Parish priest refusing to use new missal

[George_Stegmeir]

The core problem is the new translation is an affont to the native English language ear. When I heard it first and now at today’s Mass, it is clunky, stilted and cacophonous. The poetic nature of the prayers have been stripped away. It sounds as if a computer translation program wrote the changed prayers. Shame on the Curia for this abhorrent missal.

You are in the same position of many of us who knew the words and meaning lf the Latin Mass when we were ordered to have it in English. It is obvious do not know Latin or the Latin Mass that was the standard of worship for centuries.
The creative 1970 so-called translation was closer to the Episcopalian Book of Common Prayer than it was to the Roman Catholic Mass. It is that which is the abomination. That is why Rome ordered the new accurate translation.
For those of us who remember the Mass in Latin, the new translation makes us feel like we are home again!
Fear not, you will get used to it, and ultimately appreciate the majesty and sancitity of the new translation.

 

[agnes_therese]

The core problem is the new translation is an affont to the native English language ear. When I heard it first and now at today’s Mass, it is clunky, stilted and cacophonous. The poetic nature of the prayers have been stripped away. It sounds as if a computer translation program wrote the changed prayers. Shame on the Curia for this abhorrent missal.

On the contrary, the old translation clanks. This is a considerable improvement. Now, if they could just get moving on doing the same for the Liturgy of the Hours . . .

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

Oh im sorry.

Should I confess the mortal sin of being compasionate on this forum? Meh. Nevermind.
I am going to Hell anyway as I’m too busy reading Harry Potter in my bikini on a beach after buying it on a Sunday from my friend, a gay Moslem.

Supporting or condoning disobedience is not being compassionate.

 

[purplesunshine]

Supporting or condoning disobedience is not being compassionate.

Or i understand humans are not perfect.

All the OP has to go on is heresay and conclusions he jumped to after ONE Mass. Not worth ruining a priests live over.

 

[JGMendes4049]

This is quite serious. It seems evident that the Roman Missal, third edition, as approved by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was to be implemented on the First Sunday of Advent. The course of action I would take first would be to speak to the priest, informally. There is the possibility, though slim, that he forgot. If after speaking to him informally, you find that he is intentionally not implementing the Roman Missal, third edition, I would then write a formal letter to him, exhorting him to implement it. (Keep copies of all correspondence.) Failing this, I would write to the diocesan bishop. (If you don’t have an address for him, tell us which diocese you are in and we’ll find it for you.) Should he do nothing, I would write to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

1. he is older or has a reading/learning disability and really is struggling with memorizing…in which case loving support would be best.

There is no requirement that he memorize anything, though memorization of some of the unchanging parts is often helpful. But it’s not required.

1. he has a legitimate concern about the wording that really hasn’t been addressed…talk to him then the dioceses. The other traslations (French, Spanish etc) have been implemented for years. English presented a huge challenge because its so widespread. My priest admitted that some phrases were exceedingly awkward in modern american english.

How does that make it not possible for him to use the new, corrected translation?

Finally, the timing of the mass change is horrible in this economy. Most people don’t realize just how much these materials cost. Perhaps this is a case of a priest trying to pay the bills. Believe me, I know many parishes who are relying on photocopies because they just don’t have the money. I feel the Vatican was a bit careless in the timing…and I know priests who also feel this way. Parishes aren’t financially solvent and this may be their undoing.

He should speak to his bishop if the parish’s financial situation is so dire that he cannot afford a $79 book. There is no need to get a wicked expensive one.

 

[kmuestwin]

Talk to the priest in private and then send a letter to your bishop.

 

[brotherjoe]

Boy, am I the minority here. The priest is surely acting in full knowledge of the issues. If you don’t think that what he is saying constitutes a real Mass, can you go somewhere else or else let him know you feel robbed? Otherwise I would say that what he does is not your problem. You are not doing anything wrong; keep attending Mass and pray for him. I see no additional obligation on your part.

 

[Matthew_Holford]

Boy, am I the minority here. The priest is surely acting in full knowledge of the issues. If you don’t think that what he is saying constitutes a real Mass, can you go somewhere else or else let him know you feel robbed? Otherwise I would say that what he does is not your problem. You are not doing anything wrong; keep attending Mass and pray for him. I see no additional obligation on your part.

It isn’t that straightforward. No priest, absolutely no priest whatsoever, may determine what the liturgy is. It is only the Holy See that can regulate the liturgy of the Church. As you say “the priest is surely acting in full knowledge of the issues”. If he is then he is in disobedience to the Church. It is not his choice to make any more than it is mine or yours. It is not only an issue that concerns the priest. It concerns everyone at his Masses. The people have a right to the authentic liturgy of the Church. The 1970 first edition of the post-Vatican II revised Mass is no longer the authentic liturgy of the Church. The people have a right and even may be a duty to bring this matter to the attention of the appropriate ecclesiastical authorities.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

This sounds like you are jumping to conclusions.

Why did he reject the missal?

