Bishop's Pastoral Letter - New English Translation of The Roman Missal |
Dear People of the Diocese of Rockhampton I am writing to you to introduce a new English translation of the Roman Missal from which we draw the texts for the celebration of the Mass, or as it is more commonly called, the Eucharist. The first English translation of the Roman Missal was introduced in 1965, as the Second Vatican Council was concluding. After forty-five years, it has been deemed appropriate to review the translation from the original Latin, this affecting all languages, including English. It is important to note that we are not speaking of changes to the liturgical structure. It is about the English translation. It is expected that the new English translation will be introduced during 2011. The National Liturgical Commission set up by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference is preparing a comprehensive resource to assist with the transition to the new translation which affects prayers, responses, and the music settings for the Mass. I am very grateful to our own Diocesan Liturgical Commission who will guide the preparation for an implementation throughout the Diocese. There will be a series of small gatherings with parish liturgical teams, a brochure explaining the changes will be printed, and real assistance will be offered to each community as the time for adopting the new English translation of the Roman Missal draws near. I look forward to these changes as an opportunity to revitalise our understanding of the Eucharist and to renew our experience of Eucharist as the very centre of worship. While the adjustment to the alterations to the new translation will be challenging, I ask you all to be patient and see this as a moment to enter into our celebration of the Eucharist, with renewed faith and love for Jesus, the Risen Lord in our midst. May the Spirit of God inspire our ongoing journey in faith.
May 2010 |