The First Sunday of Advent is always the beginning of a new liturgical year. This new liturgical year, which will begin on November 27, will also see a change in some of the words we use to pray and sing at Mass. The English translation of The Roman Missal, Third Edition will take effect on that day. (We currently use the second edition of The Roman Missal.)

This web page has been created to be one of the many ways that our parish will prepare to receive these changes in the Mass. All parishioners, liturgical ministers, music ministers, catechists, teachers, members of the various councils and committees, and staff will find a wealth of information regarding the changes. The buttons on the left side of this page will lead you to several articles to help you learn about this significant moment in the life of the English-speaking Church throughout the world.

Believe, Celebrate, Live the Eucharist was created and used by the parish community of Saint James Cathedral in Seattle as a part of their centennial celebration. We at Saint Joseph Church reap the benefit of their labor! Take some time to reflect on the elements of the Mass (Gathering, Liturgy of the Word, Giving Thanks, Communion, Sending) and grow in a liturgical spirituality. Here you will find a handout which will be published in our bulletin, expanded study materials, and resources for reading and reflection regarding each of the five listed elements of the Mass.

New Translation Basic Information will be a good beginning point to learn the history, process, and some of the basic content of the new missal.

Becoming Familiar with the Changes details the actual texts that we will encounter as we pray with the new translation of the Mass. In addition to exploring these changes, several articles help to reflect on the new words. Here will be an opportunity to perhaps read through a new translation for a part of the Mass (for example, the Gloria), to allow a word or phrase to soak into your spirit, and then to sit quietly in the Lord's presence. Many parishioners use this same practice, known as Lectio Divina, to pray with scripture.

Singing Our Prayer at Mass addresses the changes that will occur in some of the ritual music and also offers a look at the importance of singing the Mass. Throughout scripture we read that the people of God sing! Christ himself sang with his apostles. And so, we, gathered in the Lord's presence at each celebration, also sing!

Participating More Fully in the Mass will help you to enter more deeply into the liturgy, to open up your spirit to the Lord's presence, and to be more attentive to all the modes of participation.

Beyond the Walls of the Church Building explores the Christian dynamic in our everyday life. At the end of each Mass, we are sent out to love and serve the Lord. Our lives are rooted in Christ and his mission is our mission. How does this influence our day to day interactions in our household, our community, and our world? Can we be recognized as followers of Christ?

Helpful Links will direct you to other websites that are also dedicated to this time in our Church as we welcome the new translation of The Roman Missal.

And finally, Our Parish's Preparation will showcase the various gatherings that Saint Joseph Church will sponsor in order to help us prepare for the changes in The Roman Missal.

For further information or any questions regarding our parish's preparation to receive the changes in the Mass please contact Bob Valle, Director of Music/Liturgist, 630-964-0216 Ext 1209 or email bvalle@stjosephdg.org.