October 21, 2011

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we enter into the month of November, we remember our loved ones who have gone home to their eternal resting place. This year, we also enter a time of immediate preparation for the reception of the Roman Missal, Third Edition.

As you may know, the English-speaking Roman Catholic dioceses throughout the world will be receiving the new English translation of the Roman Missal on the First Sunday of Advent, Nov. 27, 2011.

What does this mean for us as a church in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati? It means that some words and phrases will change in the prayers we say at Mass. The people, deacons, and priests will be praying with words that may seem unfamiliar, and perhaps even awkward, at first.  Change can be difficult, especially for those of us who have been praying with the current translation for the past 40 years. However, Pope John Paul II saw this new translation as an important step in the liturgical renewal of the church, and his successor, Pope Benedict XVI, continues to encourage this ongoing liturgical renewal as we welcome the new translation of the Roman Missal, Third Edition.

Over the past several months, priests, deacons, musicians, lay ministers and members of the parish community have been preparing for these changes.  Many have attended workshops, listened to podcasts, read bulletin inserts and online articles, in order to understand what is happening and why it is happening.  There are many resources available to you, and I encourage you to learn about these changes so that your experience at Mass is deepened and enriched as we embark upon this new road in the liturgical life of the church. 

May we all join in this endeavor with open hearts to the Spirit that moves and changes us. May we all see in this new translation an opportunity to give heartfelt praise and thanks to God for His continued action in our lives and in the church.

May the Lord bless you abundantly with many good gifts. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your parish communities, for I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,  

Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop of Cincinnati