Changes for 2012 MISSION STATEMENT We are a Parish Community of men and women who serve God, our country and one another. Inspired by St. Bernard s love of God and humanity, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by praying and worshipping together, educating one another in faith, providing assistance for those in need, working for justice in the world, and welcoming all to the sacramental life of the Church in the Roman Catholic tradition. With Faith, Hope, and Love, we dedicate ourselves to the mission of living and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world. 731-4220/731-4355 Fax Email: Parish@StBernardsLevittown.org Website: www.stbernardslevittown.org PASTORAL TEAM Rev. Gerard A. Ringenback, Pastor Rev. Christopher M. Costigan, Assistant Pastor Rev. Mr. John Blakeney, Deacon Rev. Mr. James Flannery, Deacon Rev. Cyprian Osuegbu, Resident Center for Religious Education & RCIA Sr. Margaret Sammon, O.P., Director 731-8511/731-7860 Fax The Religious Center is closed on Fridays. Parish Social Ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., Coordinator 731-6074 Youth Ministry Mike Rodgers, Coordinator MRodgers@StBernardsLevittown.org or 516-978-8193 Liturgical Music Mary Jane Witte, Director 731-4220 Adult Faith Formation Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate dvella@stbernardslevittown.org or 731-4220 Church Rose Marie Rotondo, Sacristan 731-4220 Facilities Len Lanzi, Facilities Manager 731-4220 Frank Santillo, Maintenance Supervisor IN RESIDENCE: Rev. Msgr. George P. Graham, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Martin J. Hall PARISH MEMBERSHIP We welcome new members to St. Bernard s Parish, a community of faith, hope, and love. We will strive to foster your spiritual growth and hope you will share with us the gifts God has given to you. Please register by stopping by the rectory and completing the registration Bulletin Deadline: Friday, 5:00 pm, nine days prior to publication. You may email us at Bulletin@StBernardsLevittown.org or leave a hard copy in the inbox on the bulletin desk in the 2 Parish Office. Thank you for your cooperation! Just a Reminder: as of Monday, January 2, 2012, there will be only ONE daily Mass. This Mass will be at 8:00 am Monday thru Saturday. Mass will no longer be celebrated at 7:00am and 9:00 am. Confessions will be heard after 8:00 am Mass daily, Monday through Saturday. Confessions will continue to be heard on Saturday afternoons from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. We will no longer be scheduling Confession on Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm You are always welcome to schedule an appointment with one of the priests if you cannot make one of the scheduled times. In addition, if the scheduled times do not work for you, several neighboring parishes have different times. Please consult their websites for days and times. This might also be a reminder for all of us to pray for Vocations to the Priesthood. SPIRITUAL LIFE Schedule of Masses: SATURDAY: 5:00 PM SUNDAY: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (FAMILY MASS) 10:30 AM, 12:00 N, 5:30 PM WEEKDAYS: 8:00 AM SATURDAYS: 8:00 AM HOLY DAYS: See website: www.stbernardslevittown.org Confessions: SATURDAY: 4:00-5:00 PM WEEKDAYS: After the 8:00 am Mass Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction: MONDAY Evening: 7:30 PM, in the Church. Morning Prayer: MONDAY to SATURDAY: Books are available. Please join us. Baptism of Children: We welcome infants and children to our Christian community! Baptisms are held on select Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Please contact the parish at least 3 months before an anticipated baptism even before a new child is born to ensure enough time to complete the baptism preparation process. Our three-step preparation process includes: 1) at-home reading and preparation by the parents; 2) an intake conversation with a member of our parish staff; and 3) participation with other parents in a Sunday morning gathering, which begins with attendance at our 9:00 a.m. Family-friendly Mass. Please call 731-4220 or e-mail parish@stbernardslevittown.org to request a Baptism information and preparation packet. Marriages: Church arrangements should be made at least 6 months before the marriage and before making any contracts with restaurants or caterers. Please call the Rectory to set up an appointment with a priest, 731-4220. Ministry to the Sick and Aging: If you are, or know of someone who is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please call the rectory at 731-4220.
