Not Unless You Tell Them

5 Aug

Shhh! Don’t tell anyone. I’m beginning today to change some of the words of the Mass.We are not to begin using the new translation of the Mass prayers until the beginning of Advent. But the priest has a lot more adjustments to make than the people do. So, I’m starting today. But I am keeping it quiet, literally, keeping it quiet.

There are a number of prayers that the priest prays either “quietly” or “in a low voice” – twelve of them, to be exact. Those are the ones that I am beginning to use today. I have little note cards that I will place on the altar, ambo and credens table. 

Since my first Mass on June 1, 1975, I have used the present translation of the Roman Missal. The Eucharistic prayers are practically memorized, the prayers for each Sunday of the year require only an occasional glance, and the prayers used everyday are now routine and rote.  

I am practicing the new translations of the Eucharistic prayers, so that, when the time comes, I can pray them reverently and not just slavishly read them. The prayers spoken on each feast or Sunday I can take a year to study. The “quiet” and “in a low voice” private prayers I am beginning today.

Even the people who can read lips will not know, unless you tell them! 

One Response to “Not Unless You Tell Them”

  1. Jennifer August 5, 2011 at 8:05 pm #

    Well, I was born in 1970, so it sounds like we are in the same boat. Although, as you say, being the priest, you have more adjustments to make than I do. I have never attended a Latin Mass, either, so am pretty lost there. However, I have been attending weekday Masses now (not daily, but frequently during the week) and the Sanctus and Agnus Dei have been appearing, especially at morning Mass on Saturday. The Agnus Dei, I know now. I had heard it many times and when I went to the Chrism Mass before Easter this year, the English translation was in the program. That was enough to cement it in my mind. I don’t have the Sanctus down yet, but it’s coming. Many things are available on the Internet, and after a few Masses of it being sung and me having no clue, I came home and looked it up! Change can be very hard, but as you’ve already addressed here, beautiful too.

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