Gotta Sing Gotta Pray

New Translation Thursday: "Don't Give Up on That"

2012-02-02T07:56:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Thursday" greetings to all.

Here's a follow-up to my encounter with the woman I described in Tuesday's post.

This is what she said to me concerning the new translation:
She looked me squarely in the eyes and said, "Jerry, what am I supposed to do? I just don't feel inspired at Mass any more and I am afraid that I might drift away."

Well, I looked her squarely in the eyes and asked her if she felt that she still needed God to work transformation in her own life. Of course, she nodded, and then I said, "I know that God continues to work redemption in my own life and I find the Mass the primary source where I discover that redemption time and time again. Does God still want to work on you? If you believe this, and I know you do, you cannot drift away. God waits for you at Mass, even in a translation with which you struggle. Don't give up on that. I need to know that you are not drifting away, because my own life as a Catholic who shares many of your same struggles will be diminished if you drift away. I know in my heart that God wants to work a miracle of transformation in your life. Let's not give up."

Sounds kind of pious as I re-iterate what I said, but I believe this with all my heart.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

The Gift of the Parish Liturgy Committee

2012-02-01T08:07:00.001-06:00

Wednesday greetings to you all, and Happy February!

I volunteer on my parish's liturgy committee and we met last night to discuss Lent, as well as the liturgy we celebrate to honor African-American Heritage Month.

Our reflections and deliberations were centered on the gospels of the Lenten Season. Then we all looked through and reflected on the collects. It never ceases to amaze me that a very diverse group of people can get together and read scripture passages that we have heard for years and find things that never really struck us before. The cycle of scripture readings offers us such a great richness in our Catholic experience. I often tell friends who say, "How can you even stand going to Catholic Mass; it's just the same thing over and over again," that the prayers, readings and ritual patterns may repeat over and over again, but it is me who is different each and every time I hear them or celebrate them. I guess this is what life-long ongoing conversion is all about. That came home to me very poignantly last night. The Gospel of the Transfiguration for the Second Sunday of Lent ends with this line: "So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant." For me, that has been a question at the center of my faith life. I know and believe that Christ rose from the dead and as a baptized person who has "put on Christ," I often wonder what rising from the dead means for me. Rising from the dead, not just in the sense of the end times, but in my every day life.

I love this volunteer work at my parish. It puts me at a table with Catholics who are living the challenges of family life and married life. It helps this theologian to be more rooted in the day-to-day lives of the Catholics with whom I worship. I am so grateful for this gift.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: How Would You Respond?

2012-01-31T15:02:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this installment of "New Translation Tuesday."

At a conference I attended recently, a woman, who had been a diocesan director of Christian initiation, but now works in another field, asked me a question. She prefaced the question by telling me how disappointed she was with the entire process that led up to our new translation of the Missal, especially with the last-minute changes that were made to texts that our bishops had spent years discussing and honing.

She looked me squarely in the eyes and said, "Jerry, what am I supposed to do? I just don't feel inspired at Mass any more and I am afraid that I might drift away."

I had my own response to her, which I will share on Thursday. What would your pastoral and charitable response be?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Mystagogy Monday: Mass of Saint Ann and a Long Preface

2012-01-30T09:18:00.000-06:00

"Mystagogy Monday" greetings to all. Gosh, it feels great to be home here in Chicago for awhile.

The Southwest Liturgical Conference last week in Dallas was a great experience for me and it seems that the participants got a lot out of it as well.

Planning has begun for next year's conference, to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The emerging theme is focused on mystagogical/liturgical catechesis. I will be playing a role as a "mystagog" during the conference. The planners have some great ideas for the conference, which will include several liturgical catechesis "process" pieces. I will keep you posted.

Yesterday, I attended Mass at my parish, St. James, here in Chicago. The last time I was there was at Epiphany. The people seem to be getting accustomed to the new translation. It was great to be singing Ed Bolduc's Mass of Saint Ann. The music director added the Gospel Acclamation from that Mass and I found it strong and stirring. The pastor has begun using the newly composed chant for the Preface, which the monks from his Archabbey (most notably Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB) have made available. He is so much more comfortable with these "Saint Meinrad" tones. The preface he used had a sentence in it that had to be ten lines long; I got lost, even though he chanted it beautifully. Maybe I need to have a copy in front of me, just to comprehend it.

Well, lots and lots to do here as I begin to settle in to a long stretch of time here at WLP and JSP.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Two "Giants" : Foley and Kelly

2012-01-27T07:14:00.000-06:00

Friday greetings from the Southwest Liturgical Conference here in Dallas.

My apologies for not having posted yesterday; the day just ran away from me.

I have given two presentations here, entitled "Giving Voice to the Roman Missal." The talk is basically an exploration of the ways that we can apply the methodology outlined for mystagogical catechesis in Benedict XVI's Sacramentum Caritatis to the celebration of Mass. Our Church leaders have said that the advent of the new translation of The Roman Missal should signal a new era of liturgical catechesis, a catechesis that many feel was missing after the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council were implemented. During the presentation I share my own experiences of mystagogical catechesis which I have learned over the years, chiefly through my own experiences with the catechumenate.

Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana, attended my presentation yesterday.

Fr. Columba, as many of you know, is one of the "giants" in the field of chant. He and I had a spirited conversation about the chant in The Roman Missal, which will continue today when he visits us at the WLP booth on the exhibit floor here at the conference.

Certainly a high point for me here at the conference was the keynote address given by Fr. Edward Foley yesterday.

Ed was my faculty advisor and one of my professors when I earned the doctorate at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago during the 1990's. Ed was inspiring, challenging, even-toned, and honest as he talked about the challenges we face in "passing on the torch" of full participation to the next generations of "X-ers" and "Millennials." It was eye-opening and deeply challenging. Ed was honest about some of the less-then-transparent issues surrounding the development of the new translation. As he spoke, I thought once again about how much I appreciate and respect this man, another one of the "giants." Through his preaching, teaching, and presentations, he reveals a deeply faithful man with a capacity for critical thinking that is brilliant. I look forward to seeing this presentation in print in the future. Ed told me that this will happen in the next few months. I will keep you posted.

One more full day here at the conference, then it is home to Chicago tomorrow.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Dallas Rainy Greetings

2012-01-27T06:54:00.000-06:00

Wednesday greetings from rainy Dallas Texas.

The Southwest Liturgical Conference is going well. Gave my first talk and led the WLP music showcase today.

Not much more to report from here. More tomorrow.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Chanting the Conclusion to the Readings at Mass

2012-01-24T11:01:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Tuesday" greetings from Dallas, Texas. Flew here very early this morning for the Southwest Liturgical Conference.

At the prayer services at the retreat in the Rockville Center Diocese on Sunday, the scripture readings were concluded with the chanting of "The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God." With a roomful of pastoral musicians, it went splendidly. Just wondering how many of you have implemented this in your parish? I have heard from some that they are hesitant to ask the lectors to sing. I have been in at least one parish where the cantor came to the microphone at the cantor stand and did the chant following the lector's proclamation of the reading.

So, feel free to comment. If you have implemented this option, how is it going? If you haven't, do you plan on doing so?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

NPM Retreat in Rockville Center

2012-01-23T12:56:00.000-06:00

Monday greetings from Chicago.

Yesterday I flew to New York and led a retreat for a group of about 75 members of the Rockville Center chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians. It was a grand day at Cure of Ars parish in Merrick, New York, out on Long Island. Here's a photo of the interior of the church.

It's always great to be with a dedicated group of musicians. What a great group with great leadership; speacial thanks to Chris Ferraro and the team in Rockville Center for your hospitality. And it's always a treat to be on the East Coast.

Flew back to Chicago this morning and tomorrow morning leave for the 50th Annual Southwest Liturgical Conference in Dallas, Texas. Should be an exciting week there as well. I am giving two workshops: "Giving Voice to the Roman Missal."

I have tons to catch up on here at the "home office." I will be sure to share the wonders of the Liturgical Conference with you as the week unfolds.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Retreat Concludes

2012-01-20T11:06:00.000-06:00

Friday greetings from sunny San Diego.

The U.S. Army Chaplains retreat concludes this morning. It has been a wonderful week of prayer and song with these men.

I am supposedly headed home to Chicago this afternoon, where there is a winter storm warning; lots of snow expected there. Fully expecting a flight cancellation; we shall see. On Sunday morning I head to Long Island where I am leading a retreat for the NPM membership there. Hopefully I get back to Chicago in time to fly to La Guardia on Sunday morning.

This morning's Mass marked the first time that I did not use a worship aid for Mass. Of course, there was no Creed and we did not pray the confiteor. A bit at a time, I guess.

Well that's about it for now. Please pray for the safety of all travelers.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

U.S. Army Chaplains and Their Good Pastoral Work

2012-01-18T13:18:00.000-06:00

Wednesday greetings to all.

I have been so impressed this week by the 70+ U.S. Army Catholic Military chaplains gathered here in San Diego for their retreat.

It strikes me that these past ten years have been challenging ones for the priesthood here in the United States, especially given the clergy sexual abuse crisis, coupled with the many "downsizings" of parishes in dioceses across the country. The priests gathered here weather these conditions, but they have other issues with which to deal. I have been told that army chaplains are a bit different than chaplains in other branches of the militray. When deployed, these men are actually on the lines of battle. They are with the men and women of the army in places where war is raging. They see death on a regular basis and much of their pastoral care revolves around situations that you and I will never have to face.

The week has made me grateful for their good pastoral work and for the sacrifices they make to care for those who defend the causes of liberty ad justice around the world.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: The World of In-Between

2012-01-17T09:59:00.001-06:00

"New Translation Tuesday" greetings from San Diego, California. I am here helping with the liturgies and music for a retreat of U.S. Catholic Army Chaplains.

We began the retreat last night with Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. I hadn't prayed anything from the Liturgy of the Hours since the advent of the new translation. I must admit a very good sense of comfortability with the language of the prayer. It was like visiting an old friend whom I hadn't seen in a while.

It did point out the reality with which we are dealing in the Church now. Especially for those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily (bishops, priests, deacons, and many lay Catholics), there will be a certain disconnect for quite some time. The language of the Hours is the language that we have been used to for so long, and from what I understand there is no push to get the Hours re-translated any time soon. So our leaders of prayer will continued to be formed by one style of prayer while needing to use a completely different style of prayer to lead us at Mass on weekdays and on Sundays, forming us by that prayer.

That point was hammered home quite poignantly last night at Evening Prayer here at the retreat. At the conclusion, the priest who led the prayer blessed and dismissed us. When he said "The Lord be with you," I know that I immediately began the "And also with you" response, as did some others. But there were priests in the room who literally raised their voices (up until this point they had not done so with the other texts they prayed), and said quite loudly "And with your spirit." It just jolted me. I guess it just pointed to the fact that we will be living in this kind of strange uneven liturgical world; for many of us, for the rest of our lives.

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, the "official" text of the Church, might be a haven for many who have told me that they are having real difficulty with the new translation at Sunday Mass. There is a familiarity there.

Well, that's it for now. I hope that you are having a good week.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday Greetings from New Orleans

2012-01-12T20:02:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Thursday" greetings from New Orleans. I am here for the Johannes Hofinger Conference, delivering the opening keynote address tomorrow morning. Here is the setting, the Pontchartrain Center:

This is my first major Catholic conference since the advent of the new translation of The Roman Missal. One thing that has been on my mind is the fact that there are many, many musical settings of the Mass being implemented all over the country. I wondered if, at gatherings like this one, the local music committee would perhaps choose the chant setting from the Missal as the common setting. That is not happening at this conference. I plan to talk with the organizers about the reasons behind their decision.

As the Catholic conference and convention season begins to unfold, I will be paying close attention to the approach to Mass settings and will surely report to you as we go along.

Please pray for many hundreds gathered from all over the southeast and gulf states gathered here for the Hofinger conference.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Lots of Upcoming Travel

2012-01-10T14:35:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Tuesday" has come around again.

On a personal note, I did finally see an orthopedic doctor yesterday. After having my foot re-x-rayed, he told me he had good news and bad news. The good news was that I didn't fracture my ankle after all; the doctors at the Emergency Room on January 2 did not x-ray the foot, just the ankle, and what this doctor saw was an old injury from many years ago. Whew! But the bad news came when I took a look at the foot x-ray. A clean crack of the fifth metatarsal; so a broken foot. So now I am in one of those ski-boot looking contraptions and using a cane. But at least I now have the correct diagnosis and 6-9 weeks of recovery.

Well, there is not much new on the new translation front. I think we are all gradually getting used to the changes. I don't know when I will be able to go to Mass without the worship aid in my hand. It's going to be interesting next week when I am helping lead a retreat of U.S. Catholic Army Chaplains in San Diego. I better take a cheat sheet with me when I go.

I am traveling, broken foot and all, quite extensively over the next few weeks. I am presenting the keynote at the Hofinger Catechetical Conference on Friday in New Orleans. Then after a few days back here in Chicago, I leave for San Diego. Then a day back here, then it's off to Long Island for an NPM members retreat, back here for a day, then off to Dallas for the 50th anniversary of the Southwest Liturgical Conference.

I will keep you updated all the way along.

We are heavily into royalty payment season here at WLP; lots of intense work.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray. (Gotta pay royalties!)

"But I Haven't Gone All the Way Around Yet, Mommy"

2012-01-09T08:32:00.000-06:00

Monday greetings to all.

Yesterday, at our Epiphany Mass at Saint James, something wonderful and, in a word, "cute," occurred.

The sharing of the sign of peace at Saint James is a bit more extended than in most parishes. People have no qualms about walking across our "hall" (our church building has been closed for over two years) to share the sign of peace with friends and neighbors. Since we are all gathered around the altar, placed at the center of the hall, there is a general feeling of closeness throughout the liturgy. Well, after the sign of peace was concluded (or so we all thought), the extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion had lined up in their appropriate places and the Lamb of God was sung and concluded. It was then that I noticed a young boy of about three or four, carrying a little canvas backpack. He was walking up to each of the extraordinary ministers and touching their hands and smiling at them. He also grasped the hands of all who were seated in the front rows. It was one of those disarming moments of charm. His little round face, wearing the cutest smile, was simply too cute for words. When his embarrassed mother came forward to carry him away, he looked at her with tears in his eyes and said simply, "But I haven't gone all the way around yet, Mommy."

That experience, coupled with one of the most extraordinary piano improvisations (to the Hymn "We Three Kings) after communion, just made the entire Christmas season for me. I feel so blessed to be a Catholic and a member of Saint James Parish on the Chicago's near south side.

Do you have any "cute" stories to share; something out of the ordinary that has occurred at your parish?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Other Liturgical Rites

2012-01-05T07:45:00.000-06:00

Welcome to ths installment of "New Translation Thursday."

In the recent newsletter from the Bishops Committee on Divine Worship, we received this news:

Use of Roman Missal Texts in Other Liturgical Rituals

In response to many questions from the body of Bishops both during and after the November 2011 USCCB plenary meeting in Baltimore, Maryland, Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, Committee Chairman, wrote to the Bishops on November 30, 2011 to provide some information and clarification on the use of the Roman Missal, Third Edition and its impact on the celebration of other liturgical rites.

While a more formal communication is expected in the near future from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (CDWDS), the Committee on Divine Worship offers these observations to guide Bishops, pastors, and priest celebrants in the integration of the Roman Missal.

Adaptations to be Made

In conversation with the CDWDS, the Committee understands that the following adaptations are to be made to other liturgical rites in light of the Roman Missal:

• Every occurrence of “And with your spirit,” including, for example, the dialogue between the confirmand and the bishop in the Rite of Confirmation

• The Confiteor

• The prayer of the priest and the assembly at the invitation to Holy Communion (“Behold the Lamb of God” and “Lord, I am not worthy”)

• The dismissal at other rites

• The prayers of the deacon/priest in preparation to proclaim the Gospel

Suggested Adaptations

The Committee suggests that the following adaptations can be made to other liturgical rites in light of the Roman Missal, though these do not constitute obligations:

• The Blessing of Water and the renewal of Baptismal Promises at the celebration of Baptism can be taken from the Roman Missal.

• The Nuptial Blessing at the celebration of Marriage outside Mass can be taken from the Roman Missal. (Note that the Latin texts of the Nuptial Blessings have been modified, so the texts of the Nuptial Blessings in the Roman Missal are not merely re–translations.)

• In the Funeral Liturgy outside Mass, one can make use of the various collects found in the collection of Masses of the Dead

• In the Liturgy of the Hours (individually or communally), one can make use of the proper collects from the Roman Missal

USCCB Secretariat of Divine Worship
3211 Fourth Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
© 2011 USCCB

As a publisher of worship resources, we first submitted texts for other liturgical rites in our resources with the new translation. For instance, in our rite of reconciliation, we changed the confiteor to reflect the new translation. We were told to change it back to the old translation, because the rite of reconciliation itself had not been re-translated. This was completely understandable, yet we knew that it would create a kind of ritual schizophrenia. Our customers complained, telling us that we had made a mistake. All we could do was to give the reasons we had received from the BCDW.

I am glad that this issue is being addressed. Of course, we will make the appropriate changes in our worship resources, although this will take time since our publishing schedule is about six months ahead.

