Changes for the Catholics...

The Catholic Church has made some changes here in the US regarding key phrases during Mass. Don't be alarmed - it's nothing like the overhaul of Vatican II, but it is something to be aware of, particularly if you're like me and you are not a regular attendee of weekly Mass. I'm sure you'd figure it out when you show up one random Sunday and the regular-goers are already down with the new lingo and you're wondering what the heck is happening but I'd figured I'd comment anyway.

On one hand, I appreciate changes for the Catholics. Change is often good, I believe, and since the world we live in does constantly change, perhaps elements of one's faith and practice of that faith should hop on board and be changed when appropriate. On the other hand, if I had to pick what type of changes I'd want the Catholic church to pursue, I'm pretty sure changes in phrases repeated each week at Mass fall pretty low on my list. I'd rather see changes in bigger policy/hot-button issues, but I digress... it's just not the right time for another serious overhaul.

You can read about the new changes here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/15/AR2006061502252.html?nav=rss_nation

I found this article, read it, and sent it to my Catholic bud, Susan. As always, Susan had some fun witty commentary to offer, and I believe it worthwhile to share, so here goes. Susan said:

Jess sent me a similar article yesterday. I said "good thing I have stopped going to church. The changes would annoy me."

I found this piece and thought I would share my comments:

Change: The exchanges between priest and parishioners that now go "The Lord be with you" / "And also with you" would become "The Lord be with you" / "And with your spirit."
Comment: So the priest has a spirit but the congregants do not?

Change: The Act of Penitence, in which parishioners now confess aloud that they have sinned "through my own fault" would include the lines "through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault."
Comment: Catholic guilt 101 -- make a little fault a "most grievous fault"

Change: In the Nicene Creed, the opening words "We believe" would become "I believe."
Comment: Heaven forbid we take a communal approach and recognize our membership in a larger body.

Change: Early in the Eucharistic Prayer, "Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might" would become "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of hosts."
Comment: By hosts do they mean people who throw parties? Let's use the vernacular and not obscure religious language.

Change: Before Communion, the prayer "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you" would become "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof."
Comment: I am homeless and take offense to this one. It discriminates against people who do not have roofs under which others may enter.


So for you Catholics out there, whether you're dedicated weekly attendees or slackers like myself, may you find the changes to your liking. However, if you do not, as Susan anticipates, please let me know and we will share a good laugh and some commentary.

May the peace of Christ be with you.