During weekend Masses beginning in September, we will be introducing certain revisions in the sung parts of the Mass as prescribed by the New Roman Missal, most notably the changes in the wording of the Gloria. It will give us a“heads‐up” on more of the changes (not too many, thank God) that will take place mostly beginning with the First Sunday of Advent (November, 26‐27). Father Khanh wrote more about these changes in a recent article in our bulletin while I was away.

The new Roman Missal resulted from years of work by the Vatican and bishops in the United States, Canada, England and other English‐speaking countries. The Vatican’s Vox Clara Committee and the International Commission on English in the Liturgy also worked on the new texts.

The words Christians pray, and how they pray, shape their beliefs and how they live out those beliefs. Those words will now change in Catholic parishes across the United States with the implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, set to take place on Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent. The new translation of the Mass is an opportunity for a new Eucharistic catechesis. It promises to help Catholics enter more deeply into the mystery of the faith in a way that continues the Second Vatican Council’s liturgical renewal. The change gives Catholics the chance to “reflect more deeply” on the meaning of Christian worship.

We become what we pray; the prayer of our Eucharistic worship is meant to make us become more like Jesus Christ. In our Eucharistic worship, we join our own sacrifices to Christ’s. We make our lives a prayer of self‐offering — as He did on the cross. In union with Jesus, we offer ourselves to the Father as a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

The new translation restores the beauty of the original Latin, and lets Catholics hear the many Scriptural allusions that are woven into the fabric of the Mass. The new missal will mean Catholics will learn together how to pray our familiar prayers in a new way, using new language. Some of the changes include when the priest says “The Lord be with you,” the congregation presently responds “And also with you.” Under the new version, they will reply “And with your spirit.”

At the Communion time, currently the priest says, “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.” This will be replaced by “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” In response, instead of “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,” the congregation will say “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” This is a more explicit reference to the words of the centurion in Luke 7.

The translators did a beautiful job. They have given us prayers that will help us to lift up our hearts and minds to give glory and praise to God in language that is reverent and inspiring. Hopefully, it will help unite worship on earth to the liturgy of heaven.

For further information, the U.S. Bishops’ Conference has created a special website for the new missal for you to visit at Roman Missal.

Next weekend, we will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the infamous “911” tragedy that shook our country’s spirit, but strengthened its resolve to stand strong and united in the face of any tragedy or attack on our nation. Our Masses will contain prayers in the petitions to remember those innocent victims who died that day, and we will ring our church bells at 1:00 PM, at the request of the U.S. Senate, for a Moment of Remembrance. We also pray that those families in our midst who suffered the loss of a loved one will be consoled that we will not forget them and will pray for them.

Please keep in your prayers, too, our little 1st Grader, Kendall Gillis, who is still struggling to fully recover from her brain seizure. Her Mom, Dad and brother thank you for the many cards, greetings and wishes sent from our parish family, and are encouraged by your prayerful support of them.

Thank you to thirty‐five special women who helped stuff envelopes this past week in preparation for this year’s upcoming Auction to be held November 5th for the benefit of the school. They are Moms who somehow find time to volunteer despite their own hectic schedule. God bless them all!!

This coming Saturday morning (Sept. 10th) at 10:30, we will have a special Mass and Anointing of the Sick for those who are ill or not in good physical health due to the usual aging process. Then we will proceed to Kellaghan Hall for a luncheon in honor of our anointed and the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose birthday is September 8th. Special thanks to Karen Turnbull of our Women’s and Family Life Ministries, along with her husband and our Parish Manager, Deacon Bruce, for arranging this event.

Finally, I would like to remind our parishioners how important it is to use your weekly Sunday Offering envelopes. If you happen to forget yours on any given weekend, we have additional ones available at the church doors (or just ask one of our ushers). This is a principal way we have of keeping track of your annual contributions for tax purposes, as well as attendance when you seek letters of permission to be a sponsor at Baptism and Confirmation of a friend or relative. Without some real proof of your regular attendance, it is most difficult(if not impossible) to issue a “letter of good standing” for the above stated purposes. Thank you for your cooperation.

Very Rev. Canon Tom