ROMBOC Training Part II

Welcome back to part two of ROMBOC (ROman Missal BOot Camp). Last week we warmed up with the new greeting that will be used beginning the first Sunday of Advent. Shall we review?

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Us: And with your spirit.

Well done! Today, we're going to touch on two more subtle changes in language. Again, it is the intent of the bishops that these changes will bring us closer to the original meaning of the Latin text. If you've ever asked a native speaker of a different language to translate something into English, you've likely heard them express frustration in finding exactly the right words to make the meaning clear. Hence the popular phrase, lost in translation. The changes in the Roman Missal reflect this kind of ongoing tweaking.

Last week we learned the new greeting and one form of the Penitential Act. Today we're going to see another form of this prayer and the changes to the Gloria.

Form B of the Penitential Act is a prayer led by the priest with our response. It is used less often in Mass than the first form which we addressed last week. The new language will look like this:

Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Us: For we have sinned against you.

Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy.

Us: And grant us your salvation.

The second change we'll focus on today involves the Gloria. This is one of those changes that will greatly interest the music minister at your parish since this prayer is often sung these days. You will notice that most of the changes occur in the first stanza of the prayer. The new text will be as follows.

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to people of

good will. We praise you, we bless

you, we adore you, we glorify you,

we give you thanks for your great

glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O

God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Lord God, Lamb of God,

Son of the Father,

you take away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us;

you take away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer;

you are seated at the right hand of the Father,

have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One,

you alone are the Lord,

you alone are the Most High,

Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit,

in the glory of God the Father.

Amen.

If your parish typically sings this prayer, the accompanying music will also be somewhat different. But take heart. If you've ever used music or rhythm as a memory device, you'll know that those prayers we sing will be easier to learn than those we say. Once we adapt to changes in the melody, the words will follow with ease.

As to whether those melodies will be just adapted versions of the ones currently in use or entirely new songs, here's what Our Sunday Visitor says,

"One of the primary questions facing parishes will be whether to choose a revised version of a familiar Mass setting, which would incorporate the new wording but use melodies that are similar to those currently used, or a completely new setting that includes original melodies written specifically for the new text. Publishers are preparing both new and revised settings, leaving a difficult choice in the hands of parish leaders. For some, . . . the easier path seems to be in choosing a setting that is closer to what parishioners are already accustomed to singing."

"Others believe, however, that learning a new melody will prevent people from stumbling over the changed words."

You'll need to wait and see just what your music minister has planned. But either way, you'll be ready for what's coming!

If you'd like to read more about how the changes will affect music, check out the source article for the above quote. [Source: Parish music ministers prepare for major Roman missal changes. Our Sunday Visitor. 9/26/10]