Welcome to our parish website. All newsletters and other updates are posted on the home page. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @stwilfholycross. We are beginning the amalgamation process with Holy Cross, Whitwick so you can find information on new Mass times here.

22 December 2011

Christmas Card

This morning I received a Christmas card from Father Jim Hannigan, PP here in the late 80's and most of the 90's. I thought that the words from Blessed John Henry Newman might encourage us to reflect on the coming feast:

Christmas 2011

Click here to read the newsletter with full details of Christmas and the coming week at St Wilfrid's.


Christmas Masses:
Christmas Eve:  6.00pm and 9.30pm, both preceded by Carols
Christmas Day: 10.00am



Remaining confession times before Christmas:
Thursday 22:        After 10.00am Mass (House)
Friday 23:             After 7.15am Mass (House)
Saturday 24:         5.00–5.40pm (Church)
                            8.45–9.10pm (Church)

A warm welcome awaits you at St Wilfrid's


18 December 2011

More about silence

Following a recent post, I was interested to read the following in the newsletter of  St Mary's, Loughborough:

THIS IS MY HOUSE
Following some recent observations from some Parishioners, we are trying to make it possible to experience before, during and after Mass some peace and quiet in the church. To help with this, we are going to make a ‘Sh-shsh-sh’ sound over the microphones about four minutes before Mass starts as a sign that we need to prepare ourselves for the most sacred act we can offer to God. We also hope that talking will be kept to a reasonable level in church so as to allow those who wish to pray, to do so. Children will need to be taught these lessons by their parents and we hope that the First Communion classes will also build up this sense of reverence in the building of the church of which Jesus said: “My house shall be called a house of Prayer."

As I peruse pastoral letters, newsletters, and listen to bishops, priests, and faithful, prayerful people, I am more and more convinced that God is calling the Church to take this subject seriously. I seem to come across such calls wherever I look. This isn't just one of Father's funny ideas!!

How often we will sing of silence in our Christmas hymns!

How silently, how silently,
the wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of his heaven.

Silent night....

I love a less well-known carol where one verse ends...
And ever over its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.
and the next challenges us:
O hush the noise, ye men of strife
And hear the angels sing.






Visitors from Dublin


Father Balfe's sister, Mary Kennedy, his nephew Brian Kennedy, and niece Patricia Gardner recently visited us. Mary is delighted that Father Balfe is still remembered at St Wilfrid's and commemorated in the naming of the new room.

15 December 2011

We live in a noisy world...

The bishop of Aberdeen has written a pastoral letter to his flock about the value of silence. I find it helpful and challenging. You can read it here.

The Danish philosopher Kierkegaard once wrote: ‘The present state of the world and the whole of life is diseased. If I were a doctor and I were asked for my advice, I should reply: “Create silence! Bring people to silence!”

Newsletter for 17/18 December - Advent 4

Click here to read this week's newsletter. It has details of Confession times before Christmas, Christmas Masses, and details of everything happening next week at St Wilfrid's.

May this last week of Advent be a time when "we await the blessed hope and coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ"

13 December 2011

Come home for Christmas

You may have found our website because you live locally and are thinking of coming back to Mass at Christmas after being away from the Church for some time. You may have never been to Mass before. Please know that you are welcome at St Wilfrid's. The door is open. There will be no reproach for your absence, only joy that you are with us to worship the God who loves us so much that he came to share our birth, our life, and our death.

Mass on Christmas Eve will be at 6pm and 9.30 pm (both preceded by Carols) and on Christmas Day at 10am.

The full programme for next week including confession times will be published in the newsletter. This will be available on this site by the end of the week.

If you want to know more, or think that it would help to talk to a priest, please phone 01530 832098 or email Father Colin.

You may also find this site helpful.

08 December 2011

Newsletter for 10/11 December 2011 - Advent 3

Click here to read this week's newsletter.

Happy Feast

A very important feast of Our Lady - a lovely burst of joy and colour to light up the Advent season. Come to Mass at 10am if you can.

You might like to use this mediation, straight from Ignatius of Loyola

This hymn for today gives us much to reflect on about the place of Our Lady in our salvation:


Holy light on earth’s horizon
Star of hope to fallen man,
Light amid a world of shadows,
Dawn of God’s redemptive plan.
Chosen from eternal ages,
Thou alone of all our race,
By thy Son’s atoning merits
Wast conceived in perfect grace.

