Letters: Catholic missal not well-received
Parishioners of St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre hold cards that show the new translation of the Roman Missal - the text containing prayers and responses. Catholic churches around Long Island, along with the rest of the English-speaking world, began using the new translation of the Roman Missal, today. (Nov. 27, 2011) Credit: Charles Eckert
Regarding "For faithful, a leap" [News, Nov. 28], Catholic parishes throughout the United States are being challenged by shrinking budgets, a shortage of attendees at Sunday Mass, a shortage of American-born priests, a shortage of parochial-school students, and what some critics suggest is a lingering dearth of cultural relevance.
It is somewhat unsettling to learn that some American cardinals and bishops are anticipating that Catholicism in the United States will somehow experience a spiritual resurgence as a direct result of the significant changes in wording of the English-language missal introduced to the worshipping faithful on Nov. 27. Such unrealistic expectations reflect a similar track record of denial and elitism that may have contributed to many of the current challenges.
Instead of bringing people back into the church, these new translations are going to push them away even further. Why must they change the wording of things that have been in effect for decades?
The changes are confusing or misleading. I for one will continue to say everything the old way, or I'll simply remain silent. Either way, God will hear me.
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