Pope John Paul II on The Sunday Eucharist

On the Solemnity of the Epiphany, January 6, 2001, Pope John Paul II issued an Apostolic Letter under the title, Novo Millennio Ineunte to the clergy and lay faithful at the close of the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000. In the course of the letter he spoke of the centrality of the Sunday Eucharist in the life of the Church.

35. It is therefore obvious that our principal attention must be given to the liturgy, "the summit towards which the Church's action tends and at the same time the source from which comes all her strength" (Sacrosanctum Concilium, no.10). In the twentieth century, especially since the Council, there has been a great development in the way the Christian community celebrates the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. It is necessary to continue in this direction, and to stress particularly the Sunday Eucharist and Sunday itself experienced as a special day of faith, the day of the Risen Lord and of the gift of the Spirit, the true weekly Easter (John Paul II, Apostolic Letter, Dies Domini, AAS 90 [1998]:724). For two thousand years, Christian time has been measured by the memory of that "first day of the week" (Mk 16:2,9; Lk 24:1; Jn 20:1), when the Risen Christ gave the Apostles the gift of peace and of the Spirit (cf. Jn 20:19-23). The truth of Christ's Resurrection is the original fact upon which Christian faith is based (cf. 1 Cor 15:14), an event set at the center of the mystery of time, prefiguring the last day when Christ will return in glory. We do not know what the new millennium has in store for us, but we are certain that it is safe in the hands of Christ, the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev 19:16); and precisely by celebrating his Passover not just once a year but every Sunday, the Church will continue to show to every generation "the true fulcrum of history, to which the mystery of the world's origin and its final destiny leads"(Dies Domini, AAS 90 [1998]: 714).

36. Following Dies Domini, I therefore wish to insist that sharing in the Eucharist should really be the heart of Sunday for every baptized person. It is a fundamental duty, to be fulfilled not just in order to observe a precept but as something felt as essential to a truly informed and consistent Christian life. We are entering a millennium which already shows signs of being marked by a profound interweaving of cultures and religions, even in countries which have been Christian for many centuries. In many regions Christians are, or are becoming, a "little ..flock" (Lk 12:32). This presents them with the challenge, often in isolated and difficult situations, to bear stronger witness to the distinguishing elements of their own identity. The duty to take part in the Eucharist every Sunday is one of these. The Sunday Eucharist which every week gathers Christians together as God's family round the table of the Word and the Bread of Life, is also the most natural antidote to dispersion. It is the privileged place where communion is ceaselessly proclaimed and nurtured. Precisely through sharing in the Eucharist, the Lord's Day also becomes the Day of the Church, (Dies Domini AAS 90 [1998]:734) when she can effectively exercise her role as the sacrament of unity.


Meeting of the Committee on the Liturgy on February 7, 2001

On February 7, 2001, the Committee on the Liturgy met in the Skybird Center at Chicago's O'Hare Airport in consideration of adaptations to the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, editio typica tertia. The Committee's starting point was the Appendix to the 1975 edition of the Institutio Generalis approved by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in 1994 and awaiting confirmation by the Holy See. The Committee formulated a series of recommendations which it has submitted for consideration at the plenary session of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in June of this year.

Consultations
The Committee's proposed revision of the Appendix is based upon two consultations. On November 1, 2000, Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb, chairman of the NCCB Committee on the Liturgy, wrote to all bishops in the United States requesting their participation in a consultation on possible emendations to the recently published Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, editio typica tertia. Thirteen bishops responded to the consultation with one hundred and sixteen suggestions.

On November 7, 2000, Father James Moroney, Executive Director of the NCCB Secretariat for the Liturgy, and Father Edward Hislop, chairman of the Eucharist and Liturgical Year Committee of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions, wrote to all diocesan directors of worship and chairs of diocesan liturgical commissions (primary liaisons to the FDLC Board of Directors) requesting their advice on adaptations to the Institutio Generalis. The FDLC Board of Directors then made twenty-two recommendations to the Committee on the Liturgy which it redacted from the three hundred and seventy-five suggestions made by forty dioceses.

