'And with Your spirit"

The translations of the prayers and responses during the Catholic Mass are changing to more literally adhere to the original Latin text from which they are interpreted. The changes were implemented on the first Sunday of Advent and will now on be the standard of the Mass. "The interpretation, [the church] feel[s], could be strengthened to make it a little bit more meaningful and help us to have a deeper appreciation of really the mystery that we are celebrating," said Chaplain Father Don Williams.

Liturgiam Authenticam, the Vatican's instruction on the translation of the liturgy, explains that certain translations from Latin to English did not accurately match the intended message. Catholics prayed Mass in Latin for centuries, and during the 1960s the mass was translated into English to engage the faithful. These original translations reflected the principles of dynamic equivalence, meaning the translation attempted to broadly convey the overall meaning of the original text. Today, the texts are being translated word-for-word, and this is otherwise known as formal equivalence.

"[The Church's] hope is new words, deeper meaning, richer tradition, connection," said Chaplain Father Don Williams.

Every Roman Catholic church in the world is using these translation changes, and many will may find regular churchgoers fumbling over sayings and prayers they have said for over 40 years. Fr. Williams assures that it will only take time before it becomes more natural to pray this way. "It definitely has required a little practice," said Fr. Williams about getting used to the changes after 28 years of being a priest. "Sometimes I look up, I like to engage people, but if I look down and I'm not careful I lose my place. Just this morning, people would catch themselves and they start giggling and laughing. So, it's okay. Change takes time but I think it'll be fine."

Music during the Mass will be slightly different, too. Words during "Gloria" as well as "Sanctus" are changed, but Williams explains that composers were given the translation and they modified the music to better fit new words. Chapel Music Director and alumni Podscotch and students attended music workshops and chose a setting that they feel is young-adult friendly, Williams said.

"It's more upbeat and contemporary," said Williams. "And we have a group of students in the music ministry for Sundays at 7. They're very talented musicians and singers and they've been practicing for the last two months. So I think as long as we have a group of students who have done some of their homework, and done their preparation, everything is kind of moving along."

These translations may present a difficult adjustment, but the church ensures that translations of the text hold a more profound meaning that will deepen people's appreciation of church teachings. For example, a change that comes during the invitation to communion requires people to say, "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." This altered response comes directly from the Latin text, and it more precisely relates to the reading from Luke's gospel about Jesus healing a Roman Centurion's servant.

"He came to Jesus with humility and faith. So here's a pagan who recognizes in Jesus authority and the power to bring healing," said Williams. "So what the church is saying is that when we approach communion, ‘can we have that same humility and faith? Can we have that same humility and trust that on Jesus' word we shall be healed?'"