You gave a whole lot of speculation, but no word from the priest himself.

My ideas

1. he is lazy and just dosnt care…solution report him to the dioceses.
2. he is older or has a reading/learning disability and
   really is struggling with memorizing…in which case loving support would be best.
3. he has a legitimate concern about the wording that really hasnt been adressed…talk to him then the dioceses. The other traslations (french, spanish etc) have been implimented for years. English presented a huge challenge because its so widespread. My priest admitted that some prazes were exceedingly awakward in modern american english.

Finally, the timing of the mass change is horrible in this economy. Most people don’t realize just how much these materials cost. Perhaps this is a case of a priest trying to pay the bills. Believe me, I know many parishes who are relying on photocopies because they just dont have the money. I feel the vatican was a bit careless in the timing…and I know priests who also feel this way. Parishes arent financially solvent and this may be their undoing.

Who decided to change the translation? The Holy Spirit did, speaking through Bl. JP II. I don’t think the Holy Spirit checks with what our economy will be doing 11 years out from giving the Pope inspiration.

 

[opus101]

It isn’t that straightforward. No priest, absolutely no priest whatsoever, may determine what the liturgy is. It is only the Holy See that can regulate the liturgy of the Church. As you say “the priest is surely acting in full knowledge of the issues”. If he is then he is in disobedience to the Church. It is not his choice to make any more than it is mine or yours. It is not only an issue that concerns the priest. It concerns everyone at his Masses. The people have a right to the authentic liturgy of the Church. The 1970 first edition of the post-Vatican II revised Mass is no longer the authentic liturgy of the Church. The people have a right and even may be a duty to bring this matter to the attention of the appropriate ecclesiastical authorities.

:

It is actually a DUTY. It MUST be brought to the attention of the Bishop. As soon as possible. To do otherwise would be to aid and abet.

 

[markomalley]

Hey guys, I have been reading the other threads on the new missal, and am feeling so left out. As the title reads, my parish priest, without consulting the parish has decided to “take a stand” against the new Missal and continue with the old form.

I live in Ireland, and as you’ll know from the headlines, there is a lot of confusion and bitterness towards the Church here, from both within and without. So, our parish priest has decided to reject the new missal and continue as before. He hasn’t mentioned it to us in Church, not at the preparation stages, not today when the official launch was supposed to be - it’s like he’s decided it doesn’t exist. I’m so disappointed, and I’m praying hard for him. And I am in no position to criticise him with my sinful past anyway. Also, I’d say only a minority in our parish were aware this new translation was coming in, and an even smaller minority would be bothered that he’s not using it. Not through their own fault, but more through lack of catechesis. It’s a very rural area and I don’t think many of the local farmers would understand that this is an issue of disobedience to the Pope.

Any advice? Well I know I’ll keep praying for him anyway. Moving to a different parish doesn’t seem like the ideal solution, especially because I feel like the parishioners in my church are being deprived of something so valuable that the Pope has given his full blessing to.

From the Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosnctum Concilium:

1. 1. Regulation of the sacred liturgy depends solely on the authority of the Church, that is, on the Apostolic See and, as laws may determine, on the bishop.
2. In virtue of power conceded by the law, the regulation of the liturgy within certain defined limits belongs also to various kinds of competent territorial bodies of bishops legitimately established.

3. Therefore no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.

It is not this priest’s option. Period.

 

[trials]

Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated. I go with the suggestion that I talk to him first, even though I will be very nervous bringing this up with him (More prayer needed for inspiration from the Holy Spirit!) , and I guess I point out to him in as charitable a way as possible that I feel really grieved / confused as to why he is making this stand. Because that is the main part of my feeling about this - grief. Grief that again the Mystical Body of Christ is being wounded from within. I’m far from perfect (by a looong way) and have been responsible for seriously wounding Christ in the past, but thanks to the grace and forgiveness of God, I strive every day, nay, every moment to not hurt Christ, He has been so good to me. (Still falling of course, but nowhere near as bad as before).

In the past, before I understood or loved my faith, things like this wouldn’t have even bothered me, but now it’s plain to see how serious our problems are here in Ireland. What a lack of catechesis this priest must have received to think that he alone is justified in making a stand against the liturgy. Obedience, humillity - where are they? I don’t blame him individually but instead blame the formation he must have received (or not ) during his time in the seminary. Because when you know the faith well and love it deeply, things like this should be as clear as day.

Then if the talk goes nowhere I’ll contact the Bishop. Prayers, more prayers…

 

[the_phoenix]

Praying with part of a Reading from today’s Liturgy of the Hours:

A pastoral letter by St Charles Borromeo:

" In her concern for our salvation, our loving mother the Church uses this holy season to teach us through hymns, canticles and other forms of expression, of voice or ritual, used by the Holy Spirit. She shows us how grateful we should be for so great a blessing, and how to gain its benefit: our hearts should be as much prepared for the coming of Christ as if he were still to come into this world. The same lesson is given us for our imitation by the words and example of the holy men of the Old Testament."

