Who I Am, By the Grace of God”
Long Beach, CA
Formed in 1994, NACDLGMfosters ministry with lesbian and gay Catholics, their families and friends. It serves as a network of communication regarding Catholic lesbian and gay ministry and provides educational resources and models of ministry to parishes and dioceses.
 
9/24/2008  - 9/28/2008
NCCW – National Council of Catholic Women
NCCW- 2008 General Assembly – We Are Women of Faith
Salt Lake City, UT
An organization of parish and diocesan based Catholic women’s organizations. NCCW’s mission is to support, empower and educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service.

9/25/2008  - 9/28/2008
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities 2008 Annual Gathering 
New Orleans, LA
The national member service organization that provides leadership and support to enhance the work of local Catholic Charities organization to reduce poverty, support families, and empower communities.
 
9/26/2008  - 9/28/2008
NABCA – National Association of Black Catholic Administrators
NABCA’s 2008 Annual Meeting
Dallas, TX
NABCA is a national organization devoted to strengthening African American persons involved in authentic roles in dioceses for community building.

9/27/2008  - 10/2/2008
NCDVD – National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors
NCDVD 2009 Convention – From East to West: A Perfect Sacrifice
Denver, CO
The professional membership organization of those who work in diocesan vocation offices. The mission of NCDVD is to promote priestly vocations by supporting diocesan vocation directors in their work.
  
9/28/2008  - 10/1/2008
NCDC – National Catholic Development Conference
NCDC Conference and Exposition
Orlando, FL
An association of organizations involved in fundraising to support religious, educational or other charitable activities. NCDC’s mission is to provide educational opportunities, training and networking in the area of fundraising.
 
9/28/2008  - 10/1/2008
DFMC – Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference
DFMC Conference 2008 – Strengthening the Church through Collaboration
Miami, FL
A membership organization for diocesan fiscal managers. DFMC’s mission is to promote the spiritual growth, the exchange of ideas and information, and the development of professional relationships among its members.

Visit the ActiveParishioner.com Calendar for more details and future events.

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Celebrating a Catholic Quinceaňera

May 13, 2008

As the Hispanic population within the Catholic Church in the US continues to grow, many parishes are faced with a request to celebrate a quinceaňera.  This celebration of a young woman who is turning 15 years old has both a social and a religious component in many countries.

To assist in planning and understanding the religious dimension, a helpful document titled, “Fifteen Questions on the Quinceaňera,” is available from the US bishops’ website.

This celebration is a rite of passage for young women in certain countries with Hispanic populations. It includes a blessing and a commitment by the young woman to live her life according to Christ’s teachings.  The guidelines offered by the bishops will be helpful to many parishes approaching this ceremony for the first time.

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  Thank you.

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Singing and Music in Catholic Liturgies

May 12, 2008

St. Augustine is often credited with saying, “He who sings, prays twice.”  Singing at Mass and other liturgies can be a source of consolation, a prayer, a celebration, or a source of contention.  We all have different tastes and these also apply to music at Mass. What is the role of music in liturgy?

A recent document written by the US bishops, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, provides the answer, as well as lots of great information about music in liturgy.

The document begins by explaining the many reasons why we sing and why it is important for the congregation to participate.  The document admits that “Sometimes, our voices do not correspond to the convictions of our hearts.”  It continues, however, to explain that despite this, “Christ always invites us to enter into song.”

The document gives clear guidelines and explanations for the roles of those participating in the liturgy, as well as for types of music, instruments, languages, and parts to be sung. As with many church documents, this one embraces the old and the new side-by-side.  Although older music, such as Gregorian chant, has a special place in liturgy, the breath of the Spirit continues to inspire musicians and artists to create new music to help the congregation sing and pray at a continually deeper level.

Three criteria for judging the appropriateness of music for liturgy are proposed by the bishops.  These are, 

1) Liturgical Judgment – “Is this composition capable of meeting the structural and textual requireents set forth by the liturgical books for this particular rite?”

2) Pastoral Judgment - Does the music promote sanctification of those gathered “drawing them closer to the holy mysteries being celebrated?”

3)  Musical Judgment – Does the music have “the necessary aesthetic qualities that can bear the weight of the mysteries celebrated in the Liturgy?”

The document also discusses the role of music in other liturgies, including the rite of marriage and the rite of anointing.

Reminder:  If you have not yet done so, please take a few minutes now to complete the ActiveParishioner.com Survey.  Thank you.

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2008 Liturgical Calendar for the US

December 30, 2007

Ever wonder if our Sunday readings are from Cycle A, B, or C?  Or if the weekday readings are Cycle 1 or 2? Or if Mass that day will be celebrating a special feast or saint’s day? Or what color the presider’s vestments will be?  All of this can be found in the 2008 Liturgical Calendar published by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. 

Although every parish has a copy of this information, it is helpful to also be able to access it online, especially while preparing a homily or planning for an upcoming Mass. 

The Liturgical Calendar also provides helpful information about holy days of obligation and how they are celebrated in particular dioceses.  For example, the calendar notes that in Hawaii, the Bishop of Honolulu received approval to designate Christmas and the Immaculate Conception as the only two holy days of obligation in the calendar year.  Another variation relates to the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord.  In the ecclesiastical provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia and all of Nebraska, the Ascension is celebrated on the proper Thursday.  Elsewhere in the US, the Ascension is transfered to the 7th Sunday of Easter, which will be May 4 in 2008.

Catholics sometimes wonder how there can be differences in practices such as these, especially within one country.  But this shows how the universal church is attentive to the needs of particular dioceses, and how individual bishops can make requests and receive approval from the Vatican to best address the needs of their own dioceses. 

To read more about the Mass and liturgical celebrations, visit ActiveParishioner.com’s website.

 

 

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