Bishop Vasa: The New Missal Translation and his Catechism Class

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Daily News

The New Missal Translation: Renewing Awe and Wonder

Bishop Vasa explains how it will help the Church grow in faith.

BY SUE ELLEN BROWDER

Posted 10/12/11 at 10:06 AM

Bishop Robert Vasa is the bishop of Santa Rosa, Calif. Like all bishops throughout the country, he is planning to implement the new English translation of the Mass on the First Sunday of Advent.

Papal Pose? He doesn't even know it.

Liturgy, the prayer of the Church, reveals our faith and our life. Liturgy is that timeless place in time where man encounters God in a communion of love. How we pray forms the foundation for how we believe. Bishop Vasa spoke about what the Church is trying to show us with the new translation of the Roman Missal. What is liturgy? The liturgy is the work of Jesus. It is the work of God in our midst. There has been a great emphasis since the 1960s on what we are doing for God as opposed to what Christ is doing for us. Liturgy lifts up the mind and heart to God; it puts us in contact with Jesus’ saving works and deeds. Liturgy takes us out of where we are and lifts us up into that place where we are not yet. And what do these changes in liturgical language tell us? When we study the language in the new translation, we see that it consistently shifts us into an acknowledgement of the otherness of God, the God who is not us. It emphasizes the centrality of God and his grace, as opposed to the anthropocentric, man-centered approach, where we make it so much about us and what we’re doing. The elevation of language — the increased richness of the language — tells us this is not an ordinary, daily, routine event. There’s a lot of fear about this new translation. I would say this: In terms of the laity, there is precious little cause for any concern or anxiety because everything that affects the laity directly is found on one two-sided, 8½- by-11-inch sheet. Now, the priest has about a thousand pages of text that is absolutely brand-new to him. It will be important for the priest to take a few moments before Mass to sit down and study the texts to make sure that there’s not some twist in the language that’s going to cause him to stumble. Some people say the new Gloria is too complicated. Well, most people have to pick up the Gloria and read it anyway. Most of the Glorias we have sung in the Church in the last 20 years have been some sort of artistic rendition of the Gloria. To have a new standard translation and a mandate that this translation is to be used exclusively in written and in sung versions will actually make the “Glory to God” less complicated, because it’s going to insist on this translation and not something “equivalent to it,” especially when sung. When we study the language in the new translation, what should we be looking for? The new translation affords us an opportunity to look at the words in the Mass and ask, “How and why is this different?” I think if people do this, they will find that the new translation offers a great opportunity for deeper prayer and reflection. Sometimes that new translation will challenge our accustomed thought and behavior patterns and hopefully lead us to a deeper intimacy with Christ. You said the new translation also restores some of the scriptural references, which were lost. One very striking example for me is just after the “Lamb of God,” before we receive Communion, the priest holds up the Host and says, “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.” I have always been moderately chagrined by the use here of the word “happy.” Somehow, just being “happy” about being called to the divine banquet of the Lord seems inadequate. For 40 years, we have been told that we should be happy to come to the Lord. Many words such as “overwhelmed,” “blessed,” “honored,” “humbled,” “ecstatic” or even “overjoyed,” in my opinion, get closer to describing the graced beauty of that to which we are called and our interior response, but what we have heard is “happy.” The new translation says “Blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.” Not just to a communal meal, but the supper of the Lamb: It’s the Last Supper, but it’s also this eternal supper, this eternal liturgy, coming into the presence of God. Then, our current response is: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.” Fine. But we lose the Scripture connotation. I’ve asked kids as well as a number of adults, “Where is that found in Scripture?” And they do not know because the words denoting the scriptural context are absent. The Latin clearly states, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” Now, who said that in Scripture? The Centurion. The full response in the new translation is: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be healed.” As opposed to simply “and I shall be healed.” Yes, it’s a different emphasis on who you are as a person. This is not just for the health of your body. This is not so you can go away from here feeling good. This is for your spiritual enrichment. The changes are small, but little words make a significant difference. That’s just one small example of a richening of the translation and a strengthening of that connection with Scripture. What do you hope the ultimate effect of these liturgical changes will be within the Church? That we re-establish a sense of liturgy as that moment of encounter with God, of coming into the presence of the truly sacred and truly holy. In the liturgy for confirmation, the last phrase of the bishop’s prayer over the candidates is: “Fill them with the Spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.” When was the last time you came to Sunday Mass and came away saying, “I have been filled with the Spirit of wonder and awe”? We literally cannot say that, because it hasn’t been our experience. Somehow our liturgies have to reclaim that. We need to approach liturgy with the sense of reverence that inculcates within us a deep sense of prayerfulness, worship and tranquility, a sense of the presence of God. I believe the new translation moves us a little closer to this needed sense of reverence.