St. Charles Borromeo, pray for us!

 

[LovingMass]

Dear Trials,

Please allow me to quote from your posts:

"Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated… I’m far from perfect …

and

“And I am in no position to criticise him with my sinful past anyway.”

I take it you faithfully and honestly participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. If so, please fully allow yourself to be forgiven not only for past sins but also for the sinful nature to which we all find ourselves subject. To not accept that forgiveness is, in my opinion, an insult to the sacrament. Feel the love of God’s forgiveness, and do not allow negative forces to convince you that you are not worthy of acting in accordance with your Christian conscience. Maybe it’s time to dwell upon Mary Magdalene and St. Paul/Saul. Did they allow their past sins to prevent them from just works for the love of Christ?

Please revel in the love of your Eternal Father, our Lord Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit.

 

[Cavaille-Coll]

Like many priests and bishops, this one is “taking a stand” in the grand tradition of that one Apostle who never had a church named for him.

 

[DJJG]

Finally, the timing of the mass change is horrible in this economy. Most people don’t realize just how much these materials cost. Perhaps this is a case of a priest trying to pay the bills. Believe me, I know many parishes who are relying on photocopies because they just dont have the money. I feel the vatican was a bit careless in the timing…and I know priests who also feel this way. Parishes arent financially solvent and this may be their undoing.

The additional cost to each church is the price of ONE new missal; many parishes have been using the same missal (formerly - Sacramentary) for thirty or more years and it needed to be replaced anyway.

The missalettes, that all the parishes that I know, use come out new every few months and the new one, with the new translation, started this 1st Sunday of Advent, at the same cost as if it had the old translation in it. Pew cards,and such, that many parishes choose to use, are an option (in fact I donated them for our parish - they wern’t very expensive - and I am sure that at many other parishes parishoneers may have done the same, in their parish). So I really do not believe that cost is a viable excuse.

---

I am more puzzeled with how long it took to retranslate and approve the new translation, since it really isn’t that new - it is very close to what it was when we first went to using the english language in the mass, in the 1960’s. (It was then changed, in steps, in the 1970’s.)

---

By the way, I LOVE the new translation.

---

God bless you,
Danny

 

[iloveangels]

Hey guys, I have been reading the other threads on the new missal, and am feeling so left out. As the title reads, my parish priest, without consulting the parish has decided to “take a stand” against the new Missal and continue with the old form.

I live in Ireland, and as you’ll know from the headlines, there is a lot of confusion and bitterness towards the Church here, from both within and without. So, our parish priest has decided to reject the new missal and continue as before. He hasn’t mentioned it to us in Church, not at the preparation stages, not today when the official launch was supposed to be - it’s like he’s decided it doesn’t exist. I’m so disappointed, and I’m praying hard for him. And I am in no position to criticise him with my sinful past anyway. Also, I’d say only a minority in our parish were aware this new translation was coming in, and an even smaller minority would be bothered that he’s not using it. Not through their own fault, but more through lack of catechesis. It’s a very rural area and I don’t think many of the local farmers would understand that this is an issue of disobedience to the Pope.

Any advice? Well I know I’ll keep praying for him anyway. Moving to a different parish doesn’t seem like the ideal solution, especially because I feel like the parishioners in my church are being deprived of something so valuable that the Pope has given his full blessing to.

Find another parish.

If you can’t find another parish:
a) Write a nice letter to the bishop and send a copy to the Holy See.
b) Put a copy of the letter in the collection plate and then don’t give any money until they fix this. Give it to a charity instead. I’m sure there are cold and hungry people who could use the money this time of year for food and fuel to heat their homes with.

 

[applesofgold]

I wonder what the general situation regarding the New Translation of the Roman Missal is like now, 7 months after its introduction.

I think the new translation is wonderful, very reverent, scriptural and very very prayerful when both the congregation and the priest put in a little effort.

I have come across a number of priests who are grand-standing on this one and sticking with the old book. Others are giving their congregations a “mix and match” from both versions. It is totally confusing for people, especially in parishes where many different priests celebrate mass.
Ironically, the priests that appear to have the greatest problem with the “New Missal” are the very ones who didn’t use the previous one very much either, preferring to ad-lib the prayers and let their wonderful personalities shine through.
Sorry! whom do people wish to encounter as mass?

Sorry for being uncharitable, but this annoys me.

 

[PacoG]

Like many priests and bishops, this one is “taking a stand” in the grand tradition of that one Apostle who never had a church named for him.

To compare these priests to Judas Iscariot is uncharitable and out of line. Someone should report you to the moderators.

As to the OP, how about instead of causing scandal to your priest, talk to him and to Bishop, Vicar General, Director of Liturgy or whoever is in charge of liturgy in your diocese. You know that. Everyone knows the chain of command. You don’t need to be advised on this board to do that. This going and tattling to a bunch of strangers accomplishes nothing and encourages uncharitable comments like the one by Cavaille Coll.

I seriously hope the moderator shuts down this thread.