Two weeks later – is it still Mass Confusion?

Dec. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- For More Information:
Kevin Wandra, 678-990-9032,
KWandra@MaximusMG.com or
Tim Lilley, 678-990-9032,
TLilley@MaximusMG.com

U.S. Catholics using new prayers, responses for the first time in generations

ATLANTA, Dec. 5, 2011 – So … how’s it going? Has it been Mass confusion? Nationally syndicated columnist Kathryn Jean Lopez, writing last week for “Headline Bistro,” noted that she’d seen “laughter, confusion and frustration” over the first weekend of implementation of the new Roman Missal. “Most of it,” she added, “is the natural sort that comes with changes, or a tweaking – and renewal – of what had become routine.”

The changes are sweeping. Priests have new prayers. Those in the pews have different responses. The music has changed. Not only are the words of sung responses different, but the music that accompanies them is unfamiliar. Children are learning and saying the new words. The Mass has changed for everyone in many ways.

At 11:30 a.m. EST on Dec. 6, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., will join Fr. Dan Barron, O.M.V., of John Paul the Great Catholic University; Dr. Edward Sri of the Augustine Institute; and Grammy-nominated Catholic musician Matt Maher in a tele press conference to discuss the new Roman Missal, its impact on Catholics and their participation in Mass, and the Biblical roots of this pillar of Catholicism – the Mass.

The panelists offer great perspectives on the new Mass. Cardinal Wuerl wrote (with Mike Aquilina) “The Mass: The Glory, The Mystery, The Tradition,” which was published by Doubleday. Dr. Sri wrote “A Biblical Walk through the Mass,” which looks at the scriptural foundation of the Mass. Parishes around the country used his book and companion DVD series in their preparations for the changes to the liturgy.

Fr. Barron is editor of “Magnifikid!,” the weekly worship aid for youngsters published by “Magnificat.” Earlier this year, “Magnifikid!” published a special supplement for youngsters on the changes coming to the Mass. Maher is a worship leader in his home parish, and he released his latest album, “Love in Between,” on Sept. 20. One online reviewer at Amazon said of Maher, “As a believer, I daresay the Holy Spirit speaks to me very clearly through this man’s creative and physical talents.”

Roman Catholics in the English speaking world began using a new translation of the Roman Missal on Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent and the start of a new liturgical year in the Church. Why now? Why at all? Do the new responses and priestly prayers impact what Catholics believe? Are lay Catholics learning anything new from this translation? How about the priests and Bishops? What about music? Children? How long until we “get it”?  The panelists will field questions like these during the tele press conference.

Media are invited to be a part of the event, but must RSVP to participate. To do so, please contact Kevin Wandra (678-990-9032, or KWandra@MaximusMG.com) or Tim Lilley (678-990-9032 or TLilley@MaximusMG.com) of The Maximus Group.