Why doesn't my parish say Mea Culpa? + chants/singing

[SincereSeeker]

Hello, quick question. Two actually:

First, the parish I usually attend never says the Mea Culpa during mass, whereas another nearby parish I attended once does. Why is this? I prefer the more traditional format, and I didn’t realize that things could be omitted like that.

Also, I was reading the revised mass format that was published in 2011 and an emphasis on traditional chants versus the singing of random hymns throughout the mass seemed to be stressed, whereas at this parish random hymns are sung throughout without chants.

So how much room is there for changes from parish to parish? Who decides these things? More information on this would be appreciated, thank you!

 

[Phemie]

The Penitential Rite has 3 options of which the “I confess to Almighty God…” is one. The priest decides which one of the three he will use. Our present Pastor uses that one rarely; our former pastor never used it.

 

[pensmama87]

The Penitential Rite has 3 options of which the “I confess to Almighty God…” is one. The priest decides which one of the three he will use. Our present Pastor uses that one rarely; our former pastor never used it.

Yes.

I’ve noticed that during certain liturgical seasons (particularly Lent and Advent) “I confess…” is used a lot more often. We have four priests at our parish (it’s pretty big) and I have definitely noticed that some prefer certain things during the Mass over others, or other factors come into play. One priest who is older and not in great health will choose the fastest option for every thing on very warm Sundays (we don’t have air conditioning). He’s a very good priest and reverent, but I would imagine these hot months are very difficult for him.

 

[Elizium23]

Hello, quick question. Two actually:

First, the parish I usually attend never says the Mea Culpa during mass, whereas another nearby parish I attended once does. Why is this? I prefer the more traditional format, and I didn’t realize that things could be omitted like that.

Also, I was reading the revised mass format that was published in 2011 and an emphasis on traditional chants versus the singing of random hymns throughout the mass seemed to be stressed, whereas at this parish random hymns are sung throughout without chants.

So how much room is there for changes from parish to parish? Who decides these things? More information on this would be appreciated, thank you!

The prayer containing the phrase “Mea culpa” is known as the Confiteor, which is Latin for “I confess”.

The new translation of the Roman Missal and the GIRM are based on the 2001 instruction Liturgiam authenticam. According to LA, a more literal translation of the Latin originals is required, and therefore, instead of “hymn” or “song”, the Latin word “cantus” is rendered as “chant”. This means that the proper terms in English are now “Entrance Chant”, “Offertory Chant”, and “Communion Chant”. Some pundits decided that this was a change in legislation and that Gregorian chant, or at least plainchant, would be required in the Mass, but since this was simply an update in the method of translation, no actual laws or practice changed.

It is remarkable that even this instruction extolled the virtues of Gregorian chant:
Liturgiam authenticam:

1. The Sacred Liturgy engages not only man’s intellect, but the whole person, who is the “subject” of full and conscious participation in the liturgical celebration. Translators should therefore allow the signs and images of the texts, as well as the ritual actions, to speak for themselves; they should not attempt to render too explicit that which is implicit in the original texts. For the same reason, the addition of explanatory texts not contained in the editio typica is to be prudently avoided. Consideration should also be given to including in the vernacular editions at least some texts in the Latin language, especially those from the priceless treasury of Gregorian chant, which the Church recognizes as proper to the Roman Liturgy, and which, all other things being equal, is to be given pride of place in liturgical celebrations.[28] Such chant, indeed, has a great power to lift the human spirit to heavenly realities.

Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony are still the preferred styles of music for the sacred liturgy in the Roman Rite, and have been since long before the Second Vatican Council expressed those preferences. But this is more honored in the breach. The best you can do at this point is support parishes and clergy who foster a love for truly sacred liturgical music.

 

[phil19034]

According to younger priests I know, Option 1 (the Confiteor) is intended to be used at least every Sunday, while options 2 and 3 were meant for Weekday Mass. However, the rules allow all options to be used on Sundays too.

Same with Eucharistic Prayer 1 (the Roman Canon) According to the younger, orthodox priests I know, EP1 was intended to be used on all Sundays and Holy Days, allowing the other forms of the Mass to be used during week days. However, like the Confiteor, the rules actually allow for all options to be used.

The two young priests I know, both always use the Confiteor and Roman Canon for Sunday Mass, and they chant parts of the prayer too.

On the flip side, I’ve noticed that several Monsignors, who rarely use the Confiteor, often forget to recite the Kyrie afterwards (or think it’s an option too).

My archbishop always uses the Confiteor for Sunday Mass, but often uses EP2, saving EP1 for Holy Days.

I once read that some of the older priest don’t like the Confiteor because they think it confuses people and makes them think they don’t have to go to confession. I’ve also heard others say because there is a direct prayer to Mary and the Saints, so they didn’t want to offend Catholics who don’t pray to Mary and/or the Saints. Finally, I’ve read that the reason some priests often avoid the Confiteor and EP1 is because enough people complain about the length of mass, so by making it seem that he’s making it as short as possible, keeps the complainers off his back.

Frankly, I personally believe the OF is very beautiful when the Confiteor, EP1 and Chant are used.

In closing, this thread means that we must pray for our priests, and support them when they do use the Confiteor and EP1. Pray that for the Holy Spirit to give them courage to take on the dissent Catholics in the pews, and give them support. After all, they are human too.

God Bless.

 

[Elizium23]

I’ve also heard others say because there is a direct prayer to Mary and the Saints, so they didn’t want to offend Catholics who don’t pray to Mary and/or the Saints.

Perhaps there should be a Eucharistic Prayer for Catholics who don’t believe in the Real Presence. Or a Sign of the Cross for Catholics who don’t accept the Holy Trinity.

 

[ProVobis]

Frankly, I personally believe the OF is very beautiful when the Confiteor, EP1 and Chant are used.

There’s nothing that says you can’t use this, especially the Confiteor, as contemplative prayer when the opportunity presents itself. In fact I believe the catechism encourages contemplative prayer. Personally I think prayers are more sincere this way.

 

[Elizium23]

There’s nothing that says you can’t use this, especially the Confiteor, as contemplative prayer when the opportunity presents itself. In fact I believe the catechism encourages contemplative prayer.

Are you suggesting that laypeople chant a Eucharistic Prayer in private? You can’t do that.

 

[ProVobis]

Are you suggesting that laypeople chant a Eucharistic Prayer in private? You can’t do that.

No, but I do know people who have memorized the entire Canon in Latin. I imagine they pray it in silence every now and then.

 

[phil19034]

Perhaps there should be a Eucharistic Prayer for Catholics who don’t believe in the Real Presence. Or a Sign of the Cross for Catholics who don’t accept the Holy Trinity.

LOL - funny that you mention it… there is this one woman who often attends daily mass. When she makes the Sign of the Cross, she just moves her arm up and down and shakes it in front of her, as if she was blessing someone else, but without crossing from left to right. It’s the weirdest thing to watch.

 

[phil19034]

There’s nothing that says you can’t use this, especially the Confiteor, as contemplative prayer when the opportunity presents itself. In fact I believe the catechism encourages contemplative prayer. Personally I think prayers are more sincere this way.

yes, I sometimes us the Confiteor during moments of silence at daily mass after the universal prayers.