St. Patrick Parishoners Adapt, Adjust to New Mass Translations

It's the third Sunday since St. Patrick's Church in Lake Forest began using the new Mass translations of the updated Roman Missal's third edition.

The changes to the missal, which have been in the works since 2001, took affect for English-speaking Catholics all over the world on the first Sunday of Advent this year.

Notable changes include the rephrasing of the response “And also with you” to “And with your spirit,” as well as many changes to the Nicene Creed, Apostles' Creed and Memorial Acclamation.

• Guides on the changes can be found here.

It's been tough for parishioners to adjust to the changes, but the Rev. Laurence J. Dunn said participation has not suffered.

“This is the third Mass now and they recognize the changes,” he said. Nicene Creed “participation has gone up. I do think when they're called to respond, many use the old responses. Sometimes, so do I.”

Dunn has been with St. Patrick's for eight years, and after celebrating Mass for 41 years, he admits to some difficulty adjusting.

“I think some of the language is a little more confusing,” he said. “Every day I have to sit down with the book and really read it. You just have to keep your eyes on the book.”

St. Patrick's provides parishioners with a laminated guide of the changes as well as the daily advent book. “The guides help a lot. Everyone knows it will take some time,” Dunn said.

Dunn said a great benefit of the updated translations is that people are really listening to the words of the Mass. “The prayers of the priests are different so I think people are listening,” he said.

Changes include rephrasing of Mass prayers and responses, “prayers for the observances of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic prayers, additional votive Masses and Masses and prayers for various needs and occasions, and some updated and revised rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass,” according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Herb Kelly, a parishioner of St. Patrick's for 12 years, said the 10 commandments are the important thing to know.

“I respect Father Dunn and the Catholic church. But what was good for the people in 1941 should be good enough for the people now,” he said.

One woman said, “I really don't know what I think (of the changes). I have to get used to them.”

Bob Tivnan stands at the altar during communion. “One of the prayers that has changed is right before the communion. I repeat the old (responses). I've been saying them for 25 years, since I was an altar boy.

“It takes time. I have to read it, I have to memorize it. It's good that everyone's taking the time to look at the Missal,” Tivnan added.

Some younger parishioners said they did not have strong feelings about the changes either way.

“No one's thrown any vegetables,” Dunn joked. “I think people would like to get used to it. There haven't been many complaints.”