...of the liturgy in the Catholic Church has been a matter of much work and care and debate for the past couple of decades. Some, of course, don't want it: they see liturgy as a sort of flexible mess that simply celebrates people-all-being-together and should have no form at all. Others are obsessed with the notion that nothing, absolutely nothing, should ever be changed from the form that was used in 1962. But the "reform of the reform" has nevertheless flourished - a decent translation of the Mass into English (DEO GRATIAS!) which some tried to oppose but which caused no problems whatever and is working beautifully, and a steady insistent revival of Latin chant and use of some good English musical settings. Papa Benedict, in allowing the use of the 1962 form by anyone that wants it, expressed the hope that this Extraordinary Form of the Mass would work well alongside the Ordinary Form and that the two would influence each other. This too is happening. But the most interesting development so far has been the Ordinariate liturgy. This is essentially a mix of the 1962 Missal, the reformed Missal (ie the Ordinary Form) and the old Book of Common Prayer from 400-odd years ago. This liturgy will be in (optional) use in churches run by the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham from this Advent onwards. I think that, although it will not be widespread, it will again influence other parish liturgies. Dignity, structure, formal language, and above all the emphasis on all participating in a great sacred action drawing all things to God - this is the essence of the thing, and it is catching.
I joined the Ordinariate although I am a "cradle Catholic" - I was able to do so as my husband was raised an Anglican and so both of us, as a family, qualify to belong.
I am happy with the beautiful handy Magnificat which I use all the time and carry in my bag. But if and when there is a modestly-priced, handy new Ordinariate prayer-book, I would like a copy and will use it with great joy and with a sense of sharing at an important chapter of the Church's long story...
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I grew up with the post-Vatican II translation, which I realise now is a bit ideological (translating what the translator thinks the author should have said, rather than what he actually did say), and isn't very inspired English, it's workaday.
But I'm not very happy with the new one either, I think it's to narrow, awkward in parts. In Hebrew, which is one of the three languages of the Mass (not even the most die hard SSPX er can say that Mass may not be offered in Hebrew, since Christ Himself did so), "Dominus tecum, et cum spirito tuo" is just "Adonai imcha" (God [is] with you (masc sing) "Adonai imchem" (God [is] with you "masc/collective plural"). It sounds perfectly natural, that's all it is. I don't see the need for "and with your spirit", but "and also with you" is a bit flat, you're not really saying anything.
Thank you for all you do for the Ordinariate in England.
Here in Canada liturgical culture is a little different. Our parishes will be using the Ordinariate mass, with most of our parishes using the more traditional options. I was a bit nervous about our new mass, but it has proven to be just what I hoped for.
Hi Joanna
Stupid question but I am not sure, so, my nearest church during the week is Precious Blood nr London Bridge. Are us ordinary Catholics OK to receive sacraments there? am thinking of Eucharist and confession?
Yes of course! The Ordinariate is simply a part of the Catholic Church. Any Catholic may receive the sacraments at any Ordinariate parish. Think of it as being like a Jesuit-run parish, or a Franciscan, or Dominican one.
You will find that the 1.05pm weekday Mass at Precious Blood church is well timed for office workers: just turn up!
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