The Missale Romanum (the Roman Missal), the ritual text for the celebration of the Mass, was first promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as the definitive text of the reformed liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. A second edition followed in 1975.
Pope John Paul II issued a revised version of the Missale Romanum during the Jubilee Year 2000. The English translation of the revised Roman Missal is nearing completion, and the Bishops of the United States will vote on the final sections of the text this November. Among other things, the revised edition of the Missale Romanum contains prayers for the observances of recently canonized saints, additional prefaces for the Eucharistic Prayers, additional Votive Masses and Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Intentions, and some updated and revised rubrics (instructions) for the celebration of the Mass. The English translation of the Roman Missal will also include updated translations of existing prayers, including some of the well–known responses and acclamations of the people.
The USCCB website has been prepared to help you prepare for the transition. As the site continues to be expanded, you will find helpful resources for the faithful, for the clergy, and for parish and diocesan leaders. May this process of the implementation of the revised Roman Missal be a time of deepening, nurturing, and celebrating our faith through our worship and the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy.
In the new order of mass, some changes are being introduced. One of the changes concerns the I Confess. Our older generation of parishioners will remember the time when we recited this prayer during Mass, striking our breast with a clenched fist and saying the words, 'mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa', (through my fault, through my fault, through my own most grievous fault). Why it was ever dropped I have no idea...but it's back again!
I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
And, striking the breast, we say:
through my fault,
through my fault,
through my most grievous fault;
Then we continue:
therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin,
all the Angels and Saints,
and you, my brothers and sisters,
to pray for me to the Lord our God.
The absolution of the Priest follows:
May almighty God have mercy on us
and lead us, with our sins forgiven,
to eternal life.
The people reply:
Amen.
