Recently, my parish has altered the mass in such a way as it has lost its solemity and proper reverence. Here are some of the questionable actions:
- The Apostle’s Creed has been omitted.
the Apostle’s Creed is not recited at Mass, the Nicene Creed is on Sunday only. the Apostle’s Creed may be used at Sunday masses celebrated primarily for children.
- Instead of reading the Gospel, the celebrant read a “bible story” version of the gospel to a gathered group of children. He even took this time to interact with the children during the “bible story” and invited the children to interact with him and his visual aids.
Sounds like this was a Children’s Mass and you wandered into it, the Lectionary for Children is approved for Masses celebrated for a congregation composed of young children, and the homilist is urged to use means that make the gospel more easily grasped by young children, sounds like he was doing a good job.
- We no longer chant “Lord I am not worthy to receive you but just say …” prior to communion. Nor do we chant the Amen. These and most responses and prayers during the eucharistic portion of the mass has been replaced with a difficult song which lacks any of the traditional text.
no priest has the right to change any part of the Eucharistic prayer or proper of the Mass. There are several versions of the Eucharistic prayer that are valid and it his choice which one to use, some are unfamiliar to many Catholics since they are rarely used. the dialoge between priest and people that begins the Eucharistic prayer does not change.
there are several acceptable recited and sung versions of the Kyrie, gloria, mystery of faith, and agnus dei that are approved.
- The consecration of the host is obscured by the singing of the consecration.
the celebrant is urged to chant (not sing) the Eucharistic prayer, including words of consecration, at Sunday Mass. I assume you mean he is singing, not congregation or choir at this time.
Are these “legal” or am I just old fashion?
