MADISON — The diocesan Office of Worship, with the approval of Bishop Robert C. Morlino, has announced that parishes in the Diocese of Madison who wish to ease implementation of the new texts for the people may begin introducing the musical portions of the people’s parts of the Mass earlier than the general implementation date.
This announcement follows that of Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Divine Worship. Archbishop Aymond announced that diocesan bishops may permit the gradual introduction of the musical settings of the people’s parts of the Mass from the new Roman Missal in September. Primarily this affects the Gloria, the Holy, Holy, Holy, and the Memorial Acclamations.
Gradual introduction
This variation to the implementation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition, set to be implemented in parishes across the U.S. on November 27, the first Sunday of Advent, was authorized by the USCCB president, Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, and adopted by the committee to allow parish communities to learn the various parts of the new translation “in a timely fashion and an even pace.”
The Committee on Divine Worship made the decision to allow a gradual implementation of the musical settings in response to requests from several bishops and echoed by the National Advisory Council. Some suggested that the various acclamations could be more effectively introduced throughout the fall, so that when the full Missal is implemented on the First Sunday of Advent, the congregation will have already become familiar with the prayers that are sung.
“I ask you to encourage this as a means of preparing our people and helping them embrace the new translation,” Archbishop Gregory told the bishops. The announcement took place June 16, during the U.S. bishops’ Spring Assembly near Seattle.
Local changes
The announcement by Patrick Gorman, director of the Diocese of Madison Office of Worship, was sent to priests June 21, informing them of the change in the plan for implementation of the Roman Missal this fall. On behalf of Bishop Morlino, and with his approval, Gorman announced the following changes:
• New musical settings of the people’s parts of the Glory to God, Holy, and Memorial Acclamation(s) may be introduced any time beginning on September 3 and 4, 2011.
• New musical settings of the Glory to God must be introduced no later than the weekend of September 24 and 25, 2011.
• New musical settings of the Holy and Memorial Acclamation(s) must be introduced no later than the weekend of October 15 and 16, 2011.
• This applies only to the people’s parts of the Mass Ordinary which are normally sung (primarily the Glory to God, Holy, and Memorial Acclamations). The general implementation of the other texts (for example, “and with your Spirit” in the greeting) will take place as planned on the First Sunday of Advent.
• The Creed, while part of the Mass Ordinary, will be part of the Advent implementation and is not affected by this change.
• This does not apply to any texts prayed alone by the priest.
There is not a required diocesan musical setting. However, information on the settings expected to be used at diocesan events is available and was sent with the announcement.
Gorman said that he expects to send further information on the change soon to parishes, including information on discounts for particular music settings.
“As you can see, this developed quite quickly,” Gorman said in his announcement. “While it may require more work on our part, I believe that it will provide for a smoother transition to the new Missal.”