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Question Title Posted By Question Date
Portion of the Mass known as Vincent Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Question:

Mr. Slavek,

My question concerns the portion of the Mass where we sing, twice:

"Lamb of God,
Who takes away the sin's of the world,
Have mercy on us.”

Followed by the third verse, which is:

"Lamb of God,
Who takes away the sin's of the world,
Grant us peace."

In my parish, St. Faustina’s, the cantor leads us with no change to the first and third verse, but, someone has taken it upon themselves to change the second verse to read:

“Bread of Life,
You take away the sins of the world,
Grant us peace.”

I know that the words “Bread of Life,” of course, refers to Jesus, but, I also know that the Sacred Liturgy of the Mass must not, and can not, ever, not even by a priest or bishop, have the words of Sacred Liturgy, changed, added too, or deleted.

Mr. Slavik, do I sit back quietly and say nothing, or do I bring this to the attention of the Pastor, our only priest, whom I feel is far more aware of this Liturgical Doctrine than I am.

Thank you for your help and for your continued ministry.

Vincent.
Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear Vincent,

It doesn't matter how much more familiar your pastor is with liturgical practice than you are.  You still have a right to authentic Catholic Liturgy.

As long as you are SURE that you are right, and even in many cases in which you are not sure, you still have the ability to approach him.  I can assure you, in this particular case, YOU are right, and this can easily be proven using liturgical texts, which it seems you are already well aware.

Now, on to your question whether or not you actually bring this to his attention or sit quiet, well only you can answer that question.  I would definitely ENCOURAGE you to talk to him, if not about this particular issue, then about your desire for authentic, reverent celebration of the Liturgy in general.  The more catholics that request it, the more likely we shall receive it.

If you do decide to approach him, it might be more effective to write a short charitable letter to him rather than "cornering" him in person after the celebration of Sunday Mass.  ALWAYS use and sign your name when writing to your pastor about liturgical issues.  If he is professional, which the vast majority of parish priests are, then you should receive a timely response, either in the mail, by email or a telephone call, if not in person.  Include all this contact information in your letter.

Mr. Slavek
Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.