The explanation of the U. S. Catholic Bishops regarding the changes of certain texts of the Mass continues here.
What about the rest of the Missal?
The text of Ordo Missae I (Order of Mass) is the first of twelve (12) sections of the third edition of the Roman Missal, undergoing translation. The remaining sections, which include the Proper of Seasons, Ordo Missae 11 (containing Prefaces, Solemn Blessings, and additional Eucharistic Prayers), Proper of Saints, Commons, Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Intentions, Votive Masses, Masses for the Dead, Eucharistic Prayers for Masses with Children, and Antiphons, as well as Introductory Material and Appendices, have undergone first drafts (called "Green Books"). The second drafts (called "Gray Books") for several sections have been completed and await votes by the Conferences of Bishops. Each section must follow the same process as the Ordo Missae I.
When will all this be complete?
Because this work involves the participation of ICEL (the International Commission of English in the Liturgy), the USCCB (the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) as well as other English-speaking conferences of bishops, and the Holy See, it is difficult to set a firm date for the completion of the process of translation and approval. The current estimate, however, for the completion of work by the USCCB is November 2010. Once the final section of the Roman Missal has been approved by the USCCB, the complete text of the Missal must still be submitted to the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments for approval.. The projected implementation of these changes will be in next week's Pastor's Desk.
Fr. Stanley
