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Questions and Answers regarding the General Instruction of the Roman Missal How Do We Know What to Do at Mass? What we do at Mass and how we are to do it is presented to us in a book with two parts called the Roman Missal. The Roman Missal is made up of the Lectionary, the book(s) with all the scripture readings in it, and the Sacramentary, the book with both prayers and directions in it. The instructions for celebrating Mass are found in a document called the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) In 2000, the Catholic Church approved a new version of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) which is the overall set of guidelines and policies that state how we are to celebrate the Mass. This will be the third major revision of this document since the changes brought about by Vatican II. Overall, the GIRM gives more universal norms and instructions while leaving the more specific policies to local dioceses and parishes. However, this latest edition of the GIRM breaks with that tradition by listing a large number of minor changes regarding a variety of elements in the Mass: how we reverence the Eucharist, the proper times of standing and kneeling, and a clearer explanation of the proper roles of the various liturgical ministries. The overall reason for these new changes is to address a number of errors that have crept into the celebration of the Mass over the years. These changes are expected to be implemented in all parishes in the world. Is This Revised GIRM used by the Entire Catholic Church? Yes, it is in force for dioceses employing the Roman Rite throughout the world. However, it is permissible for a conference of bishops to make adaptations for the dioceses in their conference. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops has done two kinds of adaptations. First there are the New Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds (approved by the USCCB on June 15, 2001 and confirmed by the Holy See on March 22, 2002). As the title implies, this is a document that discusses the way the Holy Eucharist is distributed in the United States. Second, there are certain adaptations called “indults” of the GIRM (approved by the USCCB on November 13, 2001 and confirmed by the Holy See on April 17, 2002). An indult may be thought of as permission that is given to change or modify existing laws. When Will We Implement These Changes? The implementation of the provisions of the revised GIRM is the responsibility of the diocesan bishop, whose role is to “foster, govern and watch over the liturgical life in his diocese.” (GIRM #387) The Archdiocese does not want to make these changes in such a way as to confuse anyone. The plan is to give people information about the changes this fall and implement them in starting the first Sunday of Advent. There will be information presented in the bulletin, in homilies, and through the Prayer & Worship Committee. How Many Changes Are We Talking About? Quite honestly, it would be hard to guess how many changes will be noticed in each parish. Many changes affect what a particular minister is doing, but may not be all that noticeable to a person in the assembly. Also, there are some practices encouraged in the new GIRM that have actually been taking place for many years in some parishes. For example, the reception of communion from the cup was a new idea in the 1974 GIRM. Changes in the text of the revised GIRM reflect over 25 years of practice. Also, in the revised GIRM, just as in the 1974 version, certain options are available which will be up to each parish to decide. One of the changes you will notice is the addition of a gesture of reverence when you receive communion. You may also notice changes about what is carried in procession at the beginning of Mass, when we stand during the preparation of the altar and gifts, what happens during the Lamb of God, and what the Eucharistic Ministers are doing. As you can see, these changes are quite minor. Whose Idea Is It to Change All This? Ultimately, these changes are happening at the direction of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. Catholics need to remember that the Mass has undergone change for 2000 years. For 1500 years, cities, dioceses and bishops celebrated Mass according to the books that they produced locally. There was some variance between the way Mass was celebrated from city to city, diocese to diocese and bishop to bishop. At the time of the Council of Trent in the 16th century, a greater effort was made to standardize the Church’s celebration of the Mass. More recently, the Second Vatican Council realized the need for ongoing change by stating that, “where necessary, the rites be revised carefully in the light of sound tradition and that they be given new vigor to meet the circumstances and needs of modern times.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, #4) The changes brought about by this Council were major and upsetting to some who did not receive adequate education about the reasons for the changes. Let us remember that while our liturgical practices may change over time, the fundamental beliefs behind the practices do not change. The basic structure of the Mass remains the same: Gathering together (Introductory Rites), Scripture (Liturgy of the Word), Sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and Leave-taking (Concluding Rites). This same structure was followed by Christians in the first centuries of the Church and is followed today. Resources & More Information: General Instruction of the Roman Missal (Text & Resources) Norms for the Distribution & Reception of Communion United States Conference of Catholic Bishops |
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