One personal comment about this. My parents were recently at a wake service for my deceased uncle and when the priest said "The Lord be with you," my parents responded "And with your spirit," which caused the priest to look up in surprise. Not sure if he was surprised that there were practicing Catholics in the small assembly or if perhaps the response did not match what was in his ritual text. Just found this interesting, and certainly related to the issue being addressed here.

What happened in your parish, for instance, if you celebrated an Advent Reconciliation service? What texts did you use?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

"Offer It Up!"

2012-01-04T07:29:00.000-06:00

Wednesday greetings to you all.

Well, spent most of the day yesterday fielding calls from doctor's offices, in an attempt to see an orthopedic specialist for my fractured ankle. I am not one who is usually injured or ill, so being involved in our health care system has certainly been an eye-opener for me. "I can't possibly make it to an appointment on Thursday." (6:45 A.M.) "Our only appointment is Thursday" (11:45 A.M.) "But I thought I had said I cannot make a Thursday appointment." "Oh, I'll call you back." "We do have two doctors that can see you on Thursday." (2:30 P.M.) "Don't you remember I said that Thursday was impossible for me?" "Thanks for your patience all day; I do have one doctor that can see you on Thursday." "I'm not sure that I have made it clear enough that I am not available on Thursday at all." "Oh, then I guess we will need to schedule you for Monday." "Don't you have anything Wednesday or Friday?" "No, they are all in surgery on those days." "Hello, Mister Galipeau, this is Doctor X's office, let me check with the doctor and I will call you back." (6:45 P.M.). Waited to no avail.

So, I cannot even imagine what it must be like for people with very serious illness. I was well schooled by my mother growing up in a large Catholic family. Her words rang true yesterday as they have for most of my life: "Jerry, offer it up!"

So, it's off to primary care doctor today to have the cast checked out and then we will see where it goes from there.

I have a keynote presentation at the Hoffinger Conference at the end of next week in New Orleans, a week-long retreat for Catholic Army Chaplains the following week, then a retreat for NPM musicians on Long Island the following weekend, then two talks and a workshop at the Southwest Liturgical Conference the following week. If you are in one of our country's airports and spy this blogger being carted around in a wheelchair, please stop, wave, and say, "Jerry, offer it up!"

Thanks for listening to my ramblings this morning; sounds a little like those "Merry Medical Christmas" letters we get each year.

New appreciation gained for those who are chronically ill.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Fracture and Tempo

2012-01-03T08:24:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Tuesday" greetings to you all. And Happy New Year.

2012 began with a bang, of sorts, for this blogger. On Sunday evening, January 1, I was walking through my home and twisted my ankle after having missed a step; didn't think it was too serious until I woke up yesterday. Spent most of the day at the hospital and, after having x-rays taken, found out that my left ankle is fractured. Yikes! Is there a newly translated prayer for fractured ankles?

Well, after having spent nearly four hours in a crowded Emergency Room waiting to be seen yesterday, my little injury is put into perspective. There are lots of very sick adults and children out there.

As far as the new translation goes, I noticed that my own pastor seems very much at home with Eucharistic Prayer III, which he has been praying consistently since the beginning of Advent. I am still glued to the worship aid. The sign of peace response still trips me up, but I guess in time that will pass.

I have a question for you. For those of you with priests who tended to pray the prayers rather quickly in the past, have you noticed any change in speed? Someone told me that one of their priests, a "fast pray-er" slowed way down when he began to pray the new translation and now that he knows the cadence of the prayers and has become familiar with the Eucharistic Prayer, he has resumed his speed. How about you?

Hope this first week of the year is a good one for you.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Ben Breedlove: Perspective

2011-12-30T08:49:00.000-06:00

Friday greetings to you all. It's raining and dark and miserable here in Chicago; a place that has seen no real measurable snow yet this winter. I am not complaining; just tired of the dreary skies.

So much was put into perspective this morning when I read the story about the life and death of 18 year-old Ben Breedlove. This is a video he posted on Youtube just before his own death. If you have lost a loved one recently, this might bring you comfort. It is worth watching every single minute of this video. May he rest in peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35O3E3T3GKQ

Happy New Year.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: A Look Back and a Heart Filled with Gratitude

2011-12-29T11:25:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Thursday" greetings to you all.

I have something interesting coming up in a few weeks. I am leading the music for a retreat for Roman Catholic Army Chaplains. While I was putting the worship aid together, I needed to include a musical setting of the Mass parts. I chose Steve Janco's Mass of Wisdom, chiefly because of the fact that it is intuitive and just sings so well.

Then I thought to myself . . . what about the rest of the assembly's responses? You see, only one of the 70 priests in attendance will be the principal celebrant; the rest of the priests will be in the assembly. Wondering what it will be like for them on the other side of the altar? I am especially wondering about the "Lord I am not worthy . . ." Should be interesting.

As usual at the end of the year, I get nostalgic. I want to share with you what I wrote on this blog on the final "New Translation Thursday" a year ago, as 2010 came to a close:

I have spent a good part of 2010 crisscrossing this country of ours, talking to liturgists, clergy, catechists, musicians, and people in the pews about the new translation. I have been in places where I have felt like the sheep among the wolves. I have honestly expressed my own disappointments with regard to the way the process of this translation seemed to unravel in its last months. I have shared new and revised musical settings of the new translation and have watched many peoples' deep concerns transform into anticipation as they begin to "practice" the new and revised musical settings. I have advocated for the singing of the dialogues at Mass. I have urged bishops and priests to see the implementation of this new translation as an advent of a renewal in their own celebratory style at Mass. I have cautioned them that old approaches—like not even practicing the texts before Mass—will need to be jettisoned.
Here on the home front at WLP, I have watched a group of brilliantly talented composers, editors, designers, artists, music engravers, marketers, and customer service representatives serve the needs of the singing and praying Church. Good, solid, and beautiful musical settings have been composed that will address the various musical needs of the English-speaking world. First-class recordings of all these settings have been made. Hours have been spent researching appropriate art and photography for the covers of the various components of these Masses. Our customer service representatives have fielded countless calls from those we serve, fielding questions about the new translation and WLP's work to help the Church through the transition. Our marketing team has created ways to help make people aware of our new and revised Mass settings. Our rights and permissions manager has made sure that all notices are correct. Our editors have, at many times, agonized over all kinds of musical issues within these settings. We have all dealt with the frustrations associated with the last-minute changes to texts that had already received the recognitio—we have had to ask composers to re-compose parts of their Masses; we have had to go back into the recording studio several times to bring these recorded texts into conformity with the last minute changes.
As I look back at 2010, I am struck by what it really means when we say that our mission here at WLP is to serve the needs of the singing, praying, and initiating Church. It has certainly not been an easy year. Navigating a Catholic company like ours through these very challenging economic times has had its own challenges. It is our commitment to serving the Church that keeps us focused on the road ahead.
It is my hope that a year from now, the music that we have created here will be ringing in parishes across our country.

Well, folks, as 2011 comes to an end, I still feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to be working here at World Library Publications. This year was a dramatic one for me, as I transitioned into the Senior Management Team of the J. S. Paluch Company (WLP's parent). Even more dramatic were the many, many more trips to places throughout the United States to continue preparing people for the new translation. I guess it all came together for me at Midnight Mass last weekend when I was in an assembly which indeed did sing a WLP musical setting of the new translation, Steve Janco's Mass of Wisdom. As it rang out in that church, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I leaned over to my nephew seated next to me and said, "That's one of ours!"

So I end this year of blogging with a huge thank you to Jennifer, Michele, Mary Beth, Deb, Israel, Norma, Mary, Marcia, Mike, Denise, Tejal, Chris E, Chris B, Geovanni, Steve, Raquel, Lisa, Gina, Ellen, Jude, Kathy, Didi, Patty, Ed, Peter, Alma, Tom, Pedro, Alan, Christine, Ron, and Keith. You are simply the best people to work with and to lead. Your contribution to the work of the Church can never be measured.

Happy New Year.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray."

Prayers for Deacons and Prayers for Catechists

2011-12-28T15:06:00.000-06:00

Wednesday of the Octave of Christmas greetings to you all.

It's WLP commercial time.

We have two new little prayer books in our Pray Today series, one for deacons and one for catechists.

Servant of the Lord: Prayers for Deacons is written by Deacon Peter Hodsdon. I met Peter at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress a few years ago and asked him to write this book for us. This is a must-have for the deacons in your parish.

Here's a sample from the book:

The Triduum – Thursday of the Lord’s Supper

Celebrating Diaconia

Do you realize what I have done for you?

John 13:12

Servant God, more than any other liturgical celebration, Holy Thursday is the feast of diaconal identity. In the midst of the eucharistic feast, we pause and reach out to others in a dramatic, symbolic way—by washing their feet.

As I prepare to assist the celebrant on this special day, let me take a moment to consider all the people I’ve served in the past year: lives I’ve touched in small ways, lives I’ve touched in major ways, both known and unknown. I thank you for this privilege. More importantly, though, I consider all your people who have served me in my ministry, who have washed my feet, and I thank you for their presence in my life. Together, as Peter so eloquently puts it, we are washed head to foot!

The second book, our newest in the series, is Sweeter than Honey: Prayers for Catechists, by noted author, Elizabeth McMahon Jeep. It is cleverly written in poetic sense lines, using punctuation and capitalization only rarely. I love this little book and (of course) think it is a great gift for parish catechists and catechetical leaders.

Here's the sample prayer for Christmastime:

Christmastime

Flight into Egypt

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod. (Matthew 2:14–15a)

Sometimes you just have to move on, Joseph,
leave the life
you worked so hard to build
the client list
the easy chair
the Sabbath routines
that give a man shape in his community
today the dream changes
the Lord asks more:
join immigrants on their dangerous road
take only essentials
urgency overcoming inconvenience
retrace the path your namesake
followed centuries ago
seek safety for your wife and child
among a people
who have not forgotten how to dream

merciful God
you have called me to be a teacher
bearing Christ safely to a new generation
you alone command my destiny
you alone my goal, my path, my guide
be light to my journey
for I cannot see beyond the next turning
strengthen my courage and give me peace
in the name of Jesus your Son
Amen

Two wonderful little books that can really inspire our deacons and catechists. Thanks for listening.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Christmas Mass

2011-12-27T08:33:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Tuesday" greetings to all.

Safely back here in Chicago after the Christmas weekend in Florida with family and friends.

I attended Christmas Mass at Midnight at Saint Mary Magdalen Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida. I was the director of liturgy and music at the parish from 1984 to 1990.

The parish was well-prepared for its many visitors at Mass. Before Mass, the pastor welcomed everyone, made a financial plea, then did a short catechesis on the changes in the Mass texts, inviting us to watch the large screens during the Mass, where the new texts would be projected.

He chanted the sign of the cross and greeting. Unfortunately, it was just text that was projected, so those of us who had not been there during the Advent Season had no way of knowing how to respond musically. But kudos to the parish for encouraging the chant. At the end of each of the readings, the cantor chanted the concluding acclamation and we all sang "Thanks be to God" and "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ." There was only one awkward moment during the creed. The person moving the slides hesitated too long at one moment and the creed just stopped, but we were soon all back on track. Before the creed, the pastor invited us to kneel during the moment when we proclaimed our faith in the incarnation. It was beautiful and dignified. I was so happy to see that the parish had chosen Steve Janco's Mass of Wisdom. The choir, brass, and timpani led us beautifully with these acclamations.

I was disappointed that the choir sang a "musical" from the evangelical protestant tradition for the forty-five minutes before Mass. There was no involvement by the assembly and each piece ended with a Cecil B. DeMille-esque finish that called for applause. The narration was strange; it was a mix of the actual Lucan infancy narrative and commentary on the birth of Christ. It was odd that the Gospel narrative was done before the actual Mass, the highlight of which is usually the Lucan Gospel proclamation of the birth of Christ. The choir obviously worked very hard on the music and I appreciated their work. It just didn't sound or feel very Catholic to me. I wanted to sing, but was prevented from doing so. Oh well.

The pastor prayed the new translation beautifully. He obviously was very well prepared. He prayed Eucharistic Prayer I. I found myself listening carefully, but felt that the language created some distance between God and me. This will all taking much more getting used to on my part.

The parish did an excellent job, over all, with the new translation this Christmas. I was proud of their work.

Well, I am one of the few here at WLP at work this week and I love it. No meetings; just time for doing catch-up and planning for 2012.

I hope that your Christmas Octave is filled with grace and peace.

How did the new translation "land" at your parish at Christmas?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Happy Boxing Day

2011-12-26T10:06:00.000-06:00

Happy Boxing Day to all.

I am still in Florida and plan to be back in Chicago tomorrow. Looking forward to sharing my Christmas liturgical experience with all of you and hearing about yours. Eucharistic Prayer I was interesting!

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Christmas Blessings

2011-12-25T11:57:00.003-06:00

Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Who Is His?

2011-12-22T09:03:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Thursday" greetings to you all.

Last Christmas, at "Mass at Midnight," those gathered in English-speaking countries heard this opening prayer:

Father,
you make this holy night radiant
with the splendor of Jesus Christ our light.
We welcome him as Lord, the true light of the world.
Bring us to eternal joy in the kingdom of heaven,
where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

This Christmas, "At the Mass during the Night," those gathered in English-speaking countries will hear this Collect:

O God, who have made this most sacred night
radiant with the splendor of the true light,
grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth,
may also delight in his gladness in heaven.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

I have spent quite some time with the new text. In my opinion, the new text, which does not directly name Jesus Christ as the true light, becomes confusing when it refers to him twice later in the prayer, using the pronoun "his." Of course, theologically, we understand "the true light" as a descriptor for Jesus Christ but, without naming him as such (as did the previous translation), the prayer makes little sense.

I think this is a case where strict adherence to the Latin has resulted in a poor prayer, simply put.

I will be listening very carefully at Christmas Mass at midnight.

Your thoughts?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Showing Up

2011-12-21T10:59:00.000-06:00

Wednesday greetings to one and all.

Last night, I joined other members of my parish's liturgy committee, as well as some volunteers from the choir, to decorate our parish hall (our worship space) for the Christmas Season.

This brought me so much joy! At first I thought that there were too many "cooks" and not enough chef's helpers, but we eventually worked together as a team. I brought a couple of bottles of wine and some pretzels, so that helped us gel all the more! Angels, hand painted by our parishioners last year, were hoisted along six section of walls between tall windows. The creche was nestled among evergreen trees and bales of hay were placed next to the creche, upon which were placed the three kings, who will slowly make their way closer to the Holy Family. This is all set up on our "stage," which is rarely used. We gather on the main floor of the auditorium for Mass.

When I was a full-time director of liturgy and music, I remember hoping that enough people would show up for the decorating of the church. Now I am one of those volunteers to whom the parish leadership looks, in the hopes that I "show up." Strange the way life turns itself around sometimes.

At any rate, I will not be at my parish for Christmas; I am headed to Florida to spend time with family members there. I will be worshipping at the parish where I had my first full-time ministry position. It's always great to return there.

Hope this final week of Advent has been a graced one for you.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Christmas Hospitality

2011-12-20T07:51:00.000-06:00

Ah, the final "New Translation Tuesday" before Christmas 2011.

I know that there is some anxiety out there regarding the throngs who will appear at our doors for the Christmas Masses. Some will know that changes in the Mass texts have occurred; many will not.

As I have traveled around the country over the past two years or so, I have asked people to consider seriously the commitment to hospitality during the Christmas Masses of 2011. For the majority of "regular" parishioners, picking up a worship aid has become a habit over the past four weeks. Those who are not "regulars" will not have developed this habit and will certainly be a little more than confused as they come to Mass this coming weekend. In order to be a welcoming parish, we'll need to be sure that these folks know that there have been changes. We'll need to ask them to use the worship aid for the entire Mass. Perhaps at Mass the First or Second Sunday of Advent, your parish priest reminded people to pick up the worship aid at various pivotal points during Mass. I believe that practice needs to be put in place for all the Christmas Masses as well. Greeters might remind people who enter to pick up the worship aid and take a look at the changes in the texts. Remember that the majority of these non-regular parishioners will not have had the benefit of months of catechetical preparation. Is there a simple announcement that can be made before Mass that simply outlines the reasons why the texts have changed?

Have you ever attended Mass in a parish that used a musical setting of the Mass with which you were completely unfamiliar? Most parishes simply do not give any indication to visitors regarding the musical setting. Perhaps it is in the parish's hymnal or missal; perhaps not. Being a frequent Catholic "visitor," I always think that there might perhaps be something at the doors of the church alerting visitors to the place where they can find the musical setting. It's so uncomfortable for me, a singer, to sing the hymns and songs at Mass in a parish but to remain silent for the acclamations. Perhaps this is a good thing to remember as Christmas approaches. Let's do everything we can to be sure that our visitors are given everything they need to celebrate the incarnation of the Lord.

Have you made additional plans for extending hospitality to your visitors this coming weekend?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Mystagogy Monday and the Chicago Sun Times

2011-12-19T09:33:00.000-06:00

Our Fourth "Mystagogy Monday" has arrived.

How'd it go in your parish yesterday? Are the "And also with you's" slowly but surely morphing into "And with your spirit's?"

