Commentary on the Mass

[Scholastica]

During this Easter Season, many parishes in the diocese have been following the "With Hearts and Minds" programme. This is well underway in my own parish where there are eight groups running at different times during the week. The "In Communion with Christ" resources have been used to prepare homilies each week, linked to the discussion topic for that week. Once the discussion sessions are complete, we hope to have a weekend where the various parts of the Mass are explained in terms of what we do and why .... a running commentary on the Mass. Has anyone experienced this in recent times? We did something similar once for the Triduum. Are there any resources we might consult before we compile our own? Any help gratefully received.

[Canonico]

Scholastica, a good basic commentary which I have always found useful for talks on the Mass is 'The Mass' by Lucien Deiss published by The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota. ISBN 0-8146-2058-2. If you can't get a copy let me know and I'll send you one.

[sidvicius]

would like to add to this that if you look in a half-decent missal, the 'what' we do (if not the 'why') is written down in red ink, or italic or something. It's worth checking this now and again to see whether what we do is actually what we should be doing. My particular bugbear is where the priest says "Let us Pray" - then carries straight on into the opening, communion, or closing prayer. Check it out - you'll see what I mean.

[Canonico]

Agree completely sidvicius! In my innocence I presumed that this would already have been done and also the new General Instruction on the Roman Missal read and digested.

[presbyter]

the 'what' we do (if not the 'why')

11. But in order that the liturgy may be able to produce its full effects, it is necessary that the faithful come to it with proper dispositions, that their minds should be attuned to their voices, and that they should cooperate with divine grace lest they receive it in vain . Pastors of souls must therefore realize that, when the liturgy is celebrated, something more is required than the mere observation of the laws governing valid and licit celebration; it is their duty also to ensure that the faithful take part fully aware of what they are doing, actively engaged in the rite, and enriched by its effects.

S.C.11

If we don't understand the 'why' I think there's a possibility people will stay at the level of the 'what'. Yes, getting the 'what' right is to be commended, of course. Yet just doing the 'what' perfectly is no guarantee it will produce those 'proper dispositions'. The Liturgy Office has done a good job in producing the In Communion with Christ leaflets. I myself think they are an effective introduction to the 'why' and my approach in this diocese (going around the deaneries at the moment) is to use these leaflets before getting into the meat of CTM and GIRM. I hope I have got things the right way round

[presbyter]

The Liturgy Office has done a good job in producing the In Communion with Christ leaflets.)

One little niggle though - they don't half eat up ink/toner on photocopiers and copy printers. It's that grey border.

[asb]

Talking of "niggles" and the way things are done, here are a couple of mine, that happen regularly at my place.

1. "I confess to Almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, etc etc............ all the angels and saints, and to you, my brothers and sisters......"

2. "May the Lord accept the sacrifice of your hands....."

Anyone come across these carelessnesses (if there is such a word?!) and /or any others?

Oh yes - I've just got back from some organ practice at church this am, and someone has done the flowers ready for the weekend Masses - including a nice new arrangement around the Paschal Candle!!

[sidvicius]

Pastors of souls must therefore realize that....

but I get the impression that, very often, they do not, even though such prayers as the ones I mentioned are often read verbatim from a missal. If they did, they would realise the mistake they are making.