Adaptations by Conferences of Bishops
The detailed explanation of the adaptations to be made by Conferences of Bishops in numbers 388-397 of the IGMR 1975 is recalled early on in the revised Institutio in number 25. It is interesting to note that this number replaces a seemingly broader mandate in the 1975 Institutio, as seen here:

Where the IGMR 1975 ascribed to a Bishops' Conference a broad and ambiguous "power to lay down norms for its own territory that are suited to the traditions and character of peoples, regions, and various communities," the IGMR 2000 is more specific, enumerating the particular and respective adaptations belonging to the Bishops' Conference and the Diocesan Bishop. This enumeration is followed by a reference to the more profound adaptations made in the light of the particular culture of the Church served by a particular Conference.

Chapter Nine and the USA Appendix
The revised IGMR 2000 contains an entirely new chapter nine, entitled "Adaptations which are the competence of bishops and conferences of bishops." IGMR no. 388 addresses "adaptations which call for a wider degree of coordination" (no. 388) and thereby belong to the competence of the conference of bishops.

First among these responsibilities is the preparation and approval of a vernacular edition of the Roman Missal, "so that once the acts have been given the recognitio of the Apostolic See, it may be used in the regions to which it is proper" (no.389).

Other specific tasks for adaptation which are assigned to the Conferences of Bishops by the Institutio itself are then listed in no. 390. These items, specifically calling for adaptation on the part of a Conference of Bishops have been traditionally incorporated into an Appendix to the IGMR for the dioceses of the United States of America. They are listed here:

1. the gestures and posture of the faithful (see nos. 24, 43);
   
   
2. the gestures of veneration to the altar and the Book of the Gospels (see no. 273);
   
   
3. the text of the chants at the entry, at the preparation of the gifts and at communion (see nos. 48, 74, 87);
   
   
4. the readings from Sacred Scripture to be used in special circumstances (see no. 262);
   
   
5. the form of the gesture of peace (see no. 82);
   
   
6. the manner of receiving Holy Communion (see no. 160);
   
   
7. the material for the altar and the sacred furnishings,
   especially the sacred vessels, and also the materials, form and color of the liturgical vestments (see nos. 301, 326, 329, 339, 342-343).

The Committee on the Liturgy also approved a revision of the 1978 document, This Holy and Living Sacrifice, which provides both a basic summary of the Church's teaching on the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds, as well as norms for its distribution in the dioceses of the United States of America. This was undertaken in light of the revisions to the Institutio Generalis, and in response to that document's specification that Conferences of Bishops might establish norms determining "the methods of distributing holy Communion to the faithful under both kinds" (IGMR, no. 282).

Summary of the Proposed Revision
This Holy and Living Sacrifice: Norms for the Celebration and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Species in the Dioceses of the United States of America is composed of two parts: a theological summary of the Church's teaching on Holy Communion distributed under both kinds and particular norms for this practice in the dioceses of the United States of America.

The first section begins with a reflection on the mystery of the Holy Eucharist, which recalls in the words of the Council fathers, that the Eucharist contains "the whole spiritual treasure of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch" (Presbyterorum Ordinis, no. 5). A section on the act of receiving Holy Communion follows, with a reflection on how such communion is a union with Christ and his saving death and resurrection. Within this context there follows a final reflection on the presence of Christ in Holy Communion and in the Eucharistic celebration which leads us to it.

A brief history of the distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds is then given, including the decree of the Council fathers that "Communion under both kinds may be granted when the bishops see fit, not only to clerics and religious, but also to the laity, in cases to be determined by the Apostolic See" (Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 55). The Institutio Generalis (2000) expresses this clearly in number 281:

"Holy communion has a more complete form as a sign when it is received under both kinds. For in this manner of reception a fuller sign of the Eucharistic banquet shines forth. Moreover there is a clearer expression of that will by which the new and everlasting covenant is ratified in the blood of the Lord and of the relationship of the Eucharistic banquet to the eschatological banquet in the Father's kingdom."

Part Two of the proposed document (Norms for the Distribution of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds) provides norms for the dioceses of this country in order to "ensure the reverent and careful distribution of Holy Communion under both kinds." It begins by addressing when Communion under both kinds may be given and describes the necessary catechesis which should be a priority in every parish for receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord. The minister of Holy Communion is likewise described, with special attention to the pastoral provisions proposed for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion in the dioceses of this country.