clairvaux chronicle GOD IS GREAT T his past week Christopher Hitchens died at the age of 62 after a two-year battle with throat cancer. For those who do not recognize his name, Hitchens was an outspoken atheist who authored a popular book entitled, God Is Not Great How Religion Poisons Everything. Religion was not the only target for this critic-at-large. He took on political figures, celebrities, and social commentators alike. No doubt the Christmas story of a divine being becoming human would seem to Hitchens to be pure fantasy and nothing more than an occasion for commercial exploitation. Moreover, if you deny the existence of God, then the incarnation is simply impossible. That would be true for any kind of afterlife as well. Death is the complete and total end of existence and precludes any kind of heavenly realm. I would love to witness Christopher Hitchens appearing before the judgment of God in total shock. He would suddenly be aware that all those tenets of religion that he debunked turned out to be true, not the least of which is the Christian truth that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Strange to say, people like Hitchens and other atheists have an important role to play for us Christian believers. Simply put, they keep us honest. They challenge us not to allow our faith to become an escape from reality or a way to neglect human concerns. They compel us to show that religion is a force for good in the world and a means to achieve justice. They would want to see if the angels proclamation of peace on earth and good will to all is more than a Christian slogan and emboldens us to make those words a reality. So to Christopher Hitchens and all his atheist friends, I wish a Blessed Christmas and the hope that even they might be granted someday kind admittance to God s kingdom. Then they would discover that God is great. Change in Daily Mass Schedule Please take note that beginning Monday, January 2, the 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. weekday Masses will be replaced with a single Mass at 8:00 a.m. Although Msgr. Graham continues to recuperate, we do not know as yet how much assistance he can offer us in the future. With the decline in religious vocations and the shortage of priests, we need to consolidate and make adjustments as many other parishes have done to continue to provide a broad range of services to the parishioners of St. Bernard s. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Christmas Greetings On behalf of the parish staff may I thank you for all your gifts, cards, and good wishes in this Christmas season. Your generosity, encouragement, and support is very much appreciated. May you and your family find joy in the birth of the Newborn King and may God grant you happiness and peace in the New Year. 3
parish news Gifts of treasure Schedule of Masses Solemnity of Mary Mother of God Saturday, December 31, New Year s Eve 5:00 pm Sunday, January 1, New Year s Day 7:30, 9:00, 10:30am, 12 Noon, and 5:30 pm Solemnity of The Epiphany Saturday, January 7 5:00 pm Sunday, January 8 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, 12 Noon, 5:30 pm Sunday collections Because of the Holy Day, we have an early deadline and so cannot print the latest Collection figures. They will be in the next Bulletin. Also, please note that the January Altar Server schedule is on the website and we will print it in Next week s Bulletin. 2011 Goal: $98,718.00 Pledged amount: $ 115.975 # of Gifts: 449 % of Goal: 123.7 % One Faith, One Hope, Many Gifts. 4 To all of our Parish Family, On behalf of the Walsh and Cahill families, we want to express our heart felt thanks to our friends in the parish community for their overwhelming support in our time of grief. Your hugs and tears helped us more than you will ever know. The cards we received were very comforting. To everyone who sent food your generosity was just overwhelming. We just want you to know that we love you all and may God watch over you and your families always. Eleanor Walsh FAITH DIRECT Every week our staff and volunteers give of their time and talent opening envelopes and recording gifts made through envelopes. Faith Direct saves St. Bernard s both time and money so that we can turn our focus to serving our community of worshippers. Sign up for electronic giving today by picking up a form in the parish office or going to www.faithdirect.net and using our church code NY272 to securely enroll online. Thank you for continued support of St. Bernard s Parish. God bless each of you.
