The New Translation of the Roman Missal Teaching Mass

New Translation Sending Forth Commentator’s Copy - Week Five: New Translation of the Roman Missal   The commentator is to read the Introduction right before Mass starts, before the Opening Hymn is announced.   Introduction: The Council of Trent (1562 AD) encouraged the use of frequent instruction at Mass:  “Lest Christ’s flock go hungry…the Holy Synod commands pastors and all others having the care of souls to give frequent instructions during the celebration of Mass…among other things, they should include some explanation of the mystery of this most Holy Sacrifice (11).”  We will now fulfill this command as we introduce the New Translation of the Roman Missal.  This weekend we will focus on Concluding Rites.  The concluding rites consist of brief announcements, the priest’s greeting and blessing, which on certain occasions is enriched and expressed in the prayer over the People, and the dismissal of the people so that each may go out to do good works, praising and blessing God.           The commentator is to read #1 after the Prayer after Communion.   1.       Announcements The proper place for the announcements is following the Prayer after Communion and before the Concluding Rite.  Announcements should be about public worship or a brief explanation of events found on the parish calendar.  They should be brief and not distract from the sacred character of the Mass.            The commentator is to read #2 after the announcements before the Final Blessing.   2.       The Priest’s Greeting and Blessing This final blessing done by the priest mirrors the final blessing given to us by Jesus before He ascended into heaven.  This final rite is of no small importance, for in it the blessing of God is laid upon us to proclaim the kingdom of God just as the apostles had done and were commanded to continue to do.              The commentator is to read #3 after the Final Blessing and before the Dismissal.   3.       The Dismissal of the People What is meant by the priest telling us to “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord?”  It is the work of all believers to “bear good fruit” in the world and to proclaim through their words and actions the truth of the mysteries we believe. The commentator reads #4 after the Dismissal before the Sending Forth Hymn is announced and sung.  4.        The Reverencing of the Altar At the beginning and conclusion of the liturgy, the priest reverences the altar with a kiss.  It is desired that while the liturgy is being conducted that a profound bow be given to the altar in passing.  This reverence by both the priest and faithful highlights a humble submission to the sacredness of the altar as the place upon which the Lord is made present in a very real way.  In reverencing the altar we reverence the cross, the way in which our redemption and sanctification is accomplished. Print New Translation Sending Forth for Commentators   Back to the Teaching Mass home page