Register correspondent Sue Ellen Browder writes from Ukiah, California.

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NB There are some that don't understand or want to understand the changes. Vatican II has been misrepresented to them and by them. We have a wonderful gift to all be on the same page. Here is a solid catechesis opportunity from Bishop Vasa and other outstanding Catholics we can trust. What could be better? Order Catechism Classes from Bishop Vasa......Christmas gifts? Belonging because of simple ignorance can be changed by leaving. To learn and remain is "invincible ignorance." Bishop Robert Vasa

The New Liturgy is Coming, the New Liturgy is Coming. November 27th.

"Of this much we can be certain: many liturgists will want to make the new liturgical regulations say what they want them to say. Several liturgical publishers are already producing materials to "catechize" Catholics on the liturgy. Few will be free from "interpreter's bias". For this reason, it is important that fidelity to the original texts be carefully maintained."

The new liturgical norms are formally to begin on the first Sunday of Advent this year, November 27th. "Such a density of liturgical directives and action in such a short period of time is both encouraging and remarkable. As such, it brings to mind that in the future, we may not only be speaking of the liturgical reform of Benedict XVI, but also of Benedict XVI, the liturgical Pope." Common Questions on Liturgical Norms - EWTN Document Library Pope Benedict XVI on Sacred Music The Oregon Catholic Press, now known only as OCP has several things out already with the New Liturgy. They are "installing" new or retread responses of their mostly progressive musicians. Some have said that omitting the Catholic means they don't have to obey the church and can have music for Catholics and non-Catholics as well. In 2000 the Liturgy underwent some changes already. Here is a list and website of what changed should have happened. Just reading about them opens our hearts to WHY some things are done. Even in 2011 some of these changes have not yet happened. New Liturgical Norms from 2000 building up to 2011 _______________________________________________

"Larry and Sarah" Debating the new Translation of the Mass

Archiocese of Portland : $14 million Lawsuit filed by a Woman Against Retired Priest

Abuse suit names retired priest. 

Woman Files $14 million Lawsuit in Oregon stating abuse by a retired priest.

 The Catholic Sentinel confirms the filing of a lawsuit from a woman stating abuse by a retired priest.  I know this priest and I pray the accusations are false.  The reason why I'm sending this at all is for any other women who suffered from abuse from a cleric or otherwise and have remained silent.  She needs our prayers.  He needs prayers.

As a rape survivor (not involving a cleric) of serial rapists at age 18, I finally spoke to my two friends this year, who were also involved.   It has been since 1966 and we never really talked about it, through the trial and line-ups.

It was told to me by a professional that part of you dies after an attack. All three of us have various demons we live with. It lingers forever and no one should ever go through any abuse alone.

Questions regarding woman who believes she has been violated by a priest.

• What do you think a woman should do in this case? 
• We need to protect all parties involved, but how? 
• What is the priests role? 
• Since he is in most cases a pastor does he need to still be a shepherd. 
• What about the Archdiocese? 
• We have Ember Days to pray for those abused, yet does the Archbishop treat even delusional people with respect?  

Just some food for thought.

Getting Ready for 2012 Election: The Big Three - Abortion, Capital Punishment, War (part one)

Here is hopefully a little light in the confusion some have regarding the BIG THREE Abortion, Capital Punishment, and War.  The 2012 election will have a pro-democrat biased Archdiocese/USCCB trying to confuse us.  Time to brush up on the Catechism...even without bias the road to doing what is right can be confusing. 

