CATHEDRAL NEWSLETTER

Thirty years ago each parish modified its own churches to celebrate the Mass in a way that reflected the new understandings of the Second Vatican Council. These requirements were spelled out in the Documents issued after the Council, especially in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, issued by Pope Paul VI in 1969 and the Instruction of the Congregation for Divine Worship of 1970. For most people the changes to their Parish Church meant parting with some of their memories. It also meant that the manner of celebrating the Mass allowed greater involvement of the People of God, as called for by the Second Vatican Council. Few would now regret the exchange of a silent Latin celebration for a celebration that involves the members of the congregation in the Mass around God’s table and in a language that makes that involvement more meaningful.