Why make any revisions in the Mass?

	Second of a six-part series
	Related articles ... October 17, 2003 issue: • Part one of six: --     How to enrich our experience of Mass • Compass Editorial --     Focusing on Instruction August 22, 2003 issue: • Bishop Banks' Corner --     The church's source of energy August 8, 2003 issue: • Bishop Banks' Corner --     Current Mass links us to Apostles

The Catholic Church is nearly 2,000 years old. Change is not new to the church, nor to its prayer books. While remaining faithful and protective of basic truths and principles, the church has responded to the needs of the people throughout those 2,000 years.

For example, one change from Vatican II was to restore the prominence of the Scriptures in the Mass and in the other Sacraments. Another change for the English world was celebration of the Mass in the English language.

These changes met people's desire for more Scripture and their need to hear the Mass in their native tongue. Because of these changes, many Catholics grew in their love for the Bible and in their participation in and understanding of the Mass.

Most of the changes in the 2003 General Instruction for the Roman Missal are related to movement at worship. They request a renewal in the postures and gestures of reverence, like bowing to the altar and a bow of the head before receiving Holy Communion.

Knowing the reasons for any changes in the Mass is important. The recent changes call Catholics to renew and increase:

• Reverence (by showing a demeanor of respect and dignity for the sacred)

• Holiness (by entering the grace of God with participation in the Eucharist)

• The Meaning of the Mass (by reflecting on the prayers of the Mass)

• Understanding of the Mystery of Christ (by celebrating the great feasts and seasons of the church year)

• Participation and Unity (by joining in the prayer, music, silence and processions of the Mass)

• Prayer (by letting the Eucharist be the center and source of our spirituality)

After realizing what the church intended by the changes, I was inspired to look at the Mass in a new way. It is a call to holiness and to accept the grace of God as I prepare for the mission of Christ to the world. I am beginning to see the Mass as a pattern for living.

Any changes that will awaken Catholics to the treasure of the Mass will be helpful. In fact, any changes that will help prepare Catholics to go forth into the world to make it a just and peaceful place will be a sign of fidelity to 2,000 years of God's presence in the Word and the Eucharist.

Next week, I will begin to describe the changes given in the General Instruction.

If you have specific questions about the Mass or the General Instruction, send them by email to dwimmer@gbdioc.org or call 877-500-3580, ext. 8311.