New Roman Missal e-Learning Workshop

Based on a series of workshops produced by the Office of Worship for clergy and parish liturgical leaders throughout the archdiocese, please review our New Roman Missal e-Learning Workshop to learn more about the new translations and changes. Each video (described below) features Father Mark Knestout explaining the New Roman Missal and contains a follow-along presentation. To experience the training, plus view helpful notes and other information, simply open the online workshops and follow along as the video plays.

Here are the topics covered:

• The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (~4 minutes)
• General Principles of Liturgy (~16 minutes)
• History of the Roman Missal (~24 minutes)
• The Art of Translating (~16 minutes)
• The New Translation (~56 minutes)
  

Total online workshop is approximately two hours. Viewing Instructions

Also available: New Roman Missal Sign Language Interpreter Training

The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

We want to take some time in this discussion to return to the foundations of the liturgical reform proposed by the Second Vatican Council through the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy.  This is by no means an exhaustive study but a look at sections that are pertinent to the implementation of the new Roman Missal. Keep in mind that:

• The rites have changed and will continue to do so in the future.
• English is a living language and has changed and evolved over time and will continue to do so.
• The Second Vatican Council was called by Pope John XXIII and took place between 1963 and 1965.

General Principles of Liturgy

“Christ is always present in his Church, especially in its liturgical celebrations.” ~ Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

This section explains that Christ is present in the person of the minister (the priest), especially in the Eucharistic elements (the Body and Blood of Christ), in the sacraments, in the word as Scripture is proclaimed and in the people gathered for prayer.

This section also reviews the various areas in which we as a people gather and participate actively in the Eucharistic moment.

History of the Roman Missal

This section discusses the origin of the New Roman Missal used by Roman Rite Catholics around the world. Change has always been a part of the history of the Roman Missal and the Mass ritual has undergone many changes since its present fourfold structure became recognizable as we know it, consisting of some type of introductory rites, a Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist and a brief concluding rite.

The Art of Translating

Exploring the art and practicality of translations, this sections explains the background of the translations and the process that was followed in crafting the New Roman Missal, including:

• International Committee on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) – experts (base translators) made the first translation from the original Latin text. 
• The new translation was examined by 9 teams of people for its fidelity and suitability for public worship.
• Roman Missal Editorial Committee (RMEC) worked to unify the tone and vocabulary of the translated texts so that the texts feel like they were written in unity.  The ICEL secretariat then reviewed the text for typing errors.
• The texts were sent back to ICEL for a final review. The groups reviewing the texts consisted of one bishop from each of the eleven member nations, three members from the ICEL secretariat in Washington, DC, the chair of RMEC and a few other experts and assistants.
• All prayers were read aloud in order to determine suitability for worship. Any proposed changes were voted on by the eleven bishops.
• These were then sent to the various bishops conferences for review and approval.

The New Translation

This section answers, "Why the new Roman Missal?" and explores what's new by providing specific examples to changes in the translation for the Mass, such as:

• Greeting
  
• Introduction to thePenitential Act (Form A, Form B, Form C)
  
• Gloria
  
• Liturgy of the Word
  
• Prayers Before and After Gospel
  
• Nicene Creed
  
• Apostles' Creed
  
• Preparation of the Gifts
  
• Orate, fratres
  
• Preparation of the Gifts
  
• Preface
  
• Sanctus
  
• Eucharistic Acclamations
  
• Introduction to the Lord's Prayer
  
• Embolism
  
• Sign of Peace
  
• Private Preparation of the Priest
  
• Invitation to Communion
  
• Priest's Communion
  
• Prayer at the Cleansing of the Vessels
  
• Concluding Rite
  
• Dismissal

Liturgy is essential to the life of the Church. It makes us present to Christ’s paschal mystery and renews our baptismal commitment to further the saving ministry of Christ.

Since the law of prayer is the law of belief (lex orandi, lex credendi), what we pray effects our believing and our Christian living.

Questions & Answers

The words of the liturgy matter because they express the faith of the people. The words and actions of the liturgy do not belong to any individual presider, but to the whole Church. A more accurate translation will help us truly pray as the one body of Christ.

The new translation will promote:

• A deeper sense of the mystery of God’s presence in all the faithful
• A prime opportunity for fuller catechesis on the Mass and Christian living
• A more visible unity among Roman Rite Catholics, even though there will remain some diversity
• A favorable time to renew our eucharistic theology, spirituality, and practice

If you have additional questions, learn about the New Roman Missal from the USCCB.