General Instruction of the Roman Missal
Why the changes at St. Daniel?
The changes are world-wide, and not
optional. The question is not “if” a parish implements them, but rather “when”.
The implementation may happen at different times in different parishes and
countries, but it will be world-wide.
Pope John Paul II published the new
edition of the Roman Missal in 2000 and called on the national bishops
conferences to publish the texts in their languages, with the local adaptations
that best suit the needs of their people. The U.S. bishops’ translation was
completed and approved by 2003 and now dioceses across the country are entering
the implementation phase.
In the Archdiocese of Detroit the
implementation was to begin with November 30, 2003. Only to begin - the
process takes time. Workshops need to be offered for parish priests and staffs,
new manuals developed for liturgical ministries, questions answered,
explanations and education offered, volunteer ministers re-trained, logistics
worked out. That takes time. Much time. Changes and “fine-tuning” will continue
for many years as parishes gradually implement the new directives.
Here at St. Daniel we started the
process officially in November as instructed by the diocese. For the beginning
we focused on only five of the changes called for in the document, to allow time
to explain the changes:
- A profound bow during the
Creed at the words “… by the power of the Holy Spirit he was born of
the Virgin Mary, and became man.”
- Standing for the priest’s
prayer at the offertory – earlier than in the past to more fully
join in the prayer of the priest.
- A head bow before receiving
Holy Communion – a slight bow of the head in reverence as we approach the
Body and Blood of Christ (no other sign of reference needed);
- Standing during the
Communion Rite as a unified body, and singing hymns from the time
the priest receives until the last person has received.
- Periods of silence as
an integral part of the liturgy.
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