It could seem that voting for a candidate that is against abortion, but supports capital punishment and going to war is not being consistent.

What about the candidate that supports abortion, but is against capital punishment and going to war? Equally inconsistent, but upheld as the better option.

All life issues are not equal, but all people are. So, what's up?

WE have to think with a different mind. There are things in our Church that would seem silly: unleavened bread and mere wine becoming the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, True God and True Man. Really a stretch for others, but for us it is the Center of our Faith.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church helps us through this:

ABORTION - Always against Church teaching.

• 2258 "Human life is sacred because from its beginnings it involves the creative action of God and it remains for ever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is it sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: not one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being."

•2322 "From it's conception, the child has the right to life. Direct abortion, that is, abortion willed as an end or as a means, is a "criminal" practice gravely contrary to the moral law. The Church imposes the canonical penalty of excommunication for this crime against human life"

Observations
• Abortion is big business. Besides the money generated from the largely unregulated procedures. The body parts of the children are sold for large profits. Even the Eggs from baby girls only twelve weeks old are harvested and sold for use in women.
• Women who have had abortions suffer from depression and fall into drug abuse and promiscuity because of their actions.
• Abortion is against nature. The "fruit" of abortion is that women lose their value as persons and become objects; escalating the downward cultural spiral we are experiencing. Abortion hurts more than women, it effect us all and is NOT just between a woman and her doctor.
  
Capital Punishment/Death Penalty - Allowed by the Church


• 2265 "Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another's life, the common good of the family or of the state.

 • 2266 Preserving the common good or society requires rendering the aggressor unable to inflict harm.

Observations
• This penalty is performed only on convicted criminals. They have had their day in court.And there is usually an automatic appeal process to correct errors.
• Many sole anti-Capital punishment folks think it should not be used, since there can be errors and innocent people executed. This creates great anxiety that innocent life would be shed, hopefully they feel as strongly about the shedding of innocent unborn life.

NUMBERS - Since 1973 the total number of criminals executed is 3,000 (thousand).

NUMBERS-  Since 1973 the total number of abortions is 53,000,000 (million), 1.3 million each year.       36 abortions in Oregon each day.

Executions in US from 1973 

Abortions Statistics from 1973 - Current

53,000,000 abortions divided by 3,000 executions = 

17,666 times more abortions than executions 

WAR - Is allowed by the Church

• 2309 The Just War theory and ....The evaluations of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.

Observations: Reasons for a strong Military.
• Liberation, self-defense and protection of others.

Below are some posts from years gone by.  With the abortion rate 17,666 times the rate for capital punishment...the abortion issue is not defended 17,666 more times by the US Catholic Church or our archdiocese.

Archdpdx Lobbyist voted to LEGALIZE ABORTION / Sample Letter to Balance the Scales of Justice

The Shepherd Has Landed - Will the Archdpdx Hear and Heed His Voice?

Looking back and Pressing Forward for Christ

Lawsuit to Restore Marriage Between One Man and One Woman‏

Archdpx Appeal Money Promotes Embryonic Stem Cell Research at Capitol

Immediate Action Requested - "John Stephen" Cut Out of Womb Needs Our Voice

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act."

G. K. Chesterton, Generally Speaking, Chapter 20, 1929

to be continued.......

Letters to President Clinton: Roe VS Wade "born" by Eugenics Crowd. Part one

These letters were from the "Roe" co-counsel to President-elect Bill Clinton in 1993 twenty years after the 1973 Roe vs Wade decision was made law of the land.

This is pertinent to Oregon Catholics because most of those in position of religious authority are registered Democrats.  These statistics are public record and are being looked into. The Democrat platform is pro-abortion.  Some are ignorant of this fact. 

This election 2012 is already showing the Democratic/Progressive movement to silence the Truth in churches.  They are taking money from collection plates for thinking they are wiser and better equipped to use Christ's offerings for evil.

please click for the whole story.  Democratic Strategy to Limit Population.

