I was playing the piano at Mass yesterday morning when it really hit me for the first time — The new translation of the Roman Catholic Missal is going to be such a tedious learning process for our congregation (like all congregations, I’m sure). Our music director is being proactive and slowly rolling out the Mass settings will be using come Advent — which is something I would advise all liturgical musicians to do — but it still promises to be a daunting task for our parishioners.
The words are just too clunky and too different. I imply no disrespect there (knowing that these “new” words are in fact a more accurate translation) – it’s just that they’re not comfortable. Coupled with the fact that much of the music is brand new, it’s going to be a tough transition.
A family member of my wife’s side of the family commented to me over the weekend that the Catholic Church – divided on so many issues – had taken one issue that people DID agree on (the translation of the current Mass) and made it a divisive issue. I recall nodding my head as he said this because he was making a fairly decent point. I know those who made the decision had nothing but the best intentions at heart, but it does make you wonder how much thought was put into the “learning curve” that people around the world would have to adhere to beginning this December.
It also makes you wonder how long that learning curve will last. Time will tell.
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