FIRST LITURGICAL INSTRUCTION

Attached to today’s bulletin you have a recent letter from Archbishop Smith regarding the implementation of the 2011 Roman Missal.  There are several aspects to the implementation of the 2011 Roman Missal.  There are several aspects to the implementation given the nature of the Book.  Some changes flow from The General Instruction on the Roman Missal (GIRM), others refer to texts used for the celebration of the Mass itself.  Consequently some matters refer to:

-          Directives and responses for the congregation

-          Directives for music

-          Directives for Priests

-          Directives for deacons

-          Directives for specified ministries

We have not yet received the 2011 Roman Missal.  Already in September the Archbishop gave us the green light to begin with the new music and the responses.  Next week we will fast forward that process.  The Archbishop has now given us the green light to implement some directives from GIRM.  Next week we will begin with the posture for the consecration, kneel after the Sanctus and stand when we hear “The Mystery of Faith”.  This same directive applies to all the Latin Rite Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

Our communion rite remains pretty much intact.  The present prohibition remains.  In the Archdiocese of Edmonton permission is not given for the distribution of Holy Communion to take place by intinction. 

The Archbishop is making an appeal for unity and consistent practice in the Archdiocese in accordance with the 2011 Roman Missal and its implementation by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.  We are confident that our Priests, parishioners and liturgical ministers will be in compliance.  We have no need to look elsewhere for guidance whether it be Topeka, Kansas or Sept Iles, Quebec. 

Throughout the course of the year I intend to elaborate more on the history and rationale for the changes in a series of instructions to be duly numbered. 

I think that we should seize every occasion to renew our appreciation of the Eucharist.  I would think that all of us share the rich, closing sentiments of the Archbishop in his November, 2001 letter to the People of God in the Archdiocese of Edmonton: “May the Lord bless all of us with not only greater understanding of the Eucharist but also, and most importantly, an ever deeper love and reverence before this most sacred mystery.”

Fr. Wilf Murchland, C.S.C.

Liturgy Council