On the plane flying to California on Thursday, I happened to catch this editorial in the Chicago Sun Times concerning the new translation. I was enjoying the piece until I got to the section about the nuns. I thought this was irreverent and insensitive. While I can understand attempts at Catholic humor, this went over the line for me.

Thoughts anyone?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

An 81 Year-old Retired Pastor, the New Translation, and Preaching

2011-12-16T09:17:00.000-06:00

Friday greetings from the California desert. Each year I help out a dear friend, a retired 81 year-old priest, with a Christmas party at his home. I play the piano for the Christmas sing-a-long for a group of people I have grown to know and appreciate over the past eleven years of my friend's retirement. This is a beautiful area of the country and I feel blessed to be here.

It has also been quite interesting to be in conversation with this retired priest. He no longer presides at Mass in a parish, but does "say Mass" here in his home. I have sent him copies of our worship resources so that he can use the newly translated texts. His major complaint is not the texts themselves. He complains that the church has not done enough to address the real issues that affect peoples' (especially young peoples') attitude toward the Mass. He consistently complains that most preaching is poor and does little to draw people into the power of the paschal mystery for everyday life. He told me that it would have been so much more effective if the Church in the United States had spent as much time, energy, money, and catechesis on training those who preach, instead of what the Church has done with respect to the new translation.

Interesting points, for sure. As usual, what do you think?

Hoping your weekend and the celebration of the Fourth Sunday bring you closer to God.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Back in Action

2011-12-14T14:47:00.002-06:00

Wednesday greetings from soggy, wet, dreary, dark Chicago! Yes, it is one of those days here in the Midwest. Makes you want to crawl back under the covers.

My technology problems here seem to be fixed, so I will be getting back into the swing of things in the next few days. I am traveling to California tomorrow for a few days in the desert and will surely have a "New Translation Thursday" post tomorrow.

Thanks for your patience. Lots to catch up on now that I have my computer again.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

A Couple of Infections

2011-12-13T20:30:00.002-06:00

Hello folks. It is late in the evening of this "New Translation Tuesday." Got back yesterday from L.A. with a bad cold, only to find my computer infected as well.

Looks like I am back in the swing of things, technologically, at least.

Will try my best to post in the morning.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

A Light Dusting

2011-12-09T09:09:00.000-06:00

Friday greetings. Chicago got its first trace of snow overnight; just a very light dusting. It is very, very unusual that we have not had a measurable snowfall this late. However, I am not complaining.

I wanted to say a special word of thanks to many of you who ordered WLP's Daily Mass Intercessions, by Bryan Cones, which I mentioned in Wednesday's post. I think this is a wonderful and helpful pastoral book.

I will be flying to Los Angeles early Sunday morning to meet with some of our artists and composers in southern California and I am looking forward to attending Mass at one of the parishes in the L.A. area. That is one of the benefits of travel; seeing and hearing the way Catholics pray and sing in other areas of the country.

I hope that your weekend celebration of the Eucharist brings you joy and the promised peace of thsi Advent season.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Out of Breath

2011-12-08T07:50:00.000-06:00

Welcome to "New Translation Thursday."

At this past Sunday's Mass, I noticed that my pastor was trying his very best to deal with the length of the sentences in Eucharistic Prayer III. He told me that he chose the third prayer as his focus at Masses this Advent season. At one point in the prayer, I was listening closely to the way he was trying to connect the phrases in a particularly long sentence. When he got to the end of the prayer, he was clearly out of breath. I spoke with him afterward and he said that, because he was concentrating so heavily on trying to proclaim the prayers well that "his voice hurt."

When I mentioned this here at the office, someone came up with a comical image that I haven't been able to get out of my mind. The person said that perhaps there should be an overhead compartment above the altar with a control switch just under the altar. When a celebrant reaches a point of losing his breath, he could press the control switch and, presto,

an oxygen mask drops down for his use, so that he can muster the energy to tackle the next long sentence!

Folks, I think we need to mix in a bit of humor as we continue the implementation of these newly translated prayers.

If you are one who presides at Mass, let us know how you have handled these long sentences.

There is one section of Eucharistic Prayer III that I have found just lovely:

Listen graciously to the prayers of this family,
whom you have summoned before you:
in your compassion, O merciful Father,
gather to yourself all your children
scattered throughout the world.

It's a rather short section and I find it to be inspiring.

Are there passages that you have found particularly inspiring?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Daily Mass Intercessions

2011-12-07T08:51:00.000-06:00

Wednesday greetings to all.

Followers of Gotta Sing Gotta Pray know that every so often I share some news about a helpful pastoral resource that we publish here at World Library Publications.

One resource that I believe every parish and religious institution should have is WLP's Daily Mass Intercessions.

Written by Bryan Cones, this is a great resource for those looking for inspiring intercessions for daily Mass or for daily celebrations in the absence of a priest. This year, we have changed the binding to a spiral binding, so that the book lays flat for ease of use.

So, faithful followers, before any more of the current liturgical years slips away, check this book out on our web site or call our helpful Customer Care team at 800 566-6150.

Thanks for listening to my little commercial and I hope yours is a pleasant day.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Our Catholic DNA

2011-12-06T16:35:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Tuesday" greetings to one and all.

Just a few words today; sorry that the day ran away from me without taking the time to blog.

Many of you have heard me talk about what the new translation means for our "Catholic DNA."

So I want to share this photo with you; me standing next to one of our whacky Christmas trees here at the office. Enough said.

How is your "Catholic DNA" during these days of translation change?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

2011-12-05T08:42:00.000-06:00

Just another Mystagogy Monday . . . week two.

How did it go in your parish over the weekend?

Well, at Saint James, I thought it went fine for the second week. About half the people are responding "And with your spirit" at those particular moments. The response at the sign of peace is the most challenging.

We have a particular challenge at Saint James. Our pastor is a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana. For his entire priesthood he has used the "Saint Meinrad Tones" for the prefaces and for those times when he sings the Eucharistic Prayer. These tones are really an ingrained part of his own "Catholic DNA." Apparently Fr. Columba Kelly, OSB, of Saint Meinrad, is working to set the new translation to the Saint Meinrad Tones, but he has not completed this work. So, my pastor is trying his best to use the chants as they appear in the Missal. I feel for him. For me it would be like trying to sing "Happy Birthday" in a different mode, or with a different melody, or in a minor key. Let me tell you what happened yesterday.

At the preface dialogue, the music director played a few cue notes for the chant as it appears in the Missal. And it went beautifully. The pastor then began to chant the preface from the Missal, only to discover that he had turned to the wrong page and was chanting a preface for Ordinary Time, which he had not prepared. It kind of fell apart. So, he simply stopped, looked at us and said, "Well I am still having some trouble finding my way around in this book, so let's start that again." It was an honest liturgical moment and I thought that his stopping and explaining was quite appropriate. I felt like the congregation was saying, "It's OK, Father, we understand; don't worry about starting again." So, he started again, only this time he reverted back to the Saint Meinrad tone for the preface. Before we had the chance to respond, the music director interjected, "Let's start that again." Then he played the cue notes again for the Missal chant and we were back on track. It all seemed very natural to me; just honestly moving through something very new for all of us.

As I said, I feel for my pastor, who not only to learn a new translation, he also has to learn these new chant tones. I have lots of confidence that we will eventually all get on the new translation highway.

As for me, I am having difficulty spiritually entering into the liturgy. I find myself too aware of what the next thing is to happen (Oh, I need to pick up the worship aid now to pray the next set of responses), and I feel I am not paying enough attention to what is happening in the moment. I know this will pass as I become more familiar with the new translation, but it is pretty frustrating right now.

So, I have two questions for you:
1. How did it go in your parish over the weekend?
2. How is it going for you spiritually?

Thanks for listening.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Looking Forward to the Second Weekend

2011-12-01T12:47:00.000-06:00

"New Translation Thursday" has arrived once again.

I don't know about you, but I am finding myself looking forward to the second weekend of implementation.

From what I have heard from others around here, the parishes that had periodic accouncements made during the Mass last weekend ("Before we begin the Eucharistic Prayer, please refer to your card for the new responses," etc.) had much more success with the new responses. In my own parish, an announcement was made at the beginning of Mass, asking that people refer to the worship aid throughout the entire Mass. However, when I looked around about half way through Mass, more than half the people didn't have the resource in their hands. And they simply used the old words. Not sure if this means anything more than they just simply forgot to pick up the worship aid. This is probably why I am looking forward to this coming weekend; want to see if people will have more intentionality about all of this.

Did you have periodic accouncements during the Mass in your parish this past weekend?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: A Restrospective

2011-11-29T09:18:00.000-06:00

This is our first post-November 27th "New Translation Tuesday. Welcome.

I wanted to share a post with you today, one that I wrote over two years ago, on November 9, 2009. That Tuesday was the first "New Translation Tuesday." Here you go:

Happy Tuesday to you all. And welcome to the first (of many) installments of "New Translation Tuesday." I'll be spending time each Tuesday and Thursday offering commentary on the upcoming new English translation of the Missale Romanum.

I am doing this for a number of reasons. The first has to do with the fact that many people are wondering how publishers are handling this issue. Secondly, I am concerned about the people in the pews, so many of you who visit this blog on a regular basis. Thirdly, as always, you'll hear my own personal opinions as all of this unfolds. Those opinions will be based on my own understanding of the Church's liturgy, the reactions I hear as I travel around North America, my experience as a person in the pews myself, my experience here at WLP as an editor and publisher, and my experience as a liturgist and musician.

My plan is to create a plan for the coming months, plotting out topics that I hope you find helpful. To that end, I'd like to ask for your feedback. What would be most helpful for you to read on these pages on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Any feedback you provide would be most welcome.

I'd like to start by telling you that we at WLP have been preparing for this change in translation for approximately nine years. Shortly after I began working here in 1999 as the worship resources editor, I began to compile what I named "Roman Missal Source Files." Basically, I put together a number of electronic files of the following materials from the current Sacramentary:
Entrance Songs
Opening Prayers
Prayers Over the Gifts
Communion Songs
Prayers After Communion

My hope was that, once the new translation was approved, we could move through the current files and make simple adjustments where the translation had changed. After completing this work, I happened to mention my plan to someone closely connected with ICEL (The International Commission on English in the Liturgy). This is the group whose responsibility it has been to actually do the new translation. That person told me, "Jerry, just throw all those files away. The new translation will be markedly different; not just a few adjustments here and there." This was my first "wow" moment in the entire process. I realized then that what we are talking about here is more than a few changes here and there. And, after having seen the new translation of the Order of Mass, that "wow" has been confirmed. Just take a look here, if you haven't done so already. The USCCB's excellent web site on the Roman Missal is a great place to explore. You can find that here.

So, what I thought was going to be a very simple process has developed into a much more complicated one, from a publisher's standpoint. As you know, the US bishops will be voting next week on the completed translation, and, hopefully, sending it to Rome. Then the waiting game begins. We wait for Rome's recognitio, or really Rome's approval of the new translation. How long will this take? I've heard everywhere from one month to several years. There are texts in Rome awaiting recognitio that have languished there for many years. But, we are also told that the pope is keenly interested in having this new translation approved as quickly as possible. So, we wait and see.

I hope you can appreciate the impact that all of this has on a publisher of resources for praying and singing the liturgy. On the Tuesdays and Thursdays in the weeks and months to come, I'll share more with you. For now, let's remember that what is being re-translated from the Latin is what draws us all together in Christ.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray. And don't forget: you gotta provide some feedback and ideas focused on what you would like to see on these Tuesday and Thursday pages!

Folks, it's kind of amazing to look back from our current perspective. So interesting to see that this post was written the week before the US Bishops voted their final approval of the Missal. They spent nearly a decade discussing, arguing, wrangling, editing, substituting, crafting, re-crafting, theologizing, murmuring, and debating a text that they could finally approve as a body, which they did that following week. What happened after that remains a mystery. The so-called "10,000 changes" were made and the texts we are now praying are not the texts the bishops approved and sent to Rome for recognitio.

It has been a rocky two years, quite a ride for publishers and pew-dwellers alike. And we are just at the beginning of an era which we all hope is marked by a renewed mystagogical way of life. Hold on to your hats, folks!

Thanks for continuing to spend time with me on Gotta Sing Gotta Pray.

And, as always . . .

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Mystagogy Monday: Week One

2011-11-28T08:59:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the first of probably many "Mystagogy Mondays," days for us to reflect on our experience of the new translation of The Roman Missal, Third Edition.

Yesterday at Mass, I was ready, with worship aid in hand.
The parish music director set the sign of the cross and greeting to an orginal setting that picked up the motifs of the music of the beautiful Advent Gathering Rite musical setting he had chosen for us. He did this so that we wouldn't be singing the sign of the cross and greeting using the simple musical setting we have sung for a few years. I thought this was a very smart move: new words, new music. Unfortunately, the celebrant got musically confused and didn't sing what was written in our worship aids for the sign of the cross and greeting. His autopilot kicked in and he reverted to the older setting, so it just fell apart. Something similar occurred later. The preface dialogue chant from the Roman Missal was printed in our worship aids. I looked forward to singing the official chant. But the celebrant didn't sing the chant as written. Instead, he sang the melody he has been singing for years for the preface dialogue. That fell apart as well. I really felt badly for the guy. Perhaps way too much to handle on the first Sunday of implementation.

Most people in the church were fine with these stumblings and perhaps I should have been as well. And perhaps my expectations are too high, given the fact that this new translation has been such a part of my life for so long. There was a lot for the celebrant to prepare, for sure. He prayed the orations slowly, deliberately, and with care. The prayer after communion for the First Sunday of Advent still makes no sense to me. I am looking forward to the next few weeks as these bumps get ironed out.

On the more positive side, the celebrant's subject for the homily was the text of the newly translated collect. It was a brilliant homily.

The only inspiring moment for me with the new texts was the latter portion of Eucharistic Prayer III. Just lovely.

"For many." I understand the theology, but it saddened me.

"Consubstantial." Didn't seem like such a big deal.

"Chalice." Three times during the institution narrative is too much.

These are my initial observations.

Yours?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Sunday: This Is It

2011-11-27T06:58:00.001-06:00

Good Sunday morning to all.

It is very early here in Chicago. Yesterday, I arrived back here in Chicago after a wonderful New England weekend with my family. Lobster Rolls, Linguica Pizza, Pasta in the North End, traditional French-Canadian style Thanksgiving Dinner; what a culinary excursion!

Yesterday afternoon, several of us set up the Advent environment at Saint James. Very simple. For those new to the blog, my parish, Saint James, is on the near south side of Chicago. The over 150 year-old church building was shuttered a few years ago because of questions about the integrity of its structure. So, we have been worshipping in our Catholic school auditorium ever since. It's a tough place to decorate. Despite its architectural beauty, the windows are filthy, there is built-up grime in many places, the paint is peeling, there are gym mats hanging on some areas (the building was used as a gym for P.E. classes). Despite all of this, worship in this less-than-ideal space is wonderful. God, who calls this Catholic people together in this place, makes it all very holy. God's voice echoes throughout the space as we lift up our hearts and voices in thanksgiving and praise. The hands and feet of Christ are hard at work as the parish's food pantry serves somewhere between 1500 and 1700 families per month. And the Holy Spirit infuses a genuine sense of hospitality throughout the place. We are not a sterling assortment of Catholics. We just all come there to be fed and to feed.

In a few hours I will be in the second row (in my usual spot) for the 9:30 Mass. I will have my nose in the worship aid for most of the Mass. Newly translated words will begin to take root in my Catholic heart and voice. I have been preparing myself, the parishioners whom I love, and thousands of others across the United States for the past five years for this particular moment. I know I will cringe this morning when the prayer after communion is prayed; it's just a wrong translation. I know I will stumble on phrases that are unfamiliar. I know that I will feel a sense of loss for what has been familiar for most of my life. My hope is that these newly translated words will translate into a renewed effort at Saint James to take care of God's least ones.

When I look back at some of my Catholic experiences, I do gain some perspective. In the early 1980's, while still a seminarian, I traveled to Peru for a third world immersion experience. I remember going to Mass in a very crude "building." There was no flooring material; just dirt. There were crude benches upon which we sat. There was a locally crafted crucifix that emphasized the suffering of Christ to an extraordinary degree. And then there were the people; poorer than poor. Their smiles, their joy, their pain, and their sorrow are forever etched into my heart's memory. They had nothing. And they had everything. They owned nothing. And they owned more than I could ever attain.

Folks, as the new translation of The Roman Missal, Third Edition, begins to take root, let's not forget what we heard in Matthew's Gospel a few weeks ago about these "least ones." If you have never made the connection between Sunday Mass and Catholic action, take this time of transition to make that connection. Let's not "just sit there" and analyze newly translated words. Let's seize this opportunity to do what Catholics do: "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life."

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Conversations

2011-11-22T04:06:00.000-06:00

Very early on "New Translation Tuesday" morning here in Chicago. Waiting for a cab to my second home (O'Hare Airport), then to my family in Massachusetts.

Since I am part of a large mostly Catholic family, I am beginning to wonder if the conversations at Thanksgiving will focus at all on the new translation. Frankly, I hope not. I could use four new translation-free days!

But I can imagine the conversations turning in this direction. And there will be varying levels of knowledge about what is going to happen this weekend. Should be interesting.