mass intentions Monday, December 26, St. Stephen 7:00 am Harold William Ryan 9:00 am Rosina, Joseph, RoseMarie & Marie Buonomo Tuesday, December 27, St. Thomas 7:00 am Sister Lawrence Marie Matthews 9:00 am Raymond Steinberg Wednesday, December 28, The Holy Innocents 7:00 am Frank Millan 9:00 am Babies Grace and John Sottong Thursday, December 29 St. Thomas Becket 7:00 am Marianne Bond 9:00 am William J. Fallar, Sr. Friday, December 30, The Holy Family 7:00 am Living and deceased members of the Salvatierra and Martin Families 9:00 am Mary Hogg Saturday, December 31, St. Sylvester 9:00 am Krist Swenson Mary Carlos 5:00 pm Mary Moran ( 3rd Anniversary ) Sunday, January 1, Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God 7:30 am For All parishioners 9:00 am William Reilly 10:30 am Margaret O Brien 12 Noon James Hastings Prayer requests Pray for the sick of our parish family Mary Pat Gallagher Corva Juanita Dones Bruce Holtzman Vicki Jacona John Jeon Judie Lynch Ann Macauley Luke Rosato Laureen Quinn-Sturge Rosalie Travers Preston Winslow All names will remain on the list for 4 weeks after you call in. After that time we ask, if necessary, to call again. Thank you for cooperating and God bless all. Please pray for all those on our Long-term Sick List Baby Christian Murphy Helen Blach Roberta Curran Jim Finlan Colleen Grasing Mike Hach Jerome W. Kalkhof Judie Lynch Mary Mackey Andrew Mahoney Mary Messina James McArdelle William McDonagh Kerri Orlando Johnny Perdue Helen Pfeifer Joseph Pfeifer Catherine Pipinou Deanne Reilly James Robertson Eve Saint Thomas Saint Jeannette Sepe Patricia Shand Joseph Smithwick, Sr David Testa Karen Wasielewski Parish schedule No Religious Education this week Monday, December 26 9:00 am Miraculous Medal Novena after Mass Tuesday, December 27 8:00 pm AA Meeting, School Cafeteria Wednesday, December 28 8:00 pm Prayer Group, Parish Center Thursday, December 29 10:00 am Shawl Ministry, Parish Center 3:00 pm St. Vincent de Paul, Clairvaux House Saturday, December 31 11:00 am AA Meeting, School Cafeteria Sunday, January 1, 2012 8:00 pm AA Meeting, School Cafeteria Pray for our beloved deceased And those who mourn for them Melchiore Cappadona Paul James Libertelli The Gifts of bread and wine have been requested in memory of Mildred Wilkinson on the occasion of Her First Christmas in Heaven requested by Valerie and Bill Wilkinson 5
Are you a registered member of St. Bernard s Parish?? Catholic and living in Levittown, but not registered in the parish? You are invited to join us!! ST. BERNARD S PARISH NEW MEMBER REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION register + learn about us + meet people + have cookies! 7:30-8:30 P.M. IN ST. BERNARD S PARISH CENTER BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY! WELCOME! Thursday, January 17 Wednesday, May 9 Thursday, February 16 Wednesday, May 24 Thursday, March 22 Thursday, June 21 Tuesday, April 17 Tuesday, July 17 Thursday, August 16 PARISH MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED BEFORE REGISTERING CHILDREN FOR OUR FIRST COMMUNION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAMS - BECOME A MEMBER NOW!! Call or e-mail us at 516-731-4220 or parish@stbernardslevittown.org for information, or check our website www.stbernardslevittown.org for our Welcome Orientation flyer. 6
Military Prayer list Are you a Catholic in your 20s-40s wondering if Catholic faith means anything in your life? Join this learning/discussion program with other young Catholic adults like yourself who are seeking to re-connect with others and with their Catholic faith! Saturday mornings 9:00-10:15 a.m. (Next session is January 14) St. Bernard s School Youth Ministry Room DUNKIN DONUTS COFFEE AND DONUTS SERVED! No registration. No cost. No question or topic off base. Just come! We can schedule a group at your convenience with just six interested people! See www.awakeningfaith.org for an overview of the program. For more information about Awakening Faith groups at St. Bernard s, contact Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate, at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org Please pray for our parishioners now serving in our Armed Forces: Michael Agunzo, Jr. Andrew Anton John Chung-Salomone Sgt. Christopher P. Catalano LCPL Steven Churchill Pvt. William Curtin Charles Decker Captain Carey Eden Alec Essig-Peppard, US Navy Lance Cpl. Matthew Ferrante William Gilmartin Kathryn Patricia Goaley Stephanie Marie Goaley Major John P. Kilbride Major Thomas J. Kilbride Frederick Manney Staff Sgt. Chris Manzililio Robert S. Meyers P.O. Dawn M. Orlando Jacqueline Peterson Frank Pascale Lance Cpl. Christopher Piccolo Cpl. Michael Randazzo Carl M. Saviano Jimmy Schrick Patrick Schrick Jeff Shilanski M/Sgt. Matthew J.Schwally Sgt. Vince Senn Capt. Frank Squillace III Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Sutch Lance Cpl. Michael E. Sutch Call the Bulletin Desk at the Rectory to have names added or removed from this list. Remember and pray for all the wonderful men and women serving in our Military and who are away from their homes so that we can enjoy peace and freedom. God bless all of them and comfort those who have suffered sickness or injury. 7