Mother of the world’s Redeemer,
Promised from the dawn of time:
How could one so highly favoured
Share the guilt of Adam’s crime?
Sun and moon and stars adorn thee,
Sinless Eve, triumphant sign;
Thou art she who crushed the serpent,
Mary, pledge of life divine.

Earth below and highest heaven
Praise the splendour of thy state,
Thou who now art crowned in glory
Wast conceived immaculate.
Hail, beloved of the Father,
Mother of his only Son,
Mystic bride of Love eternal,
Hail, thou fair and spotless one!

06 December 2011

Reconciliation Service

As I was thinking about the day ahead and praying for tonight's Reconciliation Service, these words from a hymn we sang on Saturday night came back to my mind:
Lo! the Lamb, so long expected,
comes with pardon down from heav'n;
let us haste, with tears of sorrow,
one and all to be forgiv'n. 
There will be four priests available to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at this evening's service at 7pm, and many other opportunities to make our confession before Christmas.

Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, 
one and all to be forgiv'n. 

Bishop Malcolm's Advent Pastoral Letter.

Click here to read it.

Lots of good stuff to help us use this season of preparation fruitfully.

03 December 2011

Course for Catechists

See this poster at the back of Church. It would be wonderful if some of our excellent Catechists went on this. More details from Father Colin.

01 December 2011

Newsletter for 3/4/ December - Advent 2(B)

Click here to read this week's newsletter.

If you would like to join those who receive an advance copy of the newsletter each week, please click  here, and simply send the resulting email.

27 November 2011

Confirmation and Blessing of New Facilities

A very happy day and the culmination of much hard work on the part of many people. Thanks be to God.
Click on any of the pictures to see a larger version.

26 November 2011

Advent resources

Some links which may help us reflect on Advent.

Pray as you go - always worthwhile to help us pray with the Church's readings. Advent could be good time to start.

Sacred Space - for comment see 'Pray as you go!!'

Our Sunday Visitor - has lots of suggestions about Advent Customs.

Faith at home - similar material to previous.

CAFOD Advent Calendar - requires Powerpoint and a  bit of computer know-how!


20 November 2011

Fifty Golden Years

As mentioned previously, Sister Stephanie celebrated the Golden Jubilee of her profession this weekend. A good contingent from St Wilfrid's was there to join in her thanksgiving. It was good to see Sister Stephanie and Sister Kieran who both spoke warmly of their time in Coalville.

Click on the pictures in the slideshow to see a larger version.


15 November 2011

Come, Holy Spirit

In ten days time our bishop will be with us to confirm ten of our young people. Please pray for our candidates every day.
When the bishop comes we like to have everything right, the Church, the music, the refreshments and so on. But what about some spiritual preparation? As well as the usual Saturday evening Exposition and Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will have Exposition next Sunday morning (20th)  from 9.15-9.45. I will be also available to hear confessions during this time and after both masses this weekend. Perhaps you would like to take this opportunity to come a little earlier and pray for our young people - the Church of today, the hope of tomorrow. Maybe your prayers will give them the grace they need to listen to a call from the Lord.....


V. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
R. And kindle in them the fire of your love.

V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And you will renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
did instruct the hearts of your faithful,
grant that by that same Holy Spirit,
we may be truly wise, and ever rejoice in your consolation,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Congratulations...

...to Sister Stephanie who meant so much to our parish and to St Clare's school over so many years as she celebrates the golden jubilee of her profession this coming weekend.
Thanks be to God!

You are living stones

A major new document entitled 'You are Living Stones' - on the Renewal of the Parochial Structure of the Diocese of Nottingham - has been published by our diocese. We shall be hearing a lot more about this over the coming year. You can read it here.

12 November 2011

Today at the Cathedral...

...Madeleine Bonser was commissioned as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. Thank you to Madeleine for accepting this new responsibility, and to all those who exercise this ministry at St Wilfrid's.

03 November 2011

Newsletter for 5/6 November - Sunday 32(A)

Click here to read this week's newsletter.

If you would like to join those who receive an advance copy of the newsletter each week, please click  here, and simply send the resulting email.

01 November 2011

An interesting find

The building work has provided an opportunity and incentive to go through some of the historic paperwork at Church, to shred what is no longer needed, and to reorganise what we do need. In this process I came across a pastoral letter from Bishop McGuinness read on the first weekend of July 1995. I was sitting in the benches at St Wilfrid's that weekend and well remember Father Hannigan reading it. Those who know my history will appreciate what encouragement I found in it.

