Cardinal Wuerl: New Missal translation engages us in renewing our understanding of the Mass

The Oct. 30 issue of OSV features an interview OSV contributing editor Emily Stimpson conducted with Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington, D.C., about the importance of the Mass and how the upcoming English translation of the Roman Missal, to be implemented Nov. 27, will affect Catholic liturgy and life. Here's an excerpt:

OSV: What can laypeople do before Mass to prepare ourselves to better understand the liturgy?

Cardinal Wuerl: All the faithful are called to approach the altar spiritually prepared. St. Paul wrote that, “whoever eats the bread, drinks of the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer to the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Cor: 11-27). It is for this reason that we take special care to examine our conscience and if necessary receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving the body and blood of Christ. This year, as the Church calls us to reflect on the new English translation of the Roman Missal, we also are expected to renew our own understanding of the Mass. This we can do by taking the time to turn to the many sources available to us to instruct us in understanding the Mass. … [“The Mass: The Glory, the Mystery, the Tradition”] was prepared precisely to help Catholics experience all over again the wonder of the liturgy.

Read the ways in which the cardinal believes the new translation will impact the faithful and how it could renew their faith in what happens at Mass.

Music and the revised Missal — answers to common questions

Catholic San Francisco archdiocesan newspaper has posted answers to frequently asked questions about how the new translation will change what Catholics sing at Mass. Here's what it has to say about Gregorian chant and the revised Roman Missal:

Gregorian chant is considered “to hold pride of place” in the church (GIRM 41). Due to its traditional use and rhythm, chant is highly encouraged to be sung by the priest and the people. With the revised Roman Missal, emphasis has been placed on chanting parts of the Mass and the texts have been written to facilitate the priest and people singing. This does not mean that all Masses have to be sung, but with the new English translation, in many cases the flow of the words naturally fit to be chanted by the presider and people. Many people are hoping that a positive result of the revision of the Roman Missal will be the increased use of chant – in English or Latin – by all participants at Mass.

Read the newspaper's other answers to questions about Mass changes.

Has your parish begun implementing the new and revised music settings? How is it going? Do you have the new words to the Gloria memorized yet?