Ministries, organizations, devotions 8 Pastoral Council - St. Bernard s Pastoral Council serves as a forum of consultation for the pastor through which he seeks the Council member s reactions and advice regarding important plans and initiatives related to the life, mission and pastoral plan of the parish. The council meets every first Tuesday, at 7:30pm in the Rectory. For information or questions about the Pastoral Council, contact Father Jerry at 516-731-4220. Finance Council - St. Bernard's Finance Council meets periodically to discuss the financial future and plans of our parish. Liturgical Ministries Altar Servers Extraordinary Ministers Lectors Ushers For more information contact Head Usher, Jerry Rosalia at 735-3218. Greeters - St. Bernard's Worship Greeters are a dedicated group of men and women who welcome us at the doors of the church. For more information, contact Diane Vella at 516-731- 4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org. Music Our Children's Choir sings monthly at the Sunday 9:00 Mass Our Teen Choir sings weekly at the Sunday 5:30 Mass Our Adult Folk Choir sings at most Sunday 9:00 a.m. Masses Our Adult Choir sings at the Sunday 10:30 Mass If you love music, can carry a tune, consider exploring St. Bernard's Music Ministry. Singers and musicians welcome. For general choir information or specific information on the Adult Choir, contact Mary Jane Witte at mjwitte@stbernardslevittown.org or call her at 516-731-4220. Outreach Parish Social Ministry is a partnership between Catholic Charities and the St. Bernard s faith community. The ministry is rooted in the gifts of the people of God, enabling those within the parish community to serve and support those in need. More than 50 trained and dedicated volunteers assist in providing services to those in need in the Levittown community. St. Vincent de Paul Society To contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society, call (516) 735-3218. Consolation Ministry - People who have experienced and worked through the experience of grief, and have the gifts and talents to accompany others on the journey are invited to explore the possibility of becoming a Consolation Ministry companion. Other Consolation Ministry services include preparation of service booklets and cakebaking. If interested, please contact Diane Vella at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org. Bereavement Ministry For those having difficulty coping with the death of a loved one. Please contact Sister Christine Sammons, O.P., in our Parish Social Ministry Office at 516-731-6074 for more information. Shawl Ministry - St. Bernard's Shawl Ministry is a group of people that gather to knit or crochet together in a prayerful setting. These shawls are then distributed to new moms or to those who are ill or otherwise in distress. They are blessed and prayed over, and come with the prayers and good wishes of those who created them, as well as the prayers and good wishes of the whole parish. Charitable Kidz - St. Bernard's Charitable Kidz are a small but dedicated group of young people in the 8th through 12th grades
Ministries, organizations, devotions who gather monthly to plan and carry out community service in and around Levittown. For more information, contact Parish Social Ministry Office at 516-731-6074 or psm@stbernardslevittown.org, or email the KIDZ directly at charitablekidz@aol.com. Ministry of Praise is comprised of approximately 30 people who promise to pray daily for the intentions written by parishioners into the Hear Our Prayer book. Youth Ministry Under the coordination of Mike Rodgers, the Youth Ministry group welcomes anyone from 8th grade (kinda) to 12th grade, and always welcome back their college friends. There is a youth oriented mass on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Youth Ministry Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Youth Center of the old school building. For more information, contact Mike Rodgers at (516) 978-8193 and StBernardsYouth@aol.com Organizations Rosary Society meets the first Monday of the month for spiritual and social activities. Garden Group Boy Scouts meets on Tuesday evenings in the Youth Ministry Room in the Faith Formation center (school building), and the Cub Pack has it's pack nights on the 3rd Friday of each month. Scouting Coordinator of St. Bernard's: Mike Rodgers. Girl Scouts: For more information, contact Mary Lynn Borst at 731-5633. CYO - For information, please contact: Tom Page 516-731-4403 or Bill Beiersdorfer 516-731- 7980 Catholic Daughters meet the second Thursday of every month, 7:30 pm, Parish Center. Knights of Columbus is a Service organization of Catholic men who are 18 years of age or older. For more information, call 731-9018. Columbiettes is a service organization of Catholic women that supports the Knights of Columbus in all activities. Tech Team is a group of volunteers who donate their time and expertise on an as-needed basis to assist the parish and staff in staying technologically up-to-date. For more information, please contact Diane Vella, Pastoral Associate, at 516-731-4220 or dvella@stbernardslevittown.org. Family Life Committee hosts events that appeal to families with the goal of drawing them into the ever-growing family here at St. Bernard s. For more