This is an opportune time to share this as we have an appeal from the St Barnabas Society this coming weekend. The society provides assistance to clergy from other churches who give up home and income to join the Catholic Church. I never needed their financial support, but I was very grateful for their interest and the supportive letters and phone calls I received from them during the exciting and daunting time in the mid 1990's when I made this journey. For some of my friends, their financial support has been a real lifeline. I know you will be generous as always.

31 October 2011

Mobile St Wilfrid's

If you view the internet  using your phone or other mobile device, you will now find that this site will load in a format which is easier to use on the small screen.
However, you will find that the narrow column on the right with links, contact details etc does not display in the mobile version. To see this, you will need to scroll to the bottom and click on 'view web version'. This will give you the full page you see on your computer, but very small.
This change only involves mobile devices. It makes no difference to what you see on your computer screen.

29 October 2011

Month of the Holy Souls

I think that this article in today's Guardian is a lovely introduction to the month of the Holy Souls.
If you haven't time to read the whole article, take a look at these two paragraphs:

Outside the church we bereaved ones are insistently urged to move on, to reach closure, not to be morbid. But inside our faith family we have this time of the year where parishes unite around prayer and remembrance for the dead. It is not considered gauche or uncool to bring to mind those whose passing made us weep. Death is placed in a context not only of eternity but of community. We pray for each of the dead, not simply for our own ones.
The church consists not merely of those now alive on earth but of those alive to God in heaven and in purgatory, something marked out by the twin feasts of All Saints and All Souls on 1 and 2 November. In particular the prayers we offer are for those souls still in purgatory. Whatever one may think of the theological basis for the doctrine of purgatory, it offers a psychologically realistic parallel between those gone and those left behind. As we endure suffering after and because of their passing, so too they suffer before reaching the goal of the beatific vision. We and they are in solidarity, a solidarity of both pain and hope.

28 October 2011

Newsletter for 29/30 October - Sunday 31(A) - I think it works!

As far as I can see, the problem with Google Docs has been resolved and you can access the full newsletter here.

27 October 2011

Newsletter for 29/30 October - Sunday 31(A)

There appears to be a hiccup with Google Docs where I usually put the newsletter so that people can link to it.
So that people have the information available, I have pasted the raw text below. Sorry that it looks rather a mess. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible!

Any queries please click here to email me.