Questions of planning and preparations are then followed by a description of the Preparation of the Gifts, the Breaking of the Bread, the Distribution of the Precious Blood, and the Purification of Sacred Vessels.


Derogations from the Missale Romanum

While the preponderance of these norms are derived from the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, editio typica tertia, they depart from the practice of the Roman Missal in a limited number of instances in regard to extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Such ministers are permitted, when pastoral need dictates, to assist with the distribution of the consecrated species to ancillary vessels, to consume what remains of the Precious Blood after the distribution of Holy Communion and to purify sacred vessels. In the view of the Committee on the Liturgy, this is in keeping with pastoral need and practice of the dioceses of the United States of America.

Upon approval of these norms by two-thirds of the Latin members of the NCCB they would be submitted to the Holy See for confirmation. The Committee on the Liturgy proposes them for consideration by the NCCB as particular law for the dioceses of the United States of America.


Implementation of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani
and the Proposed USA Adaptations

The Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, editio typica tertia, goes into effect upon its publication as a part of the Missale Romanum. Publication is presently expected for sometime before Easter, 2001.

While the Institutio Generalis takes effect upon its publication, it is important to bear in mind that those provisions presently contained in the confirmed USA Appendix (found in the front of all published editions of the Sacramentary) retain the force of particular law in the dioceses of the United States of America.

In addition, a certain pastoral discretion is advisable in addressing those provisions of the revised Institutio which the NCCB may well change at its June, 2001 meeting. While the revised Missale Romanum provides a wonderful opportunity to accomplish a thorough catechesis on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, it would be unwise to hastily implement those provisions which might well be changed within a matter of weeks. Such an approach is in no way designed to compromise the effective implementation of the revised Institutio, but simply to avoid the proliferation of unnecessary changes in a precipitous fashion.

When the NCCB decides on the final form of the USA adaptations of the Institutio Generalis, it will be submitted to the Holy See for confirmation. Once that confirmation has been received, all provisions of the revised Missale Romanum should be implemented in a timely fashion as the law of the Church.

A pastoral summary of the Committee's recommendations concerning the implementation of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani and the proposed USA adaptations is provided on page 59 of this Newsletter. It is provided for the use of diocesan bishops and their offices for worship in informing priests and other pastoral ministers concerning this important question.

Toward this end, the Committee on the Liturgy is preparing a number of catechetical tools for the implementation of the new Roman Missal. These materials will be discussed at length in the March, 2001, edition of the BCL Newsletter.


Hispanic Liturgy Subcommittee

The BCL Hispanic Liturgy Subcommittee met from September 19-21, 2001, at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California. Bishop Carlos Sevilla, Chair, Bishop James Tamayo, Fathers Ronald Krisman, Heliodoro Lucatero, Juan Sosa, and Sr. Rosa Maria-Icaza participated as members of the Committee. Father KennethMartin, Associate Director of the Secretariat for the Liturgy, is the staff member working with the subcommittee. Sr. Doris Turek, Executive Director of the Instituto de Liturgia Hispana served as the secretary for the meeting. Father Martin was pleased to report that the final text of Ritual de Exequias Cristianas has been prepared for publication.

The committee dedicated its September meeting to its Spanish language translation of the Ordo celebrandi Matrimonium. The committee is hopeful that at its next meeting in September 2001, an initial draft of this ritual book will be reviewed for possible presentation to the Committee on the Liturgy at its November meeting.


National Institute of Liturgy for Hispanics

The National Institute of Liturgy for Hispanics held its Board and Members' Meeting in Miami, February 21-25, 2001. The Board members experienced a process of evaluation and renewal. At the opening of the members' meeting, Bishop Ricardo Ramírez of Las Cruces, NM, delivered an address that included the history of the liturgical movement in the US and the future challenges which the area of liturgy and spirituality present to pastoral agents, especially Instituto members. Rev. Juan Sosa of Miami, FL, was elected president. A founding member of the Instituto and its president from 1992-1998, Fr. Sosa serves on the Hispanic Liturgy Subcommittee. He is a music composer whose work appears in OCP's Flor y Canto. He has released a new CD of liturgical music entitled, De la Aurora Hasta el Ocaso: Oraciones, Salmos y Canticos.