information, please contact Susan Maher at susan.maher3@verizon.net. Men s Fellowship is a ministry formed to help Catholic men of the parish to grow in their spiritual lives. Weekly meetings are held at 7:00 PM in the Prayer Room of the Church Prayer & Devotions Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena and Benediction: Monday evenings 7:30 PM, in the Church. Morning Prayer: Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM in the Church Prayer room. Books are available. Please join us! Charismatic Prayer Group: Wednesday evenings at 8:00 pm in the Parish Center. Nocturnal Adoration Society: First Saturday of the month adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the spirit of gratitude and for the continuous well-being of the parish. Men's Prayer Group: Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Church Prayer Room. 9
Happenings through the year Celebrating Babies Baptisms 2011 Mardi Gras Family Dance Party Souper Bowl of Caring Blood Drive 2011 Confirmation 2011 10 First Communion 2011 conferred by Bishop Peter Libasci
2011 at st. Bernard s parish The Shawl Ministry Charitable Kidz 2011 Ice Cream Social at Dominican Village Assisted Living Residence Appreciation Party 2011 Memorial Day Parade 2011 Block Party 2011 Faithful Families Advent Night 11
Parish social ministry Sr. Christine Sammons, O.P., 731-6074 St. Vincent de Paul: Once again, we extend our gratitude to each and every one who helped us help our neighbors celebrate the great feast of Christmas. We also extend our thanks to the many helpers who lent a hand in so many and big ways. We wish everyone a blessed Christmas season and all that is good in the New Year! Souper Bowl of Caring: Once again, our Charitable KIDZ and their parents and leaders will participate in the Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, February 5 th. They will be standing outside of church after each Mass inviting you to drop a donation in their soup pots. All proceeds from the collection will be delivered to the INN (the Interfaith Nutrition Network) which addresses the needs of the large homeless population on Long Island. Our KIDZ will be touring one of their many soup kitchens on Sunday, January 21 st. We hope that you will begin collecting your loose change (we accept bills and checks-to Parish Social Ministry, as well) to drop in the KIDZ s soup pots on Super Bowl weekend. Upcoming Coat Drive: Ethical Friends of Children has asked us if we would conduct a children s coat drive for them in the near future. They are a wonderful organization located in Garden City and have helped us out many times with furniture and clothing for children. At the present time, they have no children s coats. The Charitable KIDZ will be accepting children s coats in the parish center on Saturday, January 21 st and Sunday, January 22 after all the Masses. If your children are getting new coats for Christmas, you might consider washing or dry cleaning any coats in good condition which you could donate for a needy child. The worst of the winter weather is yet to come! Thanks for helping me keep warm this winter! st Bernard s youth ministry 12 Dear Friends and Families of St. Bernard's: Merry Christmas to you all! I am so happy to share some holiday thoughts and cheer with you. The Youth Ministry of the Parish is excited to be present here at St. Bernard's for Christmas and New Years. This special time has been highlighted for us with our Advent Prayer meetings and the Parish Christmas Concert. There is so much to say and think about this season, but I would like to share these simple thoughts. When you give your gifts this year, give them with all your heart. Remember, to let the message of Christ's birth into your lives in all that you do and give the gift of love to one another, not just on Christmas, but every day. Remember the things we have and what we can share, but also those who struggle this time of year. It's the gift the Prince of Peace gives us each year. With our warmest regards and love, on behalf of myself, the youth ministry leadership team, and the members of the youth ministry, we would like to wish you all a wonderful and bless Christmas. Peace, Mike Rodgers, Youth Ministry, Coordinator, StBernardsYouth@aol.com, (516) 978-8193
School of Religion READINgS FOR December 25, 2011 - January 1, 2012 We wish all our families a Blesses Christmas Season. Sister Margaret Sammons, O.P. Our next class will be Wednesday, January 2nd. Sunday, December 25. The Nativity of the Lord. Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18 Monday, December 26. Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Psalm 31:3-4, 6, 8, 16-17; Matthew 10:17-22 Tuesday, December 27. 1 John 1:1-4; Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20:2-8 Wednesday, December 28. 1 John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-5, 7-8; Matthew 2:13-18 Thursday, December 29. 1 John 2:3-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 5-6; Luke 2:22-35 Friday, December 30. Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3; Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Psalm 128:1-5 Luke 2:22-40 Saturday, December 31. 1 John 2:18-21; Psalm 96:1-2, 11-13; John 1:1-18 Sunday, January 1. Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. 