The Parish of St Wilfrid of York
53 London Road,
Coalville, Leics, LE67 3JB
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
29/30th October 2011
First Reading: Malachi 1 — The Fatherhood of God.
Psalm Response: Keep my soul in peace before you, O God.
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2 — Paul’s maternal care.
Gospel: Matthew 23 — Humility in service..
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Throughout October we have been
making a special effort to pray the
Rosary. We have reflected on some
of the mysteries on which our faith is
founded. We have followed the joyful
events of the conception, birth and
early life of our Lord. In the mysteries
of light, introduced by Blessed John
Paul II, we have pondered some of
the ‘highlights’ of his
ministry. We have followed
him into the depths of his
sorrow and dying. We have
been privileged to glimpse
his glory, and the glory to
which he raises his Mother.
The story which the Rosary
tells is the foundation of all
we believe and all we hope
for.
This is a very special consolation as
we approach November, the month of
the Holy Souls. The first day is the
wonderful Solemnity of All Saints
when we celebrate the glory to which
the Lord wishes to raise his faithful
people. After this burst of glory, the
mood becomes more restrained, but
still full of hope as we concentrate on
praying for all our departed loved
ones.
At this time of year I always think of
the words of St Monica to her children
as she laying dying:
One thing only I ask you, that you
remember me at the altar of the
Lord wherever you may be.
It is at the altar of the Lord that ‘We
proclaim your Death, O Lord, and
profess your Resurrection until you
come again.’ At the altar of the Lord,
this world and the next seem
very close. At the altar of the
Lord we remember the
mysteries of the Lord’s life
which are the basis for our
hope for this world and the
next. The altar of the Lord is
the best, privileged place to
pray for our departed loved
ones. This is why we offer
the Mass at funerals. This why we
have Mass offered for our loved ones
on birthdays, anniversaries, and other
significant days, and especially during
the coming month of November.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O
Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon
them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Fr Colin
PARISH TOTE
No. 170 J. Caulfield £25.00
THANK YOU FOR YOUR OFFERINGS
Envelopes £403.45 Loose £156.44 £Standing Orders £123.54, Sr Jean £35.00
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK:
Harry Hill, Mrs Haywood, Maria Sharp, Nicole Williamson, Joan Briers, Teresa Sheriden,
Cecilia Geraghty, Eileen Jarvis, Joan Brown, Nuala Culley, Michael Grimley, Christopher
Hubbard, Robert Livingston, Paul Baldwin, Mary Ball, Ron Moreton, Peter Bullimore,
Roger Smith, Sheila Stacey, Robert Gallagher, Mona Grady, Mary Godden, Lilian
Stratton, Mary & Gordon Head, Pat Pullen, Mrs Pallett, Giovanni Brunetti, Emily Brown,
Madeline Moyens, June Faulks, Angela Powell, Val Alton, Anne Coe, Maggie Pickford
REQUIEM ANNIVERSARIES:
Connie Palmer, Philomena Rudge, Jo King, John Shorrock, John Hogan
BAPTISM ANNIVERSARIES:
Tristan Cole, Maya Douglas, William Boyd, Kian Beeby, Jayden Spiers
NEW HYMNBOOKS
Thank you for all the donations. Envelopes are available at the back of Church. Each
may be used for up to three dedications.
RED BOXES — LAST APPEAL
Please return the Mission boxes to Shirley Kendrick at Church for emptying.
LOCAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS — ADMISSION/TRANSFER
Transfer to De Lisle Catholic Science College: Parents must apply before 31st October,
2011. Late applications have the lowest priority. Log onto www.leics.gov.uk/admissions.
Admission to St. Clare’s Catholic Primary School : Please apply on
line: www.leics.gov.uk/admissions. You will receive an e-mail receipt enabling you to
check the progress of you application. Closing date 15th January, 2012. If you are
unable to access a computer, please approach the school for help on 01530 837747.
FIRST RECONCILIATION & HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME
It is time to start looking towards next year’s first Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
Any young person in year three or above who is already attending Mass regularly is
eligible. Please write a brief note to Father Colin, including your contact details, and give
it to him personally after Mass not later than 20th November. The parents’ meeting to
introduce the programme will be at St Clare’s on Monday 28th November, commencing
with Mass at 7.00pm and the enrolment Mass for the children will be at 10am on
Sunday, December 4th.
FAIR-TRADE EXHIBITION AND SHOP
... in Fr Balfe room until 9 November. Usually open after daily Mass and weekend Mass
but opening times will vary, please check separate leaflet.
NOVEMBER DEAD LIST ENVELOPES ARE NOW AVAILABLE...
...under St Joseph’s statue. Please list your departed loved ones on the forms provided,
and put the list in the envelopes together with your offering. Please leave the completed
envelopes in the basket.
CATHOLIC DIARIES FOR 2012...
..available at the back of Church. Free!
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SOUL OF...
...Ellen Theresa Specht whose funeral Mass is on Monday
A SELECTION OF BOOKS...
...is available for a small donation to St Wilfrid’s. They are at the back of Church this
weekend.
THE NEW SUNDAY MISSAL...
...will be available from November 2011 and the Daily Missal from January 2012. If you
would like to pre-order a copy please see Anne Davis after Sunday morning Mass or
ring her on 01530 451118 between 6 & 7pm. Answer phone message OK.
BISHOP MALCOLM’S VISIT — FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25TH
Mass with Confirmation and the blessing of the new facilities will be at 7pm. We intend
to have light refreshments afterwards, and are looking for offers of finger food dishes:
NO MEAT as it is Friday, but fish, egg and cheese, a selection of sandwiches, quiches,
Asian savouries, cakes, buns, and anything else that doesn’t need knife, fork or spoon!
We are expecting c.100–150. There are sheets at the back of church. If you are able to
provide any of the above please sign up. We will also require c. 4 volunteers to help on
the evening serving drinks etc. and some to help set up during the afternoon.
APPEAL NEXT SUNDAY...
...on behalf of the St Barnabas Society, formerly the Converts Aid Society.
ALSO NEXT SUNDAY...
... prayers at Hugglescote Cemetery at 2.30pm, and a special service (not Mass) to
pray for those who had died over the last year at 5pm. Families of those whose funerals
have taken place over the last year have been invited. Please come to welcome them
and to join them over a cuppa afterwards.
CONGRATULATIONS...
...to our former parish priest, Mons Brian Dazelely who celebrates 50 years as a priest
this weekend.
AND FINALLY
The Bishop has appointed Father Colin as Dean of our Deanery. Among other duties,
he will have responsibility for chairing Deanery Meetings and for the pastoral care of
priests and deacons throughout the Deanery. Prayers please.
5/6thth November
Readers: TBA TBA
Offertory/Welcome: K. Cohoon Wright Family
Tote: J. Watkins Liam Moore
Tellers: J. Lycett & P.Holmes
Tea/Coffee: Abbott Family
Church Care: Volunteers
Ministries Rota: 29/30th October
Readers: Margaret Bodle P.Hancott & J Southall
Offertory/Welcome: Lycett Family Martin Family
Tote: Steve Walsh D. Starbuck
Tellers: J Caulfield/S Kendrick
Tea/Coffee: Filipino Group
Church Care: A Alcaraz
Sat 6pm Sun10am
THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Sunday Lectionary Year A; Weekday Lectionary Year 1; Psalter Week 3
Sat 29 6.00pm Mass for Winnie Marlow RIP
Sun 30 10.00am Mass for the People of the Parish
11.30am Baptism of Antonio & Luca Cottone
12.30pm Baptism of Bobby William Gilbert
Mon 31 11.00am Funeral Mass for Ellen Theresa Specht RIP
Tue 1 ALL SAINTS — HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
9..45am Mass for the People of the Parish
7.30pm Mass for Donor’s Intention
Wed 2 Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
9.30am Mass for the Holy Souls (November List)
10.15am Cherubs
7.00pm Mass for all the Faithful Departed
Thu 3 10.00am Mass for the Holy Souls (November List)
Fri 4 St Charles Borromeo
7.15am Mass for Petie Cafferkey RIP
Sat 5 9.30am Morning Prayer & Holy Communion
5.15–5.45pm Exposition & Sacrament of Reconciliation
THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
Sat 5 6.00pm Mass for Andrea Gazzelone RIP
Sun 6 10.00am Mass for the People of the Parish
2.30pm Prayers at Hugglescote Cemetery
5.00pm Prayer Service (see inside)
CONTACT DETAILS
Parish Website:
http://stwilfscoalville.blogspot.com/
Priest in Charge:
Father Colin Patey: Phone: 01530 832098
Email: stwilfspriest@yahoo.co.uk
Deacon:
Rev John Timson: Phone: 01530 243477
Pastoral Assistant:
Miss Sue Tompkin: Phone: 01530 811486
Schools:
St Clare’s Catholic Primary School: Phone 01530 837747
Head teacher: Mrs J Monaghan
De Lisle Catholic Science College: Phone 01509 268739
Head teacher: Mr C Davies
http://www.delisle.leics.sch.uk/
Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees (Company Number 7151646, Charity Number 1134449)
Registered Office: Willson House, 25 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG1 5AW