Headed out soon. Please pray for the safety of all travelers.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Bidding Adieu

2011-11-21T14:32:00.000-06:00

Fr. Jim Martin's post touched my heart and summed up so much of my own feelings.

http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?blog_id=2&entry_id=4764

Worth the read.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Blessing Missals

2011-11-21T14:24:00.000-06:00

My pastor blessed our new missals yesterday after the accouncements at the end of Mass.

I wrote a blessing this morning, in case anyone needs one for this weekend. Here you go:

O God of infinite love,
send your abundant blessing upon this (these) Roman Missal(s).
As your people begin to pray the Mass in a new English translation,
inspire us to be more attentive to the words that shape our faith.
Give us patience, wisdom, and understanding,
we pray,
that we may grow closer to your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is Lord forever and ever. Amen.

Hope you find this helpful.

I am leaving tomorrow to spend time with my family in Massachusetts for the Thanksgiving holiday. Not sure how much internet access I will have, but I will try to post on the blog.

I hope that you enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving.

Jerry

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Lamenting on a Sunday

2011-11-20T13:55:00.000-06:00

Sunday greetings.

Flew into Chicago early this morning, in time to attend Mass at my parish. Deep sadness as I prayed these texts for the final time.

Indianapolis, Indeed

2011-11-18T07:11:00.000-06:00

Friday morning greetings from Indianapolis. Here to speak at the NCYC. There are about 21,000 Catholic youth here from all over the country. It is an amazing gathering.

We are housed (along with thousands of teens) at the J.W. Marriott, a new hotel here in Indianapolis, pictured here:

Many of WLP's contemporary artists are here to minister to those gathered. They include John Angotti, Ed Bolduc, Danielle Rose, the Jacob and Matthew Band, Noelle Garcia, Jorge Rivera, and Aaron Thomspon. After arriving yesterday, I attended Mass with some of our WLP artists serving as music ministers. I have to admit that I love listening to these talented musicians. It was a proud moment.

I will have more to share as these days unfold. Just getting geared up today.

I hope your weekend is a good one.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Mystagogy Mondays

2011-11-17T07:29:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this installment of "New Translation Thursday."

Some of you might be wondering what the future holds for these new translation posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I have had conversations about this with my colleagues at WLP and we have come up with a proposal. I am thinking about introducing "Mystagogy Mondays." Every time I say that title out loud, I think about the Bangles hit song, Manic Monday. Here's the refrain:

It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

I do like the idea of a manic mystagogy Monday. For those of you who visit Gotta Sing Gotta Pray generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you might want to consider visiting on "Mystagogy Mondays" after the First Sunday of Advent.

"Mystagogy Mondays" will give all of us a forum to share our insights, wonders, disappointments, and joys that we have discovered as we pray and sing the new translation of The Roman Missal, Third Edition. I will offer my own commentary, of course, and invite you to join the conversation.

I am inspired here by a section from Bl. John Paul II's apostolic letter, Mane Nobiscum Domine:

"The best way to enter into the mystery of salvation made present in the sacred 'signs' remains that of following faithfully the unfolding of the liturgical year. Pastors should be committed to that 'mystagogical' catechesis so dear to the Fathers of the Church, by which the faithful are helped to understand the meaning of the liturgy's words and actions, to pass from its signs to the mystery which they contain, and to enter into that mystery in every aspect of their lives."

So, my hope here is that "Mystagogy Mondays" will give us all the opportunity to reflect on "the meaning of the liturgy's words and actions" as they are ensconced in a new English translation. I hope you are willing to join in this new conversation.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Indianapolis Bound

2011-11-16T11:36:00.000-06:00

Wednesday greetings.

I am gearing up for my final Roman Missal related trip of the year. Tomorrow I travel to Indianapolis for the National Catholic Youth Conference. On Friday, WLP's composer and artist John Angotti and I will be presenting a session on the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal to those in the adult track, mostly youth ministers. Our focus is on how to talk with teens about the new translation. Then on Saturday, I will be speaking to a group of college-aged Catholics about the translation.

This will mark the end of a five-year journey for me, which began with a presentation at a regional convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) in August of 2006. That was the first presentation I led on the then upcoming translation and how musicians and parish ministers in general were feeling about change in general. Since then, especially in the last two years, I have spoken with thousands of people throughout the United States directly, and thousands of others around the world through this blog. It has been quite a journey, which comes to a conclusion over the next few days in Indianapolis.

Please pray for the tens of thousands of teenagers, young adults, youth ministers, speakers, bishops, priests, deacons, and chaperones who will be in Indianapolis over the next several days.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: A Pastoral Heart

2011-11-15T14:50:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this installment of "New Translation Tuesday."

This past Sunday I attended Mass at Saint Matthias Parish in Somerset, New Jersey.

At homily time, the pastor spoke to us about the upcoming changes to the liturgical texts. He began with the statement, "I was the first priest in the state of New Jersey to sign the 'What If We Just Said Wait' petition, which asked if perhaps it would be a better idea to do some actual testing of the new translation before a full implemention." Folks, I sat there wondering what the rest of his talk was going to be about. Well, this pastor then told us that, even though he may not have been personally in favor of the way the new translation was being implemented, what he has come to realize is that the liturgy is, in fact, not his. He challenged us to think about this for ourselves. For instance, he said, we may think that a certain statue in the church building doesn't belong where it is; our personal tastes might dictate that we prefer the statue to be placed elsewhere. He reminded us that the liturgy does not belong to us as individuals. The liturgy, he said, is an expression of the Church. From there, he moved on to challenge us to ask ourselves the question: "Why do I come here? Why do I go to Mass?" He then turned the presentation over to a young lay pastoral associate who has recently begun liturgical studies at the University of Notre Dame. This young man walked us through a brief history of the reasons why the translation is changing. We all then watched a video about the "And with your spirit" change, which was quite good.

Then the pastor came back and really did a wonderfully pastoral job inviting us all to look at these changes as an opportunity to grow closer to the Lord. This was a man who showed a deeply pastoral heart. He obviously loves the people of his parish and he showed us that there is real possibility for growth and renewal in the next several months.

I spoke with him after Mass and thanked him for his words. I told him I thought it was the most pastoral talk I had heard about the new translation. Good man. Good pastor. I believe they will be doing similar things at homily time next week at the parish. And on Saturday they will be doing a "practice Mass" during which people will be using the new translation. They have also scheduled two talks by one of the priest-residents on the history of the Mass.

Even though this pastor honestly expressed his own reservations about the new translation, he was a faithful leader of his flock. I really appreciated his words.

How is it going in your parish?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Bishops' Meeting in Baltimore

2011-11-14T08:28:00.000-06:00

Monday greetings from Baltimore.

The U.S. Bishops are meeting here this week. Last evening, many of the publishers of The Roman Missal, Third Edition, were thanked for their work by Archbishop Aymond, the current chairman of the Bishops' Committee on Divine Worship. I was privileged to be in attendance, along with Mary Lou Paluch Rafferty, the owner of the J. S. Paluch Company and World Library Publications, as well as Bill Rafferty, our president. It was great to see our colleagues from the other publishing houses at the reception. There is a sense here that, with just a few weeks away, we are about to exhale our anxiety. I sang in the schola at morning Mass with the bishops. The Holy, Memorial Acclamation, and Lamb of God were sung to the Missal chants. In case you are wondering, the bishops themselves have not yet completely learned these settings, so we all moved through them together as best we could. It will certainly take time. It was interesting to listen to where in these chanted texts the bishops decide to elongate syllables or take large pauses. For instance, in the Holy, there is a huge pause between the final "hosanna" and "in the highest." Should be interesting to see how these chants end up being actually sung by the majority of Catholics.

I will have much to share tomorrow about my experience at St. Matthias Parish in Somerset, NJ, where I attended the 7:30 A.M. Mass yesterday. It was a time of very heavy and intentional catechesis about the new translation at that parish. More tomorrow.

I am spending the rest of the day here in Baltimore, in meetings to continue to plan the first annual Mid-Atlantic Congress for Pastoral Leadership.

Here's the view from my window overlooking the Inner Harbor here in Baltimore.

Beautiful day, as you can see.

Back to Chicago later today, then "New Translation Tuesday" tomorrow.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

On the Road Again . . .

2011-11-11T17:29:00.000-06:00

My apologies for missing my posts these past few days.

I arrived back in Chicago early yesterday morning and the day just ran away; filled with meetings.

Then it was time to empty the suitcase, wash and dry the contents, and re-pack for the next trip.

I am currently in the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey. I just flew into Newark Airport from Chicago and just settled in at the Crowne Plaza in Somerset, NJ, pictured here.

When I went to place my room key into my wallet, I noticed that the room key from my hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia was still there. I think I need some extended time at home! Tomorrow I am presenting two workshops at the annual Metuchen Diocesan Faith Formation Convocation, "Apprentices to Christ/Aprendices de Cristo." My workshops are entitled "The Power and Potential of Liturgical Catechesis" and "The Roman Missal, Third Edition: Opportunities and Challenges for Full, Conscious, and Active Participation." I gave the keynote address at this convocation last year and enjoyed the dedicated Catholics here and their engagement with their faith.

On Sunday I leave New Jersey and head to Baltimore, where the U.S. bishops are meeting next week. The owners of the J.S. Paluch Company (WLP's parent company) and I will be attending a reception with the bishops on Sunday night. Publishers of the Roman Missal have been invited to this reception to mark the reception of the new translation of the Missal. Hopefully I will have lots to share.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

The Final Day of the Mission in Lynchburg

2011-11-09T07:07:00.000-06:00

The final day of the parish mission here in Lynchburg has arrived.

It has been a wonderful experience here with a dedicated group of Catholics. Here's a photo a snapped last night:

We focused on the Eucharist last night, talking about the table of sacrifice, the table of nourishment, and the table of reconciliation. The sessions concluded with a ritual in which the parishioners were invited to reverence the altar.

I am grateful for this opportunity to have spent time with these Catholics excited about learning more about what it means to live a Catholic sacramental life. Two more sessions today. We are focusing on the meaning of the sacrament of Confirmation in our lives. Then we will talk about what this mission experience has meant in their lives.

Looking forward to another day of faith sharing here in Lynchburg.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Some Anxiety

2011-11-08T07:56:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this "Virginia" installment of "New Translation Tuesday."

Well, the days are counting down; we are nineteen days away from implementation and I have to admit that I am feeling some anxiety as the date approaches.

Here in Virginia, I attended three Masses this past weekend at the parish in which I am presenting a mission. The pastor has a wonderful sense of the ars celebrandi. He prays the Mass beatifully. He is engaging and strong as a celebrant. This is a priest who knows the Sacramentary. We have had several long discussions about the newly translated missal. He has spent lots of time preparing for a new day in his priesthood. As my pastor has done, he has echoed the sentiments of many priests with whom I have spoken. They say things like, "These are the prayers into which I was ordained." "These are the prayers that have shaped my Catholic life, both personally and as a leader of prayer." "I love these prayers." "While I find places in the current Sacramentary where the translation is week, it remains the book that has guided my life."

Every one of these priests has been trying their hardest to prepare for what is to come, which is most definitely a very different English style of prayer. They are working hard to figure out ways to pray texts that do not roll off the tongue easily. I have a tremendous amount of respect for these men. And you know that I have been praying for them.

As I watched the members of the congregation this weekend as the presidential prayers were being prayed with confidence and strength, I wondered what this particular parish's experience will be in a few months. I am hoping (honestly I feel sometimes against hope?) that everything will be fine. This is where my anxiety creeps in. What about those places where the priest has done little to prepare; those places where there is a sense of ambivalence about liturgical prayer in general; those places where there has been little or no preparation for what is to come? Because in these places dwell my brothers and sisters, I am anxious about them.

As these days of the current translation wane, how are you feeling? What is your heart telling you?

Thanks for listening.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

The Mission Begins

2011-11-07T07:47:00.000-06:00

Monday greetings from Virginia. Had a few free hours yesterday and went for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With the trees without leaves in the higher elevations, the vistas were stunning. Took my breath away.

The parish mission here at St. Thomas More in Lynchburg begins in about an hour. This morning's focus is on "re-claiming the power of baptism." Wonderfully hospitable people here. Here's a fuzzy shot I took of one of the many posters placed around the parish center.

One of my friends, when seeing this photo, said, "Wow, Jerry, I didn't realize that you take care of the refreshments and the childcare, too!"

Please pray for the folks here at the parish as the mission unfolds.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Greetings from Lynchburg, Virginia

2011-11-06T06:01:00.000-06:00

Sunday greetings from Lynchburg, Virginia, a beautiful area of our country.

I am here for several days, leading a parish mission entitled: "Washed, Anointed, and Fed: Now That We Belong to Christ." We will be spending time focusing on what it means in our lives that we have been baptized, confirmed, and receive the Eucharist each week. Here are a few photos of this beautiful church.

Folks, I think I need this parish mission more than anyone here. After a whirlwind year, it's time for me to take some time to listen to the Lord, to re-focus my own spiritual life, to figure out new ways to respond to the call issued on the day of my own Baptism, to put to good use the gifts I received on the day I was confirmed, and to be renewed in my own love for the Eucharistic Lord.

Please pray for the good people of St. Thomas More as this mission unfolds. I plan to post regularly in the next few days.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Just a Link

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to "New Translation Thursday." I have an insanely packed day, really no time to dedicate to the blog, so I have decided to share this link with you, in case you have not yet read it.

16-year-old Latin whiz finds new liturgy language lacking

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Please Do Us a Favor

2011-11-02T08:10:00.000-05:00

Wednesday greetings.

I don't ask the followers of this blog for direct help all that often, but this is an easy one. We are preparing for the NCYC convention (30,000 + teenagers!) in Indianapolis in a few weeks. We are asking for some input to some simple questions for one of our presentations. And if you could get a teenager to reply, that would be great.

Please visit WLP's Facebook Page and add your comments to the questions about belief. I would appreciate it. (And if you haven't become WLP's friend on Facebook, please do so during your visit.)

Thanks so much.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Truths Trapped in Translation?

2011-11-01T06:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this installment of "New Translation Tuesday."

I am trying to take a little time each day to spend with the prayers in the newly translated Missal. Some days are more inspiring than others. Here is the Collect for Holy Thursday, with which I have been praying today:

O God, who have called us to participate
in this most sacred Supper,
in which your Only Begotten Son,
when about to hand himself over to death,
entrusted to the Church a sacrifice new for all eternity,
the banquet of his love,
grant, we pray,
that we may draw from so great a mystery,
the fullness of charity and of life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

My goodness, there is a lot going on in this prayer. I have read this aloud over and over again. While I certainly understand that the proclamation of the theological truths expressed in this prayer are essential to forming a Eucharistic faith, I am left wondering if this is one example where the strict translation rules have produced a text that is virtually impossible to proclaim well and whose meaning is impossible to grasp when heard at Mass. I am wholeheartedly behind a translation that recovers what our current translation may have paraphrased or glossed over. I just wonder if, when actually proclaimed and prayed, the truths expressed might be lost because of the difficulty celebrants will encounter when preparing and proclaimng this prayer. As always, time and actual experience will be the key.

My ears are going to be much more attentive beginning in Advent. How about yours?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Diwali at Saint James

2011-10-31T09:01:00.000-05:00

Monday greetings to all.

Yesterday at my parish, Saint James here in Chicago, we celebrated our annual Mass that the Indian members of our community help prepare. Coinciding with the Indian Diwali celebrations, this Mass helps us celebrate Christ as the light of the world. In a ritual just before Mass begins, members of our community's various ministry organizations are entrusted with a lighted lamp; we pray that Christ our light will burn brightly in the various ministries throughout the coming year. Each person in the community is invited to come forward and pray that Christ the light will enlighten our minds and hearts. Some photos:

The Mass celebrated the great diversity of our parish and focused us on Christ the light of the world. After Mass, we were treated to a taste of Indian food in our basement hall. And it was delicious!

My thoughts today are with my family members in New England who are still without electric power after this weekend's very early "winter" storm.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Confessions of a New Alto

2011-10-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

Friday greetings from chilly Chicago. At least it's not snowing here as it has been on the East Coast. Bundle up!

For those of you who read my post last week, the one about my sister joining her parish choir, you might be interested to read this follow-up, which I received this morning. I am including it here, especially for those of you who are choir directors:

"I thought I would update you on what's happening with me and my choir worries. It is going better. Tonight was my third practice. I'm an Alto now. If that's what you want to call it. I'm still having problems reaching high notes. At practice I sit next to Yvonne (the organist / pianist). She sings alto and has been helping me along. (Thank God!!) We have been working on "Sing Out Your Praise". What a pretty song. Tough to sing but we are getting there. We also are working on "Prayer of Saint Richard of Chichester". Reminds me of Godspell. My younger days are coming back. I'm not as frustrated. I'm not saying it's getting easy because it's a lot of work. Oh well, I will hang in there. I have a new found respect for Choir members and directors."

Well, there you have it. (Thanks, Janet, for giving me some subject matter for the blog!) So often as music and liturgy directors we rarely get the "other side of the story." It's been fun to listen to my sister's experience.

