The Roman Missal is the official book containing prayers, chants and instructions for the celebration of the Mass. The new translation is the product of almost a decade of collaboration among bishops of English-speaking countries. It will be implemented in all parishes in the United States on Nov. 27, the First Sunday of Advent.
"This year we have an unprecedented opportunity to catechize the members of our parishes and Catholic schools on the meaning and celebration of the Mass, before we implement the Roman Missal, Third Edition, in November," said Jonathan Sullivan, director of catechetical ministries for the Springfield diocese.
Sullivan said the goals of the regionals are to "help participants understand the importance of celebrating the Eucharist well; learn the reasons for the changes to the language of the Mass; and walk away with resources to implement the changes."
Eliot Kapitan, director of the Office for Worship and the Catechumenate, said, "I am really pleased that these two diocesan offices are sponsoring these 12 events. The regionals usually are designed for school teachers and parish catechists. But since the focus this year is on Mass and the new English translation for the Roman Missal, I am especially delighted that the participant list is broadened to include others who have a stake in it.
"There have been special sessions in the past months for priests and parish life coordinators, deacons, directors of Christian formation, choir and music directors, and principals. The diocese is now ready for a broader and simpler formation," Kapitan said. "There will be something for everybody."
Regional workshops will be held on six different dates in various parts of the diocese. Each session will be offered in the afternoon (geared to school faculties) and in the evenings (for catechists and others interested in learning about the new Roman Missal).
Afternoon sessions will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and evening sessions will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:
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Monday, Aug. 29, at St. Ambrose in Godfrey;
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Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Holy Family in Decatur;
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Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Sacred Heart in Effingham;
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Monday, Sept. 26, at St. Mary in Edwardsville;
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Thursday, Sept. 29, at Little Flower in Springfield;
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Tuesday, Oct. 4, at St. Peter in Quincy.
The fee for the sessions is $10 per person, and pre-registration is required by Aug. 15 for the August sessions and by Sept. 15 for the remaining dates.
For more information, or to download the registration brochure, go to http://mm.dio.org/aug_11/item03a.pdf. By telephone, call the diocesan Office for Catechesis at (217) 698-8500. Or, contact the local parish director of religious education or Why Catholic? coordinator.