17 October 2011

Pope Benedict announces a 'Year of Faith'.

The Holy Father has announced a 'Year of Faith' starting on October 11 2012, the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

You can read the Pope's letter announcing the year here. As a preparation, it would be good to reflect on the short excerpt below:

During this time we will need to keep our gaze fixed upon Jesus Christ, the “pioneer and perfecter of our faith”: in him, all the anguish and all the longing of the human heart finds fulfilment. The joy of love, the answer to the drama of suffering and pain, the power of forgiveness in the face of an offence received and the victory of life over the emptiness of death: all this finds fulfilment in the mystery of his Incarnation, in his becoming man, in his sharing our human weakness so as to transform it by the power of his resurrection. In him who died and rose again for our salvation, the examples of faith that have marked these two thousand years of our salvation history are brought into the fullness of light.

13 October 2011

Newsletter for 15/16 October - Sunday 29(A)

Click here to read this week's newsletter.

If you would like to join those who receive an advance copy of the newsletter each week, please click here, and simply send the resulting email.

29 September 2011

Newsletter for 1/2 & 8/9 October - Sundays 27 & 28(A)

Click here to read this double issue of the newsletter.

This statement on marriage is read or circulated to all congregations across the diocese this weekend. Printed copies will be available in Church.

Next Friday, 7th October, is CAFOD's Harvest Fast Day. Envelopes will be distributed this Sunday, we deny ourselves something on Friday 7th, then return our envelopes with what we have saved at the weekend Masses on 8/9th October.

26 September 2011

Our new Oratory...

... of Blessed Cyprian Tansi was used for Mass for the first time this morning.

