US archbishop explains use of new translation outside of Mass

Baltimore, Md., Nov 17, 2011 / 01:49 am

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans, head of the U.S. bishop's committee on divine worship, clarified how the new translation of the Roman Missal should be used in services and rites outside of the Mass.

Archbishop Aymond answered questions about the new missal at the U.S. bishops' conference's fall general assembly, held in Baltimore Nov. 14-16.

The new English translation of the Third Edition of Roman Missal will be used in the U.S. beginning on Nov. 27, the first Sunday of Advent.

Archbishop Aymond explained to fellow bishops that his committee worked with the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship to determine certain instances where the material from the new Roman Missal should be adapted to other rites.

In all Church rites, sacraments and praise services, the response to the greeting “The Lord be with you” will consistently be “And with your spirit,” he said.

He also explained that the penitential prayer—known in Latin as the Confiteor—which begins “I confess to Almighty God,” should follow the new translation whether it is prayed in the Mass or anywhere else.

In addition, a deacon’s request for a blessing from a priest before proclaiming the Gospel should use the new translation, even if done outside of Mass, he said.

As for the blessing of the water in the baptismal rite, the archbishop noted that there are three options—two abbreviated forms of the rite and one longer one. The long form matches the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil, and when that form is chosen, it should use the new translation. 

Archbishop Aymond also said that the new translation should be used for the Ecce Agnus Dei, which begins “Behold the Lamb of God”—whether it is done at Mass or as part of a communion service—as well as the dismissal at the end of praise services, blessings for nuptial ceremonies outside of Mass and funeral ceremonies.

For the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayers before the epistle can still be used, although the new one found in the Roman Missal will also be acceptable, he added.

The archbishop explained that while the old translation should no longer be used, pastoral practice will allow for flexibility in extraordinary circumstances, such as when Communion is brought to an elderly person who may not be aware of the changes.