Three questions:

1) Is the latest GIRM (General Instruction of the Roman Missal) available online?

2) Is the latest GIRM available at Catholic bookstores or online bookstores?

3) What is the frequency/history of its revisions. For example, some minor liturgical changes were made toward the end of the year, though I don't know if this means that a new GIRM was published.

Thanks,

Mateo

-- (MattElFeo@netscape.net), January 18, 2003

Answers

Just to add a little: the US Catholic Bishops' website has info regarding the GIRM, including the full text in Latin. I couldn't find it in English, though.

Here's the link. USCCB Liturgical Info (GIRM-related). They also have a something like an FAQ which I'm going to read through. Still in search of a full English text.

In Christ,

Mateo

-- (MattElFeo@netscape.net), January 18, 2003.

Mateo, This page at the USCCB site: http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/romanmissalind.htm mentions that an English study version of the 2000 GIRM is now available from the NCCB (National Conference of Catholic Bishops?). Perhaps a short email or phone call might get you a copy? You can find this study version on line at: http://www.vci.net/~inmanmj/library/girm2000.htm

There has been some confusion over the 2002 additional changes or what seem to be additional changes. Below is a brief summary of what has been going on to obtain an authorized English version of the GIRM for use in the United States. (continued...)

-- Ed Lauzon (grader@accglobal.net), January 19, 2003.

(continued...)

You can find this summary at: (http://www.owensborodio.org/worship/update_on_liturgical_bookshtm.ht m):

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) On Holy Thursday, 2000, Pope John Paul II approved the revised Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani (the Latin version of General Instruction of the Roman Missal).

In June, 2001, the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL) presented its English translation of the GIRM to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Subsequently, a new document was published by Rome entitled Liturgiam Authenticam which called for all liturgical books to be translated literally from the Latin. As a result of this new document, the USCCB at its November 2001 meeting voted to “remand the ICEL translation of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani to the International Commission on English in the Liturgy for further revision in the light of the Instruction, Liturgiam authenticam”.

On August 1, 2002, the Episcopal Board of ICEL approved a revised translation of the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani which was reviewed by the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy (BCL) at a special meeting on August 9, 2002 in Chicago, Illinois. (continued...)

-- Ed Lauzon (grader@accglobal.net), January 19, 2003.

(continued...)

The revised translation of GIRM will most likely appear on the November, 2002 agenda of the plenary meeting of the USCCB. It is expected that it will be approved there and then sent to Rome for its recognitio.

Pope John Paul II has established a committee in Rome, Vox Clara, whose sole purpose is to assist “the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of Sacraments in ensuring that the texts of the Roman Rite are accurately translated in accordance with the norms of the Instruction Liturgiam Authenticam” (Pope John Paul II, 4-20-02). It is speculated that the formation of this committee could help to expedite the approval process for English translations of liturgical books, including the revised GIRM.

Our Bishop has made the decision for the Diocese of Owensboro that we will not implement the Institutio Generalis Missalis Romani until there is an English translation which has been granted recognitio by Rome. We will update you on the GIRM as more information is available.

Hope this helps.

-- Ed Lauzon (grader@accglobal.net), January 19, 2003.

I'm almost afraid to look at them - the last thing I need is more anxiety about the rules we 'sidestep' at our Mass. I have a hard enough time finding an instituted acolyte to purify the vessels for me as it is. But fear never kept me from reading documents before so... Geronimo!

-- Skoobouy (skoobouy@hotmail.com), January 19, 2003.

Ed,

Thank you so much for the information. In our diocese, the bishop set aside four weeks (~Nov 2002) for our priests to explain the changes in the GIRM. I don't think the changes are earth-shaking, but I suppose people can refer to these online articles and make their own judgments. Here are the articles:

Part I: Theological Vision of Revised Roman Missal

Part II: The Worshipping Assembly at Mass

Part III: Signs and Symbols at Mass

Part IV: Ministries and Roles within the Mass

Part V: Questions and Answers

The Q&A section has some answers to the historical changes in the GIRM.

Enjoy,

Mateo

-- (MattElFeo@netscape.net), January 20, 2003.

The only change which has already stirred controversy that I know of, is the bishops' decision to declare kneeling to receive Holy Communion an "illicit posture." Genuflecting before receiving is also considered "illicit." Standing is the new norm, and a bow of the head is the proper sign of reverence to be shown. I almost always do receive kneeling, and have continued to do so after these changes were announced. I have since learned of priests and bishops refusing Holy Communion to communicants who kneel, and the Vatican has swiftly issued a written reprimand. It has been printed in the Wanderer and the Adoremus Bulletin, so I assume most of you are probably already familiar with this. Pax Christi.

-- Anna <>< (FloweroftheHour@hotmail.com), January 25, 2003.

Theresa, you brought up the subject of recent changes in the GIRM in another thread. I've bumped this thread up in the hope this helps you somewhat.

-- Ed Lauzon (grader@accglobal.net), February 19, 2003.

During a recent visit to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) site, I stumbled upon the new English translation (June/03) of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), which has now been confirmed (approved) for use in the United States of America (March/03 - by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments).

I recall Mateo seeking such a translation and decided to resurrect this thread for him and others who might be interested in examining the document and, who might not yet be aware of its existence.

You can find it here at: http://www.usccb.org/liturgy/current/revmissalisromanien.htm

This document has been approved/adapted for American use and the U.S.C.C.B. cautions: “Persons from other nations should consult the local Episcopal Conference regarding the appropriate text for their nation.”

-- Ed (catholic4444@y;ahoo.ca), September 18, 2003.