The New Translation of the Mass

Until the early 1960s, Mass was celebrated in Latin throughout the world. Wherever you happened to be on Sunday the Mass would be celebrated in the language you were used to.

At the Second Vatican Council, in the early 1960’s, it was agreed that Mass could be said in the language of the country in which it was being celebrated.

There would be no fundamental change to the Mass itself, just the language being used. This would enable us to understand more fully what was being said and help us to participate more fully. An English translation was made available as quickly as possible, but it was intended to be temporary.

A more considered translation would be issued later. Now, some 40 years has since passed! This translation has at last been agreed by Rome and it is being introduced at St Peter’s from September 2011.

This web page contains a variety of resources to help parishioners understand the new translation and their own role in the celebration of the Church's liturgy. Material is provided for specific ministries (Readers, Deacons, Servers etc.)

This page also contains material for those who might wish to spend more time going a little bit further into the text:

A General Introduction for Participants and Ministers
The Ministry of Server
The Ministry of Sacred Music
The Ministry of Sacristan
The Ministry of Welcome
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
The Ministry of Deacon
The Ministry of Reader
The General Instruction: the foundation text on understanding the Mass
Full text of the new Order of Mass

 

Powerpoints from the parish sessions by Patricia Carroll availbale at:
Being Catholic

Further resources for individuals and leading groups at
www.rcdhn.org.uk/liturgical_formation/liturgical_splash.php

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