Cost of Mass books

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Nick Baty
Posts: 2201
Joined: Sat Jul 22, 2006 11:27 am
Parish / Diocese: Formerly Our Lady Immaculate, Everton, Liverpool
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Cost of Mass books

Post by Nick Baty »

Have just watched an online Mass from a cathedral. At the end, the presiding priest reminded everyone about the new Lectionary and pointed out that the books bought just 14 years ago would no longer be usable.

He said: “We will only be able to buy the books if those who like to use them, or need to use them, make a donation.”

Three a year for three years at £4.95 each. That’s £44.55. It would be cheaper to be the People’s Missals which are around twenty quid! Or, better still, discourage Mass books and Missals altogether and just have a few available for those who are hearing impaired.
High Peak
Posts: 220
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2014 10:49 pm
Parish / Diocese: Glossop; Diocese of Nottingham
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Cost of Mass books

Post by High Peak »

Our parish is in this very situation.

My initial reactions have been.....

1) Why on earth were the new Missal and new Lectionary not introduced together? When they introduced the new Missal, the powers that be KNEW that they were working on a new Lecitionary. Could they not have predicted the needless expense and just held fast for a few years?

2) Why on earth did our then PP spend so much money on six sets of parish Missal books that have been used for just two or three years each?

As it happens, out present PP isn't a fan of Missals; he cites evidence that responses, involvement, etc, are better when the people do not have their heads bowed looking into a book. But we do have hundreds of books that are in fairly pristine condition but, come December, are only good for pulping.
High Peak
Posts: 220
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2014 10:49 pm
Parish / Diocese: Glossop; Diocese of Nottingham
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Cost of Mass books

Post by High Peak »

I learned last night that we are going down the route of buying in A4 sheets that will have all the readings. They will be handed out with the Newsletter. Though, personally, I would prefer the Newsletter to be handed out as people leave; the homilies of our new priest are good enough not to require any distraction. :wink:

And for those who have not yet learned everything from the New Translation of the Missal (guilty hand raised here re the Creed) there will be laminated cards with those parts available.
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