Passing on the language of the Faith. The Change in the Liturgical language for english-speaking Catholics is a process that is frought with controversy and and more-tha-a-fair-share of negative energy.

People don’t like change. Many have been vocal about this.

But sometimes we are so caught up in the energy expenditure against change that we might forget to see the benefits of change.

Firstly, in Southern Africa, we jumped the gun in implementing the People’s parts. o Felix culpa – oh, happy fault. This has given us – and the whole world – a chance to guage how difficult change is and what needs to be done to prepare. We have largely gotten over the vitriol of the anger and have become more comfortable with new words

We’ve also been given an opportunity to rethink our attitude to liturgy. In my parish community we have been been using the fabulous resource of the DVD ‘Becoming one body, one Spirit in Christ’ it’s been great. For 30 people a week, we have spent 4 weeks so far looking at how we celebrate.

The major issue we have encountered is our desperate lack of the catechesis of prayer and liturgy as prayer. Some of the words mentioned are ‘I never thought of that’ or’I am so excited to pray’ or as one person said – this is a question I have wanted answered since 1970.

Is this going to be a difficult process – certainly. Will we have better community worship after this process. I think so.

This is why I support the move to new words – and a new energy of mission.