The Instituto has recently published with LTP, Preaching and Culture in Latino Congregations, a book which aims to assist preachers to respond to cultural diversity in their congregations.

The Instituto membership is looking forward to its IX National Conference from June 15-17 at Loyola University in Chicago. Entitled "Diversos Ritmos-Un Mismo Cantar" ("Different Rhythms- One Common Voice"), the conference will explore the role of liturgy and spirituality first in Hispanic subcultures and then in the overall diversity of the multicultural Church in the United States. For further information please contact Sister Doris Turek, at:

Task Group on the
Lectionary for Masses with Children

Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb, Chairman of the Committee on the Liturgy, has announced the appointment of a special task group on the Lectionary for Masses with Children.

On November 15, 2000, the Latin rite members of the NCCB passed a motion endorsing "the concept of a Lectionary for Masses with Children" and resolving "to complete a revision of the present liturgical book, including a response to the concerns of the Holy See, within a period of two years." The Task Group is chaired by Bishop Blase Cupich.

The NCCB action was based on a similar resolution passed earlier by the Committee on the Liturgy, which endorsed "the concept of a Lectionary for Masses with Children and resolved to establish a task group in consultation with the Ad-Hoc Committee for the Review of Scripture Translations to address deficiencies of pastoral provision, translation or use in the present edition of this liturgical book within a period of eighteen months."

Diocesan directors of worship and other pastoral practitioners are encouraged to assist the task group in its work by sending reflections, experiences or analyses of the Lectionary for Masses with Children to:

Implementation of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani
and the Proposed USA Adaptations

The Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani, editio typica tertia (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 2000) goes into effect upon its publication as a part of the Missale Romanum. Publication is presently expected for sometime before Easter, 2001.

While the Institutio Generalis takes effect upon its publication, it is important to bear in mind that those provisions presently contained in the confirmed USA Appendix (found in the front of all published editions of the Sacramentary) retain the force of particular law in the dioceses of the United States of America.

In addition, a certain pastoral discretion is advisable when addressing those provisions of the revised Institutio which the NCCB may well change at its June, 2001 meeting. At the June 2001 plenary meeting of the NCCB, revisions of the following numbers from the revised Institutio will be considered:

While the revised Missale Romanum provides a wonderful opportunity to develop a thorough catechesis on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, it would be unwise to hastily implement those provisions which might well be changed within a matter of weeks. Such an approach is in no way designed to compromise the effective implementation of the revised Institutio, but simply to avoid the proliferation of unnecessary changes in a precipitous fashion.

When the NCCB decides on the final form of the USA adaptations of the Institutio Generalis, it will be submitted to the Holy See for confirmation. Once that confirmation has been received, all provisions of the revised Missale Romanum should be implemented in a timely fashion as the law of the Church.

In these new guidelines on church art and environment, the U.S. Bishops address the needs of parishes and dioceses as they engage in building or renovating churches. These guidelines reflect the insights and experience of diocesan directors, musicians, liturgical design consultants, scholars, and academics in theology and architecture.
No. 5-395, Three-hole format, 112 pp., $9.95
Resource Member Price $5.97
No. 5-408, Paperback, 112 pp., $9.95
Resource Member Price $5.97

These guidelines were designed for: Parish renovation or restoration committees Parish staff members in music and liturgical ministries Pastors Parish and diocesan facilities managers Diocesan staff members Architects Liturgical designers and consultants Liturgical artists Scholars and academics

These guidelines are available in two different formats.

• Shrink-wrapped on three-hole punched paper with four tab dividers. Insert Built of Living Stones in a binder alongside your diocesan guidelines, committee minutes, and other resources.
  
• In paperback for easy reference during parish, diocesan, or classroom discussions.

1. The Living Church
   
2. The Church Building and the Sacred Rites Celebrated There
   
3. The Work of Our Hands: Art and Artists Assisting the Church at Prayer
   
4. Building a Church: Practical Considerations

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