I have no talks, presentations, or workshops this weekend; the first time in a very long time. Hoping to enjoy a lovely autumn weekend here in Chicago. I hope that your weekend is a good one as well.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: The Final Presentation

2011-10-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

Where has this "New Translation Thursday" gone?

I spent the morning with a group of people in catechetical ministry in the Diocese of Joliet here in Illinois. I was invited there to talk about about three things:
1. Get tips on how to fine-tune your parish Roman Missal implementation
2. How to deal with anxiety in the pews
3. Ask questions and hear what others are doing to implement the Roman Missal

It was a spirited morning. I asked those in attendance to share their own parish's efforts thus far with the preparation work for the implementation. Much, much work has already gone on in many places in that diocese. There was a sense of "OK, bring it on" in some peoples' minds. There were some parishes in which not very much has been done yet; others are really gearing up for the next month (implementation is one month from today).

I also spent an extended period of time being interviewed by the National Catholic Register; kind of a publisher's viewpoint with regard to the Missal and musical settings of the Mass.

Well, the end of the day has arrived and I am pretty exhausted. Today was my last scheduled presentation on the implementation of the new translation. Glad about this. Waiting to begin praying these new texts.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: The Challenge Moving Forward

2011-10-25T08:35:00.001-05:00

New Translation Tuesday has arrived once again.

Following my presentation on the new translation on Saturday at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Fairfield, Connecticut, there were two responses that I feel are worth mentioning.

The first came from a man who was probably in his mid-seventies. He raised his hand and simply said, "Jerry, good luck with this." When I asked him to elucidate, he said something like, "You know, I am a life-long Catholic and the language that we use at Mass right now is of a style that draws me into a close relationship with my God. What you have shown us this morning is a style of language that distances me from God. Good luck."

You know, this idea of a "sacral vernacular," which comes to us from Liturgiam Authenticam, is a tough pill to swallow for many Catholics who have become used to a more common or familiar style of vernacular. One comment on this blog of a few days ago:

Cherish the dying days of the Mass in the vernacular and delay the inevitable Roman juggernaut as long as you can. The new "sacral vernacular" (which denies the definition of vernacular) is clumsy, jarring and has given up entirely on elegance and subtlety, giving us, instead, mangled wording and unproclaimable proclamations. Enjoy the lull while it exists.

This is a sentiment that I have heard time and time again. Of course, we will need to wait for the actual experience of these texts prayed at Mass before making definitive conclusions. At Saint Mary on the Hill Parish in Augusta, Georgia last week, something interesting happened at the beginning of the presentation. After the pastor there introduced me, he told those gathered (200+) that if they had serious questions about the new translation or wanted to complain, they needed to contact someone in authority. He then held up a large portrait of Pope Benedict XVI and humorously quipped, "Call him." At the question and answer time, the pastor walked to the front of the church, with his new Missal in hand and told us that he had just received his new Missal that morning. He told us that he knows that he has a lot of work to do to prepare for the proclamation. He said that he wanted to give us an example. He then tried to pray the Collect from the Nativity of John the Baptist. Here it is:

Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that your family may walk in the way of salvation
and, attentive to what Saint John the Precursor urged,
may come safely to the One he foretold,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

He shared the fact that he had never heard the phrase "Saint John the Precursor" before and he felt that people would not necessarily "get" the meaning at all. I had to admit that this phrase is awkward.

OK, back to Fairfield. After the concert on Sunday evening, a woman who had attended the new translation the previous day said this to me: "Jerry, thank you for the talk yesterday. It was very helpful. You know, you could talk an undernourished nation into adopting Weight Watchers." I smiled and thanked her. I should have pursued the conversation. I haven't been going around to dioceses and parishes in an effort to sell people on the new translation. My aim has been to help them gain some knowledge as to why we are where we are right now with respect to the new translation. I try my best to explain the shift in translation guidelines. I try my best to help people to situate this current change in the context of the history of the development of codified liturgical prayer over the centuries. I give people examples of how a new set of translation rules has resulted in a new set of translated texts. What I don't do is tell people that this new translation is the best thing since sliced bread. And I cannot do that because I have not yet had the experience of praying these texts. I tell people that there are beautiful prayers. I tell people that there are prayers that capture scriptural and other inspiring images that were deleted, glossed over, or paraphrased when the translators (using approved Vatican guidelines) gave us our current translation; there is much that has been recovered. I also tell them that there are places where the structure of the prayers is quite awkward and stilted. There are places where one has to read the text over and over again in order to figure out the meaning. And herein is the challenge. Take the example above, which uses the phrase "Saint John the Precursor." Without some kind of catechesis, some kind of explanation of the term "Precursor," the meaning will simply fly over the heads of the majority of Catholics, young and old alike.

We have a new English translation of The Roman Missal. It's here and we will start praying these texts in a few weeks. But in order for the meaning to be communicated, there will be times when praying the text well will simply not be enough. I am encouraging Catholics to take time before Mass (time they might normally spend preparing by going over the readings) to read the prayers that will be prayed at Mass. Someone asked me if it would be necessary to bring a dictionary to Mass with her. Everyone laughed, but there was something very serious about what she was suggesting.

We have quite a road ahead of us. I hope we are up to the challenge. We have a new English translation of The Roman Missal. That's a fact. It's going to take a lot of work as we move forward.

What do you see as the greatest challenge ahead?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

A Grateful Heart for Hospitality and Kindness at St. Anthony in Fairfield, Connecticut

2011-10-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

Monday morning greetings. Flew into Chicago from LaGuardia very early this morning.

Last night, at Saint Anthony of Padua parish in Fairfield, Connecticut, my friend Denise La Giglia and I presented a piano and flute concert; actually it was more like a musical retreat. Here's a photo I took:

The staff and people of the parish exhibited such kindness and hospitality to us. The pastor is a seminary classmate of mine, whom I hadn't seen since 1983 (and neither of us has changed a bit!)

We attended two Masses and the singing was quite strong. The homily was one of the best I've heardin years; it was a pleasure to hear it twice. That area of Connecticut is just beautiful. New England in the Autumn just can't be beat.

I gave a presentation on the new translation on Saturday morning and I am looking forward to sharing some of that experience with you tomorrow.

For now, just know that my heart is filled with gratitude to the people of Saint Anthony's.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Delaying the Implementation of the Missal

2011-10-21T09:10:00.001-05:00

Friday greetings. Sorry for the missed post yesterday; the day got away from me after a very early morning flight from Augusta.

At Saint Mary on the Hill parish in Augusta, over 200 people came to the new translation workshop. It was a grand evening in a grand space. I had never been to Augusta and really loved the short time I spent there.

When I arrived this morning, I found this e-mail waiting for me:

Jerry, I have a really serious question. My pastor is not going to be implementing the New Roman Missal at my parish until after Christmas. He just started talking about the changes in the liturgy this past week in the bulletin. He briefly mentioned the changes and that he would talk about them later on in future masses. My concerns are that this is not allowed. On a music front, the choirs are pretty much ready to go (except the children and teen choirs). I am a music minister and have been the primary reason our music director even started working on the changes in the first place. I understand that change is hard, yet we can't put it off until after the implementation date. I obviously am not going to tell my pastor that I disagree with his decision. He doesn't even want the music changes made until after Christmas since we "don't sing the Gloria during Advent." I think this is an odd situation that is unfolding in my parish. I don't agree with what's going on with the changes. I was actually excited for these changes, but now that our pastor is delaying them, I'm not so sure what I am. Any advice/ words of encouragement? Other parishes in our area have started implementing the music and their congregations are getting used to them just fine.

So, faithful followers, how would you respond to this query?

Here was my response:

Thanks very much for your e-mail. Your pastor’s decision is regrettable on a number of fronts. If you have visitors or new parishioners transfer in at this time, and they come from places where the implementation has begun, there will be confusion for a few weeks. Also, do you have a worship resource that contains the Order of Mass? If it is periodical, then the new texts will be in beginning on November 27, which also may cause confusion. One more thing to consider is that the media (both secular and religious) will be reporting on the changes for November 27. If your people read the reports, they will be very confused as to why your parish is not in step with the rest of the Church. If they trust your pastor’s judgment, things will probably be fine. I hope he has thought of all these issues.

All in all, I think you will probably just need to be frustrated for a very short period of time. His delay is rather short and by some time in January (just a few weeks behind everyone else), you will be implementing fully. I like to look at things with a long view. Considering the history of the Church, a few weeks don’t have great importance. The big thing is that I hope your parish does a solid catechesis for the implementation.

Hope this is helpful.
How would you have responded?

Leaving in a few hours for LaGuardia in New York, then a short trip north to Fairfield, Connecticut for a Roman Missal workshop tomorrow and a concert on Sunday afternoon.

I hope that your weekend is a good one.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

"I Just Want to Sing Along"

2011-10-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

Wednesday greetings from Charlotte, where I am on a layover on my way to Augusta, Georgia.

I fly a lot. Things usually go smoothly. This morning's flight proved to me why we "fasten our seatbelts low and tight around our laps." Turbulence was horrifying. Our Blessed Mother must have heard many of us during that flight!

Wanted to share a little bit of a conversation I had with my sister Janet last night. She is living with cancer and doing quite well right now. When she answered the phone and I asked her how she was feeling, she said, "very frustrated." I was hoping that this answer didn't have anything to do with her health or healthcare and I was right.

She said that her frustration stems from the fact that she has joined her parish choir. This in and of itself made me chuckle a bit. She is a recent returnee to Catholic practice. And she has never been in a choir. Now while all of us Galipeau's can certainly carry a tune (you should have heard my older sister Gina's and my rendition of Leavin' on a Jet Plane), we all know that joining a choir is something a little different.

Janet said that she was frustrated because she was joining the choir because she wanted just to "sing along." She has a deep voice, so I asked her if the director put her in the alto section. She said, "No, I am a tenor apparently." She said she didn't realize that she would not be singing the notes that she sings when she is in the congregation. One of the women in the choir, sensing Janet's frustration, said, "Janet, you are trying to be perfect and no one is perfect in the choir. You need to be patient." Janet replied, "I just want to sing along." And the women replied, "Janet, that's what you do when you are sitting in the congregation. This is the choir!" Janet then told me that she always thought that she could "read music," that is, until she joined the choir. She asked someone about that squiggly thing on the staff and she was told that was the bass clef sign. "What's that for?"

All through this conversation I was giggling along with her. Made me think that it might be a nice thing to publish a "Welcome to the Choir Orientation Packet" for people like my sister.

I am so proud of her and I told her so. She says that she is going to do her best to stick with it. Just amazing to me.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Will We Comprehend?

2011-10-18T09:33:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this installment of "New Translation Tuesday."

On Sunday our parish held a town hall meeting between the two Sunday morning Masses. The pastor led the presentation and discussion on the new translation of The Roman Missal, Third Edition. I was disappointed in the turnout, maybe 100 people, but I guess in a parish of just about 250 people, this was a good turnout. Father was well prepared and used a Powerpoint presentation to help make his points. He wove in some Benedictine history and amusing anecdotes (He is a Benedictine monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey). We practiced the various responses and he asked us to do so with vigor. People asked questions about the new words in the Nicene Creed, words like "consubstantial" and "incarnate" and "I."

I thought the morning went well. I am proud of the way my parish has approached the preparatory catechesis. Now we will see how all this shakes out when November 27 arrives.

On Sunday afternoon and evening, I gave repeated presentations at Our Lady of the Ridge Parish (which interestingly enough is in Chicago Ridge, Illinois and is on Ridgeland Avenue!). Great turnout for the afternoon session, less so for the evening session (the Chicago Bears were playing).

The talks went well and people were very attentive. John Black, the parish's fine music director, asked me to lead the people assembled in the singing of the new acclamations, which the parish will begin singing this coming weekend. John had chosen WLP's Mass of Wisdom by Steven Janco as the first set of acclamations the parish will sing. At the afternoon session, several members of the parish choir were present, so they came forward and helped us all with the melody of the Gloria. Later we sang the Holy, Memorial Acclamation 3, and the Amen. Janco's Mass setting uses similar harmonic and melodic structures throughout, so people catch on quite easily. It is intuitive and interesting. Steve ends the Holy and the Memorial Acclamations on the "fifth" of the scale, which means that when you arrive at the last note, there is a sense of wanting to sing more. Steve did this because he felt strongly that these acclamations are placed in locations where there is indeed something more that follows, something to which the assembly should be anticipating: the unfolding Eucharistic Prayer. Finally, on the Great Amen, the final note is on the "one" of the scale, creating a sense of finality, a sense that the prayer is now completed. It is a wonderful musical device that supports the movement of the Eucharistic Prayer. Bravo Steve. Listen to the clips of these acclamations again by clicking on the links provided above to see what I mean.

One thing that my pastor said on Sunday was interesting. From his perspective, he has come to a conclusion about the style of English in the new translation. He told us that he feels that the current translation is geared for a second grade reading and comprehension level. He then told us that the new translation is geared more to the reading and comprehension level of someone in their senior year of high school or the first or second year of college. I hadn't thought about it in these terms and I am not sure that I agree. What I do agree with, however, is that the new translation is certainly not in a style common to everyday English speech and conversation. This new "sacral vernacular" certainly introduces a new and more complicated style of speaking and praying. After hearing my pastor, I wondered if there will be scores of people (whose reading and comprehension levels are not well developed) who will be unable to comprehend the meaning of the prayers. If this is the case, we've got a problem. What do you think? Here's an example of what I mean.

Here's the original Latin for the Collect for the Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Deus, cuius providentia in sui dispositione non fállitur,te súpplices exorámus,ut nóxis cuncta submóveas,
et ómnia nobis profutúra concedes.
Per Dóminum.

Here's the current translation. Three simple sentences:

Father, your love never fails.
Hear our call.
Keep us from danger and provide for all our needs.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

And here's the new translation:

O God, whose providence never fails in its design,
keep from us, we humbly beseech you,
all that might harm us and grant all that works for our good.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

I really do think that Catholics will need some catechesis on this newly translated text, in order to grasp fully its meaning. Someone said to me, "I thought providence was the capitol of Rhode Island!" The current translation is a beautiful and simple prayer, but it simply does not fully capture the meaning of the original Latin text. The new one does; but is it too much to grasp when we hear it at Sunday Mass?

Ah, these are the questions that we will be faced with as we begin the implementation of the new translation. I, for one, am ready to sink my teeth into more active listening. I am also excited, and not a little apprehensive about hearing and reading about peoples' reactions to the prayers, clergy and faithful alike.

Thanks for listening to this long post today. As always, feel free to comment by hitting the comments tab below.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Piano and Flute Concert this Weekend in Fairfield

2011-10-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

Mondaty greetings.

Yesterday, I attended my parish's town hall meeting regarding the new translation, then gave two presentations at another parish here in the Archdiocese of Chicago. More on that in tomorrow's post.

This week I will travel to Augusta, Georgia for a presentation on the new translation. Then on Friday I leave for Fairfield, Connecticut for a new translation presentation on Saturday morning. On Sunday evening, my musical "soul-mate" Denise La Giglia and I will be giving a concert (piano and flute) at Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Fairfield. Concertizing is not something that I do very often. Denise and I have recorded two albums together, Window to Peace

and Holy Light.

Denise and I improvise on hymn tunes, songs, and chant. It's all very free-flowing and each of us really enters into the prayer as the piece unfolds, differently each time.

One of the things we do at our concerts is invite a member of the audience to share a short story or vignette from his or her life. Then Denise and I do a free improvisation, trying to paint the story musically.

I am looking forward to the concert (and the hours of practice and preparation this week!) But this really feeds my soul and these days I could use a little sustenance.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation: Sad and Glad

2011-10-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

A rare Sunday blog post.

This morning, between the 9:30 and 11:30 Masses at my parish, Saint James, our pastor held a town hall meeting about the new translation.

In two words: very good. He was pastoral and wove into his presentation some of the history of the Benedictine order (he is a Benedictine).

I came away feeling proud of my parish's approach.

I am headed to another parish here in the Archdiocese of Chicago for two presentations this afternoon and evening on the new translation.

One image from this morning that I will not soon forget, and one which brought me to tears. There my pastor stood, in his Benedictine habit, holding up the current Sacramentary, dirty on the outside, with a recent set of too-long ribbons sticking out of the pages. He held the Sacramentary to his chest, actually he hugged it to his chest and said to us: "I love this book. This book contains the prayers I have prayed for my whole Catholic life. These are the prayers into which I was ordained. I love this book."

So many nodded in agreement and not a little bit of honest grieving.

A sad and glad day for Saint James on the near south side of Chicago.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Cup and chalice

2011-10-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Friday greetings on a crisp Autumn morning here in Chicago.

Well, I was able to spend some fun time (without the new translation of the Missal) last night as the Chicago Blackhawks beat the newly re-formed Winnipeg Jets 4-3 before a packed house at the United Center here in Chicago. (Yes, some day I would love to be a sports announcer!)

Over the past few weeks, a question has arisen (or re-arisen, as the case may be) regarding the translation of calix in the newly translated Eucharistic Prayers. As you know, in the institution narrative, the word is translated "chalice." Yet in the "memorial acclamation," it is translated "Cup." It is interesting to note that "chalice" is not capitalized, yet "Cup" is capitalized. Some have surmised that "chalice" refers to the vessel that contains the blood of Christ, therefore the capitalization of "Blood" as it appears in the words of institution makes sense. And that the word "Cup" is capitalized in the "memorial acclamation" because it refers to the blood indirectly; one cannot drink a cup; one can only drink the contents of a cup, therefore the word at it is used in the acclamation refers to the contents, the precious blood of Christ and is therefore capitalized.