Thanks be to God.

18 September 2011

An interesting conversation...


...between Frank Skinner and the Archbishop of Canterbury took place recently in Canterbury Cathedral. I found much that was said very thought provoking and challenging.
Listen to part one here.
Listen to part two here.

17 September 2011

More on Friday Penance

Bishop Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton seems to have been one of the main influences behind the new arrangements for Friday abstinence. You will find an extract from his Advent Pastoral Letter, 2010, below. As well as helping our understanding of Friday penance, his discussion of 'Catholic identity' is particularly interesting.


Next week, Monday 15 November, I am going to Leeds for a meeting of the Bishops’ Conference. I hope that we will discuss the possibility of restoring the old Friday Fast Day. This was one of the most obvious signs of Catholic identity, apart from going to Mass. It determined the diet in places like prison and hospital, and was something that Catholics were instinctively conscious of: we knew that we couldn’t have meat like everybody else that day, and it was a source of a sort of pride – it marked us out as different.
Today we are perhaps less willing to be marked out, in case we are marked out as not just different, but ‘odd’. And that is what we had been told, and began to believe. But the Pope’s visit has said to us that this is not ‘odd’, but that it’s actually important. A few years ago I suggested that we might take up another of those old Catholic practices, grace before meals, if we had lost the habit of it. It’s not difficult, doesn’t take much time, but it’s a gentle reminder.
There are all sorts of small ways in which we quietly show to the world that we believe in Christ, and that we want to welcome Christ back into a world that has either largely forgotten him or never really heard of him. Pop into the church when you are passing, so that people can see it. Put a crucifix in the window. If you are at work or with friends and people ask you what you did at the weekend, mention the fact that you went to Church. But make sure it’s true. And we can also show ourselves, by praying a little more often, and spending time reflecting on the bible.

15 September 2011

Episcopal Ordination

It was wonderful to be at the Ordination of John Sherrington as a bishop yesterday. Deacon John was also there as were many priests and deacons from Nottingham diocese. Bishop John is a native of Leicester and a priest of our own diocese. Bishop John will work with Archbishop Vincent Nichols in the Archdiocese of Westminster, and will have particular responsibility for the county of Hertfordshire. Please keep him in your prayers.

More about the ordination here and lots of pictures here.

05 September 2011

More on the new translation of the Missal

 I came across the pastoral letter of the new bishop of Aberdeen on the new translation of the Mass today. It contains this passage which I found very helpful:
‘The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.’ In Christ, the Son of God takes on everything human, except sin, and transforms it. And in the Liturgy this mystery of the Incarnation – the Word becoming flesh – lives on among us. Everything speaks of it. When we gather to worship we come together in a building – not usually in any building, though, but in a church, a building dedicated for worship. The ministers who lead our prayer don’t wear just ordinary clothes, but vestments. We stand, sit or kneel, but each of these postures now has a special meaning. We come together to listen to readings – not any readings though, but words inspired by the Holy Spirit, words that are now the word of God. We gather round a table – but not any table, rather a holy table, an altar. We eat and drink – but not any food or drink, rather bread and wine which have become that holiest of things, the Body and Blood of the Lord, his very Self. In the Liturgy, ordinary things are taken up by Christ and the Church and become vehicles of something greater than themselves. And so it is too with the words, the language, we use in prayer. Christianity has always, to some extent, created its own language. It took the words of ancient Israel or the Greco-Roman world and filled them with a new meaning. And so, in the Liturgy, we use words that carry the resonances of a long tradition, words that express our faith, and are rich with many centuries of experience of the God who has spoken to us in Christ. The new translation of the Missal is very aware of this and tries to be loyal to it. And, once again, when these words are sung, they can lift our hearts even more.
And all of this ‘specialness’ is not to turn us into a sect or a ‘holy huddle’. In the Liturgy God comes to us and we approach him. In the Liturgy Christ with his Cross and Resurrection comes to meet us, to change us and to empower us to change the world. Thanks to this meeting with God in the flesh of Christ, the mystery of the Incarnation can continue in our own lives and through us in the whole world, so that in the end the whole of creation will be transformed.
So, let us welcome this new translation with what St Benedict calls a ‘good spirit’. It asks of us a small act of obedience to the Church, a little effort, and in return offers us a fuller understanding of the sacred mysteries. It would be good to read through the new prayers before and after Mass. May they be for all of us a door through which we go to meet the living God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.