What's Happening to the Mass?

My other office, the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University, is sponsoring a presentation on the upcoming changes to the words of the Mass. Jerry Galipeau, the presenter, is an acquaintance of mine and a great speaker. I invite you to attend, it will be very informative and enjoyable.

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ST. LOUIS—The words of the Roman Catholic Mass will undergo significant changes in the coming year, and a program offered by the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University will help Catholics to prepare for what will be a different experience of the Mass. “What’s Happening to the Mass? Preparing to Pray and Sing the New Translation” is open to the public.

Two sessions will be offered: one on Friday, Oct. 8, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at All Saints Parish in St. Peters, Mo., and one on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier College Church on the SLU campus. The cost is $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door. Registration is available online at liturgy.slu.edu/missal or by calling 314-977-7200.

Last month the U.S. Catholic Bishops announced that the new translation of the Mass will be implemented on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 2011. The revised wording will introduce a number of noticeable changes to the ritual text, especially the responses, prayers and musical settings of the Mass.

Jerry Galipeau, associate publisher at World Library Publications in Chicago and a nationally recognized speaker on Catholic liturgy, will address how and why the changes are being made, how the new words might affect one’s experience of the Mass, and how individuals and parishes can prepare. Each session will include a preview of new and revised musical settings of the Mass. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the new missal and renew their appreciation of the Catholic Mass.

The Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University enlivens, enriches and deepens the celebration of the Eucharist by enabling Catholics to participate more fully in the Mass, by advancing the composition of liturgical music, and by teaching students about the riches of Catholic liturgy. For more information, visit liturgy.slu.edu.