I am sure there has been much written about this. Would appreciate more information, as I don't have the time right now to do the research. Let's help one another.

I hope you have a wonderful Autumn weekend.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Our Beloved Hymns and Songs

2011-10-13T09:04:00.000-05:00

"New Translation Thursday" dawned very early for me on a dreary overcast day in Pittsburgh, followed by an equally overcast day back here on the home front in Chicago.

Last night's session on the new translation at Saint Alexis Parish in Wexford, Pennsylvania was well attended by parishioners there and from around seven neighboring (and not so neighboring) parishes. It has become my experience that many people come to these sessions with very little preliminary information. They arrive in a state of confusion, wondering what "the changes" are all about. They leave with at least a good base of information in order to answer others' questions about the "why" of the new translation.

There is one common question that I hear at every presentation: "What will this mean for the songs and hymns that we sing at Mass, the songs and hymns that we have grown to know and love?" My answer is that the new translation of The Roman Missal does not affect the songs and hymns we sing at Mass. I do not choose to get into the whole issue of the sung propers (Entrance and Communion); it's just too much of another issue to fold into the discussion. People need good catechesis about the Mass, good catechesis about the reasons for the changes, good catechesis about what the Second Vatican Council meant by fully conscious and active participation being the "aim to be considered before all else." I don't think that the majority of Catholics have come to embrace fully what that means. The fact is that we have many options for the entrance and communion processions; to argue that we are being called completely to jettison our beloved songs and hymns for these processional moments is not helpful and simply is not consistent with the guidelines we receive in the General Instruction and Sing to the Lord. Let's take things one step at a time.

Well, that's about it from your groggy blogger. Tonight my passion for hockey returns as I will be at the United Center here in Chicago cheering on my Chicago Blackhawks as they take on the newly formed Winnipeg Jets. Go Hawks! An evening to let my mind wander away from the new translation. We all need these moments.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Off to Pennsylvania

2011-10-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

Wednesday greetings.

After a meeting this morning, I am headed to O'Hare and then to Pittsburgh for an evening at Saint Alexis Parish in Wexford, focusing on the new translation.

I have been wondering what it is going to be like in parishes over the next few years as we begin to settle into the new translation. Will parishioners really develop a keener interest in the prayers we pray at Mass? Will there be a call for a more well-developed mystagogical approach to preaching and teaching in parishes? My hope, of course, is that the new translation signals a new beginning, an era in which Catholics gather to ponder the meaning of the texts we pray at Mass.

Time and experience will tell.

More tomorrow on "New Translation Thursday."

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Going Smoothly at My Parish?

2011-10-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this lastest installment of "New Translation Tuesday."

On Sunday afternoon, about eighty parishioners of my parish, Saint James here in Chicago, gathered to reflect on the new translation of The Roman Missal.

I began the presentation by telling them that every talk that I have given over the past few years was really my own preparation for this Sunday afternoon talk, because the people of Saint James are so close to my heart, they are my "peeps."

People were quite attentive as I moved through the history of the development of the Church's official texts for prayer. I told them that my aim was that when they are approached by a parishioner and asked about the "why" of the new translation, they would be able to answer the question.

Basically, when we get to the very recent history, I share two paragraphs from Comme le Prevoit and two paragraphs from Liturgiam Authenticam. My aim is to show the stark contrasts between the two sets of translation guidelines. I think that people came away with an understanding of why the translation is changing. I know that for some, the answer brings little satisfaction. For the vast majority, however, I think that having this knowledge base was a good and helpful thing.

Two comments from parishioners after the presentation stuck with me. One woman said that she came to the meeting in a frightened manner, wondering about the changes to the Mass. She thanked me for bringing her clarity and for helping calm her fears.

Another woman said to me, "You know, Jerry, I came into this meeting completely close-minded. But that's all different now. Now at least I can understand how we got where we are right now."

Having my pastor right there at the presentation was a good thing. I kept referring to the fact that he will be bearing a great burden of responsibility since the prayers that he prays are now so different, are much more challenging to proclaim well. I invited the parishioners to pray for Father Edward. At one point I told those in attendance that I had been very clear with Father Edward throughout this whole process. I have said to him that I take Paragraph 14 of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy very much to heart:

"Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as a 'chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people,' is their right and duty by reason of their baptism."

I actually looked Father squarely in the face and said, "I am baptized and it is because of my baptism that I have both the right and the duty to fully consciously and actively participate in the liturgy. And so much depends on your careful preparation, prayer, and proclamation of the Church's liturgical texts. I am depending on you, Father, for my participation hinges on your celebrating the liturgy well."

(I often say that Father probably regrets the day I ever joined his parish!)

All in all, I feel that our parish is doing a good job. It all comes down to this coming Sunday's "Town Hall Meeting" between the two Sunday morning Masses when my pastor will address the new translation. Please keep Saint James in your prayers.

I leave tomorrow afternoon for Pittsburgh, where I will be giving a presentation on the new translation to the people of Saint Alexis Parish in Wexford tomorrow night.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Chicago Marathon and Singing the New Translation

2011-10-10T08:10:00.000-05:00

Columbus Day greetings to all; a work day here at WLP.

Yesterday the Chicago Marathon wound its way through my neighborhood. It was a beautiful day here in Chicago. A few photos; was glad to be there to see the pack of leaders.

One of these men won the marathon in record time.

I had not been to Mass at my own parish in a number of weeks, since I have been traveling so much. They have been singing the new translation of the Gloria for several weeks. Yesterday was my first chance to sing the new translation in my parish. Our music director chose Ed Bolduc's Mass of Saint Ann (published by WLP). The people sang it like they have been singing it for years. On the final refrain, the keyboard cuts out and it works so beautifully. Listen to it here.

After Mass, we had a very large group of parishioners remain for a presentation I was giving on the new translation. Many were liturgical ministers or choir members. There was also a nice contingent from the parish's Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver. I would say that about a fourth of the parish was present. I will report on the meeting in tomorrow's "New Translation Tuesday" post.

If you have the day off today, I hope it is a good day for you.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

The New Translation: "A Rough Ride"

2011-10-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

Friday greetings.

Last night I did the first of two presentations in my own parish focused on the new translation. Of the many presentations I have done, this one had the most interaction. The choir members, as well as some other liturgical ministers present, wrangled with the new translation. There were some who thought the new texts were more beautiful and they could see how more faithful to the original Latin they appeared. There was a large number that objected to the new translation. Some said that they thought that the principles from The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy from the Second Vatican Council (I always begin my presentations with pertinent sections from this document) were not being enfleshed by the new translation; they said that they thought the new "sacral vernacular" actually discourages fully conscious and active participation. They said that the new translation is not readily understood and thereby makes the liturgy more difficult to understand and to pray, which is in direct contradiction to the main point of the Constitution.

Those in attendance are my "peeps." These are the people with whom I worship every week. They are thoughtful, dedicated, and love the parish and the Catholic Church. I have to say that their remarks have some resonance in my own heart and mind. But, as you know, I am reserving judgment about the new translation until I have had the chance (in the next few months and years) actually to pray and to experience these texts.

An elderly choir member was the most vehement opponent. She said that she watches EWTN every day and from her viewing has learned that the Catholic Church is working toward unity and wants all Christians to come to the Catholic Church. She said that she thought that this change would prohibit that from happening.

Her final comment to me was this: "It's going to be a rough ride."

I have another presentation to a larger group at my parish on Sunday afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: For Many

2011-10-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this installment of "New Translation Thursday."

I am back home here in Chicago after several days away. Feeling refreshed and invigorated.

As you know, I have spent many many months on the road talking with various groups of people about the implementation of the new translation. In a way, I feel that those presentations have led up to what is about to occur beginning tonight and over the next few days. Tonight I will be speaking with the members of my parish's choir about the new translation. And on Sunday, I will be speaking with my parish's liturgical ministers and the members of the Knights and Ladies of Saint Peter Claver.

You know, I really don't get too nervous about public speaking any more. But I am anxious about these two presentations because they are for an audience of people whom I deeply love. And, judging from comments I have received in the recent past, it looks like there are going to be lots and lots of questions about the new translation. Some of those questions I share as well. I do believe that I will be able to answer the "why a new translation" question. I do know, however, that for some people the answer is not satisfying in any way.

The pro multis question, I believe, is the most problematic of all issues in the new translation, and one about which I struggle mightily. When asked to talk about it, I simply refer people to this 2006 letter from Cardinal Arinze:

Letter from Cardinal Francis Arinze on the Translation of Pro Multis

CONGREGATIO DE CULTU DIVINO ET DISCIPLINA SACRAMENTORUM
Rome, 17 October 2006

Prot. no. 467/05/L

Your Eminence / Your Excellency,

In July 2005 this Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, by agreement with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, wrote to all Presidents of Conferences of Bishops to ask their considered opinion regarding the translation into the various vernaculars of the expression pro multis in the formula for the consecration of the Precious Blood during the celebration of Holy Mass (ref. Prot. n. 467/05/L of 9 July 2005). The replies received from the Bishops’ Conferences were studied by the two Congregations and a report was made to the Holy Father. At his direction, this Congregation now writes to Your Eminence / Your Excellency in the following terms:

1. A text corresponding to the words pro multis, handed down by the Church, constitutes the formula that has been in use in the Roman Rite in Latin from the earliest centuries. In the past 30 years or so, some approved vernacular texts have carried the interpretative translation “for all,” “per tutti,” or equivalents.

2. There is no doubt whatsoever regarding the validity of Masses celebrated with the use of a duly approved formula containing a formula equivalent to “for all” as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has already declared (cf. Sacra Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei, Declaratio de sensu tribuendo adprobationi versionum formularum sacramentalium, 25 ianuarii 1974, AAS 66 [1974], 661). Indeed, the formula “for all” would undoubtedly correspond to a correct interpretation of the Lord’s intention expressed in the text. It is a dogma of faith that Christ died on the Cross for all men and women (cf. John 11:52; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Titus 2:11; 1 John 2:2).

3. There are, however, many arguments in favor of a more precise rendering of the traditional formula pro multis:

a. The Synoptic Gospels (Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24) make specific reference to “many” for whom the Lord is offering the Sacrifice, and this wording has been emphasized by some biblical scholars in connection with the words of the prophet Isaiah (53:11-12). It would have been entirely possible in the Gospel texts to have said “for all” (for example, cf. Luke 12:41); instead, the formula given in the institution narrative is “for many,” and the words have been faithfully translated thus in most modern biblical versions.

b. The Roman Rite in Latin has always said pro multis and never pro omnibus in the consecration of the chalice.

c. The anaphoras of the various Oriental Rites, whether in Greek, Syriac, Armenian, the Slavic languages, etc., contain the verbal equivalent of the Latin pro multis in their respective languages.

d. “For many” is a faithful translation of pro multis, whereas “for all” is rather an explanation of the sort that belongs properly to catechesis.

e. The expression “for many,” while remaining open to the inclusion of each human person, is reflective also of the fact that this salvation is not brought about in some mechanistic way, without one’s own willing or participation; rather, the believer is invited to accept in faith the gift that is being offered and to receive the supernatural life that is given to those who participate in this mystery, living it out in their lives as well so as to be numbered among the “many” to whom the text refers.

f. In line with the Instruction Liturgiam authenticam, effort should be made to be more faithful to the Latin texts of the typical editions.

4. The Bishops’ Conferences of those countries where the formula “for all” or its equivalent is currently in use are therefore requested to undertake the necessary catechesis of the faithful on this matter in the next one or two years to prepare them for the introduction of a precise vernacular translation of the formula pro multis (e.g., “for many,” “per molti,” etc.) in the next translation of the Roman Missal that the Bishops and the Holy See will approve for use in their country.

With the expression of my high esteem and respect, I remain, Your Eminence /Your Excellency,

Devotedly Yours in Christ,

+ Francis Cardinal Arinze

Prefect

While I understand the reasons that the Cardinal moves the reader through, I still cannot wrap my brain around it. While I realize that the acceptance of the Lord's sacrificial love is a free choice made by the individual (who is counted among the "many"), nevertheless, the Lord's blood was shed for all. Not all accept the gift, but it is shed for all.

This is one of those areas in the new translation that I find quite difficult, and I tell people so. And I can't imagine myself not cringing each and every time, for the rest of my life, that I hear these words:

TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT,

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD,

THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT,

WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY

FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.

DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.

How have you handled questions about this issue?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

A Gorge and a Faucet

2011-10-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

Late Tuesday evening greetings. Spent most of the day in Taos. Beautiful place. 87% of the daytime hours during a typical year are filled with sunshine. Today? Overcast and rain, but beautiful. The Rio Grande cuts an awesome gorge through the flatlands here.

I also wanted to share some images of a Baptism font I saw today. Have you ever seen one like this? I understand why we need to be ultilitarian, but is this going too far? Someone, please explain this to me.

Back home to Chicago tomorrow. Rested and ready for new challenges.

Thanks to all for a landmark day. Gotta Sing Gotta Pray reached 200,000 hits today.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Saint Francis Feast from Saint Francis Cathedral

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Greetings on this "New Translation Tuesday" and the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Here in Santa Fe, there is no escaping the influence of the Francisan missionaries. Yesterday, I spent time in the Cathedral Basilica of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Saint Francis Cathedral, pictured here:

The cathedral, which has always been run by the Franciscans, was turned over to the Archdiocese in the past few years, chiefly due to the declining number of Franciscans. It has been recently restored and renovated. Being a baptismal font "geek," I was particularly struck by the font, which is placed in the center aisle of the cathedral. I didn't particularly care for the pots of yellow mums placed there; it sort of makes the font look more like a decorative element, but nonetheless, it is quite impressive. Eight-sided, and built for immersion, it makes quite a statement. Here are a few pics I took.

And here's a picture of the sanctuary:

It has been quite refreshing not being completely focused on the new translation for a few days. So, no comments today. Just a wish for a wonderful Feast of Saint Francis.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Up Up and Away

2011-10-03T18:07:00.000-05:00

Monday greetings from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Spent the weekend in Albuquerque at the 40th Annual Balloon Fiesta. I went to Mass yesterday at Most Holy Rosary Parish. Great music, wonderful preaching, sang the new translation, warm community.

Just wanted to check in and share some photos I took over the weekend. Up each morning at 3:30 to make it to the field for the "Mass Ascension."

Enjoy.

Just amazing.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Last Straw?

2011-09-30T15:56:00.000-05:00

Hello all. Sitting here at Houston Intercontinental, waiting for the flight to Albuquerque for vacation.

I gave two presentations in parishes this week focused on the new translation. For the most part, I am finding that the vast majority of Catholics are anxious to see the implementation begin. Others have expressed concern about Catholics they know who are "on the fence" with respect to their engagement with the Church. These people have expressed a deep concern that these on-the-fencers will see this new translation as a "last straw," a decision made by Church officials who show little concern for the real needs of the world or of Church members. These have not been isolated comments and they should not be dismissed. One of my own family members, who has recently returned to active participation in the Catholic Church (after decades of having been away), says simply that this whole thing seems ridiculous to him and that it will drive people away.

My hope, of course, is that nothing would ever drive people away from active participation in parish life. But this has happened before and will happen again. What I said to those Catholics with whom I spoke this week is to encourage them to try their best to answer the questions of others regarding the new translation.

Have you heard people say that the new translation might be the "last straw" for some Catholics?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Worthily and Well

2011-09-29T09:54:00.000-05:00

"New Translation Thursday" has arrived.

By the time "New Translation Tuesday" rolls around, many of you will have received your copies of the newly translated Roman Missal, Third Edition. Since we here at WLP are publishing two editions (value and deluxe), I have had the privilege of having the missal here on my desk for a few weeks now. During the day, when I find a little time (which is rare!) to thumb through the Missal, I find myself stopping and praying certain prayers and other texts. This morning, I discovered the new translation of the moment when the deacon asks for the celebrant's blessing before the deacon proclaims the Gospel.

Our current translation:

"The Lord be on your heart and on your lips that you may worthily proclaim his gospel. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit."

The new translation:

"May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you may proclaim his Gospel worthily and well, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit."

Most of us will never hear these words, because the rubric says that the priest says this "in a low voice." I was struck by the addition of the words "and well" to this blessing. It seems like all who proclaim the word of God might re-work this blessing and use it as a personal prayer of preparation for proclamation (way too many words beginning with "p" with that one!). Perhaps something like,

"O Lord, be in my heart and on my lips that I may proclaim your word worthily and well."

As you begin examining the texts in the newly translated Missal, please feel free to share your thoughts and comments here at Gotta Sing Gotta Pray.

I am leaving for vacation tomorrow and hope to be able to post here while away.

Please pray for the safety of all travelers.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Rising to the Occasion

2011-09-28T09:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday.

Last night I did a presentation on the new translation at St. Emily's parish here in the Archdiocese of Chicago. They did a fine job craftnig the evening. Their contemporary ensemble prepared some new musical settings of the Mass and led the singing of those gathered. The first man to arrive told me that he was not "for" the new translation and said that he expected many Catholics to leave the Church over it. At the end of the presentation, he said that, after being a parishioner there for over thirty years, he knew that his parish would rise to the occasion and move through the implementation in a good way.

