Liturgy: ever-changing, ever new
Coffey Break from the November/December 2011 issue
If you’ve been following our liturgy column this year, then you see how the author, Deborah McCann, is helping us and those we teach better experience the Mass by awakening our senses. This is especially helpful as we prepare for the implementation of the new Roman Missal on the first Sunday of Advent. This isn’t the first time there have been changes in the Mass, and we can be almost certain it won’t be the last.
When I first heard about the translation changes in the Mass, I thought of my Grandma Angie. She was 93 when she passed on, and my best memories of her are how she embraced change, especially in the Church. She experienced many liturgical changes during her life including the time of fasting before receiving Holy Communion, receiving the Eucharist under both species, and the language of the Mass changing from Latin to the vernacular. None of these changes ever swayed her from the firm foundation of faith that was the core of her very being.
Many churches across the country are offering workshops to help parishioners prepare for the new translation. As catechists, it’s our job to teach the children in our classes about the new translation in a positive and helpful way.
May we embrace these changes in “Grandma Angie” style—with eager anticipation and a prayful attitude. How do the changes in the Mass affect you? How are you teaching these changes to the children? Write to me at rcoffey@rtjscreativecatechist.com.
Wishing you faith-filled blessings each day,
Rosanne Coffey
Editor
Rosanne was named editor of RTJ's Creative Catechist in April 2010. She was previously advertising manager and worked in marketing for RTJ's Creative Catechist, Today's Parish and God's Word Today. For over 20 years she taught in Catholic schools. She has also been a catechist and associate director for the Norwich Diocesan Office for Faith Formation.
