The buzz word around the Diocese of San Bernardino right now is The Roman Missal. Our Lady of the Assumption parish is more fortunate than most in that our Parochial Vicar, Fr. Luis Guido and our RCIA Co-Ordinator, Clare Colella happen to be members of the Diocesan Planning Commission so they got us down to work as soon as 2011 turned the corner. The idea of change met with a little resistance from those who have become comfortable with old, familiar ways. However, when they realized that the new text represents a change in the language only but not in the ritual they slowly accepted the idea and we are actually getting excited that we are part of a whole English-speaking world which is preparing for the most significant change in the Liturgy since the introduction of the new Order of Mass in 1970.

Since the beginning of the year, in gatherings of parishioners, sacramental preparation classes, women’s groups, teachers’ meetings or students, some information was shared and curiosity was aroused.

Clare Colella,  Fr. Luis Guido and Sr. Camillus Gavagin minister at Assumption Parish, San Bernardino

Then one Sunday morning our Pastor announced that, because of the multicultural makeup of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, ours was one of three parishes in the United States to be chosen as part of a pilot program on the expected impact of the changes in a bilingual parish. This program was conducted by the Instituto de Liturgia Hispaña based in Miami and consisted of two parts – a survey of parishioners and a workshop to be held on April 16th. The surveys took place on three consecutive weekends and were done in collaboration and communication with the Instituto.

The workshop of April 16th was well attended. The presenters were Fr. Juan Sosa, and Rogelio Zelada from the Instituto’s Board of Directors. Rogelio directed the workshop for Hispanic parishioners. The day included a history of the Roman Missal, a walk through the structure of the Mass, the comparison between the Latin, the “current” English translation and the new English translation. The two groups came together during the day for group discussions and for prayer.

Because of the advantages to the parish of this publicity and exposure to the changes, a small committee of liturgical ministers was formed to discuss ways of helping our people to respond to this call for renewal, and to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the Mass we celebrate and what it means for our lives. So we decided that a series of brief weekly articles for the bulletin, in English and Spanish would be one way of getting people informed. Some of the titles were: Embracing the Change, Why Is the Mass Important? Music in the Liturgy.

Speaking of Music, the music ministry will be challenged with the implementation of the Roman Missal since all of the musical settings had to be rewritten. Our Music Minister selected six Masses, four in English and two bilingual, and in a series of music clinics during the summer, the parish choirs became acquainted with the new settings so hopefully we will be ready for the implementation of the Roman Missal in Advent.

Our faithful in the pews need not worry about the words. We have already purchased a supply of “pew cards” to help. We are also blessed with a Media Ministry that will project the words for us. All are encouraged to avail themselves of every opportunity to learn more about the new translations, and be open to catechesis and understanding about the new texts and their future implementation, so that in looking towards the texts with an open mind and heart, our faith can be strengthened and nourished.

Our prayerful wish is that as a result of this intensive preparation we will all come to a greater appreciation of the Mass, and that having been fed at the table of the Word and of the Eucharist we will participate more fully, consciously and actively in the sacred mysteries and “Go and Make a Difference in the World”.

Camillus Gavigan rsm
US Province