Various appliances and furniture kitsets to be assembled usually come with instructions. Often, we tend to push ahead with assembly without reference to the instructions. Liturgy has guidelines too, instructions for how celebrations are to be assembled and celebrated.
The Roman Missal is used at Mass. It begins with ninety-two pages by way of introduction. The liturgical texts are in black print, accompanied by directions printed in red and known as rubrics, a word which literally means red print. The texts and the rubrics express the mind of the Church as to how our services are to be conducted.
To follow ritual as it is in the Missal is to pray with the Church. Liturgy is the earthly sacrament of the divine worship in heaven. The Mass is the living memorial of the sacrifice of Christ. The priest presider is as Jesus Christ. Both the Christ and the priest say of themselves to the other participants, for this is my body given up for you, my blood shed for you and for many.
The new Roman Missal (2008) was translated into English according to approved criteria, and at first for many of us it took a bit of getting used to, with seemingly awkward phraseology and longish sentencing. Theological terms too like oblation, laud, consubstantial, and blood shed for many left open for explanation! There was a petition from priests to the New Zealand Bishops asking for another look at it this new Roman Missal. This I signed, but when I realised the already published new Missal was a done deal, I decided to make the best of it.
In time for me it turned out well. I would preview the texts to sort out how best to pronounce and proclaim them in a prayerful, meaningful manner. Several times the Missal directs silence and I would use these pointedly. In the beginning I would tell the people why the silence. Sometimes I would draw out the meaning of more subtle texts, at homily time or as they appeared. I used the moments the Missal makes for introductory remarks. I would employ the suggestions to use these or similar words. Such if prepared and done well are appropriate opportunities for free communication between priest and people. They provide a measured spontaneity which can truly assist the flow of the celebration.
Prayers, readings, homilies, musical settings, and hymns should be collaboratively prepared. The aim is for liturgical services genuinely to assist the people who gather. They come Sunday after Sunday to offer their week’s work and witness. They wish to join themselves and their daily activities to the liturgical prayer. They desire to celebrate the sacrifice of Christ, to receive communion, and then to feel confident to go forth into the week ahead to continue their Catholic lay action in the world. They are to be nourished by liturgy conducted correctly.
How to do genuine Catholic liturgy supportive of faith and good works?
You may develop my ideas above and share them with others in your own liturgy committees. You may share with me.
