Why change liturgy?

There are lots of reasons why changes are made in the Liturgy. Simple matters:

• New saints are celebrated so new prayers are needed.
• New languages require new translations.
• New hymns etc. are written.

No one gets too upset about these. There was a time when we first moved to English that was very traumatic. Much of that was caused by a lack of preparation and many celebrants were themselves not well versed in Liturgical principles.

As we prepare for next year's new formulas at Mass we are doing our very best to avoid confusion and ensure people are prepared. The new Roman Missal is scheduled to be implemented on the First Sunday of Advent 2011. 

Some changes are implemented because the needs of our parishes and societal changes allow us to do things differently. Some examples include:

• Girls being allowed to serve at the altar.
• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.
• The renewal of the Permanent Diaconate.
• Laity reading at the Liturgy of the Word.

Not all of these changes were (are) accepted with full enthusiasm. Some people don't want to receive the Eucharist from an EMHC. They will move to another line so they can receive from the priest or deacon, who are Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion.There is probably no sin in this as long as it is not motivated by pride.

Most of the changes we deal with are at Mass. The other sacraments, however, have also undergone some changes.  At Baptism, it is the parents who present the baby, not the Godparents. We don't normally use the salt any more. We have forgotten that it was used as a sign of perseverance.

At a wedding, the Rite of Marriage has the priest greet the Bride and Groom at the door of the church. If there is a procession the Bride and Groom process together, escorted by their parents and friends. Our liturgy sees this as a much truer expression of the free choice of a man and woman to enter into a life long commitment to love. The father walking his daughter down the isle is not mentioned as an option. Since we know she is not being given away, we should avoid a symbolic action that says she is. Paul Turner wrote an article about this change. You access this at www.paulturner.org/wedding-procession.htm. He's much stronger than I in what he says.At the current time our Archdiocese allows for the father and daughter to walk together. As a matter of fact, is even happens at SVdP.

There are several changes made in the Ordination rites for deacons, priests and bishops. Confirmation has undergone some changes.These are rather minor changes and often are seen.

The upcoming change in language will be significant. Right now, I don't foresee any rubric changes. The format of Mass should be the same. But keep in mind, the Pope could order something different. I do not expect that to happen, however.

Our liturgy, like our Church, is organic. We are growing and will continue to change as we move forward. After all, there was a time when men and women had to sit on opposite sides.

Pax et bonum,