CK Diocese to start using 3rd edition of Roman Missal

A new ritual text containing prayers and instructions for celebration of the Mass will go into effect on the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, and the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa is all set to welcome and implement this 3rd Edition of the New Roman Missal.

The Mass will remain the same in its ritual form, but some words used at prayer will be different. This will be throughout the parishes of the Diocese.

“The people of the Diocese are encouraged to use this opportunity to focus on the importance of the liturgy, as well as the history and rationale behind the new translation of the Roman Missal, which goes into effect on Nov. 27, 2011, the first Sunday of Advent,” said Fr. Isaac Ayuyu, director of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa’s Liturgical Worship.

“On this day, the new edition of the Missal will be used in its entirety for the prayers of the Mass throughout the Diocese and the English speaking world,” Ayuyu added.

In echoing the Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacrament, which approved the 3rd Edition of the New Roman Missal, the Liturgical Worship Office said the effectivity—or implementation of the new spoken prayers—will be a “time of some challenge for both priests and the people as we learn new words, new ways in praying the Mass as we offer our praise and thanks to God for the gift of the presence of Jesus whom we encounter and receive in the Mass.”

The Liturgical Worship Office noted that the Mass itself is not changing. Only the English and the Chamorro translation of the words used will be changing.

“The New Roman Missal is a more literal translation of the Latin and should help all English-speaking as well as Chamorro and Carolinian Catholics continue to learn how to pray liturgically in our language. It is not just about new texts, new prayers, and new rules. It is about our ongoing growth in faith, and the ongoing deepening of our understanding of what we are called to be. It is my hope and prayer that the people of the Diocese will be receptive to the new translation and look forward to furthering the renewal of the celebration of the Liturgy in their parishes as the new text is introduced,” said Ayuyu.

Call to attend workshops

As part of laying the groundwork for the implementation of the new Roman Missal, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa will be conducting workshops for the community’s transition to the latest Roman Missal version.

The first series of workshops will begin on the July 17 Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, at 7 pm at the Cathedral.

“It is my hope that the new Missal will serve to further deepen the bond of unity that we share, and that its implementation will be an occasion for a renewal of our liturgical life. We have been given a golden opportunity, and it would be a tragedy to squander it,” said Ayuyu.

The Diocese of Chalan Kanoa is also encouraging the faithful to direct inquiries and other matters relating to the new missal to the Office of Liturgical Worship or call Ayuyu at 234-3000 or 483-4543.

As the community of faith begins a new stage in this exciting and promising time of the Catholic faith, “let us keep one another in prayer,” the liturgical worship office added. [B][I](Diocese of Chalan Kanoa)[/I][/B]