Catholic Mass Changes

As usual, I went to Mass on Saturday.

It was the first Sunday of Advent and the first Mass I attended with the changes in the Roman Missal.

Over a year ago, when I learned that change was coming, I wasn't too happy. I was dreading Advent 2011, but it was far enough off that I just chose not to think about it.

By fall, there was no more ignoring the inevitable.

I was prepared to be like a person who only goes to Mass on Christmas or Easter and is virtually clueless.

As I learned more about the changes, I grew more comfortable.

Nonetheless, last weekend at Mass, I was sad knowing that it wasn't going to be same. The words I had heard and said at Mass for years and years and years I wouldn't experience again.

The new Roman Missal is a big deal, especially for people who actually go to Mass.

The changes are there, but it's still the Mass. Its structure hasn't changed. What happens hasn't changed. What it's about is the same.

The media are going overboard in their coverage of the changes. They've hyped it as something that it's not - dramatically different.



Absolutely, the familiar prayers and responses have some alterations, some significant changes in wording. Some sound and feel awkward.

It will take some getting used to.

"And also with you."

"And with your spirit."

OK, no problem there.

The Creed has some strange changes, like it's a bad translation, stilted.

The Lamb of God is exactly the same.

It's a mix of familiar responses and prayers and some odd things.

"Lord, I am not worthy
that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word
and my soul shall be healed."

"Enter under my roof"?

I don't see how that addition makes it more meaningful, but it is what it is.

Overall, I'm sure I'll adjust eventually.

I would prefer not to have the changes, but there are changes. So, I'll adjust.