Summary

“You can start immediately to eliminate the barely educated, unhealthy and poor segment of our country.  No, I’ m not advocating some sort of mass extermination of these unfortunate people.  Crime, drugs and disease are doing that.  The problems is that their numbers are not only replaced but increased by the birth of millions of babies to people who can’t afford to have babies.

There, I’ve said it. It’s what we all know is true, but we only whisper it, because as liberals who believe in individual rights, we believe any program  which treats the disadvantaged differently as discriminatory, mean-spirited and...well…so Republican.”

 "P.S.I was co-counsel in Roe V Wade, have sired zero children and one fetus, the abortion of which was resented recounted by my ex-wife in her recent book, A Question of Choice  (Grosset/Putnam, 1992).  I had a vasectomy in 1969 and have never one moment of regret.” 

 

Sarah Weddington/Ron Weddington and Linda Coffee were the lawyers for the Defense of Roe V. Wade.  Here is a summary from the book review Sarah Weddington wrote.  It has history of Roe that I was not aware of.


A Question of Choice by Sarah Weddington   Interesting Book Review. Very Liberal and Sad but clarifies "Roe". 

"..The book starts with Weddington’s account of her own illegal, pre-Roe abortion in Mexico. It’s an anecdote that sets the tone of for the book, even though it admittedly does not seem to be the primary reason behind her drive. I love hearing women tell their stories about abortion. That probably sounds perverse, but I don’t think it is. Basically, I love hearing of women who made their own choices, for their own reasons, came out okay and are unashamed. In our culture, an experience with abortion is one of the ultimate taboos that seems to never be discussed unless on an anonymous basis. Seeing women with the bravery to speak out, despite the social consequences that she has to be fully aware of, warms my heart and makes me proud to be a part of the reproductive rights movement.

..I must embarrassingly admit to my ignorance about the details of Roe. Obviously I know that Roe guaranteed the right to a safe and legal abortion, and that it was won on the grounds of a Constitutional right to privacy. After that my previous set of knowledge dropped off considerably.

One of the biggest potential shocks is that “Jane Roe” actually had very little to do with the case at all. It’s the popular imagination that Roe (as she is referred to throughout the book, though her real name is briefly mentioned) was pregnant, sought an abortion, was denied and then sought out a lawyer. That’s not even remotely true.

...they eventually managed to find a woman who was unable to travel to obtain a safe abortion, and was willing to cooperate in the case. Other than collecting Roe’s basic history and having her sign several official forms, her direct participation in the case all but ended. She didn’t even attend the hearings! The case was also eventually turned into a class action suit, turning it into Roe et al. v Wade...

"I find it interesting because of how things have progressed in recent years. It seems that Weddington and Coffee– completely unintentionally, and perhaps even necessarily– gave anti-choice activists the blueprint to overturn the case. We’ve all heard the stories of laws that seek to grant the fetus legal status as a person, who can be a victim of murder, abuse and even have its mother locked in jail for doing drugs. Everyone knows that this is a direct attempt to undermine abortion laws, but I had no idea that it was a part of Roe itself. Really interesting stuff." 

What’s most shocking, I think, is that Justice Blackmun, one of the most pro-choice Supreme Court justices to ever sit on the bench, wrote the decision. And yet, he still took it upon himself to determine (alongside consultation from experts who had nothing to do with the case) the laws that would and would not be appropriate regarding abortions at different stages of pregnancy."  

 

Fifty-three million lives lost in almost 40 years.  The Catholic Church cannot be part of that.  "Jane Roe" never had an abortion but how many people know that or how they are part of the Eugenics movement.  No matter how much they say they're not racist...just look at how many minorities are encouraged to abort. 

“Excommunication for procured abortion constitutes a gesture of maternal love,” Tettamanzi wrote. “It expresses and puts into action the love of Mother Church, who comes to the defense of the defenseless unborn child, and who recalls and supports the one who has erred so that it doesn’t happen again.”

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi of Milan, a key adviser to John Paul II on bioethical issues and a front-runner to be the next pope, defended the imposition of excommunication for abortion in his 2000 book Nuova Bioetica Cristiana.