Speaking of rising to the occasion, on Friday I will be leaving for a five-day getaway to New Mexico. I have always wanted to see the annual Hot Air Balloon Fiesta there and plan to do so this coming weekend.

Lots to do before leaving, so allow me to make this a short post today.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Immediate Preparations and a Humbling Ceremony

2011-09-27T09:45:00.000-05:00

"New Translation Tuesday" has come around once again.

It seems to me that many parishes are in full gear now as they begin immediate and intense preparations for the implementation of the new translation. I spent Saturday with a large group of religious women in Bloomfield, CT, focusing attention on the new translation. Last night I spoke at a parish here in the Archdiocese of Chicago and will do so again tonight.

When I was home in Boston on Sunday, one of my sisters told me that the priest in her parish had started practicing the dialogues. She said that she felt like she was in kindergarten, because he had them say the response over and over again. Then she asked me, "Jer, the response is 'And also with your spirit,' right?" Apparently she didn't do very well in kindergarten either!

My brother-in-law, a recent returnee to Catholicism was complaining about the changes. He has had so much to get used to in the past few years as he has regularly attended Mass, an experience which is very new to him. He said that he thought that people would leave because the changes didn't make much sense. His wife, my sister, said this, "My understanding is that what we are praying now is a bad translation." I helped her to understand that what we are praying now is not a bad translation. I said that language like that really isn't very helpful for most Catholics. So I launched into about a ten-minute conversation about how we got to where we are right now; basically I outlined the fact that the translation rules had changed and the apparent reasons for those changes. Many family members gathered around and it seemed like they understood what I was saying.

About ten minutes later, because I am living with a bit of a cold these days, I sneezed. My aforementioned brother-in-law said, "God bless you." Then he quickly added, "Or are they changing that one too?"

This made for a very good laugh.

Last night, during a quietly moving and proud mement at J. S. Paluch and World Library Publications, Bishop Francis Kane, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, came to our warehouse to bless our editions of The Roman Missal. I was so proud of all who had put so much into these editions. Bishop Kane thanked us for our contribution to the work of the Church and to the liturgy. It was a humbling moment for all of us. Here's a photo of some of my colleagues during the blessing:

And here is a photo of Bishop Kane, with arm extended, blessing the Missals.

And pictured here with Bishop Kane is (from the left) Michael E. Novak, the Missal's managing editor, Mary Lou Paluch Rafferty, the owner of the J.S. Paluch Company, Bill Rafferty, president of the J.S. Paluch Company, and yours truly:

Those who have ordered the missals should see them arrive in the next several days, probably Saturday or Monday.

For those who have ordered through WLP, I am looking forward to hearing your third comment about it. Everyone's first comment, without exception, has been, "Wow, this is heavy." The second comment is something like "Oh, how beautiful."

"God bless you."

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Disconcerted on Sunday

2011-09-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

Monday greetings to all.

Back in Chicago after a weekend in New England. The talk on Saturday on the new translation went quite well.

I did want to share my experience at Sunday Mass yesterday. I am not going to name the parish, just describe the experience.

I have attended Mass at this particular parish in New England perhaps once or twice per year over the past dozen years. The music director, who has always been the cantor at each Mass I have attended, was once again the cantor at yesterday's Mass. At this particular parish, the cantor if warm and friendly and quite capably announces the hymn numbers. She then sings every single note of every single hymn, song, and acclamation directly into the microphone. Her voice is somewhat stylized, but is pleasing. Unfortunately, one feels as if one is singing along with her. It was very unfortunate, since the people around me were singing; unfortunately it is difficult, of not impossible, to hear the assembly because of the amplification of the cantor's voice.

I also noticed something else yesterday. The vocal range of this particular music director has been dropping as she grows older. Years ago, she was able to reach (with some effort) notes that reached higher than the C above middle C. When the organist played the introduction to yesterday's opening hymn, Glory and Praise to Our God (I thought that most parishes had given that one a rest), I was struck by how low the key was, and I mean low; like at least four keys lower than the original. Apparently, she tells the keyboard player (who plays on an electronic organ and an electronic keyboard) to use the "transposer" button to lower the keys of everything so that the pieces are comfortably within her vocal range. When I was listening to the singing of people around me, I found that they were switching octaves in the middle of songs, because the range was either too low or too high for their own "normal" vocal ranges.

There was so much wrong with this picture. But, then again, there was so much that was so consistent with this music director's concept of her ministry. The understanding, apparently, of this music director is that she needs to sing very loudly into the microphone, in order to "provide" the music. And, since here range has dipped, it must make perfect sense to her to lower the keys in order for her to continue her idea of what she is supposed to be doing.

Can you tell that this was frustrating for me?

The homily was terrific.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

"There will be no other word than this one."

2011-09-23T16:22:00.001-05:00

Friday greetings from Windsor, Connecticut. Flew to Logan in Boston earlier today and drove down here through torrents of rain.

Looking over the comments over the past few days, as well as reading comments about the new communion guidelines in the Diocese of Phoenix, as well as escalating discussions about the new translation, I am becoming more saddened by the divisions that exist among us.

The late Cardinal Bernardin's Common Ground initiative called for open dialogue among various "factions" in the hope of arriving at some kind of common ground.

In the midst of what I am perceiving as a deepening polarization among us, what is our common ground? I can't help but echo something that I learned long ago and is embedded in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 65:

"Christ, the Son of God made man, is the Father's one, perfect and unsurpassable Word. In him he has said everything; there will be no other word than this one."

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Preparatory Catechesis and Negative/Positive Reactions, A Correlation?

2011-09-22T07:36:00.000-05:00

Welcome to this edition of "New Translation Thursday."

I am leaving tomorrow, headed to Bloomfield, Connecticut, where I will be presenting the keynote at the "Connect: Uniting Generations & Blending Traditions Conference," sponsored by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. Their stated purpose is this: "to unite generations within the Church. The hope is to help bridge the gap between young adults and the elderly. The target population of attendees ranges in age from 18 to 118!"

My keynote is entitled "Embracing Change and Going Deeper: Vatican II and the New Translation." I am looking forward to this opportunity to exchange ideas with a multi-generational audience.

One of our staff members here at WLP made an interesting observation several weeks ago. While giving a presentation on the new translation to a group of young adults as part of the Archdiocese of Chicago's "Theology on Tap" program during the summer, one of the young adults made a comment about the new translation. Unphased by the fact that this new translation is about to be implemented, this particular young adult said something like, "We go through this all the time where I work. It looks to me like it's something akin to updating and navigating from Windows 5.0 to Windows 6.0."

Perhaps this is an indication that young adults are more adaptable to change in every day life than most; who really knows? I just found the comment interesting.

You have undoubtedly heard and read of reports from other English-speaking countries where some of the changes are being implemented. It seems that a large majority of respondents are expressing negative views about the changes. This is an understandable first reaction. One wonders what the correlation is between positive or negative reactions and the amount of preparatory catechesis. I know from my own experience that there are some people who, even with a solid foundation of preparatory catechesis, will reject the new translation. Others who had approached the whole issue very negatively at the beginning became more open to the new translation when the changes were explained and set in the context of liturgical history. My fear is that the vast majority of Catholics will either not pay attention to catechetical efforts, will not find the time to read bulletin articles, nor attend parish preparatory sessions. As I have said, I just know that there will be people who attend Mass regularly at parishes that have made great efforts at catechizing people about the new translation who will arrive at Mass on November 27 and shout, "What's going on here? Why was I never told about any of these changes?" I guess that's just the reality these days.

I hope that wherever you are, catechetical efforts are either in full-swing or at least have begun in earnest.

Here at WLP and the J.S. Paluch Company, we surveyed those parishes that have J.S. Paluch bulletins. The majority told us that they do not look for full-page, long articles about the new translation because they feel that parishioners do not take the time to read lengthy bulletin articles. They asked us for a series of short (150 words) articles covering the basics of the new translation. Our staff here (including yours truly) worked through the Spring and Summer months to write these articles. They have been made available to our bulletin subscribers through the J.S. Paluch Subscriber Resource Center. Many parishes have begun posting these short articles; others have called to inquire about whether anything is available and we steer them to the Subscriber Resource Center. (A little commercial here) This is one of the benefits of subscribing to J.S. Paluch parish bulletins. Our staff here at WLP (many of whom have advanced degrees in theology, liturgy, and music) is largely responsible for the content in the resource center that is only accessible by J.S. Paluch bulletin parishes. Our hope is that, even after the new translation is implemented, J.S. Paluch bulletin parishes will continue to post or re-post these articles to help parishioners understand what is happening. This is one small way that we are trying to fulfill our mission to serve the needs of the singing, praying, and initiating Church.

Thanks for listening today. My question to you is this: Do you see a correlation between reactions (negative and positive) to the new translation and the amount of preparatory catechesis that is provided?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation on a Wednesday!

2011-09-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

I wanted to follow up on a comment made on the blog yesterday. Jeff Rexhausen wrote this:

Jerry,

I think that telling people that we should be using a more formal, "holier" language when we speak to God is the opposite of what Jesus taught. He said we should call God "Abba." How much more informal and intimate can you get. If that's the kind of relationship that Jesus wants us to have with his Father, by whose authority do we tell people the opposite?

Jesus says "I call you friends," so we should be speaking to him as we speak to a friend.

It's fine to say that we should be polite and respectful when speaking to God (and to friends), but there is nothing in the current translation that is impolite or disrespectful. By using this appproach in our catechesis, we are implying that there is something wrong with the language of the current translation, and that just ain't so.

I must admit that I am conflicted about this issue. Someone in attendance at Friday's gathering of Catholic school teachers in Birmingham, Alabama had something like this to say: "I am a convert to Catholicism. I think that the language that we use at Mass supports a Protestant view that God and we are 'buddy-buddy.' I like the new translation because it really sets the relationship correctly; we are put in our place, our subservient role in relationship to God." I couldn't help but respond. I said something like, "For the past forty years, most of my adult life as a life-long Catholic, I have been formed by the current translation and that translation has helped shape an intimacy with God. I am hoping that the new translation does not distance me from that intimate relationship."

The conflict within me arises from Jeff's final line, "By using this approach in our catechesis, we are implying that there is something wrong with the language of the current translation, and that just ain't so."

This stands in stark contrast to this paragraph from Liturgiam Authenticam:

6. Nevertheless, it has been noted that translations of liturgical texts in various localities stand in need of improvement through correction or through a new draft. The omissions or errors which affect certain existing vernacular translations – especially in the case of certain languages – have impeded the progress of the inculturation that actually should have taken place. Consequently, the Church has been prevented from laying the foundation for a fuller, healthier and more authentic renewal.

It seems that this document is saying that there is something wrong with the language of the current translation. There are places where one can easily see "omissions or errors" in the current translation. I do not blame the translators; they were working under a completely different set of rules. The rules changed because of the Vatican's perception that omissions and errors exist in current vernacular translations. This is where the confict comes in for me. I am a faithful Catholic, trying my best to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit in this whole new translation business. I am reserving judgment about the efficacy of the translation until we actually begin praying it. I am disappointed in the process that led to the new translation; I do not understand what happened, and probably never will. But, I do echo something that Father Paul Turner has said, "I have reached the conclusion that those who worked on this translation had my best interests in mind." That may sound "pie-in-the-sky." It may seem way too naive. It may actually sound like I don't have a brain or the capacity for critical thinking. But I just can't spend my days and nights wondering why someone, or a group of people, "had it in" for people like me. Life is way too short.

When I am talking with people about the new translation, I simply lay out the history of its development the best way I can. People look for metaphors to help them teach children, teens, young adults, and adults about what is happening. And I think that is a good thing. I don't think it is wise to lambaste the current translation; this is simply unfair and doesn't help the majority of Catholics. What is fair is to say that Church leaders perceived that the current translation could have been improved; could have been brought into closer conformity to the original Latin, the translation that most clearly expresses our beliefs as Catholics. Whether or not the new English translation of The Roman Missal, Third Edition, will succeed is still a question.

Jeff, thanks for your helpful comments. Obviously you got me thinking. Others?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Catholic School Teachers and the New Translation: The Birmingham Experience

2011-09-20T09:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to "New Translation Tuesday."

I wanted to comment further about my experience in the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama last week.

On Friday morning, I presented a keynote on the new translation to over 500 Catholic school teachers; this was their annual Fall In-service Day. Knowing that many (perhaps 1/4) of the audience would be non-Catholic, my presentation was a little more basic than others.

In the afternoon, I was able to gather with about 60 teachers, most of them were principals or theology and religion teachers across the school system and across the age spectrum.

I learned a lot.

One principal explained that for much younger children, those in the early years (Kindergarten and First Grade), the changes would be accepted with ease. This principal said that the children would need some catechesis, but that their worship experience was still in the formative stage and they basically accept what they are told is a "new way."

One teacher, who works with middle school children told me he was trying to formulate his responses to their inevitable questions about the translation. He asked me if it would be OK to say to these children something like this. "The language we use at Mass needs to be a holier language. Think about how you speak with your friends and how different it is when you speak with your teachers, your principal, your parents, your elders. You would certainly not speak with these people in the same tone and in the same casual way that you speak with your friends. Well, the Church thinks that the language we use at Mass should be more formal, since we are praying to God. It is a more polite and respectful tone in English; not the kind of casual language that we use when we are talking with our friends."

I thought this was pretty insightful on the part of this teacher.

The teachers, as well as the people in attendance at Saturday's workshop for other ministers in the diocese (a mix of clergy, catechists, liturgists, choir members, and other liturgical ministers) expressed support for the new translation. However, there were some cautions expressed.

Many priests in the diocese are from countries other than the United States. Some people said that they have difficulty understanding the priest at Mass now, with the current translation. They wondered what the future will hold, with a more "elevated" and more challenging English to proclaim. Others wondered if their pastors will be committed to the kind of work it will take to pray these prayers in a way that really gets the meaning across to the congregation.

These are legitimate concerns. And, as I have said before, time and experience will tell.

Well, that's about it for now. Glad to be back in Chicago. Heading back to New England this weekend for a keynote presentation on Saturday. More about that later.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Sunday in New England

2011-09-19T09:22:00.000-05:00

Monday greetings to all.

Back here at WLP after several days on the road. I will talk more about my experience in Birmingham, Alabama on tomorrow's post.

On Saturday, after my great time in Birmingham, I flew to Boston to spend time with my family (albeit too short a stay!) Yesterday, my family gathered at Saint Robert Bellarmine parish in Andover, Massachusetts. It was the parish's patronal feast day weekend. They celebrated yesterday with a lobster and clam bake on the parish grounds. The Mass was lovely and the preaching by the pastor (and a long-time friend) Fr. Rick Conway, was superb.

Here are a few photos. Folks, this is so New England!

The clam chowder was absolutely delicious and the bowl said it all!

Since my mom is an avid reader of Gotta Sing Gotta Pray (Actually, I think she is the most well-versed lay Roman Catholic in the country when it comes to the new translation!), I thought I would include a photo of my parents, taken at yesterday's feast at Saint Robert Bellarmine.

These are the two people who had me baptized; the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. They instilled in me a strong work ethic and a love for my Catholic faith, even in the most challenging times. And, best of all, they taught me to love New England clams! With the bellies!

Thanks Ma and Dad.

More tomorrow.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Greetings from Birmingham: Great Day with Catholic School Teachers

2011-09-16T15:27:00.000-05:00

Friday greetings from the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama.

Presented a keynote to over 500 Catholic school teachers this morning on the new translation. Then an afternoon with religion and theology teachers this afternoon.

I was impressed with the high level of engagement in the subject matter and learned much about how the Catholic school system is planning to prepare students for the new translation.

It was a very energetic and committed group of teachers.

I will share more on this next week.

Tomorrow is another workshop here with over a hundred registered. Looking forward to it.

I hope that, wherever you are, you have a blessed weekend.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

All Things Visible and 3.4% In Alabama

2011-09-15T10:07:00.000-05:00

"New Translation Thursday" has arrived once again.

My colleague and friend, Jennifer Budziak, has begun a project focused on the new translation. Here is what she says about the project on her blog, "All Things Visible."

During the first year of the implementation of the new Third Edition English texts, I will be undertaking an in depth ethnographic study of a single suburban parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Through observation, interviews, and surveys, I will attempt to paint a clear picture of how these new texts interact with this particular community.
Though I will of course be taking more formal research notes through the process, I will use this blog as a place where I can more informally reflect on my experiences through this year. My hope for this blog is that it can become a place to share experiences and impressions–Each Sunday, once the project starts, I will post a “Sunday Open Thread” and invite comments from anyone who wishes to share their impressions.
I will also regularly post my own impressions of what I have been observing, as well as interesting links and articles I come across. Please also see the blogroll to the left, which will include links to interesting and oft-updated sites I come across in my travels.

I think this looks like a great project, one that will be interesting to follow.

Jennifer composes for us here at WLP and has written a wonderful book, Sight-sing a New Song.

I am off to Birmingham, Alabama shortly.