1 Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21 For the ride home All the photos that you see in the bulletin, appear in color! All the schedules for the various ministries can also be found. An up-to-date calendar of Parish Activities and their location can also be found. Missed the Bulletin because you were out of town? The complete copy is there. Need to give directions to the church? It s there! Come check it out. We are constantly updating and hopefully improving it. We d love to hear any opinions...good or bad, so we can improve. Thanks!!! This feature is for families to share their thoughts, as they travel to and from Church. The Nativity of the Lord December 25, 2011 ( The Great Light ) Reading I: Isaiah 9: 1-6 ( The Light Shone ) Reading II: Titus 2: 11-14 ( He gave Himself ) Gospel: Luke 2: 1-14 ( The Savior is Born ) Adults: In light of God graciousness to me, what steps can I take to make peace with those who have offended me? Children: Has someone bullied me? Jesus loves and forgives me; can I forgive whoever hurts me? 13
Embracing Change in the Liturgy or many people, change does not come easy. F Change requires us to stop doing things a certain way in order to do something else. Many people find comfort in familiar routines and known ways of acting. Change interrupts those familiar routines. But change is also an opportunity to stop and reflect on what we are doing and to come to a better understanding of God, who does not change. Why is there a need for a new translation? Pope John Paul II issued the third edition of the Missale Romanum (the Latin text of the Roman Missal) during the Jubilee Year in 2000. This new edition included many new texts requiring translation. In addition, the experience of the years after the Second Vatican Council gave rise to a desire for more formal and literal translations of the original Latin texts. This new translation will employ the best of what we have learned about translation and liturgical language in two generations of celebrating the Liturgy in the vernacular. It will provide an opportunity to reflect ever more deeply on the Eucharistic celebration that lies at the heart of the Church s life. Who is doing the work of translation? The process of translating liturgical texts from the original Latin is a highly consultative work done by several groups. The International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) prepares English translations of liturgical texts on behalf of the conferences of bishops of English-speaking countries. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the other member conferences receive draft translations of each text and have the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions to ICEL. Then ICEL proposes a second draft, which each conference approves and submits to the Vatican for final approval. Each conference reserves the right to amend or modify a particular text. At the Vatican, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments examines the translated texts, offers authoritative approval (recognitio) of the texts, and grants permission for their use. Currently the Congregation is aided by the recommendations of Vox Clara, a special committee of bishops and consultants from English-speaking countries. The translation and review process is guided by the guidelines in Liturgiam Authenticam, issued in 2001, an instruction from the Congregation that outlines the principles and rules for liturgical translation. In 2007, the Congregation also issued a ratio outlining the specific rules for translation in English. What s new or different about the revised translation? The style of the translation of the third edition is different. In accord with the rules for translation established by the Holy See, the revised translation follows the style of the original Latin texts more closely, including concrete images, repetition, parallelisms, and rhythm. The English used in the Mass texts is more formal and dignified in style. Where possible, the texts follow the language of Scripture and include many poetic images. In addition, the third edition contains prayers for the celebration of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Masses and prayers for various needs and intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (or instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. Do these changes mean that the old translation was not valid and orthodox? The revised translation attempts to address some inadequacies in the old translation by introducing a more elevated style of language and by retaining many poetic texts and scriptural allusions. The old translation fostered the faith of two generations of Catholics and retains a valid place in church history. If my parish likes the old translation better, can we continue using that one? Now that the Holy See has granted the recognitio to the revised translation, the USCCB has established a date for first use and a date for mandatory use. No parish may continue to use the old translation after the mandatory use date ( November 27, 2011). Copyright 2010 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Used with permission. All rights reserved 14
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