By Sr. Ruth Battaglia CSA

We have become accustomed to rapid change. For example that newly purchased computer is already dated. By design it is meant to last only three years. Regularly we download upgrades on our computer programs in almost an instant. In the church change happens much more slowly, but recently we have been asked to "download" into our liturgical practice the latest version, the third edition of the General Instruction on the Roman Missal. It could be considered an "upgrade" on the GIRM that has been in use for nearly thirty years.

Actually the changes and revisions since the first post-Vatican II GIRM in 1969 have been minor. The changes in the third edition are more extensive, but still not major. Some are merely editorial changes. Others are adjustments, recommendations or corrections based on the experience of the past thirty years. Still others are additions, such as the section on the role of deacons at Mass and the revisions that make the GIRM consistent with other recent liturgical books. The last section of the GIRM is a major addition addressing adaptations permitted by the conferences of bishops and the local bishop.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has already made some adaptations, such as determining that Communion is to be received standing and that the gesture of reverence before receiving Communion is a bow of the head by the communicant (2002 GIRM 160). In response to a request for an indult, which is approval for an exception to the norm, Rome granted permission, for three years, for Eucharistic ministers to assist in cleansing the vessels after Communion (2002 GIRM 279).

The GIRM states, "For the diocesan Bishop, the chief steward of the mysteries of God in the particular Church entrusted to his care, is the moderator, promoter, and guardian of the whole of its liturgical life" (2002 GIRM 22). Most likely Bishop Pelotte will exercise his authority in further adapting the liturgy to the unique pastoral needs of the Diocese of Gallup.

The liturgy of the Mass belongs to the worldwide Catholic Church. It is from this perspective that we must view liturgical revisions. Perhaps not all of the changes coincide with our own individual preferences. However, if we look at the changes from the point of view of the total worshipping community all over the world, then it may be easier to accommodate the new revisions.

In view of the life and death issues in our world and major concerns within the Church, implementing the relatively minor recent revisions may seem to shift focus away from the "real" problems. However, as the as the source and summit of our Christian life, what we do together at Mass is significant. It both expresses our faith and forms our faith. If, in the belief that we are all united as one body in Christ, we participate, pray listen, remember, offer, eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ, then we will be ready, even compelled to go forth continuing Christ’s ministry in our church and in our world.

What we are "downloading" when we introduce the liturgical revisions is an "upgrade" that will unite us in a worship that is reverent, filled with the dignity, devoutness and decorum worthy of the great mystery of the Eucharist. Our worship will more clearly express who we are—brothers and sisters united with Christ in his mystical body.