Tomorrow I will be speaking to 450-500 people, mostly teachers, in the Catholic school system there. Many will be non-Catholic, so my presentation on the new translation will need to take a much more basic form. Imagine trying to tell someone who has very little knowledge about Catholicism about this whole thing. I am looking forward to spending time there. The Catholic population of Alabama is 3.4%, one of the lowest percentages in the United States. In my travels there in the past, parents have told me how important formation in the Catholic faith is to them and their children. In many places, there is open hostility toward Catholics and oftentimes children need to defend their faith. There is a high sense of Catholic identity among these Catholics; stronger than I see elsewhere. Tomorrow will be a challenge for me, since my usual audiences are 99% Roman Catholic.

Please pray for the safety of travelers.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

English in Birmingham and Latin in Madrid

2011-09-14T06:24:00.000-05:00

Wednesday greetings to all.

I am leaving for the Diocese of Birmingham, Alabama tomorrow. I will be presenting a keynote to about 450 teachers and staff members of the Catholic school system there. An afternoon workshop follows, during which we will look more deeply at the new translation and do some singing. One of the questions I am posing to these teachers is this:

If one of your Catholic school students asked you, “Mrs. Smith, when I went to church yesterday, it was really strange; the words were different. Why?” What would your response be?

I am very interested to hear the discussion that ensues.

On Saturday I will be meeting with another group of people in the diocese and our focus is, you guessed it, the new translation.

I wanted to share a conversation I had recently. I was speaking with a bishop in one of our dioceses here in the United States. He had just returned from World Youth Day in Madrid. After I introduced myself and told him that I was the associate publisher at WLP, he began to speak to me quite passionately about his experience in Madrid. He told me how very sad he became when he was at many of the large gatherings and the celebrations of Masses at which the English-speaking youth from around the world were gathered. He spoke about the fact that at many of these gatherings and Masses, all of the music was chanted by a choir in Latin. He said that many times he looked at the youth gathered there and saw looks of disinterest and boredom on their faces. He said that he felt strongly that this was such a missed opportunity. He said that the Mass celebrated by Cardinal George for the group from the United States was quite different; there was music in English and Spanish that the young people sang with vigor. It was the other large gatherings that he found to be so disappointing. He told me that, because of the music at these other Masses, the young people were not connected to the celebration. I urged him to speak to his fellow bishops about his experience.

I know this will open a can of worms. This was one bishop's opinion, which I felt needed to be shared here.

I will do my best to post over the next few days.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Deciding Not To Prepare

2011-09-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

Welcome to yet another edition of "New Translation Tuesday."

One of the faithful followers of this blog, a woman from an English-speaking parish in a European country, has been e-mailing me in the past few weeks, describing the process that is unfolding in her parish. I forwarded some of my Powerpoint presentations about the new translation; she was hoping to be able to use some of this material in their parish catechesis.

This morning, I received an e-mail from her. (I have edited this):

Hi Jerry,

We have returned from the Parish Council Meeting and I just feel like crying. Our priest does not want to buy the New Roman Missal with the new translation. He just wants to see 'if it is really necessary'. . . He wants to please people and does not even want to do anything to prepare the congregation before we start using the missalettes on the 1st Sunday of Advent. He had such an attitude that I did not even dare to offer to give a presentation using what you had shared with me. Several members said that it wasn't a problem to buy the new missal, that it was important because it's for the Eucharistic Celebration, but he insisted not to. I feel so down.

This is the first time I have heard something like this first-hand. It left me wondering what this priest plans to use on the First Sunday of Advent. The current Sacramentary? The missalette?

Have any of you had this kind of experience?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Boston, Lafayette, and the Arrival of the Roman Missal

2011-09-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

Monday greetings to all.

The past several days have been quite busy. The two RCIA workshops in Boston on Thursday went quite well. To be honest with you, it was refreshing and exhilarating not to be talking about the new translation of The Roman Missal for a change. Initiation is a real passion of mine and this was a wonderful opportunity to get people charged up about their own approaches to initiation. And, of course, it was great to be in Boston. The staff of the Office of Religious Education (Susan and Susan) are two of the most hospitable people on the planet. The new pastoral center in the Archdiocese is state of the art. When I introduced myself, I told those in attendance that as a native Bostonian, I had watched the archdiocese closely (albeit from afar) these past many years during the unfolding clergy sexual abuse crisis and the moves toward closing and consolidating parishes. I said that any attempt at evangelization in these next few years that didn't place the RCIA as part of its central action would mean that the evangelization efforts, by and large, were probably doomed. Even in the midst of all that has unfolded in Boston, we know that we still have the Good News to share. I firmly believe that, although it may take generations, the Archdiocese of Boston will emerge stronger and wiser.

After flight delay after flight delay on Friday, I did manage to get back to Chicago, where I re-packed and headed to the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. Julie, the director of the Office for Worship and RCIA (another one of those incredibly hospitable people) had invited me to present a keynote on "The New Missal and the Bible: Reconnecting to Scripture." I also presented a WLP music reading session. The day went well. The people had good questions and they really dug into the topic.

I received an e-mail on Friday about a momentous event here at the home office in Franklin Park. Some of you may have seen this news on WLP's Facebook page.

On Friday, our shipment of Roman Missals arrived. Of course, we cannot ship them until later in the month, with an October 1 delivery date. Here are some photos I took this morning.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: Treasures

2011-09-08T07:56:00.000-05:00

Welcome to a "Boston edition" of "New Translation Thursday."

It's wonderful to be here in Boston, spending some time with my family as I gear up for two RCIA workshops to take place at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Braintree this afternoon, then repeated tonight.

Weather here is, in a word, miserable. Remnants of tropical storm Lee are drenching the area now.

I found one of yesterday's comments about the new translation and early implementation to be quite interesting:

I made a point to find a parish that is continuing to use the old mass settings. In my view, this is the final period that we have to enjoy the old mass settings--we will have many years in the future to enjoy the new ones beginning in January. I see now as a time to treasure the old settings.

This comment ends with the phrase "time to treasure the old settings." These settings have been a part of Catholic life for much of my own lifetime; I believe this is true for those who follow this blog as well. When I think back and recall my earliest memories of the Mass, probably the earliest memory regarding music that I can conjure up was during the time when I was a very young altar server.

Just a few miles from where I am sitting right now stands Saint Charles Church in Woburn, Massachusetts. I started serving Mass as an altar server there right after the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council were being implemented. I always looked forward to serving at funerals, for two reasons. One, I really liked the more complicated Masses like a funeral with its preparation of incense, the greeting of the body at the beginning of the Mass, the incensation of the body at the end of Mass. Two, I got to get out of class across the parking lot at Saint Charles School!

The earliest musical memory that sticks is the singing of the Sanctus at those funerals. I remember that the only person who sang anything at those funerals was the woman who sang from the choir loft. No one else joined in the singing, no one at all. But what I remember was how beautiful the Sanctus sounded.

And, it wasn't until we at WLP decided to revise some of the Mass settings that had been published in the early years of the reform that I discovered that the Sanctus sung at those funerals was from Jan Vermulst's Mass for Christian Unity. Even as I sit here listening to it, I realize that, for me, this is one of those treasures. And I am so glad those who use WLP's worship resources asked us to revise this Mass setting. A treasure that, for many, had disappeared from the repertoire lists, is once again being rediscovered.

So, some treasures will take their places in liturgical history, becoming, over time, "those settings we used to sing before the 2011 new translation." Other treasures, like Mass for Christian Unity, are being rediscovered.

And a whole new chest full of treasures is being opened and inside we are discovering some that will become lasting treasures. Others will fade away.

What an exciting time in the world of liturgical music right now. All you have to do is read the comments from the last few days. Musicians are teaching new and revised settings. People in the pews are being given a new song.

Are we at the threshold of a renewed renewal?

Please, feel free to comment. Feel free to share your earliest memories of music at Mass. What is the first Sanctus you ever remember being sung in your lifetime?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

In Boston.

New Translation Tuesday: An Addendum: Mass for Our Lady at Notre Dame

2011-09-06T16:09:00.000-05:00

Hello Folks.

Just heard from Steven Warner. At the basilica at the University of Notre Dame on Sunday the Eucharistic acclamations from Steve's and Karen Schneider Kirner's Mass for Our Lady were sung at Mass.

Check it out here:

http://www.ndprayercast.org/

Click on "Video Mass Cast."

Honestly, the Sanctus sounds like they have been singing it for years at Notre Dame! It begins at about 40:00 into the cast. Enjoy.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Boston and Lafayette

2011-09-06T13:22:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another edition of "New Translation Tuesday."

I am gearing up for another whirlwind week ahead. Tomorrow I leave for the Archdiocese of Boston to lead two sessions on Thursday, focused on the visions and principles of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

I grew up in the Archdiocese and it is always a treat to speak to the wonderful people there. And I get to see my family. It just seems like such a long time since I have been "home" to Boston. Looking forward to it.

I return to Chicago on Friday, then it's off to the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana. I will be the keynote speaker there at a conference on the new translation targeted to liturgical ministers. I am also leading a WLP choral reading session and will share some of our new Mass settings with the musicians gathered there.

Well, this past weekend marked the beginning of singing some of the new Mass parts of the Roman Missal, Third Edition in many parishes across the United States. One person here at WLP reported that she attended Mass at her parish and that particular parish decided to introduce the revised setting of a popular Mass (published by another publishing company). Unfortunately, when it came time actually to sing the revised setting during Mass, it was not very successful. Most people sang the old words and old melody and some sang the new one. Just wondering if any of you had a similar experience? Another parish I know of introduced a new setting and by all reports, things went quite well. Time will tell, I guess.

Well, that's about all I have time for today. Please pray for the safety of all travelers.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Sing the New Mass

2011-09-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

Ah, the Friday before a long weekend.

Lots happening around here, as you can imagine. In several diocese across the country, the singing of the new translation of the Glory to God, Holy, and Memorial Acclamations begins on Sunday. I have been surprised at how few frantic phone calls we have received today from people who forgot to arrange for the resources they need for early implementation of this music. I think that, for the most part, musicians are becoming more and more prepared for the upcoming changes. Decisions regarding preferred Mass settings have been made in many places. Others are still waiting to find just the right setting to fit their parish's worship.

If you are still searching, or if you want to see what WLP has to offer, take a journey over to singthenewmass.com. It's a very cool site where you can preview our Mass settings and listen to sound clips.

I hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Thursday: "La la la la"

2011-09-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another installment of "New Translation Thursday."

Yesterday, at the Mass for the people attending the J. S. Paluch Vocations Seminar, we sang the "Christ Has Died" from Peter Kolar's Misa Luna. It struck me that this was most probably the last time I would ever sing that acclamation at Mass. Just seemed strange that, after so many years (and many of those years at multiple Masses on a weekend), this familiar acclamation will be no more. When I thought more about it, I realized that this particular memorial acclamation was the one that was used in probably 90% of funerals and weddings as well.

Remember the days when Lucien Deiss' Keep In Mind was in pretty wide usage as a memorial acclamation?

"Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for us and is risen from the dead; he is our saving Lord; he is joy for all ages."

The history around here (and that history can sometimes be sketchy) was that the US bishops had once given approval for its use as a memorial acclamation. My, how times have changed!

I remember once when I was a kid, perhaps nine or ten (so this would have been late 1960's) going to Mass at a parish in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the city in which I was born. There was no accompanist at that particular Mass. The celebrant announced the hymn or started the acclamations and we all just joined in. When the priest got to the memorial acclamation, he wanted to use Keep in Mind. But he got a little mixed up when he started it. The melody was correct; it was the melody to Keep in Mind. But, instead of starting it with the words "Keep in mind," he started with "Jesus Christ has died for us," words that are found in the second phrase.

So, this is how he sang it:

"Jesus Christ has died for us . . . (then he paused, noticed his error, and continued with:) . . . la la la la . . . and is risen from the dead; he is our saving Lord, he is joy for all ages.

That's right, he actually sang "la la la la."

When I recall this, it brings a big smile to my face.

As we move into the new translation, letting go of texts that have become so familiar to us, we will have our stop and go moments. Hopefully some of these will bring smiles to our faces as we grow into the new translation.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Vocations Awareness and Brian Flynn

2011-08-31T11:51:00.000-05:00

Wednesday greetings to all.

This week marks the 24th annual J. S. Paluch Vocations Seminar sponsored by the National Vocations Awareness Division of our company. It is being held here in the O'Hare area. Through the generosity of the Paluch family, leaders in vocations from around the country gather each year for input and discussion.

Have I told you lately that this is a wonderful company for which to work? Our owners, Bill Rafferty and his wife, Mary Lou Paluch Rafferty, are inspirations to me every day. Their dedication to serving the Church through parish communications, bulletin advertising, vocations awareness, beautiful parish calendars, and resources for the singing, praying, and initiating Church is unmatched.

Last evening, one of WLP's new artists and composers, Brian Flynn, presented a one hour concert for those gathered at the vocations seminar. If you haven't had the chance to hear Brian, here's a clip from EWTN's "On the Rock" program. You'll find him singing his piece You Are a Priest Forever at the eleven minute mark on the video. Brian wrote this piece for the Year of the Priest. Enjoy.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

New Translation Tuesday: Honest Sharing in Orlando

2011-08-30T11:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world of "New Translation Tuesday."

I wanted to share a few thoughts about my experience at the Orlando Liturgical Conference.

I gave three presentations focused on The Roman Missal. One concerned the Missal and the RCIA (basically a presentation on liturgical catechesis for catechumens and candidates). The second focused on the Missal and music directors. The third was focused on the Missal and the assembly.

In the third presentation, I did some comparisons between the current translation and the new translation. There was a person there who said this to the group at the workshop: "I am a medieval Latin scholar and this translation is an abomination!"

What is a presenter to say? Actually, I told her that I agreed that there were places in the Missal where the translation is so awkward and stilted that comprehension seems nearly impossible. And, for those of you who follow this blog regularly, you know that I am reserving judgment about the efficacy and comprehensibility of these texts until we actually begin praying the texts at Mass.

We focused on the Collect for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Here is the current translation:
God our Father,
your light of truth
guides us to the way of Christ.
May all who follow him
reject what is contrary to the Gospel.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
      your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
      in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Two simple sentences, followed by a doxology.

Then we looked at the new translation:

O God, who show the light of your truth
to those who go astray,
so that they may return to the right path,
give all who for the faith they profess
are accounted Christians
the grace to reject whatever is contrary
     to the name of Christ
and to strive after all that does it honor.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
     in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

This is one of those texts that I have practiced over and over again. It has taken me quite a bit of time to learn where to speed up, where to slow down, what to stress, what not to stress and still, I am not sure if I can communicate the meaning of the prayer. One person at the workshop said that she felt that the people in the congregation simply would not be able to comprehend the text because of the complexity of the prayer's structure.

What we all agreed upon is what many have been saying over and over again. Priests and bishops will need to spend much more time preparing to proclaim these texts. And we in the congregation will need to be helped to learn how to become much more attentive and active listeners, unlike this crowd:

Time and experience will tell. I am hopeful but getting a bit more tense about all of this. How about you?

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

CNS Article and The Roman Missal in Orlando

2011-08-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

Good Monday to all. Arrived back in Chicago last night and am back at the desk here in the "home office."

You may have seen the news piece from Catholic News Service over the weekend. If not, here you go. I was interviewed a few weeks ago.

Enjoy reading the article and let me know your reactions by hitting the comments box below.

Here are a few photos taken at the Orlando Liturgical Conference. It was amazing to watch people touch the actual Roman Missal, Third Edition. They commented on how beautiful it was, how the print was so large and readable, how the art work from the Vatican Apostolic Library was so beautiful, etc. They also commented on how large the book is and how much notated chant is inside. I was so proud of our WLP team.

More about my experience in Orlando in tomorrow's post.

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.

Orlando Liturgical Conference: RCIA and the Roman Missal

2011-08-26T06:11:00.000-05:00

It's very early on Friday morning here in Orlando. My apologies for not having posted yesterday; the day just slipped away.

Here at the Orlando Liturgical Conference, being held at the airport Marriott, it's all things Roman Missal. Father Paul Turner gave an excellent keynote to start us all out together last night. Then there was a round of workshops, followed by some social time together. My own workshop was focused on the RCIA and the Roman Missal. I talked about the Church's view and history of mystagogical reflection. I tried to help these initiation ministers see that the Church's liturgy is a locus theologicus, a site or place where theology, what we believe, is expressed. Then I showed them how they could take the experience of praying a newly translated text, in this example the Gloria, and move into a reflection on that text in a mystagogical way with catechumens and candidates. I used Pope Benedict's clearly articulated mystagogical method (from his Sacramentum Caritatis) to move through the process. It seemed to go quite well.

All of this hinges on the hope that the new translation will mean much more for the Church than a set of new words. If this implementation means that we become more aware of the fact that what we pray expresses what we believe, then we will have accomplished something wonderful.

It has been a real treat being back here in Orlando. Connecting with old friends, being with people with whom I learned how to minister, how to care for people, how to see the ways that liturgy and music form us, has been a real gift the past few days.

It's two more workshops and a WLP showcase today, so I had better get moving.

I am praying for the safety of all, including my own family members in New England, as the hurricane prepares to begin to impact the East Coast,

Gotta sing. Gotta pray.