A Message From Our Pastor

05-07-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Mike Straley

Howdy,

With all the languages of the world, it is a huge job to try to keep our liturgical languages as good as possible. We tend to think languages stay the same, but if you think of it, they change and grow constantly.

Recently, the Vatican Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship asked English-speaking countries to make a little change in our Penitential Rites. The required change is in the absolution formula that the priest prays over the penitent: it is a change in one line of the prayer.

They have also changed the “suggested” prayers for the Act of Contrition; these are not “required” and the prayers you have memorized since childhood are still “valid”. There is a new translation in the confessionals for those who have not memorized the Act. The new translation is beautiful and I thought I would share it with you:

“Oh my God, I am sorry and repent with all my heart for all the wrong I have done and for the good I have failed to do, because by sinning I have offended you, who are all good and worthy to be loved above all things. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid the occasions of sin. Through the merits of the Passion of our Savior Jesus Christ, Lord have mercy.” If the priest says, “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,” your response is, “For his mercy endures for ever.” This last is not required.

In Mercy and Peace,

Fr. Mike