By Julie Godfrey Miller
Catholic Herald

Diocese to begin implementing liturgical changes

RICE LAKE --Since the founding of the Catholic Church, the liturgy has been evolving, and that process continues today with the revisions made to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal approved by Pope John Paul II in 2000.

Changes stemming from those revisions will be implemented in the Diocese of Superior over the next few months.

The diocese held a formation day for all the priests, deacons and lay people involved in liturgical ministry Dec. 3 at St. Joseph Church in Rice Lake.

In his welcoming remarks, Bishop Raphael M. Fliss said the liturgy has long been an important part of his life. He talked of his early attraction to the priesthood and of playing "priest."

Fliss said he was in Rome when the Second Vatican Council began, Dec. 4, 1963, and discussed his various roles in implementing changes after the council.

He said, "The purpose of my reminiscence is to impress upon you -- this something you already know -- but to remind myself, also, that way back when, when this all began ... we left a lot to chance." As a result, Fliss said, it is reasonable to look at the issues again today.

Fr. Gabriel Baltes, OSB, head of the diocesan Office of Worship, gave a presentation on the theological premises for reforms of the liturgy. (See box on page 5.)

Baltes reiterated that liturgy continues to evolve. He said the only unchangeable text is the Scriptures and that sometimes changes in various translations. He added that the changes taking place now are microscopic when compared to all of the other changes made since Vatican II.

In the next part of the program, Fliss talked further about liturgical changes.

He said at the time he became bishop there were many options and different approaches to implementing the changes stemming from Vatican II. He added that choices are acceptable and healthy and having choices seemed to be the right thing to do at the time.

Now, however, at the start of a new millennium, there is a desire for a consistent approach to the liturgy, Fliss said, adding that differences that were accepted in the past are now viewed as potentially divisive.

Fliss said he supports the changes and gave some particular examples. For instance, he dislikes the delays that occur when a priest leaves the sanctuary to give the sign of peace to many people in the congregation and welcomes an end to the practice.

He also noted occasional sloppiness that creeps into Communion practices. The changes will foster respect and reverence for the sacrament, he said.

Later in the day, members of the audience were given cards on which to write their questions about the changes.

Some of the questions dealt with issues such as placement of the tabernacle and the use of Latin hymns or chants.

Others dealt with very practical matters, such as the requirement to kneel in a church where kneelers have been removed. Fliss said that the kneelers will be re-installed.

In response to a later question about kneeling during the eucharistic prayer, Fliss said the practice of kneeling was legislated by the national conference of bishops who believe that this is the desire of the laity.

Another question touched on the role of silence versus socializing before Mass starts. Fliss said a gathering space is the place for greeting friends. There should be some silence before Mass so people can place themselves in God's presence.

Catholics throughout the diocese will learn more about the changes in the coming weeks, through bulletin inserts, homilies and other discussions.

Theological basis for the changes in liturgy

The reforms to the liturgy that began following the Second Vatican Council and continue today spring from four theological premises:

1. Celebration of the Eucharist is Christ-centered

The Mass is participation in the action of Christ -- in his sacrifice, his mystery. The liturgy of the Eucharist does not belong to any one person. It is Christ's prayer which he has entrusted to faithful, the church.

In keeping with this principle, there are rules and guidelines for various elements in each church.

Altar: Stone is the preferred material for the altar. There should be nothing on the altar except the vessels for Mass and possibly a cross or candles. Excessive adornments draw attention away from the altar itself.

Altar Cross: On or near the altar, there should be an image of Christ crucified that is visible not only during the liturgy but after, as well.

Sacred images: The church has a long-standing tradition of using sacred images as a link to the liturgy of the saints in heaven. Duplication of the same image is not allowed.

Tabernacle: The new rules leave final judgment on positioning of the tabernacle to the local bishop. The tabernacle must be in a well-decorated part of the church that is conspicuous, and suitable for prayer. It can be either in the sanctuary, apart from the altar used for Mass, or in a separate chapel suitable for private adoration and prayer, but joined to the church and conspicuous to the people.

2. Every celebration of the Eucharist requires a bishop or his priest

The changes reaffirm the ecclesial nature of worship in the church which was founded on the apostles, who are succeeded by its bishops. The new instructions define the roles of the bishop, priests and deacons during Mass.

The changes include the instruction that the priest remain in the sanctuary during the sign of peace except in special circumstances such as a wedding or funeral.

It also reserves the rite of breaking the bread and filling chalices with the Blood of Christ to the priest or deacon.

The document also highlights the priest's responsibility for overseeing the whole rite, including the readings and music.

3. Participation of the faithful is the goal to be considered before all others

The roles of various lay participants in the Mass are defined.

Congregation: The document reaffirms the importance of gestures, such as making the Sign of the Cross and crossing the forehead, lips and breast before the Gospel. Some changes have also been made in the postures and gestures to be used by the congregation.

People are to kneel from the end of the Sanctus until after the Great Amen.

As a sign of reverence at Communion time, each person is to bow his or her head before receiving the host or the cup.

Postures and gestures should be uniform (except for those who can't comply due to reasons of health) and not personal preference of each individual.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: The words "Communion" and "Eucharist" are not synonyms. Communion is the fruit of the Eucharist. For that reason the name for these ministers has been changed.

Under the new guidelines, ministers will come up to the altar as the priest receives Communion. Ministers are to receive Communion after priests and deacons, but before members of the congregation.

Readers: Lay people who do the readings at Mass are called: "readers." The term "lector" is no longer used.

Under the new rules, individual readings may not be split and read by more than one reader, except for the Passion on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

Other ministers: The guidelines emphasize the need for all ministers to be well prepared.

4. The Eucharist is the source and summit of all life

All other liturgical rites are lined with the celebration of the Eucharist and flow from it.

Liturgy of the Word: Christ is present during Mass, not just in the person of the presider, but throughout the liturgy, including the Liturgy of the Word, the assembly and, most especially, in the eucharistic elements.

Silence: Christ is present in the sacred silences at points throughout the Mass.

Music: There is an increased emphasis on the use of Gregorian chant and of having music at every liturgy, if possible.

Communion under both kinds: Receiving Communion under both kinds is emphasized. In addition, the congregation, and not just the priest, should receive hosts consecrated at the Mass they are attending. Using previously consecrated hosts from the tabernacle is not desirable.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002