Catholic Mass to Undergo Changes

Starting Nov. 26, worshippers at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and English-speaking Catholic churches around the world, will note minor changes to the Mass. Since 1974 the language of the Mass has gone untouched, but in 2000, Pope John Paul II announced a revised translation of the Roman Missal.

This is the third time the Roman Missal has undergone changes.

“It doesn’t affect any Bible translations, Gospel readings or hymns," said Michael Chesley, deacon for St. Patrick Catholic Church in White Lake. "The biggest change will be the responses from the people.”

“The mass has not changed, but the words will sound different," he said. "They will be richer and more profound, and we’ll be using terms we haven’t used in a long time.”

Some of the changes include the response to, “The Lord be with you.”

Currently, when the priest says, "The Lord be with you," the congregation responds, "And also with you." Under the new change, they will now respond with, “And with your spirit.”

During the Nicene Creed, the proclamation of faith, Catholics state that Jesus was “born of the Virgin Mary.” They will soon say “incarnate of the Virgin Mary.”

The most sensitive of the changes is the translation of pro multis as “for many.” The narrative of the Last Supper, which currently reads, “which will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven,” will be changed to “which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

The church will have laminated pew cards for congregants to follow along until they are comfortable with the new translation.

History of the Roman Missal 

When the traditional mass was first translated into English from the original
Latin text in 1970, more contemporary words were used so the phrases would flow and be more palatable to congregants, Chesley said.

The third, newest, translation of the Roman Missal will offer a more literal interpretation of the prayers.

“The previous translation served us well for the last 40 years, but the church always knew it would have to come out with another translation,” Chesley said. “They’ve produced a better translation that is more faithful to the original Latin text. It will bring back more of the biblical imagery that was lost in the first and second translations.”

According to Chesley, parishioners will need time to adjust to the changes, but he expects Catholics will respond positively to the new translation.

“I think for the most part, people will adapt to it very quickly,” he said. “I think many Catholics don’t understand the deep theology behind the Liturgy. It’s a wonderful time for people to study the prayers of the Mass and to rediscover the beauty of the Liturgy.”

To learn more about these changes, Deacon Mike Chesley will be speaking at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Sunday, November 6 at 11:30 a.m. (following coffee and donuts) and Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. in the parish hall.

For more information check out the FAQ about the wording provided by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.